To be or not to become a writer? To be? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In order to become a writer, you must first decide what kind of writing you want to do. There are authors, who write original material; copy writers, who write for the purpose of promoting products; and technical writers who take technical information and put it into straightforward, easy to understand language.

Online degree writing programs are particularly fitting for writing students since writing is strictly an independent task. Online degree writing programs allow for electronic interaction between instructors and fellow students in a way that perfectly facilitates the education of a writer.

How to Become an Author

If you want to become an author or creative writer, it would be best to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in creative writing. You can sharpen your writing skills while networking and learning valuable information on how to get published or freelance.

About the Authors

Authors can write fiction or nonfiction as:

• Novelists
• Playwrights
• Biographers
• Screenwriters

How to Become a Technical Writer

For a career in technical writing, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Journalism, English or Communications may be required. You may find that some education or a degree in the specific technical subject that you would be writing about may be required or at the very least give you a competitive edge.

Technical writers may find themselves writing:

• Manuals
• Catalogs
• Instructional materials
• Proposals

How to Become a Copy Writer

Copy writers will have the most success with a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism or Communications. Knowledge of business, especially advertising or sales is a plus.

Copy writers can find work in fields such as publications or broadcasting.

Where To Become a Writer?

Creative and technical writing degrees can be found at most traditional colleges, community colleges and, of course, online.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers can expect an average job growth between now and 2016 with the greatest opportunities for technical writers. Technical writers with a background in a specialized field, particularly in law, medicine or economics are at an even greater advantage. Salaried writing positions will increase due to a growing demand for web-based writing.

Salary Information for Writers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following median annual salary information:

• Writers/authors: $48,640
• Technical writers: $58,050
• Entry-level technical writers: $40,400

If you want to become a writer you probably have an affinity for writing and already know what kind of writing you prefer.  If so, you will have an easy time finding a bachelor’s degree program to get you on your way.

Mark Twain on Writing

“To get the right word in the right place is a rare achievement. To condense the diffused light of a page of thought into the luminous flash of a single sentence is worthy to rank as a prize composition just by itself.”

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Education

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