How to become An Author

• Biographer
• Blogger
• Novelist
• Playwright
• Screenwriter

What do Authors do?

An Author would typically need to:

• Research the market and stay up to date by reading all relevant material produced in their chosen field
• Select subject matter based on personal or public interest or commissioned by a publisher or agent
• Undertake background research including desk-based research, site visits and interviews of experts, veterans or witnesses
• Research new ideas and unfamiliar topics while drafting original plans and sketching their plot outlines
• Write individual pieces and work against tight deadlines, especially for theatre, screen, and radio
• Submit material for publication in the required and expected format and edit, revise and review work especially in response to feedback
• Network with other writers, publishers, booksellers as well as organizers of literary events
• Liaise with publishers, agents, script editors, producers, and directors alongside critiquing, mentoring, and coaching the work of other Authors
• Find, pursue and maintain knowledge of publication opportunities
• Talk about their work at events, conduct readings or book signings and maintain an online presence through a website, blog, and other forms of social media
• Teach writing in higher education settings or run private workshops
• Manage the business side of writing by maintaining financial records, checking contracts, submitting invoices, and tax returns

Authors work in an office, at home, or wherever they have access to a computer. Jobs are somewhat concentrated in major media and entertainment markets but improved communications and Internet capabilities allow Authors to work from almost anywhere. Some Authors prefer to work outside the city and travel regularly to meet with publishers and clients and perform research or conduct in-person interviews. Casual wear is preferred unless otherwise specified.

Authors often use weekends and evenings to work, fitting their responsibilities around other employment commitments. Working hours typically include irregular unsocial hours. Some may adopt a disciplined approach, keeping strict office hours, and working away from home to avoid distractions.

The nature of the occupation is mostly freelance.Very few vacancies for Authors are advertised since most opportunities are found by making appropriate speculative approaches or answering calls for submissions. You may be hired to complete specific short-term or recurring assignments, such as writing a newspaper column, contributing to a series of articles in a magazine, or producing an organization’s newsletter.

Authors are generally employed by:

• Book & Magazine Publishers
• News Organizations
• Advertising Agencies
• Movie, Theater & Television Producers
• Commercial, Independent Television & Radio Companies
• Film & Video Production Companies
• Digital News Organizations, Websites, & Blogs
• Colleges, Universities & Schools
• Community & Adult Learning Centres
• Therapeutic Centres

Author unions, across the globe, defend the rights of all its members for a fee

• Often solitary and stressful work with little job security
• Need to work evenings and weekends to produce something acceptable for an editor or client
• Self-employed/freelance Authors may face pressures of juggling multiple projects, continually looking for new work

Interns may write stories, conduct research and interviews while gaining extensive publishing experience. Authors can obtain job experience by working for high school and college newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, advertising and publishing companies, nonprofit organizations, college radio stations, and drama clubs. Many magazines and newspapers also have internships for students.

Anyone with internet access can start a blog and gain writing experience. Some of this writing may lead to paid assignments regardless of education.The quality of writing, the unique perspective, and the size of the potential audience are the greatest determinants of success for writing.

Authors typically need to gain writing experience through on-the-job training. They may practice writing and work with more experienced writers and editors before their work is ready for publication. Authors who want to write about a particular topic may need formal training or experience related to that topic.

Pre-entry experience in related industries such as bookselling, publishing, film, or television may be helpful. Authors should build up a portfolio of work, published or unpublished, to have material to showcase to potential publishers or contacts. Securing a publishing contract can be challenging, with significant levels of competition.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential; available courses typically combine academic study with practical experience and mentoring; they require only portfolio entry. The subject of your first degree may be irrelevant.A bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies, creative writing, English and literature studies, journalism, performing arts will give you an edge.

Authors having the ability to code and program webpages or manipulate data to create a visual story using tables, charts, infographics, and maps are preferred. Online publications require computer software and editing tools to combine text with graphics, audio, video, and animation.

Voluntary certification from an objective, credible, and reputed organization is evidence of an individual’s drive and motivation.

Certification can demonstrate competence and professionalism, making candidates more attractive to employers. Certification can also increase opportunities for an Author’s advancement.

According to the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS), the first ten years of an Author's life are the hardest, with low levels of income and a lot of hard work. Then, average incomes steadily rise. As you gain a back catalog of publications, income from new work (often in the form of advances) may be complemented by income from previous work, in the form of royalties on published works, public lending rights payments, payments for anthologizing and so on.

As your profile improves, there may also be more potential for earning income from teaching, lecturing, and appearances at events. Some organizations offer salaried posts for Authors in residence, and these are often restricted to published Authors with a strong track record. The career of an Author can be unpredictable; you must be resilient, producing a steady output of work. Keep a close eye on the market, staying up to date with what kind of writing is selling, and considering how to meet market demand.

Alongside producing work, market yourself and your work. An agent or a publisher is likely to help with publicity. Still, you also look for publicity yourself, such as beginning a blog, creating a presence via social media/interviews/readings, or setting up your website, or workshops and signings.

Discipline and determination to succeed are prerequisites for career development, but all Authors stress that the rewards of seeing their work in print or production make it all worthwhile. Having published well-received work and maintaining a track record of meeting deadlines is important for advancement. Many Editors begin work as Authors. Those who are particularly skilled at identifying stories, correcting writing style, and interacting with other Authors may be interested in editing jobs.

Strong competition is expected for job openings with established newspapers and magazines will be particularly strong because employment in the publishing industry is projected to decline.

Authors who have adapted to online and social media and are comfortable writing for and working with a variety of electronic and digital tools, should have an advantage in finding work. The declining costs of self-publishing and the growing popularity of electronic books will allow many freelance Authors to publish their work.

Because of the profession’s solitary nature, membership of organizations can be useful for peer review and maintaining contact with the literary world. Organizations such as the Society of Authors only accept members who have been published or offered a contract.

There's little in the way of formal training for Authors. However, most stress the importance of staying in contact with peers for feedback and support, which can also be found through critical appraisal services, Authors’ circles, Authors’ courses, and workshops.

It is also imperative to keep abreast of what is happening in the sector you want to contribute. Attending appropriate conventions and conferences can help you develop your knowledge of the industry and provide a good opportunity to meet people and develop your networks.

Look out for courses in creative writing or novel writing at your local adult education center. Some towns and cities have a resident Author who runs courses and gives advice. Ask at your local library for details. Many literary consultancy agencies offer detailed feedback and advice to Authors seeking publication in return for a fee.

The Role of a Literary Agent

Authors of fiction and non-fiction who want to be traditionally published will need to seek an agent before seeking a publisher. Most publishers will not look at uncommissioned work unless it comes via an agent.

Approaching a literary agent usually involves submitting the first three chapters of a novel with a synopsis and a cover letter (for fiction). Look for an agent who represents the genre of fiction that you write in. Check out the other Authors on their list to see if you fit in. The Author - agent relationship is an important one. It is worth taking the time to find one that is right for you.

Self-Publishing

Another possibility is to self-publish or produce an ebook. Self-publishing can be an effective way of showcasing ability and achieving independent sales through local book shops or online retailers. Taking on the role of both Author and publisher can be demanding and require you to understand issues such as permissions and rights.

Authors of Short Stories and Poetry

Short-story Authors may find their writing style is suited to and regularly accepted by certain magazines or websites. Short story competitions may provide additional income and can help showcase your work. There are several outlets for the publication or broadcast of poetry, although they are unstructured. Examples are specialist poetry magazines and occasional radio programs. Generally speaking, little or no pay is involved.

Other Avenues for Authors

Authors for theatre often work on attachment to a particular theatre or company or even form their own theatre company. Many Authors supplement their income with writing-related employment. There are teaching opportunities in colleges, community and adult learning centers, therapeutic centers, training courses/universities, and schools. A basic web search will also uncover a plethora of forums and other sites aimed at or run by authors. Opportunities are listed; advice, support, and critical feedback are available.

Writing Competitions

You can break into the profession by winning local or national creative writing competitions. Some publishers run competitions to find new talent, and the prize can include publication.

Plenty of Options

You may be a Copywriter, Content Writer, Biographer, Blogger, Novelist, Playwright, Screenwriter, or Speechwriter. Authors can come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences as long as they demonstrate strong writing skills. Successful Authors may be male or female and of any age. Male Authors typically earn more than their female counterparts. You will be able to work in your own time and to combine work with family life. Most Authors are based at home; there may be some travel required for attendance at conferences, Author events, and literary festivals.

George Orwell borrowed the plot for 1984 from a novel called We that he had reviewed. Its setting - a futuristic glass city, monitored by a Big Brother-like government. Sounds familiar?

The truth of the matter is that there are no guarantees of success as you pursue a career in writing. All odds are against you. Every top Author struggles for at least a decade or more before finally seeing a dream come true. There are no such things as overnight successes. Those that pursue this career and this dream don’t always accomplish what they hoped they would. They often find more suitable jobs and aspirations. But the fact that you have the unique and heady power and passion for creating words - you can bring them to life and cause them to transport readers into another world; you can change lives; you can express yourself therapeutically; your office is wherever you choose; your work hours are whenever you wish; your wildest fantasies come to life; you will have no regrets - that will fill your heart and soul, not just your bank account and ego.

Read a thousand books, and your words will flow like a river. When your story is ready for rewrite, cut it to the bone. Get rid of every ounce of excess fat. This is going to hurt; revising a story to the bare essentials is always a little like murdering children, but it must be done.