Is a writer a good career option?

Question

I am considering to become a writer. What are the jobs for writers, whats the pay for writers, any other info would be great!

Answer 1

Less than 5% of writers make a full time living at it, unless you are considering a field like journalism. If you want to write books or do freelance work, I would be prepared with a plan for a day job to pay your bills while you write.

There's no standard pay for writers. Typically, a first book will probably net the author less than $5,000. For every Rowlings or King out there, hundreds of other authors are making little to no money on their books.

But if you have a passion for it, it's worth it!

Answer 2

As a person with a B.A. in English (I switched with the intention of a writer's career) I can tell you to write and get paid for it, the money is in novels.
You can always become an editor, there is also a little money in that.

But to put your nose to the grind then there is the reporter.

There are some other alternatives out there as well: communications like a PR person writing press releases for businesses or organizations. You can become a speech writer (there was a college here in my area that actually had a position open to write speeches for the president). There are some jobs out there for a technical writer as well, writing descriptions for say catalogs or the online version when you go to buy things.

Personally, I'm trying to write an academic book, something I know I'm not going to make a lot of money on if any. But if you're recognized, you might get picked up to speak or lecture or teach and there is big money in that.

Answer 3

Yes! Being a writer is one of the best professions anywhere - if you know what you're doing, know how to make money doing it, and have a good business structure.

Jobs for writers are really varied:
- writing novels and short stories
- writing non-fiction books for print or online
- writing children's books
- writing for a newspaper, magazine, or online publisher
- copywriting (sales materials)
- book indexing (not really writing, but related)
- editing (same)
- and commercial writing (by far the easiest to actually make money!)

The pay depends on how good you are, and what you decide to charge, (or what you're willing to accept - depending on the kind of writing you're doing). Freelance commercial writers can easily make $5,000 per month - many make much, much more than that.

Advice: read all you can about it! There are several books I recommend on the site listed below. Good luck!

Answer 4

Writing is a hard job to get into. I'm an amatuer writer myself, and it takes years of practicing writing to become a talented writer. Especially for novelists, it is unsteady work at best and is low-paying. However, I find it fun and creative and you can work at home.

Answer 5

You have narrow it down to the type of writer. Do you want to be a Sports Writer for your local newsaper? Do you want to writer blogs? Think about your question and research the areas that interest you.

Answer 6

Writers (the vast, vast majority) do not make much money.
Editing is steadier work.
You might make good money as a writer if you are hot, young, marketable, and write just what the publishing house tells you to write.........
It is a very tough market, but possible

Answer 7

I think writing is an excellent career!If you are writing a book, it opens your mind to reach it's furthest of all your knowledge! It involves great knowledge, vocabulary, grammar and most importantly, imagination. If your book successfully sells, well look at J.K. Rowling (author of the Harry Potter series) well, it's your call. If you take it , happy writing!

Answer 8

Here is some great info...

Writer's, especialy those who have'nt any answers......

Do there own research to find out why they might want to be writers.

Answer 9

Depends on whether you get paid enough to live or rather whether anyone is going to pay enough.