what education do you need to be a fiction writer

How to Become a Fiction Writer in 6 Steps

So you want to know how to become a fiction writer. Who hasn’t thought to themselves at some point in their life: “I’d love to write a novel someday?” Okay maybe not everyone has, but there are definitely a lot, and those people who haven’t are maybe a little bit sad.

The difference, of course, between a wannabe novelist and an actual novelist is the latter actually writes a book. I know that might hurt to hear, but it’s the cold hard truth.

But how do you actually become a writer? Are there steps you can take? Is it easy? The answers are: it depends, kind of, and definitely not. If you’re thinking this process is going to be simple, then please go ahead and click out of this article. (Actually don’t. Scroll a bit and click a few things so my boss doesn’t get mad. Thanks.)

Okay, that’s enough rambling from me.

In this article we’ll go over some steps on how you can embrace your writer dreams. As with anything, there are no right or wrong ways to do this—you need to find what works best for you. However, these six steps can help you get started.

How to become a fiction writer step 1: To be a writer, you need to be a reader

There are few absolutes when it comes to publishing and writing, but this one is pretty universal. If you’re interested in writing, you’re probably already an avid reader, and that’s good. You’re already ahead of the game then.

There are people who claim they don’t read books and yet they want to write them. I guess that’s fine if it works for them. But reading books is about more than just writing them, it’s about supporting a community. It’s about embracing the works of those who write in your genre and taking in the thoughts and ideas and perspectives of others, rather than being confined solely to your own. It’s about forming a picture that is far bigger and grander than just what’s happening inside your head.

(I’ll go out on a limb and say that anyone who doesn’t read books is going to have a tough time being a great writer. I’m sure there are a few exceptions out there but, for the most part, this will be an uphill battle for you if you aren’t a reader.)

Read books in your chosen genre

Read books in your chosen genre. Consider them with a critical eye. Think about things like:

• Why are their openings compelling and how do they draw you in?
• What kind of word choices do they make? How about the metaphors? 
• Can you recognize the overall structure? 
• How do they end? 
• How do they set up plot twists? 
• How do they end and start each chapter ? 
• What keeps you reading? 
• What draws you into their characters? 
• What tropes do they use?

And so on and so on. You might want to write these things down or let yourself absorb them. But reading good books makes it easier to write good books. Nothing gets me more fired up to write than reading an amazing book in my genre.

How to become a fiction writer step 2: Choose your genre

This is a double-edged sword. Some people will tell you not to worry about this and just write your story. And that’s absolutely fine if that’s what you want to do. If your goal is to just get it out of your head and on paper (or the screen), then do it.

However, if you ever plan to publish that story (and actually sell it to people) whether you do it via traditional means or self-publishing, you’re going to need to understand where it falls on the bookshelf. To add to this, you should also understand who your ideal reader is. Can you compare your book to some popular books that are currently selling? This isn’t about copying or writing something someone else has written, this is about how you plan to position your book in the marketplace. If readers love XYZ author, then they might like your books too.

Writing to market

If you plan to self-publish, there is an entire concept aligned around the idea of ‘writing to market,’ which means writing books that indie books lover want. When it comes time to market your brilliant book, and you haven’t defined your genre, it’s going to be that much harder to attract your ideal reader.

The most obvious choice is to write in a genre you enjoy reading, however some people choose genres based on their profitability instead. Personally, I could never be excited about writing a book that I’m not passionate about, but everyone functions differently. Do you, boo. (However, if this is your first book, I’d consider sticking to writing something you love—because you are about to become intimately acquainted with it.)

How to become a fiction writer step 3: Write the book you want to read

Toni Morrison is famous for the line, “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” This is something you might want to consider. Think about what I said above—you can still make your book specific to a genre, but maybe there’s something within that genre you’re craving to see.

This is where writing something you love will serve you. If you’re passionate about the story, you’re more likely to stick with it. Also, if you want to get it publication-ready, you’re going to read it about 45,784 times. So you better really, really like it.

How to become a fiction writer step 4: Remember that writing a book is hard

Ooh, I assume that wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Sorry, we don’t sugar coat around here. Writing a book from start to finish is hours and hours of work (and probably some blood, sweat, and tears. Definitely tears.) And writing that first draft is truly only 10% of the work. After that comes the revising and editing and the feedback and then the querying and the marketing and… the list goes on and on.

Get out that first draft

But you can’t get to any of those things if you never actually finish. So here are a few tips to help you bang out that first draft:

• Try to be consistent. You don’t have to write every single day, but try to do it most days. Like anything, practice makes things easier. If you do end up taking a longer break, don’t beat yourself up. Just try and get back to it and put the past behind you. It’s okay—there is no race and timeclock to beat. 
• Set a word or time goal for yourself. These can be small daily goals or larger monthly goals. Be realistic about what you can actually accomplish. A good place to start is 500 words a day. See how that feels for you and adjust accordingly. 
• Set up a dedicated writing space. If you can, a workspace just for your writing can really help. Keep clutter to a minimum and use visual cues to signal when it’s time to write. Personally, I make myself a cup of tea, which puts me into writing mode. 
• Keep editing to a minimum . It can be tempting to go back and rewrite and edit what you’ve written the day before. And while that can work for some people, it traps a lot more people in an endless loop where they never make it past Chapter 10 and lose all their steam. If this is your first book, I urge you to press forward. It doesn’t matter if your first draft is messier than a kindergarten finger painting. No one but you ever has to see it and that’s what the editing and revising phase is for. There is nothing that can’t be fixed in a messy first draft.
• ‍ Understand you will have to edit. Once you do get that first draft done, do not make the mistake of thinking you’re actually done. All writing needs editing no matter how many books you’ve written. Your first draft is just the beginning, but understanding that can help make the entire process seem less daunting.

The good thing is now you know it’s hard and when it feels that way, that’s totally natural. Hopefully these things can make it a little less difficult. Hopefully.

How to become a fiction writer step 5: Figure what type of writer you are

There are many ways to write a book and generally, there aren’t any wrong ones. You might have heard the terms plotter or pantser . Basically, a plotter is someone who maps out every aspect of their world, characters, plot, and story before writing. A pantser, on the other hand, is someone who sits down and starts typing, thereby going by the literal "seat of their pants."

The truth is, most people fall somewhere on the spectrum in between, but you might tend towards one end or the other. Personally, I am a pantser. For me, the story just doesn’t flow until I sit down and start actually writing. It means my first drafts tend to come in under word count, are pretty messy, and have a lot of plot holes to go back and fill. That may sound chaotic, but after writing eight books, it’s what works for me.

Plotters might have neater first drafts because they’ve spent the time up front building all those things I like to discover along the way (you’ll sometimes hear pantsers referred to as ‘discovery writers’ as well).

So either way, you’ll be plotting eventually—it just depends on whether it’s before that first draft or after. Neither one is right or wrong. The correct one is the one that gets your book written.

Before you start writing

Some things you might want to consider before your start writing are:

Story structure : There are numerous kinds of story structures you can follow to help plot your novels. Whether you use one religiously, loosely, or not at all is up to you. But it’s worth reading about the different kinds regardless of what type of writer you are. Here are some popular ones to look at:

• The seven basic plot points
• Three-act structure
• Save the Cat
• The hero’s journey
• The Snowflake Method

Characters : Some people like to fully develop their characters before they start writing. Here are some ways to help develop your characters:

• Make use of common character archetypes
• Explore the different types of character arc
• How to write compelling characters from the inside
• Think about your character goals and motivations
• What are your character’s flaws ?
• Ask yourself some questions about your characters and how they’d behave in certain situations 

Those are some ideas to get you started and, if all else fails, we’ve also got this handy resource on how to plan a novel you can look at.

How to become a fiction writer step 6: Find other writers to commiserate with

I can’t stress enough how important it is to find a writing community, whether that’s in person or online. While writing can seem like a solitary endeavor, ask almost any successful writer and they’ll tell you they couldn’t have done it without support along the way.

Why do you need writing friends?

• Motivation : When you’re surrounded by other people also ‘doing the thing,’ it motivates you to do it, too. Few things are more powerful for your future writing career than a group of like-minded people working towards a similar goal. 
• Commiseration : Writing is hard, remember? And no one understands that better than other writers. Whether it’s that block you can’t seem to get past or that 134th rejection letter you received that week, you need people to share your lows with. 
• Celebration : On the flipside, no one understands better than another writer how big a deal it is when you finish that manuscript, land that agent, sell that book, or surmount any of the other successes writers can achieve. You also need someone to share the highs with. 
• Ideation : Sometimes you're stuck on a plot point or have written yourself into a corner. Having people you can bounce ideas off can be invaluable to your work. 
• ‍ Feedback : You can’t be a writer without some feedback. You can’t. You are too close to the work to see what might not make sense, what might be boring, or what just isn’t working. Writing friends make great critique partners and beta readers. Embrace them. Love them. Appreciate them.

Where do you find writing friends?

Good question. This can be tricky and it can take some time. But by being generous with your own time first, you can form connections that will eventually become mutually beneficial. Some places to look for writing friends are:

• Story Craft Café : Dabble has set up an entire community just for this purpose. If you’re not already a member, what are you waiting for? 
• Twitter : The writing community on Twitter is huge. Check out the #writingcommunity hashtag, join in a pitch event or Twitter chat, and make some friends. 
• Facebook : There are also countless writing groups on Facebook, including many that are genre-specific. Do a search for some that might apply to you and jump into the conversation.
• ‍ Your local writer’s guild/bookstore/library : If you’re fortunate enough to live somewhere with a large population of writers, look for events or opportunities to network and meet with other writers in person.

Now that you have a basic idea of what it takes to become a novelist, I hope I haven’t scared you off. The truth is, yes, it’s a lot of hard work, but the rewards are totally worth it. When you get that first fan email telling you how much they loved your book, or when you sign with that agent, or land that big book deal, or make that bestseller list—those are highs you’ll never forget.

To make your journey into noveldom easier, Dabble is here to help. Not only can you use it to help set word count goals for the day, month, and beyond. You can also use it to map out your plot structure, store character notes, and keep you focused on your writing. It’ll make those six really hard steps a lot easier.

Try it yourself for free for 14 days !

Nisha J Tuli is a YA and adult fantasy and romance author who specializes in glitter-strewn settings and angst-filled kissing scenes. Give her a feisty heroine, a windswept castle, and a dash of true love and she’ll be lost in the pages forever. When Nisha isn’t writing, it’s probably because one of her two kids needs something (but she loves them anyway). After they’re finally asleep, she can be found curled up with her Kobo or knitting sweaters and scarves, perfect for surviving a Canadian winter.

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How to Become An Author: A Step-by-Step Guide

Discover how to become an author in our step-by-step guide.

I wanted to become an author since I was five, but I didn’t take writing books seriously until my thirties. I spent far more time talking about writing than writing. It was only after learning how to write every day that I finally wrote and published my first book.

Since then, I’ve written several books and interviewed dozens of authors about their process, including New York Times best-selling authors. I’ve self-published multiple books and co-wrote a USA Today best-seller.

I discovered many people say they have a book inside of them, but few commit time, energy and resources and turn their idea for a great book into a published work. 

That’s a shame because it’s easier than ever to become an author today. The tools are more affordable and readily available than ever. Aspiring authors don’t need permission from an agent or publisher either. Furthermore, becoming an author enables many writers to earn a good living from what they love, but it starts with writing that first book. 

In this article, I explain how you can become an author faster based on my experiences and talking to other authors who find success.

1. Read Widely

2. learn the art of storytelling, 3. write a little every day, 4. write short stories and blog post, 5. take a creative writing class, 6. pick a genre, 7. research your book, 8. select your book writing tools, 9. set a deadline, 10. outline your book, 11. write a rough draft, 12. track your wordcount, 13. finish your drafts, 14. learn how to self-edit, 15. hire a professional editor, 16. face your fears, 17. try self-publishing, 18. hire a book cover designer, 19. avoid letting perfectionism halt your writing career, 20. sell your book, the final word, how much does an author get paid, what qualifications do you need to become an author, does an author make good money, what is the best time to publish a book, how can you become a best-selling author (steps to follow).

As a writer, your free time is often best spent reading rather than streaming the latest hit show on social media. Successful authors spend hours each week reading books inside and outside their comfort zone. 

These authors study what works in these books to understand their preferred genre or niche conventions. They also develop their skills by questioning what doesn’t work inside of best-selling books. Many authors describe writing out sections of books they love by hand so they can understand how the author wrote. 

This type of analytical rigour helps creatives develop a writing voice. Stephen King said about the importance of reading for authors: 

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time — or the tools — to write. Simple as that.”

Reading books about the craft can also acquire the skills you need for the genre in question. For inspiration, check out our list of the best writing books .

Fiction authors understand how important it’s to hook readers’ attention from the first few pages. They spend hours learning how to show rather than tell and create memorable characters who jump to life off the page. They create characters who want something and change fundamentally as the story progresses.

Successful non-fiction authors do more than impart information and research to readers. Consider Malcolm Gladwell. He’s as famous for research as he is for telling captivating stories that entertain and inspired. 

Storytelling is more important than any writing skill, including grammar and line editing. You can learn this skill by taking writing courses or by reading some of the best books about stories. I particularly enjoyed the storytelling seminar by Robert McKee and his books on the same topic.

For help with stories, read our storytelling guide .

If you’re worried your book writing skills aren’t good enough, work through your reps. The more sentences you write, the stronger your command of language will become. The more clichés you terminate, the better you’ll become at editing.

Rather than trying to write your book for hours at the weekend, work on it a little every day. Any aspiring author can find fifteen or thirty minutes to work on their first drafts and book outlines before or after work. 

Remove time-sinks like reading the news, consuming social media or streaming the latest show on Netflix. These small writing sessions quickly accumulate. If you need help, a good set of writing prompts can trigger a productive writing session.

The more chapters you write, the better you’ll be at articulating stories and ideas. And the more books you finish, the more you’ll know how to write a book. And the next book. And the next.

Every aspiring author should write either short stories or blog posts before tackling a fiction or non-fiction book. A book averaging 50,000 words can take months to write and edit, but you can write a short story in a few days or over a week, as they are only several thousand words long. 

These smaller writing projects offer aspiring authors a chance to explore different types of writing, genres and niches. They also help cultivate a writing habit of starting and finishing creative projects. 

You can publish the short story on Wattpad, submit it to a writing contest, or potentially expand it into a novel or a book. Even if you never publish it, consider it a type of writing practice that improves your storytelling skills.

Non-fiction authors should write several blog posts or articles about the topic of choice and publish them on social media platforms like Medium. They can explore their thinking and get feedback from readers and editors before spending months writing a book.

Learn how to get paid writing short stories.

Wanting to become an author can feel like a strange writing goal if you’re not spending much time in the company of other creatives. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on an MFA or a degree in creative writing to connect with other creatives, either. 

Spending a few weeks or months in the company of aspiring authors may inspire you to work harder on your craft. They can also hold you to account and offer feedback on your early drafts and book ideas. What’s more, you could form connections with future professional authors.

I took creative writing classes at the Irish Writer’s Centre in Dublin a few years ago. Several students went on to become published authors with traditional book deals.

A good author understands what readers expect from them. For example, James Patterson doesn’t attempt to write literary prose because his audience is more concerned with page-turning thrillers. Similarly, Malcolm Gladwell doesn’t write self-help because he understands his audience prefers story-telling combined with research. Popular fiction genres include:

• Science-fiction
• Speculative fiction
• Modern literature
• Action and adventure
• Children’s books

Popular non-fiction genres include:

• Memoirs and autobiographies
• Pop psychology

Identify the best-selling books and authors in your preferred and ask yourself what they’re doing that readers love. Figure out an ideal target audience for the genre in question. How old are they, what sex and what other books do they like? 

What do they expect from a book in this genre? After all, thriller readers don’t care much for the latest magic or tech found in fantasy and science-fiction books! Including or excluding certain conventions will dictate the quality of book reviews later on.

For help, read our guide to book genres .

Book research is a vital part of the creative process. Fiction authors can travel to locations or settings they want to include in their books and take pictures and videos. Or they can use Google maps and a good travel book if they are short on time and budget. 

Non-fiction authors can interview subject matter experts about their topic of choice. Consider using a service like Descript or Rev for transcriptions to save time with interviews. These book interviews demonstrate credibility and also improve the quality of the book. They can also serve as material for blog posts and articles promoting the book in question. 

However, avoid letting research become a form of procrastination whereby you endlessly hunt for better ideas and information. At some point, an author has to turn their notes into words.

A good writing app can help you plan, outline, write and edit a book quickly and easily. Scrivener is perfect for long-form writing, as you can drag and drop sections of a book. I also like using Grammarly for book editing, although it’s not a replacement for a proofreader. Vellum is a good choice for laying out a book, but it’s Mac only. 

Read our guide to the best grammar checkers .

You can quickly write a book using a standard word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Remember, hitting a daily word count and publication date is more important than any tool. So pick one that suits your writing style and budget and stick with it until done.

Professional authors hold themselves to account with deadlines. They pick an ideal publication date and work backwards. James Patterson, for example, publishes several books a year and relies on contracts with his publishers and his audience’s expectations. 

If it’s your first book, break it down into smaller milestones you can tick off one by one. You could pick a target date for finishing your book’s first act and a date for sending a draft to an editor. 

While setting these deadlines, block book time in your calendar for writing the book each day. Ideally, you’ll work on it simultaneously so that writing becomes a daily habit and not a chore. Allow room for error when setting deadlines, too—plan for holidays, work and life events.

Some writers are plotters. They like outlining and planning extensively in advance, as this process saves them time. Other authors like writing from the seat of their pants, whereby they turn up and see where the muse and their characters lead them. 

If you’re the former type of author, outline a book using index cards. They’re cheap and don’t have a learning curve or need Wi-Fi! I drafted an entire book previously using about 50 index cards. Each represented a chapter for the book and contained the key points I’d write about. The best mind-mapping software can help authors who are more visually-inclined

I use outlining as I can arrange the key ideas for a book chapter using bullet points. I can move them around and fix the structure of a chapter without worrying about line edits during an early draft. Outlining also works well for authors who dictate early drafts. 

Read our guide to the best outlining software .

The job of a first draft is to exist. Don’t worry about grammar errors, typos and other mistakes. Instead, focus on getting the words out of your head and onto the blank page as quickly as possible. Ernest Hemingway famously said:

 “The first draft of anything is shit.” 

Focus on writing the book’s first draft as quickly as possible, so you’ve something to work with and shape into a book during the revision process. 

Consider dictating the first draft using software like Dragon. It’s possible to dictate thousands of words per hour without stopping to fix typos and other mistakes. An author could dictate their book while out for a walk, tapping into the benefits of exercise and creativity. Prolific authors like PD Woodhouse famously outlined their stories using a voice recorder and gave their notes to a secretary to typos up. 

For help, learn how to practice dictation.

Writing a book is one part creative and another part hard work. Oliver Stone once said, “Writing is butt in the chair.”

Becoming an author is easier if you hold yourself to account by tracking your daily output. For most writers, this type of quantification involves keeping track of a daily word count. 

Do this in a spreadsheet or notebook. That way, you can realistically evaluate your daily output and if you will hit those deadlines. Review your production once a week and assess if you’re turning up often enough in front of the blank page.

During the editing process, consider changing what you track to time spent working on the book rather than a daily word count. The editing process involves condensing, clarifying and revising rather than hitting an arbitrary word-count goal daily.

It’s easy to start a book draft, but it’s much harder to finish writing it. However, authors must learn the value of persistence. After completing a book draft, you’ll have something to show to beta readers and an editor. 

By finishing, you can become the kind of author who thinks of an idea, fleshes their idea out, edits, rewrites, polishes and rewrites some more, then presses publish. That takes guts.

The editing process often isn’t as gruelling as writing that painful first draft, either. Feedback is invaluable. It’s your chance to learn how to become a better writer. Neil Gaiman said about the importance of finishing book drafts:

“Whatever it takes to finish things, finish. You will learn more from a glorious failure than you ever will from something you never finished.”

For help, check out our list of first draft examples .

After finishing a book draft, let it sit for several days or even weeks. It’s best to separate writing and editing as they engage different brain parts.

When you’re less attached to your book draft, read through the draft in one or two sittings marking it up with annotations. Identify what structural changes the piece needs first and rewrite accordingly. 

Condense, clarify and revise. Ensure each chapter draws on the five senses and has compelling hooks or stories so that it hooks readers. 

While revising the first time, don’t worry about typos and grammar mistakes. You can fix these during later drafts once the book’s structure is set. Later, look for sections with readability issues and consider if you’ve overused words and clichés.

Check out our list of manuscript editing software .

A good book editor helps with revising, restructuring and proofreading your book. Best to involve them earlier in the book writing process than you think. They will save you time on rewrites and provide valuable advice for your writing career. You can send them book chapters or acts as you finish them rather than at the end. 

Plus, many good book editors have a waiting list and may not be able to review a draft for weeks or even months and not when you finish it. You can find a book editor using a service like Reedsy.

Typically, an author should budget for a developmental editor who works on the book’s structure. They’ll also need a line editor or copy editor who will fix sentence structure and grammar issues. Finally, they’ll need a proofreader to spot typos and other mistakes. That said, it’s possible to commission one editor who can complete all these services as part of a single package. 

Expect to pay one to three thousand dollars depending on the length of your book, genre, and the work required.

Most authors have many unpublished works on their computers and know more about disappointment than success. Stephen Pressfield , the author of many best-sellers, including the War of Art , tried to become an author for years. He said:

“We must do our work for its own sake, not for fortune or attention or applause.”

Writing is personal and not something you can fake or dial in. If you want to finish writing your book, you’ll fail at some point. For help, learn more about conquering common writing fears .

Some aspiring authors worry about what will happen after they publish a book. How will friends and family react? One new writer emailed me to say she worried about what would happen if she became famous. She wrote:

“I want to tell stories, and I want people to read them and get joy and satisfaction from them; I just don’t want to become a subject under a microscope!

Worrying about how those around you will react to your book is natural. It’s normal to wonder what will happen if you become known for being a writer.

Well, it’s impossible to please everyone, so if some people aren’t comfortable with your success, that’s their problem. If you succeed, you’ll discover a new side to yourself and your craft, which will only enrich your life.

After all, you will regret not having the courage to see your ideas and your book through later. So hold through to your values, and finish writing that book. 

Years ago, a young writer had to learn how to write a book, find an agent, and land a book deal. Traditional publishing is tough to break into when starting out with no name recognition.

Nowadays, you can write and self-publish a book on Amazon, Kobo and Act for several hundred dollars. Technically, you can do it for free, but I’d recommend budgeting for working with an editor, proofreader, and cover designer.

Self-publishing a book will teach you how the process works and help you discover the types of titles you want to write in the future. It may even land you a traditional book publishing deal, as happened with Hugh Howie, author of Wool and E.L. James, author of Fifty Shades of Grey .

If you’re exploring self-publishing, consider what formats you’ll create. For example, many non-fiction authors earn more money from audiobooks than Kindle books. Similarly, fiction authors can earn more from print copies. 

For inspiration, read our profile of famous authors who self-published .

A good book cover is a primary driver for book sales. Best not to skimp on it. Hire a professional book cover designer who can create a compelling cover relevant to your genre. 

As many readers buy books online, your cover must look good in small sizes and on the Amazon store. Don’t attempt to create a cover yourself unless you have professional design skills. Your time is better spent editing and writing than tinkering in Photoshop or other design software.

If your budget is tight, you could buy a pre-made cover for one or two hundred dollars and swap it out later when you’ve more money. 

Learn more about working with a book cover designer .

Many aspiring authors hold off on writing and publishing a book until they have enough time, money and skills. That’s a mistake. Every author learns by doing.

In my mid-twenties, I spent years struggling to become a novelist. I wrote dozens of short stories and abandoned them. I researched articles I wanted to write for newspapers and never wrote them.

There wasn’t any moment when I learned how to finish my work. Instead, I got a job as a journalist writing for a newspaper. There, I had to finish my articles by a deadline because the editor would fire me if I didn’t.

I know this because he called me into his office after I missed a deadline and said so. So I overcame perfectionism. I stopped polishing my articles until they were perfect, and I finished them. On more than one occasion, my editor returned articles to me, saying I’d left out an introductory paragraph or my introduction needed reworking. After listening to his criticism, I wanted to quit.

On other occasions, the sub-editors of the paper reworked my articles. This process felt like a brutal dressing-down, but at least I was getting paid to write.

For help, learn how to beat procrastination in writing .

As an author, your job doesn’t end after submitting a manuscript to a publishing house or uploading the final files to Amazon. Whether you have a traditional book deal, you still need to sell copies via book marketing.

Many publishing houses write off the cost of book deals because they don’t believe a book will sell. Others don’t do a great job of selling a book on behalf of their clients. To avoid this problem, learn the basics of author marketing.

• Set up an author website
• Build an email list of engaged readers
• Run book promotions regularly
• Send advanced copies of your book to an early readers group for feedback and reviews
• Study how Amazon ads work and use them

 For help, read our guide to selling self-published books .

Most people spend more time telling their friends they have a great idea for a book. But, they don’t spend much time turning their vision into reality.

No matter what tips on becoming an author you learn, please understand it takes tremendous hard work and mental discipline to write a book.

While releasing the best possible version of your work is smart, you’ll need some self-knowledge to finish it. There will always be a gap between what you want your creative project to be about and what comes out on the blank page.

The best way to narrow that gap and improve the quality of your book is to put in your reps: write more often, finish your work and publish it. You, too, can become an author.

FAQs on How to Become An Author

The average author sells 250-500 copies of their book in the first year. According to the Guardian, they usually won’t earn more than $1000 or earn back their advance due to how book royalties are structured. That said, book sales hit an all-time high in 2021, suggesting people are reading more than ever.

However, successful fiction authors don’t rely on one book to pay the bills. They build a back catalogue of work that sells over time. Many non-fiction authors rely on their books to sell related services like public speaking, consulting or a course.

You don’t need any qualifications to become an author. It’s much like an entrepreneurial career choice; the onus is on the writer to develop their skills, work on a book, and publish and sell it. However, it’s helpful to have a strong command of the English language. Therefore, many authors study English, journalism or a related discipline at the university. 

Newer and mid-tier authors can earn several thousand dollars a year from their books, granted not quit your job money. However, authors can make good money if they have a back catalogue of books, sell related products or services or have built a name for themselves and their work. James Patterson is an example of a top-tier author who is earning upwards of $100 million as part of his last book contract.

Books sell the most copies before the holiday season. As such, it’s usually best to publish before December or Black Friday as book lovers are already in a shopping mood. The summer months are also a popular time for sales and people like buying books they can read on holidays.

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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So you’re wondering how to become a writer. The short answer is: anyone who writes is a writer. However, becoming a writer who’s serious about their professional career requires lots of work, and if you’re wondering how to become a professional writer, you’re here to start your journey towards a productive and successful literary career.

How do you become a writer? You don’t need a degree to be a writer, nor do you need to be a certain age. Becoming a writer simply requires an admiration for—and a longing to create with—language. So, don’t worry about becoming a writer later in life or lacking a formal education. (That’s what Writers.com is here for!)

No one can teach you how to admire the written word, but the instructors at Writers.com are experts at turning longing into language. That’s why this article covers everything you need on how to become a writer. From the personal to the professional, let’s dive into everything writers need to build a successful literary career.

How to Become a Writer: Contents

How to Become a Writer: Anyone Can Become One

It’s never too late to become a writer, how to become a writer: where to begin your writing journey, how to become a professional writer: what “professional” means, how to become a writer: resources for becoming a professional writer, how to become a writer: developing a writing habit.

Even today, there’s a persistent myth that writers are elite, born-with-it Ivory Tower folks who possess some ineffable gift of the Muses. Yes, some great writers were born with greatness (and plenty were born with wealth and privilege), but anyone who calls themselves a writer does so because they labor with the written word.

Becoming a writer simply requires an ardent exploration of language.

In others words, you don’t need an MFA from the University of Iowa to call yourself a writer. Becoming a writer simply requires an ardent exploration of language. If we had to boil a writer down to three requirements, it wouldn’t involve age or degree. The 4 traits for becoming a writer are:

• Passion for the written word,
• Desire to expand the boundaries and possibilities of language,
• Persistence and patience, bordering on stubbornness, and
• Willingness to grow and learn continuously.

Many writers who have these traits stop themselves from writing, maybe because they’re wondering how to become a writer without a degree, or simply because they don’t believe in themselves without the privilege and connections writers seem to have. Now, writers certainly benefit from a university education or a family legacy in literature, but countless writers have acquired respect and success without a degree or name recognition.

Ernest Hemingway never went to college, but he still won a Pulitzer and Nobel Prize; neither did Maya Angelou attend university, yet she’s celebrated as the “black woman’s poet laureate” and later accepted a professorship with Wake Forest University. Degrees are just paper; it’s words that matter.

Degrees are just paper; it’s words that matter.

Becoming a writer has no age restriction; the act of writing is rated G for the General Public, and those aforementioned traits are found in writers from ages 2 to 99+.

Many writers discover their writing talents in their later years. Why, exactly? Neurology reveals there are two types of intelligence : fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence. “Fluid” refers to creative and adaptive thinking, including activities like writing and problem solving. “Crystallized” refers to the solidified body of knowledge people draw from—all the words, definitions, and experiences that build a foundation for the world.

Generally, younger adults have more fluid intelligence, whereas life experience builds one’s crystallized intelligence over time. The two intelligences tend to converge in a person’s 40s, since this is an age where the faculties for fluid intelligence haven’t declined, and crystallized intelligence abounds. Not-so-coincidentally, many writers see their careers flourish in their 40s and 50s!

Many celebrated writers didn’t put pen to paper until middle age or later.

In fact, many celebrated writers didn’t put pen to paper until middle age or later. Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t start writing until her 40s, and her Little House series didn’t start printing until she was 65. Likewise, Most of Wallace Stevens’ work was published after he turned 50; despite being a poet, he worked at an insurance company, and most of his coworkers were shocked when he won a Pulitzer at 75. Nobody knew that he wrote!

Finally, many university students return for a writing degree after establishing a career elsewhere. BFA and MFA programs around the world educate students in their 30s and beyond; in 2017, the average age of a low-residency MFA student in the U.S. was 35.4, according to LitHub and AWP .

Whether you’re 19 or 90, you’re never too old to write. The best time to write is yesterday; the second-best time is today.

Rather than an If-Then structure, the writing profession follows a Became-Because structure.

How do you become a writer? Where do you begin? The writing profession is unlike most professions, which follow an If-Then structure. If you get a bachelor’s degree, Then you can work as a nurse, computer scientist, or accountant; If you join a worker’s guild or apprenticeship program, Then you can find work in a number of trade jobs.

The writing profession follows a Became-Because structure. Zora Neale Hurston became a writer because she obtained degrees from Howard University and Barnard College, encouraging her to dissect the African American experience through a literary and anthropological lens.

Conversely, Haruki Murakami became a writer because of a baseball game .

The qualifications for becoming a writer are unique to the individual, and every writer is formed by personal interests and experiences. As a result, no one can tell you where to begin your writing journey; however, if you’re wondering how to become a writer, you’ve already started your journey by thinking about it.

If you’re wondering how to become a writer, you’ve already started your journey by thinking about it.

One distinction to help you think about your writing journey is the difference between amateur and professional writers. If you’re not sure what you want to become, start with the following question: what does “professional” mean?

There are, generally, two classes of writers: amateurs and professionals. Before describing the professional writer, let’s be clear: “amateur” is not derogatory, and professional writers are not “better” than amateurs. Amateur comes from the Latin amator , “lover.” An amateur writer loves the written word just as much, sometimes even more, than the professional; amateurs simply have less pressure, deadlines, and financial dependence on writing. It’s a pastime, not a career.

If you want writing to be a significant portion of your income, then you aspire to being a professional writer.

If you want writing to be a significant portion of your income, then you aspire to being a professional writer. Professional writers have to approach their writing as a business, building a literary audience and keeping a regular writing schedule. Professional writers need to understand the ins and outs of the publishing industry—which they often learn through obtaining a university degree—and it also helps to have formal training in the publishing world and experience operating literary magazines.

How do you start to work toward becoming a professional writer? Below are resources to get you started.

At some point, the professional writer needs to know the ins and outs of writing as a business. This list covers the essentials of how to become a professional writer.

How to make money as a writer

• Explore freelance writing opportunities (updated weekdays at F.W.G.)
• 6 writers explain how they make money (NY Mag)
• Self-publishing versus traditional publishing (Self-Publishing School)
• Writing to market (Funds For Writers)

Taxes as a self-employed creative

• Taxes on freelance writing and royalties (TurboTax)
• Tax tips and unique situations (The Balance Careers)

Resources on publishing

• Poetry journals
• Fiction journals
• Creative nonfiction journals
• How to get published in a literary journal (Reader’s Digest)
• Book: What Editors Do by Peter Ginna ($25 at UChicago Press)

Becoming a writer online

• Basic guide to each social media platform (Kindlepreneur)
• Building an author’s website (The Write Practice)
• Free website template for authors (Copyfolio)
• Running a mailing list (Your Writer Platform)

Things to know before taking writing classes

• Poetry courses
• Fiction courses
• Creative nonfiction courses
• Why take a writing course?

Additional resources for learning how to become a writer

• Setting SMART goals
• Reading like a writer
• The golden rule: show, don’t tell
• Overcoming writer’s block
• Becoming a poet
• 8 tips on learning how to write
• Best online creative writing classes

How do professional writers spend their workdays? Perhaps the trickiest part about becoming a writer is establishing a writing habit. For example, Haruki Murakami runs a 10K every morning to support his writing, and Charles Dickens wrote (and slept) facing north to improve his creativity.

Perhaps the trickiest part about becoming a writer is establishing a writing habit.

What works for one person rarely works for another, so experiment with writing habits—and when you find one that works, stick with it.

Generally, you can parse the writing business into 3 separate components:

• The writing life—putting pen to paper at regular intervals.
• Scheduled time for “the business of writing”—literary submissions, applying for grants, etc.
• An active media/marketing presence—blogging, tweeting, emailing, etc.

You’ll want to schedule time for each of these elements in your daily writing habit. Of course, this is easier said than done. Budding writers often overestimate their ability to work: they think they can spend 3 hours writing, 2 hours replying to emails, and 2 hours submitting work to journals. Then they spend the afternoon watching reruns of BBC quiz shows. (Yes! I did do this recently.)

That’s why forging a consistent writing habit is essential—for amateur writers as well as professionals. Writing at the same place at the same time encourages your brain to write every day. And, if you can’t keep yourself focused on writing, try experimenting with different writing rituals. If a 10K helps Murakami write, something equally unique could help you, too.

How to Become a Writer: Take Your Next Step with Writers.com!

The classes we’ve curated in our upcoming schedule will take your writing life to the next level. Whether learning a new writing style or mastering the business of writing, becoming a writer feels a whole lot simpler with Writers.com.

Sean Glatch

12 comments.

Brilliant review Misty

I hope, I can be a better writer with your support.

Yeah. Same thing as with all other fields. Practice, practice, and once again, practice! It’s like a sport, you should always find new ways to practice.

This really helped me out. Thank you so much!

I’m 14 and i hope to become a writer someday. Thank you so much for the info.

Thank you for the information About to start my writing journey and thus really helped.

I’m a senior that would like to turn my love of writing into a profession. The information you have presented here has inspired me to continue moving towards that goal.

I live in a rural area of Uganda with very little education but always aspired to write a book on families. I am much encouraged. started it but got stuck ..

I love writing and thank you for information you have given meand am obliged to say thank.

i am very eager to become a writer be that script know how or fiction. i am a sponge for knowledge so i learn as i work. i treat everyday as a school day. i want to learn every single part of the writing career-be that if the editor drinks tea or coffee and how they like there papers folded. i soak information as i do a task. i love to build the bullet points for a story because everything needs a beginning. if you are baking a cake the eggs and flour are needed before you think about putting anything in the oven. to prepare a cake you need a tray to put it in-before you build a story you need a starting and then ingredients to put in along the way. i really love to build a story from different snippets of things. i have a thirst for many different aspects of life having spent a majority of time in hospitals and then being taken advantage of my my family because of my brain injury. so i know more than most in a lot of different subjects and matters in life, i have lost more than most in life but i am here telling my version of it to the big bright world. 0874762400 is my contact number

Discovering the path to becoming a writer is both exhilarating and daunting. It requires a blend of passion, persistence, and honing one’s craft. From mastering the art of storytelling to navigating the intricacies of the publishing world, the journey demands dedication and resilience. Embrace every word written, every rejection faced, for they are stepping stones on the road to literary success.

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Blog • Understanding Publishing

Posted on Mar 25, 2019

How to Become an Author: The Ultimate Guide

There’s a very short answer to the question of how to become an author . Simply publish a book. With advances in self-publishing, you could technically write and publish a book this afternoon and call yourself an author. So instead, we’re going to ask a better question: how do you become a self-sustaining author?

In this post, we’ll share with you the approaches that countless writers have taken to become a full-time author. Regardless of the type of book you want to write, you’ll find an approach here that will help you set the wheels of your publishing career in motion.

Part 1: Doing the groundwork

If a healthy publishing career is like a garden, then your first step towards success involves preparing the lot. And in both gardening and your writing life, there’s a lot you can do to make sure your soil is fertile and ready for the season.

Figure out why you want to be an author

Becoming an author is a massive undertaking and unless you know why you’re doing it, you could be setting yourself up to fail as soon as the going gets tough (and trust us, it will). Some of the most common reasons for becoming a published author are:

• Creative fulfillment;
• To reach readers with your work;
• To make money (from royalties, etc.) ;
• To become famous and critically acclaimed;
• To support your existing business.

Writing is art so, naturally, a lot of you will balk at the idea of getting into publishing as a way to acquire money and acclaim — but a reason as legitimate as any. And, having your eye on such a lofty prize can help you stay focused. On the other hand, “creative fulfillment” isn’t necessarily as strong a reason to become a published author: you can achieve the same result just by writing for yourself (and not having to deal with editors, critics, and sales figures).

If you’re writing non-fiction, that final point — “to support your existing business” — will be exceedingly important. Most successful non-fiction authors do go into publishing to build their personal profile or boost their authority in a certain topic. For example, you’ll find that it’s easier to drum up opportunities as a real estate agent in South Florida if you also happen to be the bestselling author of the book, Miami Living: An Insider’s Guide to Buying Property in South Beach .

Determine the sort of book you want to write

This may sound obvious but before you can really start sowing the seeds of your writing career, you need to figure out what sort of books you want to write. Part of this will be informed by:

• Your answer to the last step (why do you want to write a book);
• The type of book that you yourself like to read; and
• The topics and perspectives that you are uniquely qualified to write.

You might be a huge fan of epic fantasy and have your heart set on writing something in the genre — but what about your personal experience can you use to distinguish your epic fantasy novel? Similarly, if you’re writing non-fiction, think about the specific topics that you are an authority on — and what you have to share that people will want to know more about.

And once you’ve figured out which corner of the publishing world you’re going to assail, you should also take a moment to consider your market...

Pinpoint your readership

When we say “market,” we don’t mean anything loftier than the people who will want to read your book . While you can get really specific and create proto-personae and try to get under the skin of your potential reader, your first step doesn’t have to be too complicated.

For fiction, what are comparable books in the genre? If you know you’re writing a book that you hope fans of Raymond Chandler and James Ellroy will enjoy, then that’s a great start!

In non-fiction, ask yourself whose problem am I fixing?  If you’re writing a cool book about shaving techniques, your market might be urban hipsters or potentially parents who are looking to buy something for their adolescent children.

To learn more about homing in on your target reader, check out this post .

At this point, you could potentially jump straight into writing a book. But what if you don’t feel ready yet? Well, for those who aren’t in any hurry, you could always do with laying more groundwork!

Develop your craft and build your readership

There is no art form where creators are expected to produce a near-perfect work first time around. Yet that is the pressure that many first time authors put on themselves when they decide to write a book. You don’t have to take an MFA or write a dozen unpublished novels just to get you ‘ready’ to produce your debut book — there are plenty of ways to develop your writing skills while also growing a readership (which will come in mighty handy a little later).

If you’re an aspiring novelist , short stories are a fantastic foot in the door. While writing novels is a different discipline, working on short stories is a great way to make your storytelling more efficient and uncover your specific author voice . There’s no shortage of literary magazines — both online and print — that are always on the lookout for new talent: having your stories accepted can provide you with much-needed reader feedback, confidence, and perhaps even fans! And who knows, an agent might even read one of your stories and get in touch. Here are a few resources for budding short story writers:

• How to Write a Short Story (guide)
• Creative Writing Prompts (resource)
• Short Story Submissions (guide)
• Poetry Submissions (guide)
• Literary Magazines That are Open to Submissions (directory)

For non-fiction writers, a blog is a pretty great way to develop your voice and find out if what you’re writing about has any appeal. Many best selling authors in the past decade started off as bloggers and columnists — and some of them have even hit the big time off the back of their periodical work. Just look at Tim Ferriss ( The 4-Hour Work Week ), Tucker Max ( I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell ), Lindy West ( Shrill ), and Julie Powell ( Julie and Julia ). To learn a bit more, check out this post on how to turn a blog into a book .

Even if you’re planning to write a novel, a blog can often be a great idea. When it comes time to finally publish your book, you’ll already have your first readers.

Part 2: Writing your first book

Writing a great book: so simple in concept, yet so hard in practice. There are plenty of resources and guides on Reedsy that can help you with various aspects of the book-writing process. For starters, you can sign up for our free novel-writing course.

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No matter what kind of book you're writing, read on for more tips for writing both fiction and non-fiction.

Plan your book

Some writers prefer to fly by the seat of their pants. But for the best chance of actually completing your book, we’d urge all first-time authors to plan their book. But what might this entail?

Novelists can plan their book by creating character profiles, dabbling in worldbuilding, and outlining their plot. Remember: just because it’s in your plan, doesn’t mean that it’s set in stone — these documents are just there to provide you with a sense of direction. To learn more about planning your novel, check out the following resources:

• How to Outline a Novel (with template)
• How to Plot a Novel Using the 3-Act Story Structure (free course)
• Worldbuilding: the Master Guide (with template)

You'll also want to check out our guide to character profiles , which contains the free template below — one of our most popular resources for authors!

FREE RESOURCE

Reedsy’s Character Profile Template

A story is only as strong as its characters. Fill this out to develop yours.

If you’re writing a non-fiction title, a plan is even more important. Almost every serious non-fiction author creates a book proposal before they start drafting — regardless of how they plan to publish it. The book proposal is the document authors will submit to publishers: it’s a document that not only outlines the content of the book but also analyses its market potential. To ensure that they stand the best chance of grabbing an editor’s attention, many authors work with professional ghostwriters to develop the proposal, even if they intend to write the final book themselves.

For a complete guide to creating a proposal, check out the resources below:

• The Complete Guide to Writing a Book Proposal (with template)
• Ghostwriting a Book Proposal (Reedsy service page)

Write like a pro

After so much ado, we finally arrive at the part that involves actually writing your book . There are plenty of resources available that will help you understand the craft of writing a novel, or a non-fiction book — so we won’t focus on that just now. Instead, we’ll look at what it means to write like a professional author.

The first thing to consider is that the vast majority of published authors don’t write full-time. In general, they don’t make enough from royalties to keep the lights on. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t treat it as their profession — which means ensuring that they always find the time to get their writing done.

Some authors don’t write more than an hour or two a day, five days a week. If you’ve got a full-time job and a family, it’s up to you to carve time out during the day. Some writers wake up at 5 in the morning and squeeze a few hours out before the school run; others stay up late. However you achieve it, make sure that you write regularly and develop it into an unbreakable habit. Failing that, you’ll find it hard to finish your first book, let alone kickstart your career.

For help with developing this writing habit check out our webinar on the subject, or sign up for our free 10-day course below.

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Edit with fresh eyes

To continue our gardening metaphor from earlier on, you’re now at the stage where all the seeds have been planted in your garden. While you might be tempted to just wait for summer and hope that your hyacinths turn out perfectly, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Branches need to be pruned, patches need to be weeded: in other words, it’s time to edit.

Before you start submitting your manuscript to publishers and agents (or before you hire an editor), you should do as much editing as you can by yourself. Once you’ve spent time tidying your manuscript, consider sharing it with some trusted readers for feedback. Don’t let the first person who reads your book be someone you’re pitching to — seek out beta readers instead! For more tips on this part of the process, take a look at these:

• What to Expect From Beta Readers (and Where to Find Them)  (article)
• What are Sensitivity Readers (and Should Authors Use Them?) (article)
• How to Self-Edit Like a Pro (free course)
• 6 Things Almost All Writers Get Wrong When Self-Editing (article)
• 8 Types of Editing (guide to professional editing)

Part 3: Getting published

Let’s say that you’ve now whipped your script into the best possible shape you can muster. Only one hurdle stands between you and your goal of becoming an author: publication. At this point, you have three options ahead of you — the most appropriate option will likely depend on the kind of book you’ve written.

Get an agent

If you’ve written a novel in a fairly commercial genre, then your most common route to traditional publishing is through a literary agent. Large and medium-sized publishers don’t tend to accept “unagented” submissions so it’s perhaps worth investigating a few agencies. To learn more about agents (and how to secure one), take a look through these:

• What Do Literary Agents Do (and Do You Need One)? (blog post)
• How to Find a Literary Agent (blog post)
• How to Write a Query Letter in 7 Steps (with checklist)

Submit direct to publishers

Some types of traditional publishing won’t require an agent. Some small, boutique presses will accept direct submission; as will publishers of niche categories like educational, reference, academic, or poetry. For tips on submitting directly to publishers, take a look at the following:

• How to Submit a Book Proposal in 3 Steps (guide)
• How to Perfect Your Submission: Tips From a Publisher (article)

Self-publish

Then there’s the self-publishing option, which more new authors are taking advantage of than ever before. The perks can be incredible: greater creative freedom, a guarantee of publishing, and a larger cut of royalties. That said, there are also many challenges that come with independent publishing, so make sure you’re up to the task before you commit to self-publishing:

• How to Publish a Book: Self-Publishing for Beginners (guide)
• The Cost of Self-Publishing a Book (guide)

Through one of these options, you will be able to get your book published. And once that book is available on Amazon, Kobo, or on the shelves of a brick ‘n’ mortar store, it’s mission accomplished : you have now become an author! Congratulations!

But… don’t stop just yet.

Part 4: Keep going

Remember how we said at the start that your goal shouldn’t be to become any ol’ author: it’s to become a self-sustaining one. With that in mind, there are a few things you should always be doing to build upon any success that your first book brings you.

Grow your profile and market yourself

One of the biggest misconceptions is that if you have a publishing company behind you, they’ll take care of your marketing. The truth is that the vast majority of their advertising spend goes into their top five or six authors. Any marketing budget that is assigned to you (as a new author) will largely go into ‘trade marketing,’ which is working with booksellers to feature your book more prominently in stores.

With that in mind, authors need to play an active role in their own marketing and publicity. This might mean hiring their own publicist (at the costlier end) or organizing book tours and signing events. If you can’t afford that, then at least make sure that your online platform is working: Twitter, Instagram, and blogs are pretty much free!

Have multiple ideas on the go

You should always be thinking about what’s next. Professional authors are constantly generating ideas that could become a book — and working on more than one at a time. Who knows when someone from the industry will show interest: if you get yourself in a situation where someone wants to work with you, you need to have a few ideas in the bank.

Think about writing a series

This is true of traditional publishing, and even more so for indie authors. If your first book has sold thousands of copies and readers love it, the simplest way to capitalize on its success is to continue the series . If you’ve written a fantasy novel, could the main character (or one of the charming side characters) come back for another installment ? If people really love your non-fiction title about kitchen refurbishment, could you write a companion piece about bathrooms?

With each book you add to a series, you can theoretically grow your revenue exponentially. Every new reader you attract doesn’t just buy one of your books: they buy three or five or fifteen of them.

Extra reading: “ How I became a self-publishing millionaire ” (interview)

Create secondary revenue streams

Movie theatres famously make a loss on their ticket sales… but they make it all up at the concession stand. If you’ve got a captive audience who love your book, what else can you do with them? Non-fiction authors regularly tell their readers if you’ve enjoyed my book on meditation, why not buy my online course on Yoga or join me on my (paid) annual retreat to an ashram in Bakersfield?

This can be a bit trickier for novelists, but you can always have an online store where you sell totes and t-shirts related to your book. There’s no shame in it: if you want the time to write full-time, you need to find a way to pay the bills.

With all this hard work, some talent, and a pinch of good luck, the garden of your career as an author should come to bloom. But that’s just the start. You need to consistently put in the work to continue thriving and gaining new readers. If you’re ready for that, then roll up your sleeves and get to work!

If you've recently become an author and would like to share your thoughts and experiences, why not drop a message in the comments below.

Continue reading

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Ursula K. Le Guin on How to Become a Writer

(step one: write).

This first appeared in Lit Hub’s  Craft of Writing  newsletter— sign up here .

How do you become a writer? Answer: you write.

It’s amazing how much resentment and disgust and evasion this answer can arouse. Even among writers, believe me. It is one of those Horrible Truths one would rather not face.

The most frequent evasive tactic is for the would-be writer to say, But before I have anything to say, I must get experience.

Well, yes; if you want to be a journalist. But I don’t know anything about journalism, I’m talking about fiction. And of course fiction is made out of experience, your whole life from infancy on, everything you’ve thought and done and seen and read and dreamed. But experience isn’t something you go and get—it’s a gift, and the only prerequisite for receiving it is that you be open to it. A closed soul can have the most immense adventures, go through a civil war or a trip to the moon, and have nothing to show for all that “experience”; whereas the open soul can do wonders with nothing. I invite you to meditate on a pair of sisters. Emily and Charlotte. Their life experience was an isolated vicarage in a small, dreary English village, a couple of bad years at a girls’ school, another year or two in Brussels, which is surely the dullest city in all Europe, and a lot of housework. Out of that seething mass of raw, vital, brutal, gutsy Experience they made two of the greatest novels ever written: Jane Eyre  and  Wuthering Heights .

Now, of course they were writing from experience; writing about what they knew, which is what people always tell you to do; but what was their experience? What was it they knew? Very little about “life.” They knew their own souls, they knew their own minds and hearts; and it was not a knowledge lightly or easily gained. From the time they were seven or eight years old, they wrote, and thought, and learned the landscape of their own being, and how to describe it. They wrote with the imagination, which is the tool of the farmer, the plow you plow your own soul with. They wrote from inside, from as deep inside as they could get by using all their strength and courage and intelligence. And that is where books come from. The novelist writes from inside.

I’m rather sensitive on this point, because I write science fiction, or fantasy, or about imaginary countries, mostly—stuff that, by definition, involves times, places, events that I could not possibly experience in my own life. So when I was young and would submit one of these things about space voyages to Orion or dragons or something, I was told, at extremely regular intervals, “You should try to write about things you know about.” And I would say, But I do; I know about Orion, and dragons, and imaginary countries. Who do you think knows about my own imaginary countries, if I don’t?

But they didn’t listen, because they don’t understand, they have it all backward. They think an artist is like a roll of photographic film, you expose it and develop it and there is a reproduction of Reality in two dimensions. But that’s all wrong, and if any artist tells you, “I am a camera,” or “I am a mirror,” distrust them instantly, they’re fooling you, pulling a fast one. Artists are people who are not at all interested in the facts—only in the truth. You get the facts from outside. The truth you get from inside.

OK, how do you go about getting at that truth? You want to tell the truth. You want to be a writer. So what do you do?

Honestly, why do people ask that question? Does anybody ever come up to a musician and say, Tell me, tell me—how should I become a tuba player? No! It’s too obvious. If you want to be a tuba player you get a tuba, and some tuba music. And you ask the neighbors to move away or put cotton in their ears. And probably you get a tuba teacher, because there are quite a lot of objective rules and techniques both to written music and to tuba performance. And then you sit down and you play the tuba, every day, every week, every month, year after year, until you are good at playing the tuba; until you can—if you desire—play the truth on the tuba.

It is exactly the same with writing. You sit down and you do it, and you do it, and you do it, until you have learned how to do it.

Of course, there are differences. Writing makes no noise, except groans, and it can be done anywhere, and it is done alone.

It is the experience or premonition of that loneliness, perhaps, that drives a lot of young writers into this search for rules. I envy musicians very much, myself. They get to play together, their art is largely communal; and there are rules to it, an accepted body of axioms and techniques, which can be put into words or at least demonstrated, and so taught. Writing cannot be shared, nor can it be taught as a technique, except on the most superficial level. All a writer’s real learning is done alone, thinking, reading other people’s books, or writing—practicing. A really good writing class or workshop can give us some shadow of what musicians have all the time—the excitement of a group working together, so that each member outdoes himself—but what comes out of that is not a collaboration, a joint accomplishment, like a string quartet or a symphony performance, but a lot of totally separate, isolated works, expressions of individual souls. And therefore there are no rules, except those each individual makes up.

I know. There are lots of rules. You find them in the books about The Craft of Fiction and The Art of the Short Story and so on. I know some of them. One of them says: Never begin a story with dialogue! People won’t read it; here is somebody talking and they don’t know who and so they don’t care, so—Never begin a story with dialogue.

Well, there is a story I know, it begins like this:

“ Eh bien, mon prince!  so Genoa and Lucca are now no more than private estates of the Bonaparte family!”

It’s not only a dialogue opening, the first four words are in  French , and it’s not even a French novel. What a horrible way to begin a book! The title of the book is  War and Peace .

There’s another Rule I know: introduce all the main characters early in the book. That sounds perfectly sensible, mostly I suppose it is sensible, but it’s not a rule, or if it is somebody forgot to tell it to Charles Dickens. He didn’t get Sam Weller into  The Pickwick Papers for ten chapters—that’s five months, since the book was coming out as a serial in installments.

Now, you can say, All right, so Tolstoy can break the rules, so Dickens can break the rules, but they’re geniuses; rules are made for geniuses to break, but for ordinary, talented, not-yet-professional writers to follow, as guidelines.

And I would accept this, but very very grudgingly, and with so many reservations that it amounts in the end to nonacceptance. Put it this way: if you feel you need rules and want rules, and you find a rule that appeals to you, or that works for you, then follow it. Use it. But if it doesn’t appeal to you or doesn’t work for you, then ignore it; in fact, if you want to and are able to, kick it in the teeth, break it, fold staple mutilate and destroy it.

See, the thing is, as a writer you are free. You are about the freest person that ever was. Your freedom is what you have bought with your solitude, your loneliness. You are in the country where you make up the rules, the laws. You are both dictator and obedient populace. It is a country nobody has ever explored before. It is up to you to make the maps, to build the cities. Nobody else in the world can do it, or ever could do it, or ever will be able to do it again.

___________________________________

Excerpted from  THE LANGUAGE OF THE NIGHT  by Ursula K. Le Guin. Copyright © 1989 by Ursula K. Le Guin. Reprinted by permission of Scribner, a Division of Simon & Schuster, LLC.

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S.J. Siedenburg

An author helping writers with their novels.

8 Ways How to Become a Fiction Writer for Beginners

There are many who dream about writing stories and novels, but how can you become a fiction writer? To be a beginner in the craft of fiction writing is exhilarating, but it can also be overwhelming. 

You are trying something you love deeply, and it is something hard. There is so much to learn, and it’s confusing to know where to start.

On top of all this, you’ve heard the great success stories of authors , but you have also heard the terrible accounts of starving writers living lonely lives. How can you start yourself off right so you’ll succeed at writing?  

Well, there is no magic, which is good because that means you have some control on how well your beginning to being a writer goes. If you’re still on the fence, stay with me, because this post is still for you. 

Whether you have decided to become a fiction writer or are still thinking about what it takes to be a beginner writer, I know a few things from my own start that will help. 

How I Became a Fiction Writer

Perhaps like many, my interest in writing developed when I was young, and like many I set it aside for more attainable pursuits. But everything else paled in comparison to writing. It wasn’t what I was meant to do. 

Writers never quite feel like themselves unless they are writing. They can try different things, but if you are meant to write, the urge will never go away. You will not rest until you put pen to paper or your fingers to keys. 

My advice, don’t ignore it. If this is something you want to try, give it a shot. Experiment. Take a month to invest yourself completely in the pursuit of writing, and after decide if this is something you want to do. That’s how I got into writing, and looking back it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. 

Writing isn’t for the faint of heart, but it also isn’t something impossible. It is one of those crafts that if you truly love it, you will be so persistent you will figure it out . 

So if you’re ready to give writing a shot, I’ve compiled a list of eight ways you can start becoming a writer today. 

8 Ways How to Become a Writer

1. read…a lot.

Devour fiction and non-fiction books on writing. A writer is only as good as how much they read, and I know that because sometimes I struggle to sit down, pick up a book, and read (News flash: I am not a perfect writer!). So if this is a challenge, keep at it. If this sounds like heaven to have a strong reason to read, get at it! 

However, don’t read mindlessly. When reading fiction, begin noticing and dissecting how the author is telling the story, where the plot points are, what you like and dislike and why. Read not only for enjoyment but to notice the structure, dialogue, pacing, etc. Noticing how stories are put together will help you write yours. 

For non-fiction, just pay attention and be sure to apply what you learn to your writing immediately.  

2. Find Blogs to Follow

Be hungry for information. When I started out, I learned most from blogposts, and they are still one of my main forms of learning. Start exploring Pinterest and the internet for writing articles. 

Now, all articles on writing are not created equal, and you will quickly see that. But there are some great bloggers and teachers out there. So keep reading blogposts and looking at blogs, and when you find ones you like, subscribe to their email list. 

Get to know good authors and teachers now. Fill your inbox and writing arsenal with them. These people will be your online mentors, your in-person influencers, and someone you may buy great books and online courses from in the future. 

3. Write Fiction Everyday

Write your novel, write a short story, write flash fiction using writing prompts from Pinterest or Reedsy . I can’t stress this part enough for becoming a fiction writer. 

You will feel like your writing is terrible, but that is okay. It probably is full of flaws, and if you think it’s flawless than you have bigger problems. 

The more you write, the better you will get. This is why it’s critical you write as much as you can now. 

Get the hang of it when no one is watching or looking over your shoulder. Like a sport or an instrument, hours of practice is necessary to improve your skills. 

4. Start Connecting with Writers

Remember those blogs you began following? If someone’s work has helped you learn about writing or helped you become inspired and interested in the craft, let them know. There is often a contact page on blogs where you can send an e-note to the blogger. 

Drop a few words letting them know how their work as affected you and thank them. They will love to hear how they have helped you, and from experience many will email you back if they have the time. 

It’s amazing encouragement for you and a good foundation to keep building this relationship on. 

Also, if there are online writing communities offered by the blogs you follow, become a member and start getting to know and interact with fellow fiction writers. Writing can often feel solitary, but you aren’t alone. There are thousands of writers like yourself that you can trade tips with and find support. 

Also, if you know writers in person, connect with them. They will love to have another person to talk to about writing. 

5. Get Writing Feedback

If you know any writers personally, ask them to take a look at a piece of your work, like a chapter of your novel or a short story. If you don’t have in-person writing friends, see if anyone on your online writing group would be interested in reading and giving feedback on your work, and consider repaying them by reading and giving feedback on something they’ve written.

(Important note: Before asking in a group, check the group’s guidelines if asking is allowed in the rules.)

Another way I’ve used to get feedback is through entering short story contests that offer a judge’s critique of your story at the end. These critiques have been so helpful to me, and a critical element in improving my skills. 

Getting feedback can be daunting, but it is helpful, and even encouraging. Getting an objective opinion from another fiction writer is a must for a beginner fiction writer and beneficial even for a seasoned writer.

For more information on how to apply feedback and who to accept feedback from (and who to not), check out this article where I go in depth on the topic: “How to Use Criticism as a Writer and Not Shy Away.”

6. Embrace Your Story

Never stop loving your stories, and spending time imagining them in your head. Keep building and creating while applying all the information you’re learning through blogs and books. 

Embrace how you can make it better, and embrace even more the amazing reality that you are writing your story…finally. Obsess on your story, and don’t be ashamed. Have fun immersing yourself in your story’s world, and feel no more guilt because this is in the fiction writer’s job description. Have at it! 

7. Analyze Your Thoughts and Feelings

While you are in this beginning phase, it’s important to start exploring this world you are entering. What about it do you love, and on which parts do you have doubts?

How has writing consistently made you feel, and is this something you could see yourself doing for the rest of your life? 

There isn’t a need to make a decision now. Just notice these kinds of questions as they arise and explore what your answers could be.   

8. What Do You Think, Writer?  

You have been writing, honing your skills, and finding some great authors and teachers to follow. Have you enjoyed this process? Do you want to become a full-time fiction writer? 

Do you want to keep experimenting for a while, or are you ready to invest in an online writing course or learn how to build an author platform for yourself so you can find readers and publish your books? 

Let your imagination run. Would you think it cool to have your books at the top of a bestseller list or made into a film or TV series? What gets your blood pumping, yet scares you a little? That’s what you need to start pondering. Spend time in quiet thinking and/or journaling.  

Whatever you do don’t hinder yourself by limited, trapped thinking. You are more capable than you believe. Use your vibrant imagination that creates such amazing stories to imagine an amazing life for yourself. What does that look like for you? 

Don’t close doors on possibilities or ideas because they seem impossible. Let the story fire in you build, don’t throw water on it. Use the research you’ve been doing to make an informed and bold decision. 

Ready to Become a Fiction Writer?

Broken down in steps, becoming a fiction writer isn’t as scary as you’d think. There is a load of stuff you need to start doing, but the stuff is fun. You’ll be studying and spending time on what excites you. 

Connecting with writers and taking action is uncomfortable, but it will lead to results that are worth every ounce of energy, fear, and creativity. Being a beginner writer is you practicing a skill you’ll get better at in your lifetime, and entering a craft you’ll meet some pretty amazing people in. 

There are a lot of great writers out there, and you can join the community. But you need to decide to go all in—just for a month—and see how you like it. If you are a writer, in that time you’ll grow to be more in love with writing than ever. 

You will take a shot at becoming a fiction writer, and it could be the start of a great life for you.

Featured photo by  Bench Accounting  on  Unsplash

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Sarah Siedenburg is a blogger, author, freelance proofreader, and copy editor with a passion for stories and helping beginner writers finish novels. In her past life she was hired as Editor for a start-up interior design magazine, although she knew very little about the world of luxury interior design when she began. 

Her blog talks about all things creative writing, and she is the creator of the guidebooks  Character Presentation: The Advanced Guide to Character Description and  Before the First Draft: The Plantster’s Guide to Pre-Writing , as well as the online course “How to Write a Novel: An Email Course for Writers.” Sarah lives amongst the noble evergreens in the northwest corner of Washington state.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

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Wondering how to become an author? Well, that answer will depend on the type of author you want to be.

Maybe you’ve always been a writer at heart, and are ready to share your story with the world and earn the title of “author.”

Or maybe you’re passionate about a certain topic and are ready to help others by sharing your expertise.

Regardless of your reason – the issue still stands: you want to know how to become an author of a book and a bestselling one at that. So what is an author anyway? And how does becoming an author work?

To learn how to become an author, the short answer is: You write a book.

Sounds simple, right?  

But writing is rarely simple. So, let’s go for the more complex dilemma: How to become an author of a book that actually gets read .

You want to author a book that’s phenomenal, polished, and packed with content that readers will truly connect with.  So how do you do that?

In this guide, we’ll focus on how to become an author of a book that sells . But before we dive into the steps on how to become an author, it's important you understand exactly what an author is.

This guide to how to become an author will cover:

What does it mean to become an author.

When you learn how to become an author, it means that you ideated, created, and produced a written work, most commonly a book, novel, short story , poem, or other literary work of prose.

Traditionally, an author meant someone who had written a book, and this connotation still stands today, but it has expanded with societal changes. The term author can actually pertain to journalists, essayists, and those in the digital space such as bloggers or article writers.

Writer vs author

What's the difference between a writer and author , you ask? Great question.

While writer and author are often used interchangeably, there is definitely a difference between the two. An author is a writer, but a writer isn't always an author.

How hard is it to become an author?

While the path of learning how to become an author is easier with today's technology and the rise of self-publishing, learning how to become an author takes determination, hard work, and usually a specific set of skills (which we'll cover more on later).

For some, opportunity comes easier than it does for others. Some people become an author and find quick success, whereas others struggle for years to complete their book and publish it.

For most people, creating a consistent writing routine and actually getting the words written is the hardest part – in which case a book writing coach could be just the person you need in your corner, keeping you motivated and accountable.

It also depends on the book publishing method, which we'll explain more on in the publishing section of this article. For example, traditional publishing deals are hard to come by, and it is a lengthy process. On the other hand, self-publishing makes becoming an author more accessible.

How to become an author in 8 simple steps

Now that you have a deeper understanding of what being an author entails, it's time to dive into the exact process of how to become an author.

When learning how to become an author, here are the eight steps you should take:

1. Invest in education

Learning how to become an author doesn't have any formal educational requirements. But at minimum, a high school degree is recommended. Becoming an author mainly requires that you have a strong set of skills, like the ability to read and write well.

When learning how to become an author, having a degree isn't required, but it can help.

There is a wide range of educational levels for authors, from those with a basic high school education to those who have completed doctorate programs. Pursuing a higher formal education degree can certainly help you learn how to become an author, but it's not a requirement.

Whether you get a degree or not, you must be an exceptional writer and avid reader to improve your chances of becoming an author of a book that actually gets read .

Our society values higher education . When you’re exploring new careers, the first question is usually: What kind of education is needed for this job?

So, it isn’t any wonder that people researching how to become an author immediately ask what type of education or credentials are needed to write a book.

A caveat to this: If you’re looking to publish a book on a specific topic , you must be an expert in that field or industry. A college degree helps build your credibility significantly, even though it is not completely necessary.

Common degrees to consider for aspiring book writers

• English . Anyone with a college degree in English has spent the majority of their college career taking classes on writing development and reading literature for deep analysis. Those with an English degree usually have a strong command of writing, and study the works of famous authors.
• Literature . Similar to a degree in English, a degree in Literature follows the same course syllabus in the sense that it is heavily focused on reading, analyzing, and writing about literary works.
• Creative writing . Writers with a degree in Creative Writing have undergone extensive academic courses surrounding creative writing fundamentals and storytelling. Creative Writing students are expected to write rigorously to improve their craft.
• History . Because history goes hand-in-hand with many literary subjects, those with a degree in History will have a well-rounded skillset to apply as an author.
• Journalism . Writers with a journalism background are likely educated on news-style writing, features, interview processes, and more. Those with a journalism degree often have experience as newspaper columnists or feature writers, which can translate well into an author career.
• Psychology . Those who study psychology have an in-depth understanding of human behavior and interaction, which makes for great writing, especially in fiction.
• Communications . People with a communications degree often have experience in news-writing, marketing, public relations, and more, which are all fields that rely heavily on great writing skills.
• Theater/cinema . Those with a theater background make great authors and writers due to their creativity, understanding of character dynamics, and screenwriting skills.
• Liberal arts . Any degree in liberal arts is likely to be focused on heavy research and writing – no matter the field. Therefore, a liberal arts degree can set you up well for learning how to become an author.
• A degree in any subject you want to write about! If you have a particular industry or niche that you want to focus on in your writing, pursue a degree in that! For example, if I could re-do college all over again, I would pursue a minor degree in Women's Studies, because I love to write about those topics.

Alternatives to college degrees

There are also non-degree online education options for aspiring authors to consider. These are a great choice if you want to learn how to write a book or publish a book on your own. Programs like these are focused on achieving a specific goal, and can be completed at a quicker pace. (Example: Himalayan Writing Retreat )

If you get a traditional college degree, you likely will NOT learn how to write and publish a book. So, if you know for sure that you want to learn how to become an author, you'll save time and money by investing in a course or program that's specific to publishing.

For example, there are many online education programs specifically for aspiring authors, including self-publishing courses.

Be sure to thoroughly do your research to make sure the program is a good fit for your needs.

Online education options

• Self-Publishing courses . Start here if you want to join an education program that provides a complete roadmap to becoming a bestselling author.
• Coursera . Consider a program where you can select specific topics to learn about.
• Udemy . You can find cost-effective micro-courses based on specific topics around writing and publishing.
• MasterClass . There are limited courses for aspiring authors on this platform, but if you're particularly interested in learning how to improve your writing from bestselling, world-renowned authors like Margaret Atwood, check this out.
• CreativeLive . Another option for creative courses specific to certain topics around developing certain creative skills.

2. Learn the skills to become a successful author

While there aren’t any formal education requirements to learn how to become an author of a book, there are certainly some important skills that many successful writers have in common.

Consider these skills like prerequisites – you should aim to improve these skills if you truly want to learn how to become a writer.

In a society of high competition, possessing many of these skills will set you apart and increase your chances of gaining a solid readership.

The top skills needed to learn how to become an author are:

Exceptional writing development skills

Being an excellent writer who can communicate effectively through words is the premise of learning how to become an author successfully. We’ll cover more on the fundamentals of writing that you should master in the next section, but you can check out these writing websites to learn how to be a better writer.

Creative storytelling that engages

It’s an art in itself! Whether you’re writing nonfiction or fiction, no matter what genre your book falls in, you need to be able to craft an engaging story that pulls readers in.

The ability to research well

Ask any successful author, and they will tell you that a major factor in successfully writing a book is to conduct thorough research . You need to know your content in and out – whether you’re writing historical fiction, a children's picture book , or a self-help book.

Since you’re reading this article and researching how to become an author, there’s a good chance you’re already research-savvy!

The tendency to naturally observe people and places

In order to create life-size characters, make your story come alive, and describe people and events vividly, you need to possess the power of observation. If you’re not one to naturally sit back and watch from the sidelines, try improving your observation skills .

Vulnerability and grit

Authors put everything they possess into their writing. It takes vulnerability to put your words out there, and resilience to keep at it when the going gets tough. To learn how to become an author, you’ll need to overcome some serious mental blocks, and be courageous even when you’re overworked or fearing judgment.

3. Master the fundamentals of book writing

Having an excellent command of writing skills builds a solid foundation on which to begin your author journey.

Many people can write, but not many people can write well. And if you can’t write well, that’s okay!

The good news is that there are a number of ways to improve your writing.

Writing isn’t necessarily a talent, it’s a craft. It can be cultivated. It can be strengthened. And with a growth mindset, you can improve your writing skills by mastering the fundamentals.

Some basic examples of the fundamentals of writing are being able to express ideas clearly and in an organized fashion, using powerful word choice , developing a clear point of view , and using proper grammar and punctuation .

However, there are a lot more fundamental writing techniques to learn and implement in your own writing.

• Learn the writing fundamentals. First, learn all there is to know! You can learn basic writing fundamentals by taking writing development courses, and reading books on writing.
• Study the fundamentals. Be an avid, deep reader. Don’t just read to understand the story. Read to analyze how the author told that story. Study the author’s style, specifically in the genres you want to write in. By doing this, you’ll start to identify characteristics of remarkable writing.
• Practice, practice, practice. Put what you’ve learned into practice. Remember all the literary elements you learned about in school. Start actually using those in your writing. Try mirroring an author’s style that you admire. Write often and make it part of your everyday life. Write in a journal , complete writing prompts, write letters to friends, or write short stories.
• Explore different genres. Part of finding your author's voice and developing yourself as a writer means experimenting with other genres that you may not have written on before. Use creative writing prompts to help you practice your writing fundamentals.
• Show, don't tell in writing . This is the number one rule to writing , and it's important for you to master it. Practice showing and not telling in your own writing, and understand when to use it.

While you shouldn’t cut corners on your writing development, it’s important to not get stuck in this phase.

At the end of the day, you can read and take all the courses in the world, but the most growth and development you will experience is when you’re actually writing.

4. Create a positive author mindset

Many writers experience feelings of insecurity. Ernest Hemingway supposedly said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

If writers are figuratively transforming the essence of their being into words on paper for others to read, then it’s no wonder the best writers suffer from their own insecurities and fear of judgment !

Feeling inadequate is expected, and totally normal. But the ability to pursue your goal to learn how to become an author (despite your fear) is what will set you apart from all the other aspiring book writers out there.

Steps to build a positive author mindset:

• Overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt as a writer . Give yourself permission to be an author. Don’t shy away from calling yourself a writer – start owning it.
• Accept that you’re a work in progress. Don’t strive for perfection in writing. Maintain a growth mindset , and understand that there is always room for improvement. You are constantly learning, and improving, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. If you wait for perfection, it’ll never get done.
• Set a writing habit. Making writing part of your daily lifestyle is super important. If you tend to wait for inspiration as a writer, you’ll be left high and dry more often than not. We’ll cover more on how to set a writing habit in the next section.
• Focus, focus, focus. We’ve all been there. You sit down at the table to write, and find that an hour has passed and you’ve only churned out a few sentences. Find a focus technique that works for you and stick to it.
• Think courageously. Try not to get too bogged down in the negative “what-ifs.” What if no one likes my book? What if my writing sucks? What if this book is an entire flop? It’s okay to fear failure, but learn to shake it off and be courageous instead. For every negative thought you have, try to think of two positive thoughts!
• Define your own success. Success means something different for every author. Some writers want to share their words with the world, while others simply want to build an author's salary to support their writing. Whatever your reason is, get clarity around your definition of success.

5. Write Your first book to learn how to become an author

To truly learn how to become an author, you have to write a book first.

The world is full of great writers with stories to share. The trouble for many is – they never get around to actually finishing a book.

It also depends on what type of book you want to write. If you want to write a nonfiction book , the process is different than learning how to write a novel . The same is true if you're learning how to write a memoir .

This is where it can really get tough. But with grit, determination, and a clear game plan, you can do it. We’re cheering for you!

Here are the steps to write a book and learn how to become an author:  

Get clear on your foundation

Because writing a book can be an uphill battle, you want to make sure your foundation is rock solid. This means getting clear on why you want to become the author of this book. Once you’re super clear on your foundation, you’ll be able to write your book with intention.

Foundational questions you’ll want to ask yourself are:

• When do you want to have this book done by?
• How will you position the book?
• Who are you writing this book for (your target reader)?
• What is your book's topic or genre?
• To grow your income
• To build a reputation/authority
• To fuel a passion project
• To share a story or knowledge

Brainstorm with a mind map

Letting your ideas flow freely with a mind map is an effective way to get those creative juices flowing. With so many ideas to explore for your book’s topic, mind map exercises will help you “brain dump” all your thoughts.

Follow these steps to create a mind map for your book:

• Set a timer for 10-15 minutes to start.
• Always be writing – don’t worry about grammar or spelling, just write out your thoughts without reservations!
• Start with a central idea, topic, or concept.
• Add connecting branches of key ideas that relate to that central idea.
• Jot down any words that tie ideas together.
• Use colored highlighters or sticky notes to organize similar concepts or ideas.

Create an outline

Using your mind map, start creating a basic outline for your book. Don’t get hung up on the details. Think of it in terms of a beginning, a middle, and an end. A simple outline will help you get the ball rolling as you start writing your first draft. As you dive deeper into the writing, your outline can get more detailed, and be revised as needed.

Set a writing schedule

Commit to your writing goals each and every day if you want to learn how to become an author. Set a specific plan for yourself, and set small milestones or goals, whether it’s by word count or time spent writing .

You can have all the ideas in the world, but if you aren’t setting time aside each day to actually write, then the chances of your book being completed will be low.

Tips for setting a writing schedule:

• Set up a distraction-free writing space
• Plan for short brain breaks to avoid burnout
• Set a daily word count goal
• Do NOT edit as you write
• Have a buddy keep you accountable
• Use book writing software to help you meet your daily goals
• Set a deadline to complete your book by

Write your rough draft

Sounds simple, but it’s definitely easier said than done. You can do it! The only way to write a book is to actually sit down and do it. You become a book writer by writing a completed book. Use your outline for guidance, and remember – don’t edit while you write !

Self-edit your book

Once your rough draft is completed, it’s important that you focus on self-editing your book. Although your book will go through a professional editing phase during the publishing process, if you self-edit thoroughly, your editor will be able to focus on other edits that you weren’t able to catch.

Tips for self-editing your book:

• Do a verbal read – through to find areas of improvement in your sentence structure and storyline.
• Work chapter by chapter to increase productivity and focus.
• Don’t get stuck in the editing phase.
• Remember that any points of uncertainty will be cleared up in the professional editing phase.

6. Publish your book

Through blood, sweat, and tears, you’ve committed to writing your book, and have officially become a writer.

Now, it’s time to take the next step and learn how to become an author. And that means publishing your book!

Here’s how to become an author of a published book:

Decide how to publish

Modern book writers are faced with a major decision on how to publish a book . There are two ways to publish: traditionally publish or self-publish .

You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of each, including the cost to publish , and determine which route is more advantageous for you.

If you traditionally publish your book , this means that an actual publishing company will publish your book for you. However, landing a book contract with a traditional publisher is extremely competitive, and the chances are slim for most authors.

So what is self-publishing , you ask? If you self-publish your book , this means that you will be in charge of the publishing process yourself. There are many benefits in going this route, but you'll need to make sure you are self-publishing the right way to ensure book quality and success .

Steps to traditionally publish a book

• Pitch your book draft to literary agents.
• If your manuscript is accepted by an agent, your book will be pitched to publishers.
• If a publisher accepts your work, you will be offered a book contract.
• The publisher will have your book edited, formatted, and designed.
• You earn royalties based on the number of books that are sold.

Steps to self-publish a book

• Find a book editor for each type of editing needed
• Hire a formatter (if needed) for your book.
• Hire a professional book cover designer to create an engaging book cover.
• Choose which self-publishing platforms to sell your book on.
• Upload the book to the self-publishing platform.

If you still need help deciding how to publish, compare your earning potential with our Book Royalties Calculator .

1. My book will be published by a...

2. my book will be an:, 3. my royalty rate will be:.

*Please note that this royalty rate is based on the market averages for paperback books. Actual royalty rates for traditional and indie publishing can vary by author depending on several factors.

4. My book's retail price:

5. the # of books sold:, your results, your profit per book sold, for books sold, you earn:, for 1,000 books sold, you earn:, for 10,000 books sold, you earn:, royalties comparisons for 10,000 books sold, want to receive personalized tips on how to sell more books right in your inbox, 7. market your book to become a bestselling author.

Whether you traditionally publish or self-publish, you need to launch and market your book to learn how to become an author successfully.

This step is crucial because if you don’t market your book, how are you going to reach potential readers?

You dedicated time, effort, and – at times – your sanity, to get your book out. Now it’s time to let the world know about it.

You’ll need a strategic book launch and marketing plan in place, which should include a number of techniques to gain readership and sell your book.

Book marketing strategies to consider

• Build a launch team before your official book release
• Social media marketing , such as on Pinterest and Instagram
• Effective book pricing that appeals to prospective readers
• Build an author website to create your own author platform
• Use book advertising on various book promo sites like BookBub
• Get book reviews to increase visibility, reach, and credibility

To dive deep into your book marketing , plan ahead, set a budget, do research, and reach out to your network!

8. Write another book!

Your first book is a learning experience, and once your first book is published, you'll realize how many ideas you have for more books.

And that is where the real success comes in. In today's digital author landscape, it's important to keep writing books in order to build a career as an author.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that one book will find instant success. While that does happen for some writers, it is the exception and NOT the rule.

So keep going! Write your next book. The more books you write, the smoother your process will become.

Are you ready to become an author?

Great books make the world go ‘round, which is why we’re all about helping writers learn how to become authors.

As you research how to become an author, one thing becomes clear: it’s a process that takes time, dedication, and some serious effort.

But nothing worth having comes easy.

Books are life-changing, not just for the book writer, but for the book readers all across the world that will learn from your story.

Becoming an author can be one of the most rewarding, and fulfilling accomplishments of your life. You deserve to celebrate it!

Ready To Learn How to Become An Author? This FREE eBook Will Walk You Step-By-Step Through The ENTIRE PROCESS

Faqs about how to become an author.

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about what an author is and how to become an author:

What is a writer?

A writer is someone who writes or expresses ideas or concepts through the written word. There are many people who write for a variety of reasons – whether it's part of their occupation, or for creative expression.

Types of writers that aren't necessarily authors:

• Technical writers
• Ghostwriters
• Copywriters
• Content writers
• Songwriters

Can anyone be a writer?

It depends on the type of writer, but yes, technically anyone can be a writer as long as they know how to write. However, specialized writers, such as technical writers and copywriters often require advanced experience and/or degrees in order to be qualified for a writing position. Of course, learning how to become an author is a different story, entirely.

What is an author?

Authors are people who write books, novels, short stories, poems, literary prose, and even screenplays.

What is an author, exactly? An author is someone who has written and published a complete literary work. The publishing is key. If you haven't published your work, then you are a writer but not an author.

How do authors get paid?

Authors can be paid in a variety of ways, but most commonly authors are paid through book advancements and royalty fees.

How much do authors get paid?

The average author salary has a very wide range, and an author's income depends on a number of criteria, such as the number of books published, the publishing method, the book genre and topic, and the success of the book.

As of writing, the current average author salary is between $35,000 to $135,000.

How do i get started as an author?

Really, you just need to start writing! Finish a manuscript, edit it, hire a book cover designer and a marketing team, and learn how to self-publish a book . It may seem like an overwhelming process at first, but there are self-publishing companies that can help you with every step along the way.

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What does a fiction writer do?

Would you make a good fiction writer? Take our career test and find your match with over 800 careers.

What is a Fiction Writer?

A fiction writer creates stories that are imagined, rather than based on real events or facts. They use their creativity and literary skills to develop characters, plotlines, settings, and themes that capture the readers' attention and emotions. Fiction writers may write in a variety of genres, such as romance, science fiction, mystery, horror, historical, or fantasy. They may also explore different formats, such as novels, novellas, short stories, or flash fiction.

To be a successful fiction writer, one needs to possess strong writing skills, including the ability to create compelling and believable characters, develop a captivating plot, and write in a style that engages and entertains readers. Fiction writers also need to have a vivid imagination, the ability to think creatively and critically, and a deep understanding of human nature and society. They must be dedicated to their craft, willing to spend countless hours researching, writing, editing, and revising their work to achieve their vision. Additionally, many fiction writers have a unique voice and perspective that sets them apart from other writers and attracts a devoted fanbase.

What does a Fiction Writer do?

Fiction writers shape our cultural and intellectual landscape. Through their works, they provide a window into the human experience, exploring complex themes such as love, loss, identity, and social justice. They challenge our assumptions, broaden our perspectives, and encourage empathy and understanding for people and cultures that are different from our own. Fiction writers also inspire and entertain us, transporting us to new worlds, and introducing us to fascinating characters that we may never meet in real life.

Duties and Responsibilities As a fiction writer, your primary responsibility is to create engaging and compelling stories that captivate readers and transport them to new worlds. However, there are a variety of other duties and responsibilities that come with being a fiction writer. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Crafting a story: Your primary responsibility is to craft a story that is engaging, interesting, and well-written. You need to create characters that readers care about, develop a plot that keeps them turning pages, and write in a style that is enjoyable to read.
• Research: Depending on the type of fiction you are writing, you may need to do extensive research to ensure that your story is accurate and believable. This can include everything from historical research to scientific research.
• Editing and revising: Once you have written your first draft, you will need to spend time editing and revising your work. This can involve rewriting entire chapters, cutting out unnecessary scenes or dialogue, and making sure your writing flows smoothly.
• Marketing: As a fiction writer, you will need to spend time marketing your work. This can include building an online presence, attending book signings and other events, and networking with other writers and industry professionals.
• Time management: Writing a novel or other long-form piece of fiction can be a time-consuming process. As a writer, it is your responsibility to manage your time effectively and make sure you are making progress on your project.
• Meeting deadlines: If you are working with a publisher or editor, you will need to meet deadlines for submitting your work. This requires a strong sense of discipline and a commitment to staying on track with your writing schedule.
• Continuing education: As a writer, it is important to continue learning and growing in your craft. This can involve attending writing workshops or conferences, taking online courses, or simply reading widely to improve your writing skills.

Types of Fiction Writers There are many types of fiction writers, and individuals can fall into more than one category. Here are some common types:

• Literary Fiction Writers: These writers focus on crafting complex prose that explores the depths of human emotion and challenges readers' assumptions. They may not fit neatly into any one genre, instead preferring to focus on character development and exploring themes such as identity, love, loss, and the human condition.
• Genre Fiction Writers: These writers specialize in specific genres, such as science fiction, romance, fantasy, horror, or mystery. They focus on crafting stories that fit within the genre's conventions and often have a strong fan base. They may use common tropes and archetypes but still create unique characters and worlds that appeal to their readership.
• Young Adult (YA) Fiction Writers: These writers create stories specifically aimed at a teenage audience. They often explore issues such as identity, coming of age, and first love, but can also tackle heavier topics such as mental health, trauma, and social justice. The stories may contain a strong moral or ethical message and are often told through the eyes of a young protagonist.
• Children's Fiction Writers: These writers create stories that are tailored to children's age groups and reading levels. Picture books for younger children often focus on simple themes and use colorful illustrations to engage young readers. Middle-grade novels may explore more complex issues while still maintaining a sense of fun and wonder.
• Historical Fiction Writers: These writers create stories set in the past, often focusing on real historical events and figures. They must balance historical accuracy with engaging storytelling and may use a blend of fact and fiction to create a compelling narrative.
• Romance Writers: These writers focus on crafting stories centered around romantic relationships. The stories may be set in any time period or genre and may have different levels of steaminess depending on the sub-genre. The focus is often on the characters' emotional journey as they navigate the ups and downs of falling in love.
• Crime Fiction Writers: These writers specialize in crime fiction and may focus on creating detective or police procedural stories, thrillers, or mysteries. The focus is often on solving a crime or catching a villain, but the stories can also explore the human emotions and ethical questions that arise in the pursuit of justice.
• Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers: These writers create stories set in fictional worlds and often include elements of magic, science, or technology. They may explore dystopian or utopian societies, alternate timelines, or parallel universes. The stories often reflect on the human condition and explore ethical questions related to the use of technology or magic.
• Screenwriters : These writers create scripts for film or television, often adapting existing novels or creating original stories specifically for the screen. They must consider the limitations of the medium and craft a visual story that engages the audience and fits within the constraints of the production.
• Short Story Writers: These writers focus on crafting shorter pieces of fiction that may be published in literary magazines or anthologies. The stories may explore a single theme or idea and often leave the reader with a sense of ambiguity or open-endedness. The focus is often on creating a powerful emotional impact in a small amount of space.

What is the workplace of a Fiction Writer like?

The workplace of a fiction writer can vary widely depending on their individual preferences and lifestyle. Many writers work from home, using their computer or notebook to craft their stories. They may have a dedicated workspace, such as a home office or a corner of their living room, where they can work uninterrupted. Some writers prefer to work in public spaces such as coffee shops or libraries, where they can people-watch and soak up the atmosphere.

Other writers may rent a dedicated workspace, such as a shared office or a co-working space, where they can collaborate with other writers and creatives. This type of workspace can provide a sense of community and help writers stay motivated and accountable.

Regardless of where they work, fiction writers often spend long hours alone, focusing on their craft. They may spend hours researching, outlining, and editing their stories before even beginning to write. Once they begin the actual writing process, they may work for several hours straight or take frequent breaks to refresh their creativity.

One of the biggest challenges for fiction writers is maintaining discipline and motivation. Since writing is often a solitary pursuit, it can be difficult to stay on track and meet deadlines without external accountability. Many writers use tools such as timers or productivity apps to help them stay focused and make progress on their work.

Despite the challenges, many fiction writers find the process of creating a story deeply rewarding. They have the freedom to explore their creativity and imagination, and to craft stories that resonate with readers on a deep emotional level. While the actual work of writing can be challenging, the end result is often a work of art that has the power to transport readers to new worlds and inspire them in countless ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Writing and journalism related careers and degrees.

Writing Careers

• Academic Writer
• Content Writer
• Fiction Writer
• Food Critic
• Ghostwriter
• Grant Writer
• Music Critic
• Nonfiction Writer
• Screenwriter
• Speechwriter
• Sports Writer
• Technical Writer
• Television Writer
• Travel Writer

Journalism Careers

• Correspondent
• News Anchor
• News Reporter
• Photojournalist
• Broadcast Journalism
• Children's Literature
• Creative Writing
• Screenwriting
• Songwriting
• Technical Writing

Continue reading

Do You Need a Creative Writing Degree to Succeed as a Writer?

by Melissa Donovan | Mar 7, 2023 | Creative Writing | 50 comments

Do you need a creative writing degree?

Young and new writers often ask whether they need a creative writing degree in order to become an author or professional writer.

I’ve seen skilled and talented writers turn down opportunities or refuse to pursue their dreams because they feel their lack of a creative writing degree means they don’t have the credibility necessary to a career in writing.

Meanwhile, plenty of writers with no education, minimal writing skills, and scant experience in reading and writing are self-publishing, freelance writing, and offering copywriting services.

It’s an oft-asked question: Do you need a creative writing degree to succeed as a writer? Is it okay to write and publish a book if you don’t have a degree or if your degree is in something other than English or the language arts?

Before I go further, I should reveal that although I did earn a degree in creative writing, I don’t think a degree is necessary. But there is a caveat to my position on this issue: While I don’t think a degree is necessary, I certainly think it’s helpful. I also think that some writers will have a hard time succeeding without structured study and formal training whereas others are self-disciplined and motivated enough to educate themselves to the extent necessary to establish a successful writing career.

Five Things I Learned in Creative Writing Class

Do you need a creative writing degree.

First of all, a degree is not necessary to success in many fields, including writing. There are plenty of examples of individuals who became wildly successful and made meaningful contributions without any college degree whatsoever: Bill Gates, Abraham Lincoln, and Walt Disney, to name a few.

In the world of writing, the list of successful authors who did not obtain a degree (let alone a creative writing degree) is vast. Here is a small sampling: Louisa May Alcott, Maya Angelou, Jane Austen, William Blake, Ray Bradbury, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, Jack London, Edgar Allen Poe, Beatrix Potter, and JD Salinger.

So you obviously do not need a creative writing degree in order to succeed. After all, some of the greatest writers in history didn’t have a degree. Why should you?

A Creative Writing Degree is Not a Bad Idea

On the other hand, the degree definitely won’t hurt your chances. In fact, it will improve your chances. And if you struggle with writing or self-discipline, then the process of earning a degree will be of great benefit to you.

A college education might indeed be necessary for a particular career, such as a career in law or medicine. In fields of study where a degree is not a requirement, it often prepares you for the work ahead by teaching you specific skills and techniques and by forcing you to become knowledgeable about your field.

However, there is an even greater value in the the process of earning a degree. You become knowledgeable and educated. You learn how to learn, how to work without close supervision, and you are exposed to the wisdom of your instructors as well as the enthusiasm and support of your peers. College is a great environment for development at any age or in any field.

Earning a degree is also a testament to your drive and ability to complete a goal without any kind of immediate reward or gratification. College is not easy. It’s far easier to get a full-time job and buy lots of cool stuff. It’s more fun to spend your nights and weekends hanging out with your friends than staying in and studying. A college degree is, in many ways, a symbol representing your capacity to set out and accomplish a long-term goal.

Know Yourself

If you possess strong writing skills and are somewhat of an autodidact (a person who is self-taught), then you may not need a degree in creative writing. For some such people, a degree is completely unnecessary. On the other hand, if your writing is weak or if you need guidance and would appreciate the help of instructors and peers, maybe you do need a creative writing degree.

If you’re planning on going to college simply because you want to earn a degree and you hope to be a writer someday, you might as well get your degree in creative writing since that’s what you’re passionate about. On the other hand, if you hope to write biographies of famous actors and directors and you already write well, you might be better off studying film (and possibly minoring in creative writing).

You may be the kind of person who needs the validation of a degree. Maybe you’re an excellent writer but you’d feel better putting your work out there if you could back it up (even in your own mind) with that piece of paper that says you have some expertise in this area. Or you might be the kind of person who is confident enough to plunge into the career of a writer without any such validation.

You might find that time and money are barriers to earning a degree. If you have responsibilities that require you to work full time and if you’re raising a family, obtaining a degree might not be in the cards, either in terms of time or money. You might be better off focusing what little free time you have on reading and writing. But there are other options if you’ve got your heart set on a creative writing degree: look for accredited online colleges, find schools that offer night and weekend classes, and open yourself to the idea that you can take ten years rather than four years to complete your higher education.

Finally, some people have a desire to get a degree but they feel they’re too old. I personally think that’s a bunch of hogwash. You’re never too old to learn or obtain any kind of education. When I was just out of high school, I attended a college with many students who were middle-aged and older. I had tremendous respect for them, and they brought a lot of wisdom to our classes, which balanced out the youthful inexperience of my other, much younger classmates. I don’t care if you’re eighteen, forty-two, or seventy, if you have a hankering to do something, go do it!

Making Tough Decisions

Ultimately, the decision rests with each of us. Do you need a creative writing degree? Only you can answer that question.

If you’re still not sure, then check with a local school (a community college is a good place to start) and make an appointment with an adviser in the English Department. If you’re in high school, get in touch with your school’s career counselor. Sometimes, these professionals can help you evaluate your own needs to determine which is the best course of action for you. But in the end, make sure whatever decision you make about your education is one that you’ve carefully weighed and are comfortable with.

And whether you earn a degree in creative writing or not, keep writing!

Most Successful People Who Never Went to College Famous Autodidacts

50 Comments

I think in some cases it can hinder or stifle creativity. I am actually glad I did not go to school for writing. When I hear the words creative and degree together they don’t mesh for me. You can go to school and learn about punctuation and grammar, but creativity comes from real life and growth and learning through experience. Just my opinion – but I only learned about poetry in climbing tree.

Hi Nicole. I appreciate your thoughts on the matter, but since you didn’t go to school for writing, how can you know that creativity cannot come through academic means or through study? I strongly believe that a degree is unnecessary for success in writing, but I personally found that it sped up my development and did in fact stimulate my creativity. Specifically, I would say that being surrounded by creative people (other students, in particular) is excellent for promoting creative thinking. Also, writing is only one small piece of what a successful writer must do. In fact, I learned very little about punctuation and grammar during my time in the creative writing program and I learned a lot about my own creative process. Probably the biggest benefit for me, personally, was exposure to many wonderful authors and poets that I otherwise might not have discovered. While I don’t think college is necessary, I have to strongly disagree that it stifles creativity. But I do respect your opinion and perhaps you had some experience in school or observing other writers in which it did stifle creativity. I can only speak from my own experience, which was highly positive.

Hey all! I’m torn too: I went to art school for 4 years for a degree in painting. I learned a lot and am grateful, because art school added: ways to be cognizant of art, writing about my art and the work of others, and how to be a really great critic.

Only problem was, in a lot of ways, art school also beat down my self confidence and robbed me of some of my intrinsic motivation to make art. It became less spontaneous and more cerebral.

As of late, I’ve turned to creative writing for a creative outlet that has not been…well, I won’t say ruined, so I’ll go with, hasn’t been tampered with. And I find myself in a place where I can definitely improve (A LOT!), but I’m not sure if a formal degree will do it. I am playing with the idea of taking some informal workshops though…

Do you think school for the visual arts is at all comparable to school for creative writing? Maybe it doesn’t help that the folks in my year of art school had some pretty nasty and rude people when it came to critiques!!!

Ray, thanks for sharing your experience. I was hoping someone would offer a different perspective. I can understand how undergraduate work may seem to inhibit creativity and make the process more cerebral. This is where we get into an extremely hazy area of art and creativity. I believe that the spontaneous expressions come from our emotions and personal life experiences. They are strictly expressions. When we bring a cerebral quality to our work, we are usually looking to make a statement or observation. The former cannot be learned. It comes from the inside. The latter, however, is the result of critical thinking. I think it’s unfortunate that you did not find yourself in an educational setting that was positive and supportive. I am not sure how visual arts schools are similar or different from schools for creative writing. If you’re interested in pursuing creative writing, my suggestion would be to sign up for a class and try it out or request a meeting with someone in the creative writing department to get a sense of the program and the people in it.

One final note – it’s my personal opinion that people being rude or nasty during critiques is absolutely unacceptable. If there was an instructor present, I would say the responsibility falls to him or her. Their job is to moderate critique sessions and provide an environment conductive to positive development. I once signed up for a class, and within the first two weeks it was clear to me that the instructor did not have students’ best interests at heart. I dropped the class and the following semester, took the class with another teacher.

I can see where you’re coming from, but college is so very different from high school. The public secondary education focuses on “STEM” (science/math, basically) rather than STEAM (science/math and the arts — as in. a liberal education.) Most universities (public or private) encourage creative thought, even in degrees that are not considered ‘uselessly’ artistic by ignorant politicians. It depends on the university one attends (although I am transferring, the University of Oregon pushes for artistic and creative thought in all fields, and is not at all stifling) but, for the most part, a writing degree would not detach students from ‘real life’ experiences. Many students are living on their own and working full-time. Some are married and have a family and bills to pay, etc. Normally they would not have encouragement from highly knowledgeable faculty to pursue a craft that is not considered practical in the ‘real world.’

I agree with this. I started a masters in professional writing and took a class on nonfiction essays (creative essays) and I tell you what, I have NEVER produced so much writing, and so much good writing. In this class, we just BOUNCED off one another SO WELL. I left each class on fire with ideas and feedback. Best class I EVER took.

I have a BA in English and it’s helped me get paid to write. I freelance for companies, websites and magazines, and many of them love to see the degree. So, I stand out from the crowd a bit. It’s been helpful.

It’s amazing how being surrounded by other creative writers promotes our own creativity. I had the same experience when I was taking classes – I was constantly writing and coming up with ideas. I also feel that having a BA boosts my credibility as a self-employed writer. While I don’t think the BA is necessary, I also know some clients and employers consider it a requirement.

I have to agree with Allena. I have a BA in English and I think it really helps in the freelancing career. Many clients want to hire a professional qualified in English literature, journalism or another field related to writing.

I have pondered the idea of going back to uni and getting a degree in the Arts but I am not sure if it is entirely worth my time and money. I have, however, invested time in some short courses in writing, in order to learn about structure, pace and all those tools which you really need to understand to be able to write well.

There was also the added benefit of spending time with like-minded people who understood my passion and encouraged me to fulfill my potential. I may not have earned a piece of paper at the end of them but they were definitely worth my time.

It’s one of those decisions each person has to make for herself. I think it depends a lot on your personal goals, lifestyle, and available resources. I am a huge advocate for higher education. My general advice is always this: if you can go to school and want to, then do it. On the other hand, if you want to be a novelist and already have the skills and self-discipline, your time is probably better spent writing the novel.

I agree that a creative writing degree is not necessary but certainly very helpful. I believe getting proper education will always be good for anyone; whatever career you are in. As for me, I did not major in writing or in a course related to it because I was still undecided back then. I was passionate about writing but I just did not pursue it because I was afraid that I will not succeed as a writer.

Now, I really want to enroll myself in a writing course. While waiting for that opportunity, I try my best to self-educate through reading and learning from other writers.

I couldn’t agree more!

A great topic for discussion! I have a Creative Writing degree but augmented it with writer’s conferences and online research. So much helpful information out there these days. I posted this on the Writing Platform Facebook page. Well done.

Writing is one of those crafts for which learning never ends. Thanks for sharing this post on Facebook. I appreciate it.

Hi, Melissa! I studied psychology for 4 years in university. I had to quit, so I didn’t get the degree, but studying there gave me lots of knowledge and I also met really awesome people – students and teachers, and I made great friends. You can’t have such things if you learn only by yourself at home. Meeting other writers while getting creative writing degree is probably one of most important reasons for doing it. Unless you don’t like humans at all 😀

Yes, and I would add that for many people, simply taking a few classes can make a world of difference. For example, one could take a creative writing class at a local community college. If a writer is working on their own and struggling with grammar, a single, basic course in English or writing may be just the solution. Taking a class here and there may or may not lead to pursuing a full degree, but it will definitely impart many benefits to any writer.

Great article! Very encouraging. Most of what I’ve read online has been much the opposite.

What would you say about majoring in an education degree not specific to English, while also pursuing a master’s in creative writing?…with the intent to eventually teach writing and social studies at a college level. I know that’s incredibly specific and probably abnormal, but I honesty do not want to major in English. I love literature and all forms of composition (even the dreaded academic essay) but my true interest lies in the intricacy of the human psyche and how the past has shaped our contemporary world..

Katie, it doesn’t really matter what I think because the choice you make will shape your life, not mine. Having said that, I think you’ve got a good, solid plan. Also, I think social studies and creative writing go together quite nicely.

I am in India. I just passed 10th grade. The thing is i want to become a writer/novelist/author. 3 reasons-

1. Writing is my passion 2. I have started writing( 1st novel almost complete). 3. I love literature. I mean that’s the only thing that gets inside my brain and i always excel in English.

So my question are– 1. Do i need to take up arts/humanities? ( because i want an environment with political views and literature and wont only be writing novels and stuff, i would also like to write for magazines etc. Doing arts will help me write and improve whereas in non-med i have study science which i have started hating though its easy but because of this realization that my writings will take years to reach the people ) Is it really that important?

2. Is a college degree in creative writing required? Will it help me?

Tanvir, plenty of writers carve out a career for themselves without a college degree at all, so you can go forth and study whatever you want in school. Certainly, a degree in creative writing will do a lot to make you a better writer, but you can also accomplish that on your own through work and study. If you are absolutely positive that all you want to do is become a writer, then I say study creative writing. I earned a BA in creative writing and I wasn’t even sure that’s what I wanted to do with my life. What I learned in college has served me well. However, and I can’t emphasize this enough, it is by no means a prerequisite. Good luck to you.

Hi I am a young women who has always been told that being a writer is not a very good feild to work in because you must move to the city, it is hard to support a family on the income,and it is hard to get a book published, or maintain relationships, if you are successful. I have always wanted to be a writer and now i am considering college but the thing is that i am not sure if i should become a nurse or writer or both? or neither and just try my luck with writing with out an education in the feild since i feal as though i am good enough at creative thinking.

Why would a writer have to move to the city? Writing is one of the few jobs that you can do from just about anywhere, as long as you have a computer (journalism being the exception). I also don’t see why it would be hard to maintain relationships if you are a successful writer (at least not any more than with any other career). I’m not sure where you’re getting this advice, but I think it’s a little inaccurate. It’s true that most writers don’t make a living from their work at first, which means they need a day job. It is hard to get a book published through a traditional publishing house, but it’s also possible. Self-publishing is another option.

If you truly want to be a writer, there’s no reason you shouldn’t pursue it. Will you make it? That’s entirely up to you.

I also think studying nursing and writing sounds like a good idea. You can double major in both or you could minor in creative writing. That will give you a solid nursing career for your day job and you can write on the side.

Hey there Melissa,

I’m planning to do a course in Creative Writing, and I’ve been looking everywhere for the perfect one. Which university did you do your Masters at? Were you completely satisfied? Was it everything you were expecting? I was looking out for a one year Masters course, most are for two.

I didn’t do a Masters, I did a BA, so I’m afraid I can’t give you any advice on which ones are good.

I think if you check on Google you will find a few. Most are two years like you said but the one year programs are usually scholarships and are kinda jam-packed. check carefully and you’d find what suits you for sure.

Melissa, keep the flag flying.

Surely, it is important to define what you mean by ‘writing’. If you want to have any chance of breaking into published work, tthen I would say a writing degree is a prerequisite. If you are writing for a small group — or just for yourself — it doesn’t matter a hoot. Many of the examples you gave us aren’t really relevant as so few people in the past went to university to do anything at all.

I went to a school decided upon by a selective examination and we were told when we started that only about 2% of us should have any thoughts of going to university, and that techincal qualifivcations, such as National Certificates, were the best we could aspire to for the remaining 98%.

Essentially, the whole thing comes back to the old, and quite impossible to answer question of talent vs skill. If you have the talent, an arts degree will help; if you don’t, all you can expect to be is an amateur (and usually not very good) scribbler. The ability to write a grammatically correct sentence does not make you a story-teller — and it never will.

I have to respectfully disagree with you, opsimath. Most of the authors I know who are currently building successful careers did not go to college at all, and few of those who did attend university studied writing. You can (and many have) become expert writers and storytellers without learning how to do it in school. In fact, I would say that I learned very little about grammar and storytelling in college, and I was a creative writing major. Also, the very fact that historically, authors did not study the craft in formal settings is proof that formal study is not a necessity. History has produced hundreds of eloquent authors who managed to master the craft without formal schooling, and writing hasn’t changed so much that we’re living in times where a degree has become mandatory.

Having said that, we all have to put in the time and work in order to succeed. The point is that whatever you might learn in school, you can also learn outside of school if you know how to find the right mentors and resources. A degree gives anyone an advantage, but in the field of writing, it is not a prerequisite for success or expertise. And I say that as someone who is a firm advocate for higher education. Obviously, there are some exceptions; for example, you probably do need a journalism degree or a computer science degree if you want to be a journalist or technical writer, but for storytellers and other creative nonfiction writers, it is an option, not a requirement. There are other ways to acquire the skills and expertise you need to succeed as a storyteller.

A good idea, I think, would be to take a few courses at the local community college, or online if there isn’t a school nearby, to get an idea on how effective a class environment will be for you. I need a structured peer group to thrive at anything in life, yet my husband was miserable at a liberal arts college. I have to sign up for a class at the gym to lose weight – I can’t just get up in the morning to jog or do laps at the pool alone, even with a partner I’m not as motivated as when I’m in a group lead by an experienced mentor. The same goes for writing. I have to join writing groups to find inspiration to work on my novel, otherwise I don’t have enough self-discipline to finish it. Yeah, maybe that makes those of us like me kind of lame, but if we know how to fix it we can get motivated greatness (:

Also, look into financial aid, grants, and scholarships if it’s not something you can afford. You’d be surprised at what is available to those from all walks of life.

Excellent advice, Katie!

I graduated with a Creative Writing degree. In some ways, it’s been beneficial for the reasons you mentioned. I feel like I’ve earned the right to call myself a writer. But if you’re boy putting those skills into practice, then what was the point of slaving for four years? On the flip side, I feel like I really didn’t understand the skills and techniques of other writers. Part of it was due to a lack of reading other works. Some of it was I was busy comparing myself to others that I didn’t pay attention to nuances in their work.

Sometimes, I feel like I entered the wrong field because I haven’t done anything with my degree. I haven’t published anything, nor am I working on something grand like a novel. But then I remember why I pursued the major in the first place: I have a passion for writing. The validation is nice and I can claim the fact that I graduated from college. At the heart if it all is the passion to create stories. Recently, after some soul searching, I decided to take up the pen again. But because I’ve been out of practice for so long, I feel like I beef to go back to school and brush up on my craft. Maybe take an online course or two or get involved in a writing group.

Degree or not, I love writing, and my desire is to get better at what I love.

For me, the greatest benefit of going to college and earning a degree in creative writing was that it broadened my worldview, which has little to do with a career or even writing. I gained a better understanding of the world on various levels. Much of the knowledge I gained isn’t practical as far as making money, but I feel like it made me a better person.

I think we in the western world are programmed to think that any kind of learning must translate directly to dollars. This leads someone to ask a question like what’s the use of my degree if I’m not working in the field? . But I think it’s safe to say that most of us who attended college gained something intellectual or emotional that can’t be measured in financial earnings or career development.

It’s never too late to get back into writing! If you’re feeling called to it, I say go for it, and have fun! Good luck to you.

Really interesting to read this post as I started my degree in Creative Writing last year through the Open University. Whilst I’ve always had a writer’s soul, I’ve been away from writing for around a decade (having picked up a camera instead) and felt doing the degree would give me the jump start I needed to get back on the writing path. It’s already doing that and I’m keen to start working for myself in the next year or so, whilst also finishing off my degree.

I have had people say to me, “Why are you doing that, it’s a pointless degree!” But, when I suddenly decided late last year that I wanted to get myself a qualification so I could leave my long-term career as a Paramedic, once and for all, I knew I should only take on a subject that I had a passion for, otherwise what was the point?!

I’m looking forward to getting started with the second stage this coming October and I can’t wait to start writing for a living as well!

Over the years, I’ve heard from a lot of writers whose decision to study creative writing was challenged by the people in their lives. I think a lot people view college as nothing more than a path to some kind of guaranteed high-paying job, such as a position in business, law, the medical field, etc. A career in writing is probably more risky, but it’s just as valid as any other career. Anyway, congratulations on your return to writing. I also think it’s great that you’re a paramedic and have something to fall back on or rely on while you launch your writing career.

I graduated in BSc Nursing in India…I did it because it has good scope but failed to develop interest in the field…I always loved writing and want to pursue my career in writing…I am not sure if it requires a bachelor’s degree in arts or literature or creative writing ! Also i am thinking of moving to Canada for my postgraduation …And this is the time when i can change my field from nursing to writing and finally do what i like doing… my question is ….is it necessary to have a bachelors degree in creative writing for doing master’s in it ?

Hi Prachi. You would need to check the requirements for the Master’s program that you’re applying for.

Thank you for your perspective on the value of obtaining a degree in creative writing. I found your argument balanced and, on the whole I agree with your view, which is (as I understand it “horses for courses”, I.E. what suits one person (a creative writing degree) will not, necessarily suit another individual.

I agree with you that a degree demonstrates commitment (mine is in history and politics, plus a MA in political theory). I don’t feel the need to obtain a degree in creative writing (and I understand the concerns of those who fear that doing so may actually stifle their creativity). I do, however no of several writers (who’s work I enjoy) who do hold degrees in creative writing. However I have another friend who writes extremely well but does not hold a creative writing qualification of any description. So it is, in the final analysis “horses for courses”.

Best – Kevin

Everybody has different learning styles and curves and talents. Writing is one of those fields in which if you’re willing to put in the work, you can do fine.

This is an interesting post, Melissa. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 — Suzanne

Thanks, Suzanne.

You’ve hit the nail on the head when you cite the people who are great in their fields without a degree to prove it. The creative writing degree probably didn’t exist when they were in education. It didn’t when I was at college. One of the important things to do at college is something you like, that you will put the necessary effort in to show that you know how to learn, how to express yourself, and how to get by in life. But if you want to write successfully now, you owe it to your readers to learn about the business, learn how to be a good writer, and a better writer, and to value the continuous process of learning. That doesn’t necessarily mean a degree. And yes, it might well stifle your creativity before you can let it free again.

That’s true. For many of them, such a degree might not have been available. At some point, I believe “English” would have the relevant degree. My degree is technically an English degree “with a concentration in creative writing.” Semantics. I agree with you 100% about putting in the work to learn the craft!

Great Article, Academic writing is so different from creative writing, and that is so different from Copywriting. I am a self-taught copywriter. Most of my learning had to do with learning how to market. My creative writing diploma was a big plus.

Yes, every form of writing is different. Some skills are necessary to all forms, however.

Thank you very much for this reading. I think it was exactly what I needed right now. 😉

You’re welcome, Dave!

Hi Melissa! My son is about to graduate high school and is not college bound, he has an extreme lack of interest in school. He is an extremely talented and creative writer and his passion is to have a career in writing. What would be your advice to a young writer, like him, who doesn’t know where to start or what his next steps should be to start working toward a career in creative writing? Have you had any experience with Masterclass courses? Any other workshops or clubs, etc that would be good for him to check out so he can meet with other like-minded individuals and network and find mentorship?

Hi Darcy! Well, the first thing I would say is that if college is an option, then studying creative writing in college is tremendously valuable. I realize your son isn’t interested in that path, but it would be my first suggestion. If a full college education is not an option (for whatever reason), then perhaps some courses in language arts, English, and creative writing. One can attend college (universities or local community colleges) and focus on certain classes rather than getting a degree, which requires a lot of general education. I don’t have experience with Masterclass yet, but I intend to take some of those courses. They look good to me.

Having said all that, there are other things that your son can do: read as much as possible, write every day, and study the craft — if not through courses then through credible books on the craft. Beyond that, each writer’s needs are very different, so I’m afraid I can’t be more specific. I wish you and your son much luck.

Hi Melissa, my name is Abi I very much enjoy writing and I graduate from high school this May. I’ve looked in to multiple possible career choices and I’ve realized that most of what I want to do is telling stories and I’ve also realized that writing is how I express myself when words fail me, I write. I’ve written some stories some are very short, and some still need finished. I’m struggling because I don’t know what I want to do in college but I know I want to go. I’m thinking about taking a gap year and figure stuff out and possibly travel a small bit and since I’ll hopefully have a decent amount of time, work on writing as well as my stories, do you have any advice for me when it comes to writing?

Hi Abi. Thanks for commenting here about your interest in writing. It’s a good sign that you’re already thinking about your future and planning at such a young age. Your path is yours alone, and nobody can make the decision about taking a gap year or choosing a major except you (although your parents might have significant say in these matters). I can tell you this: I majored in creative writing in college and I have never once regretted it. My only suggestion would be that if you take that route, include some business and marketing courses, even if it means taking an extra semester to graduate. All authors need business and marketing skills–no exceptions, and this was the one thing that was not covered when I was in school. This stuff is not fun or creative, but it’s necessary, and it will free you to do the fun stuff.

I wish you the best of luck with your future. Keep writing!

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How to Write Good Fiction: 4 Foundational Skills and How to Build Them

by J. D. Edwin | 0 comments

Do you want to write a novel but are unsure how to write good fiction? Let's look at the skills you need to do it well. 

Writing good fiction takes time and practice. There's no way around it.

However, if you're looking for some specific and valuable writing skills that you should concentrate on improving, this post is for you.

Here, learn the four foundational writing skills that will make you a better fiction writer, with practical tips to better your writing craft.

This article is an excerpt from J. Danforth's new book The Write Fast System . The book teaches writers how to write a fast first draft—in six weeks. 

Once Upon a Time, I Didn't Know What Was Wrong With My Book

I have personal experience with moving too fast.

A number of years ago (almost ten years now; my how time flies), I finished writing my first novel. I had a vague premise, did no planning, and just dove in and wrote it. I pantsed a 150K word novel, a few pages at a time, over a period of three years. When it was done, I went through the laborious steps of professional editing and self-publishing, and then put it out into the world.

It sold eleven copies to friends and family.

I didn’t do much to promote it and it sank like a stone into the obscurity of the internet. A big part of this was that I didn’t know how to properly market a book back then, but there was another, deeper reason that I didn’t promote this book.

It wasn’t good.

For a first attempt, I suppose it wasn’t terrible. But even back then, reveling in having published a book, I had the nagging doubt in the back of my mind. And at the end of the day, I couldn’t bring myself to ask for support for a book that I didn’t believe was good. How could I ask other people to believe in a book that I didn’t believe in myself?

Back then, I didn’t understand why my book wasn’t good.

To recognize a book lacking in quality was one thing, but to fix it was another. When I tried to pinpoint how to improve it, or even identify what exactly was wrong, I turned up blank. And so, the book never went anywhere.

However, now a decade older and wiser, I know what was wrong.

4 Problems With Books That Aren't Good

My book was plagued by four major problems.

1. Terrible Structure

The book had a terrible structure due to lack of planning. It dragged in some places and covered too much too fast at others. I didn't advance plot in a way that made sense.

I was so occupied with filling a blank page that I never thought about structure. This was a huge problem.

2. Too Many Characters, Not Enough Development

The book had too many characters and not enough development.

While I was truly proud of a few of the characters I created, there were also some who didn’t serve adequate purpose in furthering the story.

Rather than fixing the plot, I dealt with difficult areas by simply sticking another character in it.

3. Too Much Description

Compared to other aspects of writing, I’m good at description. However, I overused it in this book.

I described details down to the minute. Unnecessary details, and I spent far too much time setting up scenes that only got used for a few short moments.

So while my descriptions were written well, they were used poorly and took away from the story rather than enriching it.

4. Needless Dialogue

My characters talked a lot. Correction—my characters talked a lot without saying very much. There were conversations that accomplished nothing or led nowhere.

Do you know what that’s called? It’s called “boring.”

A book with characters who talk in a boring manner is a boring book. Seriously, no one cares what they had for breakfast that day or what was on the radio on their way to work.

Move on with the story already.

How to Write Good Fiction: 4 Foundational Skills

I’m far from the first person to have these aforementioned problems.

In fact, these are some of the most common problems with novels and short stories that “just don’t work.”

When you’re a new writer starting out, figuring out exactly why your book isn’t working can be a confusing and difficult task.

However, when you understand the four foundational skills of writing, you can not only figure out why your story isn’t living up to its potential, but also understand how to change what's holding it back.

The four foundational skills needed to write good fiction are:

1. Strong Structure

I'm sure you’ve heard this word a lot, and this isn’t the post to go into detail about structure. But to put it simply, structure is how the story progresses and how its events are organized. Great fiction has great story structure. Look at any award-winning bestseller or just an all-around good story, and you will see strong structure.

Structure is where you decide what starts the story, what plot points lead the protagonist to make the decisions they do, what occurs that drives the characters, and what ultimately leads up to the climax where everything comes to a head.

To get used to working with structure, it's important to get into the habit of thinking of a book idea in terms of structure, even before starting a first draft.

When a story idea occurs to you, instead of letting it sit as a vague concept (e.g. MC goes on an adventure), try to divide it into the key components that would make up a story—why does MC go on this adventure? What prevents this adventure from going well? What is the goal of the adventure? How does MC change for the better or worse after this adventure? That will help you sketch out the character arc.

Key components in a story's structure also contain the story's main scenes, which should turn on the driving Value for the story's plot type. In most stories, there are fourteen to twenty main scenes in a plot, and at The Write Practice, there are six main plot types that turn on different Values to consider:

Make this part of your writing process and think about what happens in your story step-by-step. Learning to think of an idea in terms of structure will help you get a better look of your whole book right off the bat.

If your story isn’t working from a structural standpoint, ask yourself:

• Is there an important piece of the structure missing?
• Have I looked at the story and felt satisfied that it makes sense as a whole?
• Do the events of the story proceed logically and give adequate reason for the characters doing what they do?

For further reference on structure, visit the following articles:

• Six Elements of Plot
• Three Act Structure

2. Develop Characters and Emotions

Your story, at the end of the day, is about someone.

There aren’t a lot of stories out there that aren’t about a character or a cast of characters. But characters are tricky. You need a cast just big enough that every necessary role in the story is filled, but not so many that you fling characters around like a box of spilled beans, so many that readers can't keep character names straight.

In addition to that, your characters need to be distinguishable from each other, having unique reactions and emotions. If your readers can’t tell your characters apart, then it’s not going to make for a very fun read.

A character often comes to mind as an image and a name. But the fact is, a character, main character or otherwise, is so much more than that.

When you imagine a character, try to think beyond the who and focus more on the why of this person—this delves into character motivation.

Why do they do what they do? What in their life has brought them to this point? They're more than just a “happy person” or a “miserable miser.” What makes this character happy or miserable?

When someone wants to know how your day was, you might say “good” or “bad,” and proceed to follow up what's good or bad about it.

A conversation with your character to get to know them is the same. Ask them real question and listen to their answers to write richer characters.

You might be surprised at just how deep and unique they are.

If your story isn’t working from a character standpoint, ask yourself:

• Is every character in the story absolutely necessary? Can some of them be combined?
• Does every action taken by your character move the story forward? If not, they should probably be doing something else, or that part should simply be skipped.
• Does the way each character reacts to major events reflect who they are as a person? Why do they react this way and are the readers aware of the reason?

For further references on writing characters, visit the following posts:

• Character Development
• Sympathetic Character
• How to Write a Villain

3. Description and Setting

Description provides the visual for your story. Anyone can tell you what something looks like, but using description correctly is actually quite difficult.

It’s important to be aware of what needs to be described and what doesn’t. An object important to the plot may deserve a page of description, but a passerby on the street who isn’t important to the story does not. 

The other part of this is that when you go about describing a setting, every component you mention should have some significance to the story. It's not merely about how much description you need to give something important, but also how much you focus on individual parts of it as well.

This principle, quoted frequently in writing courses, is known as Chekhov's Gun, which states that every element in a story must be necessary.

As Chekhov says:

“Remove everything that has no relevance to the story. If you say in the first chapter that there is a rifle hanging on the wall, in the second or third chapter it absolutely must go off. If it's not going to be fired, it shouldn't be hanging there.”

If your story isn’t working from a description standpoint, ask yourself:

• Have I adequately described all the important objects and settings in the story? Can my readers visualize these things easily?
• Have I overdescribed things that don’t need to be described?
• Are my descriptions interesting? Have I used too many old cliches?

For further reference on description, visit the following articles:

• Immerse Your Reader in the Setting
• World Building Tip
• The Key to Writing Descriptions

4. Dialogue

There is nothing more active in a story than talking. Dialogue and interaction between characters brings the reader into the situation and gets them involved. But boring, unnecessary dialogue pulls them out just as quickly.

No one wants to read two characters talking about nothing. Dialogue showcases your characters’ personality as well, and bad dialogue means bad characters, no matter how pretty their “golden hair” and “emerald eyes” are.

A useful habit to get into when writing scenes with dialogue is to set a goal for the scene. Where do your characters start talking and where do you want them to end up? How can you pair action with dialogue?

Is the goal of the conversation to discuss a problem and reach a solution? Maybe the goal is to show how much two characters love each other? Is it for the readers to understand a particular aspect of their personality and situation?

Once you understand where you want your characters to end up after the conversation is over, you'll have a much better idea of what needs (and doesn't need) to be said.

If your story isn’t working from a dialogue standpoint, ask yourself:

• Do my characters talk too much? Does every word they say either move the plot forward or show something about the character?
• Do my characters use too many words to get to their point? Sometimes the few words they say, the more impactful their language.
• Do the things my characters say reflect their personality? Is it accurate to their back story and motivation? Consistency is key.

For further reference on description, visit the following posts:

• Writing Brilliant Dialogue
• Dialogue Tags
• A Critical Don't for Writing Dialogue

4 Ways to Strengthen Your Foundational Fiction Writing Skills

Now that we’ve identified the skills necessary to make a story work, how does one actually go about getting better at these skills? It may seem overwhelming at first, but in reality, it doesn’t take more than a consistent investment of time.

When I set out to improve my writing skills a few years ago, it felt like a terribly daunting task. Get better at writing? How on Earth do I accomplish that?

In the end, it didn’t end up taking very much time at all. In fact, within three years of starting to work on my writing skills, I had written another book. A better book. A book with a tight structure, well-rounded characters, far improved dialogue, and just the right amount of descriptions.

A book I can be proud of and stand behind, and actually have enough confidence in to promote. It's called Headspace (and it's available now !).

Not only does building foundational skills improve your writing, it helps with revising and self-editing as well. So how do you strengthen your skills?

1. Read books on writing

There are a lot of books about writing. But I am specifically referring, in this case, to books that focus on these four skill areas.

Look for books written by established fiction authors. These are the people who speak from experience and give practical, usable advice.

Some people don't believe writing can be taught. To those people, I ask:

Would you fix a car without first consulting a manual or taking a class?

Or put together a shelf without instructions?

Would you practice law without learning about the laws first?

Books on writing skills offer you the building blocks you need to create your story, and like building a house, you can’t put up the frame without a solid foundation.

For more on how to read productively as a writer, check out this post on what you should read .

2. Read fiction analytically

We all love to read. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be writers. However, reading to learn and reading for pleasure are two entirely different focuses.

Most of the time, we read fiction to get lost in the story, to become completely immersed and forget that what we’re doing is looking at words on paper. Many of us like to relax with Harry Potter or chew our nails while reading Stephen King .

But to read analytically, we must fight that impulse. It's hard work, but well worth it.

Rather than getting lost, we need to be aware throughout the story and look at it from an objective point of view.

As you read to analyze and learn, try a few different strategies.

6 Ways to Read Analytically (and Learn to Write Better)

• Make note of things you like about the book and try to determine why you like them and how you can replicate the same effect in your own book.
• Make note of things you didn’t like, determine why you didn’t like them, and decide how you can avoid these things in your book.
• Observe the order of events and how they lead up to the whole.
• Take note of descriptions that are vivid and effective. It may even be useful to copy these into a list somewhere for future reference.
• Dissect the book and see how it fulfills each part of the storytelling structure.

3. Write short stories

Short stories are incredibly important. A lot of writers who are used to writing long pieces have a hard time with short stories. Trust me, I used to be one of these people.

But short stories have enormous benefits. Here are three reasons they're fantastic practice for writers:

• They contain all the elements of structure and allow you to see them all at once in the space of only a few pages.
• They are a smaller commitment and less daunting to finish..
• Every word counts in short stories, which is incredibly helpful when you want to practice keeping your writing tight.

Try to make writing short stories a part of your writing life. If nothing else, sharing your short stories is a great (free!) offer to get readers interested in subscribing to your email list.

When you’re not sure what to write, write a short story, or even flash fiction, which is a very short story, as short as just a few words.

Short stories keep the gears turning and your skills fresh. The more short stories you write, the better your skills will be for writing books.

4. Write books

Books. Plural.

The reason I say this is because many writers have this dream of writing a book. There is a tendency to view this book in your head as the end all, be all.

But the reality, unfortunately, is that your first book is not likely to be good, and that’s not your fault.

How many people do you know who do a task perfectly their first time?

The thing is, when you write a subpar book, it’s easy to get discouraged. It can feel like you took a major shot at your dream and it just didn’t pan out. This isn’t true.

The first book is only that—the first book.

Don’t think of it as your one shot, but only your first step. Your first book didn’t turn out well? Shelve it and write another one. Maybe the same one from a different angle, maybe a new one just for fun.

The more books you write, the better you’ll get at writing them. Not only that, you will find that the second book is easier to write, because I promise you, you will have learned a lot from that first book on your shelf.

How to Write Good Fiction: Return to the Basics

Writers who spend time strengthening their foundational skills, especially the four foundational skills mentioned in this post, have unlimited potential.

Often, writers underestimate the need to practice the basics. And because of this, they find themselves stuck in the same weaker areas of their books, wondering how to write good fiction.

Fiction writing doesn't need to be complicated, even if writing itself is a life-long craft.

When you focus on your fiction basics including structure, characters and emotions, description and setting, and dialogue, your stories will only get better.

Never underestimate the value of practicing these foundational fiction writing skills. Over time, you'll see a great difference in your work, and likely, the readers reviewing your stories.

What writing skills do you think teach how to write good fiction? Let us know in the comments .

As you continue to work on the book idea that you're drafting alongside this series, look at the most recent scene you wrote.

Now, go back and review the four foundational fiction writing skills in this post. Which of these skillsets needs the most work?

For fifteen minutes , pull out a specific area in your story's scene and use the practical writing tips in this post to revise it.

When you're done, read it out loud. How does it sound? Better than the original? I hope so!

Don't forget to share your work in the Pro Practice Workshop  for feedback, and be sure to leave feedback for three other writers, too!

J. D. Edwin

J. D. Edwin is a daydreamer and writer of fiction both long and short, usually in soft sci-fi or urban fantasy. Sign up for her newsletter for free articles on the writer life and updates on her novel, find her on Facebook and Twitter ( @JDEdwinAuthor ), or read one of her many short stories on Short Fiction Break literary magazine .

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Education Requirements for Creative Writers

Getting started as a creative writer.

• What is a Creative Writer
• How to Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Creative Writer Resume Examples
• Creative Writer Cover Letter Examples

Start Your Creative Writer Career with Teal

Join our community of 150,000+ members and get tailored career guidance from us at every step

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Creative Writer?

Educational backgrounds of creative writers, a snapshot of today's creative writers' educational background, evolving trends and the shift in educational preferences, education for aspiring creative writers: what matters.

• Developing a Unique Voice: Through consistent practice, feedback, and self-reflection.
• Understanding of Literary Techniques: Gained through formal education or self-study of literature and writing craft.
• Exposure to Diverse Perspectives: Encouraged by reading widely and engaging with different cultures and ideas.

Building a Path Forward: Education and Beyond

• Writing Regularly: To refine skills and experiment with different styles and genres.
• Community Engagement: Participating in writing groups, workshops, and literary events to gain feedback and support.
• Professional Development: Attending conferences, pursuing writing residencies, and seeking mentorship from established writers.

The Bottom Line: Diverse Backgrounds, Unified by Passion

Most common degrees for creative writers, english literature or language, creative writing, communications, popular majors for creative writers, english literature, popular minors for creative writers, digital media, why pursue a degree for a creative writer career, networking and professional development in creative writing, facilitating career transition and advancement, what can you do with a degree in creative writing, degree alternatives for a creative writer, writing workshops and retreats, online writing courses and platforms, professional writing organizations, self-publishing and blogging, reading and literary analysis, navigating a creative writer career without a degree, build a diverse writing portfolio, engage in continuous writing practice, network with other writers and industry professionals, utilize online platforms and social media, learn from established writers, self-publish your work, seek freelance writing opportunities, stay informed about the writing industry, embrace feedback and rejection, education faqs for creative writer, do you need to go to college to become a creative writer, is it worth it to get a degree for a creative writer role, how important is continuous learning for a creative writer.

Creative Writer Certifications

More Education for Related Roles

Crafting compelling narratives, engaging audiences with powerful words and ideas

Crafting compelling narratives to drive brand engagement and consumer action

Shaping narratives, refining content to captivate audiences and uphold brand voice

Bringing sports stories to life, capturing the thrill and passion of the game

Translating complex tech jargon into clear, user-friendly content, bridging knowledge gaps

Author/Writer Education Requirements

The educational requirements for an author/writer vary, with some holding no degree, while others having a high school diploma, associate, bachelor's, master's, or even a doctorate degree. Majors often include English, business, communication, psychology, and journalism. According to Dr. Wilma Davidson , Instructor at the University of South Florida, "All businesses need good writers. You can work remotely as a freelancer or an employee without concern about where your employer is located." She further adds, "If you'd like to be a technical writer, there is an advantage to being close to the engineers you may be working with as you write their manuals, but that can be handled-and already is-being handled remotely."

What education do you need to become an author/writer?

What degree do you need to be an author/writer.

The most common degree for author/writers is bachelor's degree, with 59% of author/writers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 17% and master's degree degree at 12%.

• Bachelor's , 59%
• Master's , 17%
• Associate , 12%
• High School Diploma , 5%
• Other Degrees , 7%

What should I major in to become an author/writer?

According to Emily Griesinger, Ph.D. , Professor of English at Azusa Pacific University, "don't give up" if you're an aspiring author or writer. She suggests that those with English majors, in particular, can excel in this field due to their critical thinking and persuasive writing skills. Therefore, a bachelor's degree in English stands out as one of the best majors for an author/writer.

• English , 15%
• Business , 14%
• Communication , 11%
• Psychology , 8%
• Other Majors , 52%

Most common colleges for author/writers

Author/writers often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, Temple University, and University of Central Florida. Here are the most common colleges for author/writers in the US based on their resumes.

Best majors for author/writers

Best colleges for author/writers.

The top colleges for author/writers, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, are chosen based on admissions rate, retention rate, and graduates' earnings. These institutions offer Bachelor's and Master's degrees, which are crucial for author/writers seeking higher salaries and better job opportunities.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-State Tuition

2. Harvard University

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

5. University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • Private

6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

7. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA • Private

8. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

9. Emory University

Atlanta, GA • Private

10. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

20 best online courses for author/writers

1. Fiction for Young Writers (Writing Mastery)

A fun, interactive workshop to help young writers unlock their creativity, improve their craft, and write better stories...

2. Bestseller Book Marketing: Amazon Kindle KDP Self-Publishing

2023 Amazon book marketing & Kindle KDP self-publishing! Paperback books & Kindle (KDP) ebooks. Amazon Kindle KDP sales!...

3. Become a Freelance Content Writer - Get Paid to Write Online

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a freelance writer - Work from home!...

4. Reverse Engineer Riveting Fiction & Write Best Selling Books

You will be writing page turning fiction that your readers will love when you plot, outline and write the right way...

5. Write & Publish Your First Nonfiction Book on the Side

Learn how to write a bestselling kindle book while working a full time job (even if you don't have lot of time)...

6. Helping Writers to Write and Keep Writing

This limiting factor with most writers is their mind. This course will help get your state of mind into Success Mode...

7. Conquering Writer's Block (Writing Mastery)

Proven strategies and tools to overcome writer's block, renew your motivation, and write novels with confidence...

8. Write A Book - Share Your Story

Write, Self Publish and Market your Non-Fiction Book, Launch on Amazon and Learn How to Become a Best Seller on Kindle...

9. COMPLETE Creative Writing - All Genres - THE FULL COURSE!

Learn to write engaging Fiction, Poetry, Drama, & Creative Non-Fiction and become the successful writer you want to be...

10. How To Become a Bestselling Author on Amazon Kindle

Learn how to make money writing with this complete guide to writing, formatting, publishing and marketing Kindle ebooks...

11. How to Write a Nonfiction Book That Actually Sells

The Step-by-Step System for Writing Non-fiction Books in 30 Days from #1 Bestselling Author Tom Corson-Knowles...

12. Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Turn your idea into a published novel or screenplay in one of today's hottest genres...

13. The Foundations of Fiction (Writing Mastery)

Become a creative writing master and write killer novels, memoirs, or short stories...

14. Publish Your Novel: Self-Publishing & Marketing Masterclass

The Complete, Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing Your Book and Launching Your Author Career...

15. 3-Step Writing System: Blogging & Writing Secrets

Blogging & writing tips for beginners to pros. Become an expert blogger/freelance writer. Ultimate blog writing course!...

16. Writing Fiction That Sings: Write Novels With Great Voice

Writing novels, blogs, or nonfiction books? Learn editing techniques in this writing course and up your writing skills...

17. Writing Revenue: Write Well, Get Published, & Earn Money

A practical guide to become a successful writer, get published in big publications, and generate a healthy income...

18. Amazon Self-Publishing - Create Kindle Books Fast

Advanced Techniques to Create Books Fast and Build your Publishing Empire...

19. Writing Tools & Hacks: Copywriting/Blogging/Content Writing

The best FREE writing tools & apps + Hacks to take your copywriting, blogging, & content writing to the next level...

20. Kindle Launch Plan: Publish and Market an Amazon Bestseller

Learn the proven process of how to take your non-fiction book from idea to the top of the Amazon charts...

Top 10 most affordable universities for author/writers

The most affordable schools for author/writers are Baruch College of the City University of New York, university of florida, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for author/writers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for author/writers.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

Cost of Attendance

2. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

4. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

5. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

6. USF St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, FL • Private

7. California State University - Los Angeles

8. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

9. Lehman College of the City University of New York

Bronx, NY • Private

10. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for author/writers

The hardest universities for author/writers to get into are Northwestern University, Harvard University, and Northeastern University.

Some great schools for author/writers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for author/writers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Admissions Rate

SAT Average

3. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

4. Boston University

5. University of Tulsa

Tulsa, OK • Private

6. Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX • Private

7. Columbia University in the City of New York

8. massachusetts institute of technology.

9. New York University

10. emory university, top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for author/writers.

The easiest schools for author/writers to get into are University of the Incarnate Word, notre dame de namur university, and rochester university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an author/writer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for author/writers.

1. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

2. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

3. Rochester University

Rochester Hills, MI • Private

4. Grand View University

Des Moines, IA • Private

5. Centenary University

Hackettstown, NJ • Private

6. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

7. Nyack College

8. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

9. Curry College

Milton, MA • Private

10. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Average author/writer salary by education level

According to our data, author/writers with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $68,722 annually. Author/writers with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $64,827.

Author/Writer Education FAQs

What is the best college for author/writers, search for author/writer jobs.

Updated April 5, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Home / Book Editing / How to Become a Book Editor in 2024: A Complete Guide

How to Become a Book Editor in 2024: A Complete Guide

I believe that behind every fantastic author is a great editor . There’s a reason you often see thanks or dedications to editors in the front matter . Editing a book is hard work. It may not take as long as it took to write it, but book editors work very hard to help novels reach their potential. To become a book editor, you need a bachelor’s degree, a firm grasp of the written word, and the willingness to seek relevant job opportunities. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details about what it takes to become a successful book editor.

Interested in learning more about being a book editor and how to edit? Check out this page with a comprehensive guide and a TON more resources!

• Duties & responsibilities of a book editor
• How much a book editor makes
• What makes a great editor
• The 4 types of editors
• The qualifications needed to become a book editor
• How to get started as a traditional editor
• How to develop your online presence
• How to network as an editor and build the connections you'll need to succeed

Table of contents

• What is a Book Editor?

Duties & Responsibilities of a Book Editor

• Typical Book Editor Salary
• Education and Qualifications for Book Editor
• Self-Control
• Communication Skills
• Writing Skills
• 1. Developmental Editors
• 2. Line Editors
• 3. Copy Editors
• 4. Proofreaders
• Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
• Step 2: Refine Your Writing Skills
• Step 3: Learn the Newest Publishing and Editing Software
• Step 4: Seek Out Internships
• Step 5: Sign Up For Seminars
• Step 6: Build Up Your Resume
• Step 1: Establish an Online Presence
• Step 2: Network and Build Relationships
• Step 3: Strengthen Your Editing Skills
• Step 4: Set Reasonable Rates and Clear Service Offerings
• Step 5: Use Binding Contracts
• Develop Your Online Presence as an Editor
• Online Networking
• Face-to-Face Networking

Links in this article may give me a small commission if you use them to purchase certain services. There’s NO extra cost to you, and it helps me continue to write free articles like this one.

A book editor is someone who edits the words, punctuation, overall story, and/or formatting in a manuscript. They need to be good at fact-checking and paying attention to details. Freelance editors take on work they can find online, via networking, or through relationships with book publishing houses. Traditional editors hold a formal role in a traditional publishing house and even have a say in which books get published . Depending on the type of book editor, he or she might work alongside the author from the very beginning, making big picture suggestions to improve the book. Or they may be the final set of eyes to look at a book before it is published. It’s no wonder that many bestsellers list their editors on the dedication page or the Thank You page. A good editor takes a good concept and helps the author turn it into a good book . A book editor costs different amounts for every project. Below, you can see how much each type of editor may cost for a novel-length manuscript.

• Developmental editors cost $1,000 and $8,000, depending on manuscript length and the individual editor’s experience level.
• Line editors cost between $600 and $2,000.
• Copy editors cost between $300 and $1,200.
• Proofreaders cost between $200 and $1,000.

How do I start a career in book editing? To start a book editing career, you need to determine which type of editor you want to be (developmental editor, line editor, copy editor, or proofreader). Then, you need to hone your writing skills and editing abilities. Finally, look for internships, freelance work, and other ways to boost your portfolio.

The typical book editor’s responsibilities generally require that they:

• Acquire manuscripts to edit
• Keep up with deadlines
• Tweak content so that it is error-free and easy to read for the intended audience
• Verify facts used in the book
• Work alongside the author to develop the story, prose, dialogue, writing style, voice, etc.
• Check final formatting looks clean and professional (if you’re a proofreader)
• Sustain good working relationships with authors, editorial assistants, marketing personnel , graphic designers, etc.
• Maintain an editor website and online presence (especially if you’re a freelancer)
• Sign up for seminars to keep up to date with the latest trends and linguistic standards

How much does a book editor make? A book editor can make a living wage of $30,000-$60,000, even when starting out. The 2019 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median salary of newspaper, periodical, and book editors as $57,030/year. (2019 statistics were the newest available in March 2021.) It also includes these statistics for the more general career field Editor (which includes editors and associate editors for online purposes, not just books):

• Top 10% annual salary: $122,280
• Bottom 10% annual salary: $32,620

It’s worth noting that many editing jobs are based in New York City, the publishing hub of the Western Hemisphere. Since the cost of living is pretty high there, I’d bet if you got an editor job anywhere else in the US, it would pay less than the median salary, especially if you’re just starting out.

What qualifications do you need to be a book editor? To become a book editor, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study (English, Journalism, etc.) and a firm grasp of the English language. Prior experience in publishing, relevant internships, and a robust portfolio also boost your qualifications. You can become an editor even if you have no experience, by:

• Getting a relevant bachelor’s degree
• Honing your writing skills
• Landing an internship or entry-level position
• Establishing industry relationships
• Building your resume

What Makes a Great Book Editor?

What makes a great book editor are years of experience in the writing and publishing worlds, willingness to set aside their ego, and good communication skills (honesty, directness, etc.). Just because you did well in your high school English class doesn't mean you'd make a good editor. There are a lot of good writers out there who would make horrible editors. (The same can be said for editors who want to write.) Writing and editing are distinct disciplines. Both can be learned through practice and determination. Here are a few common traits of good editors to help you decide if this is work you want to pursue.

A good editor is committed to making an author’s book better, not twisting the voice into the editor’s own words. This requires a unique mixture of self-control and empathy. It takes a great deal of self-control to read another person’s work and critique it without interjecting yourself into it. Good editors have the singular ability to correct or modify writing while protecting the author's voice. It's much more complex than it seems, trust me. There are plenty of horror stories about bad editors: people who completely strip an author’s work of its distinct style and insert their own as a replacement. These are not actual editors but instead frustrated writers who take their lack of success out on somebody else.

A good editor works hard to understand each author's individual goals and offers comprehensive suggestions in the context of these goals.

Editors aren't in it for an ego boost. A good editor is humble while giving feedback but also when reading responses from the author. It's difficult to give feedback with humility — but the best editors find a way to do it. In my opinion, the secret is recognizing that editing and writing are two completely different jobs. The writer's job is to get their ideas onto paper as best they can. The editor's job is to help the author communicate those ideas more clearly. The creation of engaging prose is a team effort, not a competition.

Good editors aren't afraid to give honest feedback, but they do so respectfully. This takes good communication skills, such as candor, honesty, tact, respect, compromise, and maturity. An editor should help a book reach its full potential. For this reason, editors need to be able to give honest, direct feedback. That said, some authors (especially new authors) aren't thrilled about honest, direct feedback. Editors need to be prepared for that. A good editor knows how to compromise, when to back down to avoid conflict, how to respect the author without hurting his/her feelings, and when to tactfully push for a necessary change. Writers and editors might butt heads during the editing process because a book is a product of passionate love and so much hard work. But a little friction can be healthy in creative work. A good editor should be able to communicate to avoid as much friction as possible and when to ultimately back down. If you’re going to be an editor, make sure every suggestion is contextualized within the big picture: making this the best book it can be.

Editors should be masters of the written language. A good editor doesn’t have to be a great book writer, but they do have to be a great writer in other ways. Editors are obsessed with grammar and syntax. You need to be a sucker for spelling and punctuation and have hawk eyes for passive voice and repetitive word usage. Your emails and social media posts should look immaculate. These crucial members of a writer’s team are the last line of defense between the author and the reader. Attention to detail is a must. If mistakes slip past the editor, they're exposed to the world, undermining an entire book’s credibility and success. Fingers crossed there aren’t any typos in this article!

The 4 Types of Book Editors

If you're thinking about becoming an editor, it is critical to know which type of editor you’re trying to be. You may want to focus on just one field of editing. Or you may choose to offer services at multiple stages of the editing process. The 4 most common types of editors are:

• Developmental editors
• Line editors
• Copy editors
• Proofreaders

I’ve listed them in the chronological order that an author would hire them. Let’s talk about what each different type of editor actually does.

Developmental editors look for plot holes, dropped characters, logical inconsistencies, and ways to improve an author’s overall manuscript. They identify structural deficiencies, weak arguments, and unsupported claims in nonfiction books as well. Developmental editors are the most expensive type of editor. Depending on the book’s length, these editors can make many thousands of dollars on a single manuscript. According to some sources, true developmental editing begins before an author starts to write a manuscript. The editor works alongside the author during the entire writing process, pointing out potential improvements every step of the way. In truth, most fiction authors just hire a developmental editor after the manuscript is complete.

Often, developmental editors perform some of the work of line editors. Combined, this is called “substantive editing.”

Contrary to the name, line editors do not look at your book line-by-line. Instead, they take a more overall approach to editing your book. This is the least common type of editor because line editing is so similar to copy editing, just more big picture. If an author is looking for big picture editing, he/she will probably just hire a development editor. Note: In the UK, line editors are synonymous with proofreaders. In the US, they are an incremental step between developmental editors and copy editors.

Copy editors focus on a manuscript’s style and tone. They correct errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, dialogue formatting , and punctuation use. They ensure the book is clear and consistent and that it smoothly transitions from sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph, chapter to chapter. A copy editor is probably who most people envision when they think of book editors.

Proofreaders are the last step of the editing process. They make sure a book has proper grammar, no misspellings, and correct sentence structure. Many of these editors also proofread finalized formatting. They let an author or publisher know if a book is ready to go to printing and publishing. Proofreaders often cost the least of any editor. However, the time they spend on each manuscript is less than any other editor, so it’s definitely fair. Ideally, authors would use proofreading software such as Grammarly or ProWritingAid to catch more typical grammatical and spelling errors before hiring a human proofreader. An author’s job is to do their best to hand their editors as complete and high-quality a book as possible. That said, software should not replace a human being for book proofreading.

How to Get Started as a Traditional Book Editor

Freelance editing might sound like the easier option. However, getting an internship at a traditional publishing house is not difficult for college students and burgeoning editors. The relationships you build during that internship can easily lead to a traditional book editor position — it’s all about who you know. Alternatively, look up book editor jobs in your area. Even if you’re not going to apply right away, it’s helpful to learn what various publishing companies expect in terms of portfolios, years of experience, references, etc. And remember, there are more editing positions available than just book editing. Would you be happier editing short-form content or website copy? Agencies and small businesses are constantly on the lookout for web copy editors for these positions. Below, we’ll talk about basic guidelines for getting started as a staff editor at a publishing house. We'll discuss freelance editing further down. Here are 6 steps you can take on your journey to becoming a book editor:

• Get a bachelor’s degree
• Refine your writing skills
• Learn the newest publishing and editing software
• Seek out internships
• Sign up for seminars
• Build up your resume

Step 1 : Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Most editors have a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. Most English or Communications degrees will do just fine, including journalism, publishing, and creative writing. A master’s degree should give you a further edge over the steep competition. A Business or Marketing degree may also qualify you to become an editor, but you'll need to practice and display good writing. This education provides potential editors with the fundamental skills needed to be professional editors. It proves to future employers or freelance clients that you know what you’re talking about and able to follow through with long and challenging commitments. A degree is basically necessary, but it’s not a golden ticket to getting a job. Becoming an editor is a competitive industry, even if you’re freelancing and don’t need to apply for a job at a prestigious publisher.

Step 2 : Refine Your Writing Skills

Every editor needs to constantly refine their writing skills, especially when starting out. You need to be able to write to be a good editor. That doesn't mean you should have a fantasy author's imagination, but you should be able to write creatively and correctly. This will affect your ability to correct copy when needed. One way to refine your writing skills is to start a blog. Many editors also write books themselves, a surefire way to practice good writing.

Format Beautiful Professional Books

Easy to use, and and full of amazing features, you can quickly turn your book into a professional book.

Step 3 : Learn the Newest Publishing and Editing Software

Any editor should know how to use the newest publishing and editing software. This way, you can choose the best option for you and your clients. Learning the most popular software can be daunting, but these are the tools of your trade. It’s a valuable investment into your career path. Many online courses can help guide you through the basics. Udemy has a great selection of courses on publishing and editing tools to get you started.

Step 4 : Seek Out Internships

Serious about becoming a book editor? Seek out internships at publishing houses. You'll get an up-close and personal look into the life of an editor. It's one of the best ways to learn the tricks of the trade and form valuable relationships. The experience and relationships you earn from internships may lead to a full-time staff editing position.

Step 5 : Sign Up For Seminars

An editor should sign up for seminars or lectures on book editing from time to time. These are ordinarily one-day workshops that help refresh an editor’s knowledge and skill on top of teaching them the newest publishing industry standards.

Step 6 : Build Up Your Resume

Get out into the real world and find experience. Hopefully, you landed an internship, which looks great on a resume. Now keep building up that all-important resume. Hone your skills with small jobs. If you didn’t find a full-time position right out of college, then you may benefit from starting with a little bit of freelance work. Upwork and Fiverr are great places to find editing work. However, expect the rates to be horrendously low. Many people on these sites will take the editor with the cheapest rate, even though the final product will make it obvious how much they spent on editing. But offering your services at a lower rate for a (very short) time can help build up your resume. Important Note : Offering a lower rate than your worth can be an effective temporary strategy to hone your skills and build your resume. However, I am not advocating for underselling yourself. Don’t compromise your value just to find work. An editor’s skills are worth a lot. Your skills are worth a lot.

How to Get Started as a Freelance Book Editor

If you want to get started as a freelance editor for full-length books, you should:

• Establish an online presence
• Sharpen your knack for networking
• Strengthen your linguistic skills to prove you’re a good editor
• Set reasonable rates for your work
• Use binding contracts with your clients

These skills are on top of the majority of steps required to become a traditional book editor. Many professional book editors start from traditional publishing houses and migrate towards freelance work. Pro tip: Freelance editors often work with writers who are self-publishing. Unfortunately, self-publishers seldom understand the true value of a professional editor. Don’t reduce your rates below what you’re worth just to work with ungrateful writers. Let them hire the unqualified editor offering a $100 flat rate, and they’ll get what they paid for. You could instead start out as a freelance editor without any traditional publisher experience. But you better be able to edit before you take on work. The best way to start your freelance editing career? Get to work.

Step 1 : Establish an Online Presence

Put yourself out there on social media, LinkedIn, Fiverr, and Upwork. You may also search job sites like Indeed.com for freelance work. Drum up interest and pour all your effort into these editing jobs, even if they’re smaller-scale. That's okay. You need to build your portfolio and credentials by finding as many legit jobs as possible.

Step 2 : Network and Build Relationships

Whereas traditional editors often begin networking as college students and interns, a freelance editor without an existing network must build relationships independently. And it’s a crucial step to establishing a freelance editing business. You can join an editing association — such as ACES ( The Society for Editing ) or EFA ( Editorial Freelancers Association ) — and certify your expertise. Relationships with these types of groups show your potential clients that you are serious about your work. I discuss more ideas a little later below (that aren’t just for freelancers), such as using social media to network professionally.

Step 3 : Strengthen Your Editing Skills

“Freelance” does not mean “poor quality.” As a freelance editor, you’ll need to be on top of your grammar, spelling, and linguistics. Invest in courses through Udemy , Masterclass , or even on YouTube . A bachelor’s degree in English or a related field helps build your credibility, but it is not necessary for freelance work. If you don’t have a degree related to editing, you better make darn sure your grasp of the written word is faultless.

Step 4 : Set Reasonable Rates and Clear Service Offerings

Finding clients is a big part of getting started in freelance editing, but it's not the only concern. You also want to decide what services you'll provide and your rate for each of those services. Check out our list of book editors to better understand what services established editors are offering and what their pricing is. Important Note : I said it for getting started as a traditional editor, and I’ll say it here. Offering a lower rate can be an effective temporary strategy to hone your skills and build your resume. But I do not advocate for underselling yourself. A freelance editor’s skills are worth a lot. Your skills are worth a lot.

Step 5 : Use Binding Contracts

As with any freelance work, I encourage you to put everything in black and white — legally binding contracts. You and your clients need to understand one another, which is the best way to establish trust and accountability. Have your contracts drafted and reviewed by legal professionals like the team over at LegalZoom .

In today's Digital Era, the Internet is the most essential tool you have as a burgeoning editor. Whether you're freelancing or trying to land a traditional editor position, you need to develop your online presence as an editor to get ahead. Establish your own editor website, which will be the primary advertisement of your editing services. On this website, clearly list what services you offer, your rates, and a call to action to “Get A Quote.” Include a professional headshot and your credentials, such as any degrees you hold or certifications you earned. Websites are relatively cheap and easy to set up. Make sure it looks clean and professional, or potential clients will scoff and look elsewhere. Using your editor website, demonstrate your expertise. Provide sample work from your portfolio. You could even write blog posts about topics related to book editing, such as:

• Writing how-to's
• Editing tips
• Publishing tricks
• Software reviews
• Company comparisons
• Personal stories from the editing world

Your editor website won’t be a major hit overnight. But now, when you meet people at a conference or networking event, you can send them to your professional-looking website for more info.

Another way to develop your online presence is through social media. Consistent content and the right hashtags can help you get discovered by the authors you want to work with.

This includes Instagram , Twitter, LinkedIn (especially for editors seeking formal editing jobs), Facebook , and even Reddit — depending on your preferred clientele.

How to Network as an Editor

Networking is a huge part of succeeding as a book editor, especially when you're starting out. There are several methods to networking effectively, both online and face-to-face. Let these tips help you rise above the noise and start getting the attention you deserve.

When it comes to online networking as an editor, social media is your best friend. Join groups or follow accounts dedicated to writers, authors, and book editing. You may be able to offer your services when the opportunity arises. (Mind you, some groups are very against personal advertisement. Be sure to check each group’s rules and guidelines.) Platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook are great places to start creating your editing network. Also, you can get active on publishing or editing forums such as those found on Reddit . You need an editor website. This is critical to online networking, as well as face-to-face networking. A clean, clear, professional editor website tells people you mean business. A good website gives potential clients a taste of your work and entices them with a call to action. You could even publish blog posts on your website to drum up interest and name recognition with paid or organic search traffic.

Although we live in a digital world, don't overlook the importance of networking in person. Face-to-face networking still works, and it works great. When a potential client or employer networks with you in real life, there is a connection you can’t make over the Internet. Attend conventions, book fairs, and conferences . This opens up a whole new world of job opportunities. You will meet writers, publishers, and other editors. And many conferences are free or very inexpensive. In-person events are also an excellent opportunity to show off some sweet new business cards. For more info on creating a killer business card, check out this article . You need to have an editor website. I know. I sound like a broken record. But being able to give potential employers and clients whom you meet a business card that directs them to a professional-looking website is invaluable.

What kind of book editor do you want to be?

There are 4 types of editors, not to mention freelancing versus traditional editing jobs. No matter what kind of book editor you want to be, this article should help you reach your goals. Becoming a book editor is no simple task. But it gets easier as you start to build your resume and impress clients who refer you to their friends and colleagues. It’s about getting good, then networking, then completing every job on time and with excellence.

If you're up to the task, a freelance book editing career can make for an enriching life. Usually, this type of work comes with a much greater degree of flexibility than other jobs. The pay can be surprisingly good as you grow your clientele.

Interested in diving deeper into becoming an editor? There's a well-reviewed, one-hour course on Udemy called “How to Become a Freelance Editor: Make Money Copy Editing.” It's typically $79.99, but Udemy is known for regularly running sales. If you're looking for a next step, I encourage you to check out Udemy . Check out this helpful book editing course, especially if you’re just getting started: Book Editing Blueprint .

Final Thought: Much love and respect to all the hardworking editors out there. The right books at the right time can change the world, and editors are in the business of making books better. That's important work, and I'm grateful for the people with the skill and dedication to do it.

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

• Duties & Responsibilities of a Book Editor

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9 thoughts on “ How to Become a Book Editor in 2024: A Complete Guide ”

Thank your for the information! 🙂

Glad to have helped.

Okay, in the interest of full disclosure, I am frequently referred to as the grammar nazi by friends and family (always in the most loving way possible, of course, and generally at the same time that they are asking me to review something they’ve written). I actually have a visceral response to incorrect grammar and typos. Just thinking of the cultural debacle that is the misuse of “me, myself, and I” is enough to make me shudder. I enjoy a spirited discussion of the use of the oxford comma, and when I realized that my copy of Strunk & White had disappeared during a recent move, I was compelled to immediately replace it, just because I enjoy re-reading it occasionally.

It is this strong committment to proper grammar (I prefer to avoid the use of the word “obsession” whenever possible) combined with my heavy reading habit that led me to your article. While I enjoy reading ebooks on my kindle, I needed to employ a sort of desensitization process in order to allow me to do so, as typos and grammatical errors seem to be widespread across the format. However, after encountering error after error in a recent ebook by a popular, prolific, and well-reviewed author, I could not stop thinking “oh my god, do none of these authors have a grammar obsessed sister to do a final proofread?” and “how could a professional, paid proofreader miss all of these? I could do a much better job.” Through the miracle of Google, a minute later, I was reading your article and considering a career as an editor.

I wanted to comment to thank you for your detailed and informative description of the types of editors and the possible paths to pursue a career in this field. It gave me a lot to think about. However, I must also admit that my comment was at least partially motivated by your mention of grammar obsession (okay, yes, it applies to me) and a concern regarding possible typos in the same section and my discovery of a typo later in the article. Usually, I have no way to bring a typo to the author’s attention when I find it, but this time, the comment button was right there, and I couldn’t resist. It’s in the first paragraph of the “Do You Have What It Takes…” section. It reads “it does get easier as you starting building your resume” instead of “as you start building.” My apologies, but I just couldn’t help myself.

I truly appreciate all the amazing info you discussed in this post. I got a few ideas on how to take my dream of becoming a book editor to the next level with practical action. Looking forward to checking out the info/links you provided.

Awesome and you’ve got this!

Loved your content. To be a good editor is a tough task however your article just made it look so easy. It is the perfect guide for me. Please keep writing more blogs like these.

Thank you and I will.

Your self-publishing experience will help me a lot in self- publishing my book. After reading your journey have given me more clarity on how can I get my script edited more easily and efficiently. Now have idea of all the challenges and obstacles that i will encounter while editing and will take all the necessary precautions needed. I also got a clear understanding of what type of editing I need for my book and also the type of editor that suits my need the best. I now realize the true meaning of editing as it is the most important aspect of self-publishing.

Awesome and glad to have helped!

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Travis Kelce Smiles When Asked About Marrying Taylor Swift

Travis Kelce had a subtle reaction to inquiries about his next steps with girlfriend Taylor Swift .

"Hey, Travis, real talk. It's just us guys here," Jason Sudeikis asked during a sketch at the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend charity event in Kansas City on Saturday, June 1, per social media footage. "When are you gonna make an honest woman out of [her]?"

Kelce, 34, sat across the table from Sudeikis, 48, and was seen laughing and smiling at the joke.

"Taylor doesn't need to be working anymore. And again, I know your kicker agrees with me," Sudeikis joked, referring to Harrison Butker 's controversial graduation speech about women giving up careers to be homemakers. "He gets it."

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Relationship Timeline

Sudeikis and his fellow panelists continued to poke fun at Kelce's romance with Swift, 34, before the Kansas City Chiefs tight end silenced their line of questioning.

"Guys, you're really pushing it," Kelce sarcastically replied.

Kelce has been dating Swift since summer 2023. Despite nearly reaching their first anniversary, they are not currently planning a wedding.

"Travis has no plans on proposing to Taylor anytime soon," a source exclusively told Us Weekly in May. "It's not even on his radar. Marriage is something he takes very seriously and not something he would ever just jump into without giving it some careful consideration."

That being said, Kelce does care "very deeply" about Swift but isn't ready to get down on one knee just yet, according to the insider.

A second source previously told Us in January that Kelce and Swift " still have so much to learn about each other" before walking down the aisle.

Everything the Chiefs Athletes Have Said About Meeting Taylor Swift

"Travis and Taylor have no plans on getting engaged this summer," the source explained at the time. "Things between them are going amazing, but they haven't even been together for a year yet."

Kelce and Swift have fueled engagement speculation throughout the spring as she dropped several songs on April's The Tortured Poets Department about their romance and he joined her on the road. The pop star kicked off the European leg of her Eras Tour last month in Paris, which Kelce attended.

"Taylor's shows are unbelievable," Kelce exclusively gushed to Us at his Kelce Jam festival later that month. "If you haven't been to them, you got to try it."

Kelce has attended several of Swift's overseas concerts between his work commitments.

"He wants to support her as much as he can while he can, so he's going to [go] back and forth from the U.S. to Europe while he has the time," a third source told Us in May. "For now, [Travis] can arrange his schedule to be with [Taylor]."

Kelce is currently in his NFL offseason but recently began team OTA practices . The Chiefs kick off the 2024-2025 season on September 5 with a home opener against the Baltimore Ravens.