What is a writer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Experts
Cathy Irwin Ph.D.,
Gayle Rogers
introduction image

The act of writing, to most, is merely a means of communication, but to a rare few, it's a privilege to express one's self. The profession of being a writer is meant for deep thinkers, careful thought masters crafting their powers through the vessel of each word, bringing gentle awakening into our dormant lives.

There have been so many writers that have inspired the world. Even Barack Obama was a writer before he/she was a speaker. It is not just what he/she says, but the way he/she arranges the words he/she speaks that injects meaning and voice to the audience. We have Ernest Hemingway, a legendary novelist, and a journalist. In his/her wise words "The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places." Last but not least, we have JK Rowling in the character of Albus Dumbledore, "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light."

A modern writer can help people write great copy, curate web content, report journalistic accounts, write scripts for movies, or even write stories for an organization's brand. These days, employers require a combination of skills from prospective writers, such as proficiency with editing software as well as knowledge in a particular industry. It is always good to consider doing something pro-bono at the start to show practical experience. The salary of a writer is, on average, $26 per hour.

What general advice would you give to a Writer?

C

Cathy Irwin Ph.D.Cathy Irwin Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Professor of English, University of La Verne

Because of the pandemic, entering the workforce has been hard for many. At the same time, many employers have moved online and are meeting with clients and customers through Zoom and other online platforms. As a result, employers now, more than ever, need employees who have excellent communication skills.

English majors from La Verne graduate with excellent writing and critical thinking skills. As a result, they do have opportunities after they graduate. Many of them are hired in jobs because of their writing and editing skills. A large percentage of students decide to go to graduate school. They want to serve their communities, so they become teachers, librarians, lawyers, and officers in non-profits or the city sector.

The medical field is also starting to welcome students from the humanities because they are looking for well-rounded, articulate, and compassionate people. If students with a humanities degree want to go into the health or medical sector, they can apply to one-year post-baccalaureate programs that lead to medical school.
ScoreWriterUS Average
Salary
5.2

Avg. Salary $66,143

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
4.8

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.36%

Asian 5.01%

Black or African American 6.09%

Hispanic or Latino 7.82%

Unknown 5.63%

White 75.09%

Gender

female 53.84%

male 46.16%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress Level
4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.6

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Writer career paths

Key steps to become a writer

  1. Explore writer education requirements

    Most common writer degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.9 %

    Master's

    10.9 %

    Associate

    7.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific writer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Work Ethic17.77%
    Customer Service14.20%
    Web Content7.99%
    Math7.42%
    SEO4.67%
  3. Complete relevant writer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New writers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real writer resumes.
  4. Research writer duties and responsibilities

    • Operate AP NEWSCENTER/ENPS and manage CNN feed services.
    • Manage the Instagram account, which mean publishing and keeping up to date with the articles.
    • Manage projects diligently under aggressive deadlines while maintaining editorial integrity and ensuring stories have entertainment and/or educational value.
    • Participate in roundtable discussions offering hot takes and opinions on NBA and NFL teams, players, and coaches.
  5. Prepare your writer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your writer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a writer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Writer Resume templates

    Build a professional Writer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Writer resume.
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  6. Apply for writer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a writer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Writer Job

Zippi

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Average writer salary

The average Writer salary in the United States is $66,143 per year or $32 per hour. Writer salaries range between $40,000 and $107,000 per year.

Average Writer Salary
$66,143 Yearly
$31.80 hourly

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How do writers rate their job?

5/5

Based On 2 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Writer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

It offers a less stressful environment to work with and it broadens the knowledge.

Cons

It gets boring when you are doing it long enough.


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

I learned to read and write at an early age and have avidly pursued it since. Beside school publications and assignments, I've sought out numerous outlets for my love of writing, from features and sports writer for my local weekly news paper, to AP stringer for election coverage, to a Pohlad family internship at one of southeastern Minnesota's most respected dailies.

Cons

Unexpected deadlines, I guess, although it sometimes seems I do my sharpest writing in those pressured situations.


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Set your own schedule work from home. Determine your own salary. Dictate your hours. Choose the jobs you want.

Cons

Could be paid more. Slow to get started very competitive.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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