Did you know that JK Rowling, the highest-paid author in the world, earns around $180 per minute? That equals to over $7000 per day!
While your dream of being the next JK Rowling might not come true, you CAN have a successful writing career. If you’re wondering how to become a professional writer, you’ve come to the right place.
Are you ready? Let’s find out the “write” way to use the power of the pen!
How to Become a Professional Writer
So how to be a professional writer? Nobody is born with the skill.
In fact, Earnest Hemingway put it this way: “It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way.”
Yes, as with any other aspect of language, you’ve got to learn it and practice it. Follow these steps to becoming a writer, and you can fulfill your dream.
1. Write Like You Mean It
This might seem like a no-brainer. Before you start investing in classes or a degree, you need to be sure you actually ENJOY writing.
You may find it too difficult, or you may have a natural flair for it. Either way, try to figure it out before you start taking the steps to become a writer.
Write for fun, write for contests, write a blog or a journal. Just as with any other skillset, the more you write, the more you’ll improve.
2. Train for Success
When contemplating on how to become a writer, you may wonder if you need to get a degree in writing. In writing, an active imagination is key. But with some training, you can take your writing to new heights.
Try a degree in communications, English, professional writing, or journalism. These avenues of writing may give you the training you need for a successful career.
3. Create Your Career Path
One of the most interesting things about becoming a professional writer is that it opens many doors. A “writer” can mean many things. For instance, some of the best writing services hire writers for essay writing or content writing.
Here are some other ideas of jobs for professional writers:
- Fiction Writer
- Non-Fiction Writer
- Poetry
- Screenwriter
- Blogging
- Marketing/Advertising Material
- Technical Writing
- Journalist
- Product Description
- Magazine Articles
Think about the type of writing you want to do and which career path you want to go down. This may change as you evolve as a writer, but you’ve got to start somewhere.
4. Build a Killer Portfolio
One of the next steps to becoming a writer is to make a portfolio of your work. A great portfolio is vital for professional writers. Because, without any samples of your work, you can’t show the world how great you really are!
Make sure to add school writing projects you completed during training. And include written work you’re proud of, published and unpublished. Add a variety of writing projects to your portfolio.
This diversity of work will show you’re a well-rounded, experienced writer.
5. Work It
Once your portfolio is ready, start applying for jobs. When you get your first gig, even if it’s not the avenue of writing you planned, use it as an opportunity to get your work published.
One Pen Can Change the World
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pen (or laptop) and get writing. You never know, you could change the world!
Now you know how to become a professional writer, what’s next? When starting a new business, you need the right tools for the job. Don’t forget to check out our invaluable tools for your upcoming business before you leave.
