Want To Become A Writer? 5 Tips You Need to Know

I always wanted to be a writer. From a young-ish age, once I’d gotten over every child’s dream to be a ballerina or a princess (thanks Disney) I remember telling people I wanted to be a writer. However, the problem I so often encountered on opening up about my hoped for vocation was that most people sort of rolled their eyes and deigned to remind me that being a writer was competitive and difficult. Fast forward twenty or so years and I am now a writer. Because, it turns out when your only skill is writing, you work darn hard to turn it into a career. In my view, you really should do what you love, so to those aspiring writers who are anxiously hoping they can make this a career, here’s what I wish I knew way back when.

1.   Read, read, read

This one really is a little obvious, but apart from practice (which we will come on to later) there really is no better way to improve your writing than to read the works of other people. The great thing about this (in my humble opinion) is that there really is so much out there – prose for every predilection that you should have no problem finding something that tickles your fancy.

2.   Practice makes perfect

This is an old cliché that you are probably a little tired of hearing. However, let me assure you of its veracity – the more you write the better you will become. Take a look at some of your favourite authors and see how their work evolves over time, becoming richer and more profound. Write a diary, write letters, write a novel – whatever it is, and for whomever it is intended, make sure to set aside a set amount of time per week to perfect your art.

3.    A portfolio

This is where it all gets a little tricky, because the problem with working in a creative field, particularly writing (which ostensibly anyone with a computer can do) is that people don’t really want to cough up. And when you are first starting out and competing in an extremely competitive world, you really do need to gain access to that first rung on the ladder. As much as it pains me to admit – sometimes you have to suffer for your art and occasionally you may have to do work without a fee or at a vastly reduced cost simply to prove your worth. However, that being said….

4.   Know your worth

Just because you are hungry for the work doesn’t mean you should accept old scraps sent your way. If you are doing work free of charge make sure it is worth your time and think about getting new clients to sign a contract – meaning they are at least contractually invested in the project. Sadly, far too many people are likely to take the proverbial – you know what – so make sure you are well protected.

5.   Proofread

Proofreading is a tremendously difficult task to perform on your own work. It is extremely easy to be critical of someone else’s work. However, in a syndrome known as “copy blindness” after rereading the same sentence over and over again you will most probably miss even the most obvious of mistakes. A few ways of avoiding this is to read your work from the end to the beginning and print it off – both of these should help you spot unnoticed errors. And, of course, if you can try and show your work to friends and family, who with virgin eyes will be in a far better position to spot errors. Fancy becoming a writer? Apply for jobs on Glassdoor now.