Becoming a Professional Writer: A Guide

Are you someone who loves to write and loves the thought of turning it into a profession? Becoming a professional writer doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work, dedication, focus, and study to take your writing skills to the next level.

Learn Your Craft

No one becomes a professional writer without knowing the basics. The best way to start is by taking some writing classes or doing some research online about the structure of effective, quality writing. Pay attention to the basics of the English language, as well as grammar. Understanding how to write a clear, concise sentence is key. Knowing the structure of written work is also important, as it will help you find success in every kind of project you tackle.

Write Every Day

Write as frequently as you can. A great piece of advice from acclaimed novelist Haruki Murakami: “From a certain point onward there is no longer any turning back. That is the point you must get to … If you can’t admit to yourself that you want to, and will, write, then it’s better not to discuss it at all. Do it or don’t do it.”

This means you must make a commitment to devote time to writing every day. Writing is a discipline, and your craft is like a muscle that needs to be exercised in order to become strong. So discipline yourself to write, even when you don’t feel like it. This will help you develop your own style and will ensure you have something substantial to show for your efforts.

Gain Experience

Start by pitching stories to magazines or newspapers and hone your skills by using feedback from editors to sharpen your articles. Look for internships that will allow you to build experience. Consider attending workshops to get feedback from peers. Joining a writer’s organization can help you network and make contacts. And joining communities devoted to writers online can connect you with other professionals and give you access to the latest industry news.

Adapt to Technology

No matter what kind of writer you decide to become, you’ll have to learn how to adapt to the latest technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in the writing process and will continue to evolve. Professional writers must be able to write for different mediums, from print to digital. You must also be able to grasp the nuances of SEO in order to properly create content for websites. Knowing how to use basic programs like Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign will also be beneficial.

Take Your Writing to the Next Level

Becoming a professional writer is not easy. It takes dedication, hard work, and a passion for the craft to become successful in this field. By taking classes, setting goals, gaining experience, adapting to technology, and writing every day, you can take your writing to the next level and begin to reap the rewards of being a professional writer.