Writer

At a Glance
Writers create books, scripts, ads, articles, manuals, and other written materials.
Michigan Career Pathways
Arts & Communication
Earnings
Earnings Range: 28K - 106K
Level of Education
4-Year College or University
Core Tasks
Fiction writers include novelists, poets, screenwriters, and playwrights
Use imagination to create characters and plots
Research their topics to verify details
Non-fiction writers include journalists, technical writers, and copywriters
Convey facts to readers
Attributes & Abilities
A love of reading
An understanding of different writing styles
Computer skills
Knowledge of Internet applications
Workplace
Non-fiction writers work for governments, media outlets, ad agencies, and all kinds of businesses
Most fiction writers are self-employed
Work from home or in an office
Hours vary depending on the type of writing
Writers often work alone
Job Description
Do you jump at the opportunity to express yourself in writing whenever possible? Do you find yourself
scribbling short story ideas or screenplay dialogue on a notepad? Are your bookcases overflowing? If so,
then maybe you should think about a writing career.

The written word is everywhere, from the backs of cereal boxes to the Internet. Writers create an almost
endless list of different written products, including novels, scripts, advertisements, manuals, newspaper
articles, and grant proposals. There will always be a need for good writers who can communicate clearly
and effectively.

Generally, there are two kinds of writing: fiction and non-fiction. Fiction writers use their imaginations to
create the plots and characters of their stories. Sometimes, they also have to research the subject matter
they are writing about. For instance, writers setting a murder mystery in 18th century England will do
research into life in England at the time. Novelists, poets, playwrights, and screenwriters all fall into the
category of fiction writers.

Non-fiction writers dont imagine or create the events and people they are writing about. These writers
relate the facts. Journalists, for example, gather and write news and views from the world around them.

Technical writers are hired by manufacturing companies to write assembly instructions, auto manuals,
and other materials that accompany commercial products. Non-fiction writers are also hired by
governments and businesses to produce publications such as information brochures, press releases, and
newsletters.

Some non-fiction writers need to be very creative. Copywriters, for example, study companies products
and use creativity to generate advertisements with the emotional impact that will make customers want to
buy the products. Travel writers give factual accounts of tourist destinations and holiday resorts.
However, they must be creative in getting the information across, so that readers will be enticed to visit
the places they are writing about.
Working Conditions
Many non-fiction writers work for newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations. Others work
for advertising agencies and public relations firms. Some are employed by government, businesses, and
non-profit organizations to write manuals, newsletters, press releases, and various reports. Technical
writers usually work for computer software firms or manufacturers of electronic equipment.

Non-fiction writers often work in their employers offices. They usually have regular 9-to-5 schedules.
Journalists and copywriters, however, have more varied schedules. Deadlines and important
presentations frequently force them to work evenings and weekends.

Freelancers and fiction writers usually work at home and have flexible schedules. Those who take on
additional jobs to pay the bills might only write for 3 or 4 hours a day. Creative writers are also at the
mercy of their museseven if they want to work, writers block may prevent them from doing so.

Writing is a relatively solitary job, since writers spend most of their time with texts, and not people.
Earnings
Earnings vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of writing done and whether the
writer works on a freelance, contract, or salary basis. If the writer has a regular salary, earnings depend on
whether he or she works full or part-time. Non-fiction writers are far more likely to hold salaried
positions.

In general, writers and authors usually earn somewhere between $28,000 to $106,000 a year. The
median income for all writers and authors is about $54,000 a year.

Starting salaries for technical writers are between $37,000 and $47,000 a year. Senior technical writers
with supervisory responsibilities can earn around $100,000 a year. The median income for technical
writers is about $63,000 a year.

Earnings for book authors, playwrights, and screenwriters depend on their ability to sell their work to
publishers or producers, and the popularity of their writing with the public. As a result, earnings for these
writers vary widely depending on the terms of the contracts they sign.

Most book authors receive a percentage of the total sales of their book (called a royalty) which can range
from about 6% to 10%. Playwrights can sell their scripts for a lump sum or they may receive a percentage
of the tickets sales, usually about 5% to 8%. Some earn a daily rate throughout their plays run.
Screenwriters usually receive a flat fee from film production companies, but they may also receive extra
compensation once their script has gone into or finished production.

Writers incomes may also be supplemented by grants from governments, private foundations, and arts
associations. They can also become writers-in-residence at colleges, libraries, or theaters where they
usually earn a salary for the term of their contract.

Freelance writers may charge by the word, by the hour, or by the project. Their income depends on the
amount charged for writing services, the number of contracts obtained, and the type of writing done.
Michigan Wages
Occupation: Writers and Authors
Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry Wage $17.31 $35,990
Median Wage $22.40 $46,600
Experienced Wage $30.32 $63,070
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov
Michigan Outlook
Occupation: Writers and Authors
Employment
2010 1,570
Employment
2020 1,710
Change
Number 140
Percentage 8.9
Annual Average Openings
Total Growth Replacement
55 14 41
Source: Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, Labor Market Information
http://www.milmi.org
Education
Salaried non-fiction writers are usually required to have a degree. Many employers look for writers with
degrees in English, journalism, or communications. An aspiring non-fiction writer might also consider
taking courses offered by colleges and professional associations that concentrate on specific types of
writing, such as corporate or business writing, copywriting, or technical writing.

Non-fiction writers may also be expected to have specific knowledge of the industry they are working in.
For example, most writers who produce materials for banks and other financial organizations are
expected to know about financial products such as stocks and mutual funds.

Fiction, or creative, writers are not required to have formal post-secondary education. However, a broad
liberal arts education, including courses in philosophy, anthropology, art, history, and other classical
subjects, is useful since it gives the writer a wide knowledge base. These subjects can also be a great source
of ideas.

In addition, many writers find it helpful to take courses in creative writing. These courses are offered by
the continuing education departments of most colleges, as well as writers associations.
Related College Programs
Writing, General
General Literature
English Language and Literature, General
Creative Writing
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing
Communication, General
Other Suggested Qualifications
Read a lot and often! It is important for writers to read widely and adventurously so they learn about
different writing styles and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each. Since most large businesses
and almost all government departments have websites, its a good idea to learn how to publish content on
the Internet. This includes becoming comfortable with computers, web development software, and
computer databases.
Suggested High School Subjects
Grade 9 Grade 10
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies - Geography
Creative Arts
Keyboarding
Health & Physical Education
International Languages
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies - History
Creative Arts
International Languages
Grade 11 Grade 12
English
Creative Writing
Journalism & Communication
Literature
Mathematics
Science
History
Law & Government
Creative Arts
International Languages
English
Creative Writing
Journalism & Communication
Literature
History
Economics
Creative Arts
International Languages
Important
Check with your advisor to make sure that your course selections satisfy your graduation requirements.
Courses available may vary from school to school.
Sample Career Path
People take different pathways through their careers, but no one starts at the top. This is an example of
how the earnings, education and experience requirements, and responsibilities might progress for
someone in this occupation.
Level 1
Sample Title Beginning Fiction Writer
Earnings Unpaid to $10,000 a year
Requirements
Talent and passion for writing
Possibly a degree in English, creative writing, or journalism
Responsibilities
Writing and rewriting draft manuscripts; mailing manuscript outlines
and sample chapters to publishers; getting work (for example, short
stories, poems, articles) published in magazines and journals; possibly
making contact with literary agents; maintaining another job to pay the
bills.
Level 2
Sample Title Published Fiction Writer
Earnings $5,000 to $35,000 a year
Requirements
Publication of your first novel or collection of short stories or poetry by
a small press
Possibly taking additional creative writing courses or workshops
Level 2
Responsibilities
Researching; writing; rewriting; giving public readings; maintaining
another job to help pay the bills.
Level 3
Sample Title Well-Known Fiction Writer
Earnings $50,000 to $100,000 a year
Requirements
Publication of many of your books or collections by a large press
An established reputation and following within relevant circles
Responsibilities
Researching; writing; rewriting; giving public readings; promoting your
work in interviews and on tour.
Related Careers
Here are some other occupations that you might be interested in. Click on an occupation name to learn
more.
Advertising Copywriter
Cartoonist / Comic Illustrator
Comedian
Communications Specialist
Editor
Librarian
Print Journalist
Proofreader
Public Relations Specialist
Publisher
Technical Writer
Television and Radio Reporter
Translator
National Employment by Industry
Industry % Employed
Self-Employed 68
Information 10
Source: O*Net Online, Browse by Industry, US Department of Labor
http://online.onetcenter.org/find/industry
Other Resources
Daily Writing Tips
This website offers helpful advice to anyone interested in pursuing a career as a writer. The
articles are organized by category and cover a wide range of topics.
http://www.dailywritingtips.com
Click here to read an article that offers some insight into the career:
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/how-to-become-a-writer
Writing Forward
Here you can find tips, techniques, and articles to help you improve your writing.
http://www.writingforward.com
Find out more about the characteristics of good writing in this article:
http://www.writingforward.com/better-writing/characteristics-of-good-writing
99U 25 Insights on Becoming a Better Writer
Get inspired by these tips and advice from celebrated authors on how to improve your writing.
http://www.99u.com/tips/7082/25-Insights-on-Becoming-a-Better-Writer
Flavorwire 12 Great Videos of Famous Authors Giving Advice to Aspiring Writers
Check out this collection of videos full of advice for aspiring writers.
http://www.flavorwire.com/373384/12-great-videos-of-famous-authors-giving-advice-to-
aspiring-writers/view-all
PoeWar
Find out more about the craft and business of writing on this very informative site.
http://www.poewar.com
Forbes So You Want To Be A Writer? Heres How To Make The Transition From
Your Day Job
This interview with an author offers some great insight into getting started in this career.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2012/03/26/so-you-want-to-be-a-writer-heres-how-to-
make-the-transition-from-your-day-job
Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW)
This is a writers union. Be sure to check out the Writers Resources and Writing Tools sections
for helpful articles and advice for writers.
http://www.wga.org
Writers Digest
This is the online home of Writers Digest Magazine. There are great free articles and tips about
many different kinds of writing.
http://www.writersdigest.com
Occupational Outlook Handbook Writers and Authors
Career information from the US Department of Labor.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Media-and-Communication/Writers-and-authors.htm