Career as Authors and Writers

The terms Authors and Writers always raise an eyebrow. The profession of writing and authoring is among the top most careers. In books, there is no fixed eligibility criterion to become an author or writer. But in practice to become one you need quality knowledge and passion in the chosen field. The quality knowledge, which challenges the belief system and brings out new knowledge leverages facts to show new lights.
 
At mass level the term writer and author are considered as common because of the nature of job. Both use the power of a pencil to make things work. However, both are different and poles apart. In my understanding, a writer is a person who publishes thought piece by piece; however, an author is a person who keeps thought process notes and publishes it as a book.
 
The work of an author is much permanent than writer. Authors are the professionals who publish work and earn royalty shares. However, often writers are paid on task to task basis. There is a term in the industry "ghostwriter". Generally, these are people who work for Authors and get paid on task basis. While authors collect all such pieces written by GhostWriters, edit, compile and send to publishers to make a book.
 
Good writers are better readers. They read a lot. Same is true for Authors. For them reading is not a task but religion. Read while travelling, before sleeping, while relaxing at beaches or sitting over a coffee shop. This does not mean they do not do other activities or they are different people. Yes, they belong to different clubs. That's why out there in the world there are many authors and writers forums.
 
Did you maintain a diary when you were a child? Did you ever weave a story for your college magazine? If you think you have a J. K. Rowling or a Charles Dickens hidden within, unleash it with your pen.
 
Choose a career of a writer and author and develop original stories or content for advertisements, magazines, online publications, books and movie and television scripts. Most writers work independently and send their manuscripts to publishing houses for printing. Some even contribute regularly for magazines, newspapers or blogs and websites.
 
A writer can be a:
  • Copywriter in advertising and public relations firms
  • Creative writer for movies, theatre, books or magazines

Role of Authors and Writers


It’s limited in just 5 words; 'to bring out the better'
 
Though there are no predefined roles for a creative writer, who writes mostly out of his or her imagination; a copywriter or a writer working for any magazine or publication has to follow some set guidelines.
  • Research for the right subject matter that can keep the reader enthralled.
  • Conduct research to get correct factual information.
  • Present drafts and manuscripts to editors for final approval.
  • Work with editors and clients to shape the material so it can be published.

Skills of a Writer and Author                           

Creativity: Developing, creating, and writing content for books or magazines should come naturally to the writer. A writer should have the skill to come up with new ideas and develop characters and plots with ease.
 
Writing Skills: ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’ and you can achieve it only through your writing skills. You should have impeccable grasp over your language skills and ability to play with your words smoothly.
 
Determination: A project takes years to be completed. One should have that perseverance and determination to continue with the project and not leave it midway. A writer should develop patience and not be frustrated with things like multiple drafts or lack of feedback from clients and publishers.
 
Interpersonal Relationships: An author should have excellent relationships with his or her publishers and editors.
 
Subject Knowledge: A writer should be a subject matter expert as well. One cannot write authentic content without having prior knowledge of the subject.
 
Computer Skills: Like most of the media careers, writing too has gone digital. Gone are the days when paper manuscripts were submitted to the editors and publishers. A writer should have adequate computer knowledge about page layout and design.

Pros and Cons of a Writer and Author

Pros 
  • Writing is a wonderful way to unleash one's creativity. Whether it's a poem or an advertising copy, writing is always fun and creative.
  • A writer feels a sense of satisfaction to see his or her work being published.
  • You are your own boss. You can work according to your own time and decide to take off as per your wish.
Cons 
  • All writers are not J.K. Rowling or Stephen Kings. Most writers suffer from poor financial conditions till they become commercially viable. Publishers are reluctant to publish works of first-time writers.
  • Income is not stable for most writers, even if they are established writers. You could be without work for months. As a result, writers need to have a stable source of second income.
  • Most writers lead a lonely life-style. They spend a lot of time on their manuscripts by staying away from family and friends.
  • A writer should be ready for rejection. Their work could be rejected by publishers and could be required to rework on their manuscripts. Many a time, writers are also required to curb their creativity and write scripts or stories on the whims and fancies of the publishers and editors.

Typical Jobs associated with Authors and Writers

  • Communications director
  • Speechwriter
  • Technical writer
  • Novelist
  • Screenwriter
  • Columnist
  • Book editor
  • Public relations specialist
Note: The list above is indicative only.
 
While one can become an Author or Writer at a very early age but the subject knowledge required in this field is very high. Merely gaining higher education is not sufficient to become a Writer or Author. You need burning desires to question the existing ideas and find answers. There are many child authors and writers in the world who are still in High School or below but the knowledge they carry and desire to learn make them successful authors and writers.
 
If you are someone passionate about something, you question limitless and strives to learn then Authoring and Writing could be your career choice.

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