Annual Salary
variable
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
Swap to Design or Fashion & textiles or go back to all job sectors
Swap to Design or Fashion & textiles or go back to all job sectors
Writers create written work such as books, scripts, poems, blogs and technical guides.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: freelance / self-employed; managing your own hours
There will be
0.5% more Writer jobs in 2027.
In this role you could:
You could work in an office or from home.
You can get into this job through:
You'll need a high level of writing skill and talent. To develop these skills, you could get a qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
You could also do a postgraduate writing course to get into this career.
You'll usually need:
You can do several things to develop your writing skills and learn more about the world of publishing. These include:
You might be able to apply directly for technical writer jobs in industries like engineering or pharmaceuticals, if you've got the relevant background and qualifications.
Experience in journalism could also help you to get into travel or broadcast writing.
You could work in TV or radio as a scriptwriter. BBC Writersroom has information, advice and workshops on writing and submitting scripts.
You may be able to publish and sell your work without formal training or qualifications, if you're exceptionally talented and have taught yourself. A literary agent may be able to help you with this.
You'll need:creative ideas that will sell; good research skills; the ability to express ideas in a style suited to your intended audience
You'll also need to have confidence in your writing, be able to accept criticism and remain positive.
You'll need a portfolio of your work to show to employers and commissioning editors.
You'll find more advice about careers in writing through the National Association of Writers' Groups.
The Poetry Society and Writers & Artists have more details on writing competitions.
Writers & Artists also has industry advice on being a writer and submitting work for publishing or self-publishing. It publishes the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook, which has information on literary agents, publishers, newspapers and magazines.
You could self-publish, in traditional print format, online or through e-books.
You might be able to promote your work by entering literary competitions, become a book critic or teach creative writing in colleges.
You'll need: