About the job -
Writers are involved in the creation and development of works of fiction and non-fiction. This covers a number of wide and varied forms including poetry, prose, life writing, and material for the theatre, screen and radio.
Most writers work freelance and are self-employed. They often have to support themselves through additonal types of work, such as teaching, lecturing, editing or other roles in publishing, as well as entirely unrelated jobs outside the writing industry.
Salary -
The annual average income for professional writers aged 25-34 from writing alone is only £5,000. A typical writer earns less than 33% of the national income.
Pay varies according to the medium and the writer's reputation and skill. A new writer can earn £52.67 per minute for a radio drama and £104.34 per minute for a TV drama with the BBC
Having a good agent, business manager and/or accountant is essential for most high earning writers.
Entry Requirements -
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following subjects may increase your chances:
- English and literature studies;
- communication and media studies;
- creative writing;
- journalism;
- performing arts.
If you plan to write for the media, a short course in script writing or creative writing is worth considering and practical television and film courses may be helpful.
Training -
Most writers will tell you that there is no formal or informal training for what is, essentially, a creative role. Writers stress the importance of staying in contact with peers for feedback as well as support, which can also be found through critical appraisal services, writers' circles or writers' courses and workshops.
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