Writer

Career path and progression

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• excellent written communication skills
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• English Language - Writers need an expert command of grammar, syntax, punctuation, and style to produce clear, engaging work across any format. Whether crafting a novel, a blog post, or a technical guide, understanding how language works at a detailed level is essential for communicating ideas effectively to different audiences.
• English Literature - Writers draw on a deep understanding of storytelling, narrative structure, character development, and literary techniques. Studying how established authors use language, build tension, and create meaning helps writers develop their own voice and craft more compelling work.

Also relevant

• Film Studies - Writers who work on scripts for TV or film need to understand how stories are told on screen – including narrative structure, pacing, and how scenes are constructed through camera work and editing. Film Studies helps scriptwriters write material that translates well from page to screen.
• Media Studies - Writers produce work across a range of formats – from books and magazines to blogs, scripts, and digital platforms. Media Studies helps them understand how audiences engage with different media, so they can adapt their style and pitch their work to the right publishers, editors, or platforms.
• Drama - Writers who create scripts, plays, or dialogue-heavy fiction benefit from understanding how performance works – including pacing, tension, and how characters reveal themselves through speech. Studying drama helps writers craft realistic dialogue and structure scenes that hold an audience's attention.
• History - Writers frequently research historical periods, events, and social contexts to bring authenticity to their work, whether writing historical fiction, non-fiction, or journalism. The research skills developed in history – evaluating sources, constructing arguments, and understanding cause and effect – are directly useful in a writing career.
• Psychology - Writers create believable characters by understanding human motivation, emotion, and behaviour. Knowledge of how people think and respond to situations helps writers build complex characters and explore themes that resonate with readers.
• Sociology - Writers often explore social issues, power dynamics, and cultural trends in their work. Understanding how societies function and how different groups experience the world helps writers create stories and content that feel grounded and relevant.
• Business - Writers are often self-employed and need to manage their own finances, negotiate contracts with publishers, and market their work to audiences. Understanding how to pitch ideas, build a personal brand, and handle the commercial side of writing is important for making a living from it.