Tips for Becoming a Successful Writer

Becoming a successful writer shouldn’t be measured in how much you earn or on how well you’re known. Sure, there are great perks, but what matters is your enjoyment of writing and how others respond to your work. Do you inspire them? Do you grip them? Are you the writer they remember months after finishing your work?

It is these things that define you…

So how can you become a successful writer?

  1. Find your niche – writing is a massive, diverse and varied field, which can give you plenty of scope to experiment and hone in your craft. So whether you love writing short fiction, poetry or constructing scripts; just remember that to succeed in these areas, you need to know your different genres and niches.Similarly, you need to be aware of where your talents lie, and why inspires your imagination. Yet, this doesn’t mean you should pigeon-hole yourself from the beginning. Nor should you limit yourself to one style, before your writing has even taken off. Simply, be open to trying new things.

    Luckily online creative writing courses can help you to explore different kinds of writing and genres, so you can find your stride and expand your skills in more than one aspect of writing.

  2. Find your market – there is a market for all types of writing, so before you jump straight in, spend some time looking at these markets so you can find the right market and clients for your work.There are numerous ways of achieving this:

    – Creative writing – printed and online publishers are always looking for fresh, new writers and stories, so use this knowledge to help you transgress borders. Also don’t limit yourself to just British publications. Look further afield and see what they can offer you. NOTE: before you submit any work, remember to check out individual sites and publishers for information on how to submit your work.

    – Paid commercial opportunities – we’re talking about freelance work here. This is a great chance to earn money for your writing, as companies are always looking for blog and article writers who’ve got the skill to produce high quality work for their sites. Either way, this will allow you to earn money on the side whilst giving you the flexibility to work on your own private pieces. NOTE: to find work, try canvassing companies directly, or bidding for work through freelance agencies.

  3. Be prepared for feedback – it is inevitable, especially as writing is a creative art. Just remember, what one person likes, another may not, so be prepared to receive mixed feedback.If you’re writing for someone else i.e. a client or a publisher, you can improve their responses by keeping these basic rules in mind:

    – If you’re given a brief, make sure you fully understand what they want and keep to their requirements.
    – Feedback is useful and can help you to improve how you write and adapt for different clients.
    – Editors WILL make changes to your work – sure you can disagree, but you need to learn when to pick your battles and when to take their advice.
    – ALWAYS proofread your work – any mistakes and typos will impact on how you’re viewed professionally.

  4. Read, read, read – the more you read across different genres, the bigger and wider your imagination will become. This will help you to better express your feelings and emotions in your work, as your mind will be open to new possibilities and ways of expressing yourself.Similarly, listening to radio plays and going to the theatre, can all help to develop your writing skills, as they will inspire you with the range of techniques they use to create pictures and evoke emotions.
  5. Be prepared for writers block – there will be days when you just can’t get the words to flow or work in the way you want them to. Then there will be others where your pen or computer can’t keep up with your creativity. It is natural.The key in both instances is to keep at it and to keep trying. Don’t fret about the placement of commas or full stops straight away (you can sort this out later). Just focus on creating characters that are real, emotive and engaging.

 

Most importantly, continue to enjoy reading and writing, because someday it could be your work that someone is reading.

 

For more information on our online creative writing courses, click here

Like this article? Spread the word

Why you can trust the Association of Learning

The Association of Learning provides high-quality, accessible online education. Collaborating with awarding bodies like AQA, Edexcel and OCR, they offer over 250 globally recognised courses. Highly rated with 4.7/5 on Trustpilot, they're listed on Reed Courses, FindCourses and more. Explore inspiring learner stories. Contact their friendly team for quality, flexible learning opportunities to upskill your career.

How To Be Your Own Boss

Ready to be your own boss? Dive into our comprehensive guide to create a solid action plan, gain essential skills, and manage your finances effectively. With practical tips and resources, you'll be well-equipped to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a successful reality!

Learning a New Language – Why It Is Never Too Late

There is a common misconception that the best time to learn new skills is when you are young. That as you get older your brain can no longer process the new information. Yet this simply isn’t the case. No matter your age or your expectations; if you have got the determination, you can absorb new...

How to do GCSEs privately

The article addresses the challenges of taking GCSEs privately, such as navigating the booking process, finding exam centres, and managing costs. It uncovers how to overcome these obstacles by offering clear steps and practical advice. Readers will gain valuable insights into the flexibility and accessibility of private GCSEs, helping them confidently pursue or improve their qualifications without traditional schooling.

Tips for changing your career path

It can be easy to get stuck in a rut or feel as though you’re just making do with your job. If that is the case, then changing your career could be the route for you – especially if after careful reflection you realise that you’re unhappy. Now, there are a number of things you...

Finding Hope & a New Calling: Louise’s Journey from Teacher to Counsellor during her Breast Cancer Battle

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, but how we respond to them truly defines us. Louise, a dedicated year 7 teacher, faced a formidable adversary in 2021: breast cancer. The journey that followed was filled with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. In the midst of her battle, Louise discovered the power of...

Comments (0)

Join the conversation

Your email address will not be published
What’s on your mind?*
Your name*
Your email*