4 answers
Isaac
Student
Commodore, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
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What benefits does it have?
What type of benefits come with being a writer? Can I do it locally? Is there help out there in achieving this career? Is there health insurance
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4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Isaac,
Benefits of Being a Writer
Becoming a writer can offer numerous benefits, both personally and professionally. Some of the key advantages of pursuing a career as a writer include:
Creative Expression: Writing provides an outlet for creative expression, allowing individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and emotions with others. It offers a platform for self-expression and can be a fulfilling way to communicate with the world.
Flexibility: One of the appealing aspects of being a writer is the flexibility it offers. Many writers have the freedom to set their own schedules and work from various locations, providing a sense of independence and autonomy in their professional lives.
Intellectual Stimulation: Writing often involves research and exploration of diverse topics, leading to continuous intellectual growth. It can be intellectually stimulating to delve into different subjects and develop expertise in various areas through writing.
Potential for Impact: Writers have the potential to influence and inspire others through their work. Whether through fiction, non-fiction, journalism, or other forms of writing, authors can shape perspectives, provoke thought, and contribute to societal discourse.
Career Diversity: The field of writing encompasses a wide range of genres and formats, offering diverse career paths such as novelists, journalists, content creators, technical writers, copywriters, and more. This diversity allows individuals to explore different avenues within the writing profession.
Networking Opportunities: As a writer, there are opportunities to connect with other professionals in the industry, including editors, publishers, fellow writers, and literary agents. Building a network can open doors for collaboration and career advancement.
Personal Growth: Engaging in writing can lead to personal growth by honing communication skills, fostering discipline and perseverance, and cultivating resilience in the face of challenges such as rejection or criticism.
Local Opportunities for Writers
In terms of pursuing a writing career locally, there are several avenues that aspiring writers can explore:
Local Writing Groups: Many communities have local writing groups or workshops where writers can connect with peers, receive feedback on their work, and participate in discussions about the craft of writing.
Community Events: Writers may find opportunities to showcase their work at local events such as book fairs, literary festivals, or open mic nights. These events can provide exposure and networking opportunities within the local writing community.
Collaboration with Local Businesses: Some writers may find freelance opportunities with local businesses for content creation, marketing materials, or other written projects.
Local Publications: Investigating local newspapers, magazines, or online publications could reveal potential outlets for publishing articles or features on regional topics.
Support for Aspiring Writers
For those seeking assistance in pursuing a career as a writer, there are resources available to provide guidance and support:
Writing Workshops and Classes: Many communities offer writing workshops or classes through local colleges, libraries, or community centers. These can provide valuable instruction and feedback for individuals looking to improve their writing skills.
Professional Organizations: Joining professional writing organizations can offer access to resources such as job listings, industry insights, networking events, and professional development opportunities.
Mentorship Programs: Some established writers may offer mentorship programs or one-on-one coaching for aspiring authors seeking guidance in navigating the writing industry.
Online Communities: Virtual communities and forums dedicated to writing can serve as valuable platforms for connecting with other writers, sharing experiences, and accessing resources related to the craft and business of writing.
Health Insurance
Regarding health insurance for writers specifically, it’s important to note that many freelance writers or self-employed authors may need to secure their own health insurance coverage. This could involve exploring options such as private health insurance plans or healthcare marketplaces depending on the writer’s location and individual circumstances.
In conclusion, pursuing a career as a writer offers numerous benefits including creative expression, flexibility, intellectual stimulation, potential impact on others, career diversity, networking opportunities, and personal growth. Aspiring writers can explore local opportunities through writing groups, community events, collaborations with businesses, and local publications while seeking support through workshops/classes, professional organizations, mentorship programs, and online communities. When it comes to health insurance considerations for writers, individual arrangements may be necessary based on their employment status.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The Authors Guild: The Authors Guild is a professional organization dedicated to supporting authors’ rights and providing resources for writers across various genres.
Writer’s Digest: Writer’s Digest is a leading publication in the writing industry that offers valuable insights into the craft of writing as well as information on publishing opportunities.
Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP): AWP is an essential resource for writers offering support through its programs and services while also providing information on educational opportunities in creative writing.
These sources were utilized to ensure accurate information regarding the benefits of being a writer, local opportunities for writers’ support available to aspiring writers.
GOD BLESS,
JC
Benefits of Being a Writer
Becoming a writer can offer numerous benefits, both personally and professionally. Some of the key advantages of pursuing a career as a writer include:
Creative Expression: Writing provides an outlet for creative expression, allowing individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and emotions with others. It offers a platform for self-expression and can be a fulfilling way to communicate with the world.
Flexibility: One of the appealing aspects of being a writer is the flexibility it offers. Many writers have the freedom to set their own schedules and work from various locations, providing a sense of independence and autonomy in their professional lives.
Intellectual Stimulation: Writing often involves research and exploration of diverse topics, leading to continuous intellectual growth. It can be intellectually stimulating to delve into different subjects and develop expertise in various areas through writing.
Potential for Impact: Writers have the potential to influence and inspire others through their work. Whether through fiction, non-fiction, journalism, or other forms of writing, authors can shape perspectives, provoke thought, and contribute to societal discourse.
Career Diversity: The field of writing encompasses a wide range of genres and formats, offering diverse career paths such as novelists, journalists, content creators, technical writers, copywriters, and more. This diversity allows individuals to explore different avenues within the writing profession.
Networking Opportunities: As a writer, there are opportunities to connect with other professionals in the industry, including editors, publishers, fellow writers, and literary agents. Building a network can open doors for collaboration and career advancement.
Personal Growth: Engaging in writing can lead to personal growth by honing communication skills, fostering discipline and perseverance, and cultivating resilience in the face of challenges such as rejection or criticism.
Local Opportunities for Writers
In terms of pursuing a writing career locally, there are several avenues that aspiring writers can explore:
Local Writing Groups: Many communities have local writing groups or workshops where writers can connect with peers, receive feedback on their work, and participate in discussions about the craft of writing.
Community Events: Writers may find opportunities to showcase their work at local events such as book fairs, literary festivals, or open mic nights. These events can provide exposure and networking opportunities within the local writing community.
Collaboration with Local Businesses: Some writers may find freelance opportunities with local businesses for content creation, marketing materials, or other written projects.
Local Publications: Investigating local newspapers, magazines, or online publications could reveal potential outlets for publishing articles or features on regional topics.
Support for Aspiring Writers
For those seeking assistance in pursuing a career as a writer, there are resources available to provide guidance and support:
Writing Workshops and Classes: Many communities offer writing workshops or classes through local colleges, libraries, or community centers. These can provide valuable instruction and feedback for individuals looking to improve their writing skills.
Professional Organizations: Joining professional writing organizations can offer access to resources such as job listings, industry insights, networking events, and professional development opportunities.
Mentorship Programs: Some established writers may offer mentorship programs or one-on-one coaching for aspiring authors seeking guidance in navigating the writing industry.
Online Communities: Virtual communities and forums dedicated to writing can serve as valuable platforms for connecting with other writers, sharing experiences, and accessing resources related to the craft and business of writing.
Health Insurance
Regarding health insurance for writers specifically, it’s important to note that many freelance writers or self-employed authors may need to secure their own health insurance coverage. This could involve exploring options such as private health insurance plans or healthcare marketplaces depending on the writer’s location and individual circumstances.
In conclusion, pursuing a career as a writer offers numerous benefits including creative expression, flexibility, intellectual stimulation, potential impact on others, career diversity, networking opportunities, and personal growth. Aspiring writers can explore local opportunities through writing groups, community events, collaborations with businesses, and local publications while seeking support through workshops/classes, professional organizations, mentorship programs, and online communities. When it comes to health insurance considerations for writers, individual arrangements may be necessary based on their employment status.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The Authors Guild: The Authors Guild is a professional organization dedicated to supporting authors’ rights and providing resources for writers across various genres.
Writer’s Digest: Writer’s Digest is a leading publication in the writing industry that offers valuable insights into the craft of writing as well as information on publishing opportunities.
Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP): AWP is an essential resource for writers offering support through its programs and services while also providing information on educational opportunities in creative writing.
These sources were utilized to ensure accurate information regarding the benefits of being a writer, local opportunities for writers’ support available to aspiring writers.
GOD BLESS,
JC
Rachel John
Indie Author
6
Answers
Buckeye, Arizona
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Isaac,
It depends on what type of writing you are interested in doing. I'm going to answer as if you're interested in writing books. Whether you self-publish or pursue a publisher, there will not be health benefits tied to that. Writing is a feast or famine game. You might make a lot of money all at once, and then have a bad year, so budgeting is a MUST! Also, most of the time, you will make money, and it will take 3-6 months for that money to reach your bank account while royalties accrue. This is true for eBooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks. I suggest you find something to supplement your income and give you rich life experience until you reach a point where you want to pursue writing full time.
There are so many writing-adjacent careers that would really help you out. Besides creating worlds (or in the case of non-fiction - sharing ideas and facts) it's really helpful to know marketing, graphic design, formatting, editing, computer and website skills, history.... I could go on and on. Anything you know about that is unique to you will be fascinating to other people. I have a writer friend who is part of a military family. All her books feature the military in some way. This is just one example.
There is no specific location requirement. There is no specific schooling you must have first. I have a BA in English Literature, but to be honest, I didn't need it, and most of the classes were ridiculous. I chose English because I liked the subject, and I had a scholarship from the English Department. Do not go into debt to get an English degree. It won't help you, and it won't get you a job. My best skills were learned by reading (always reading), working in a graphic design department, learning at an early age to type accurately and fast, and asking lots of questions. There are so many writing groups out there, both in person, and online. There are many, many books on the writing craft. Read them, but also read for fun.
Figure out what kind of writing you want to do and then study the books doing well. There are rules for certain genres. Learn the ones that matter to you.
Be polite. Be professional. Be willing to take criticism. Know that some advice will be terrible and politely ignore it. Thank people. Pass along the help when you can. Do not hand over money to anyone unless you know exactly what they're doing for you, and you've checked them out. This is usually a problem for older people, but don't do things like buy 10,000 likes or reviews for your book. If it sounds fishy, it probably is. Find out how much things should cost, from cover art to editing to marketing.
Hope that helps!
Finish something
Get feedback from someone who is not a personal friend or family member and who often reads books like what you're shooting for.
It depends on what type of writing you are interested in doing. I'm going to answer as if you're interested in writing books. Whether you self-publish or pursue a publisher, there will not be health benefits tied to that. Writing is a feast or famine game. You might make a lot of money all at once, and then have a bad year, so budgeting is a MUST! Also, most of the time, you will make money, and it will take 3-6 months for that money to reach your bank account while royalties accrue. This is true for eBooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks. I suggest you find something to supplement your income and give you rich life experience until you reach a point where you want to pursue writing full time.
There are so many writing-adjacent careers that would really help you out. Besides creating worlds (or in the case of non-fiction - sharing ideas and facts) it's really helpful to know marketing, graphic design, formatting, editing, computer and website skills, history.... I could go on and on. Anything you know about that is unique to you will be fascinating to other people. I have a writer friend who is part of a military family. All her books feature the military in some way. This is just one example.
There is no specific location requirement. There is no specific schooling you must have first. I have a BA in English Literature, but to be honest, I didn't need it, and most of the classes were ridiculous. I chose English because I liked the subject, and I had a scholarship from the English Department. Do not go into debt to get an English degree. It won't help you, and it won't get you a job. My best skills were learned by reading (always reading), working in a graphic design department, learning at an early age to type accurately and fast, and asking lots of questions. There are so many writing groups out there, both in person, and online. There are many, many books on the writing craft. Read them, but also read for fun.
Figure out what kind of writing you want to do and then study the books doing well. There are rules for certain genres. Learn the ones that matter to you.
Be polite. Be professional. Be willing to take criticism. Know that some advice will be terrible and politely ignore it. Thank people. Pass along the help when you can. Do not hand over money to anyone unless you know exactly what they're doing for you, and you've checked them out. This is usually a problem for older people, but don't do things like buy 10,000 likes or reviews for your book. If it sounds fishy, it probably is. Find out how much things should cost, from cover art to editing to marketing.
Hope that helps!
Rachel recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Isaac
Michelle Heath
Program Management
3
Answers
Waco, Texas
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Isaac!
In my career, I've found that writing is an invaluable skill. I started out as a reporter working for a newspaper - a local paper. I did have health insurance options. I will be honest with you, the pay was not great, but the experience was incredible. As a reporter, I learned how to work on a deadline and communicate well with people. I learned how to turn many interviews into one cohesive story. I built up my resiliency and my confidence, plus I was able to really hone my writing skills.
Being a reporter (or you could say a "professional writer") opened other doors for me. I ended up working for a Technology Consulting firm as a Content Manager in the marketing department. They were looking for someone who could take a complex topic and make it easy to understand - that's what writers do. After a couple years, I ended up leading that department. That job lead to my current position at Cisco where I was able to further expand my skillset and move into Program Management. And guess what? Writing is still VERY important in my role. People rely on my communication skills that I wouldn't have had without my reporting degree.
Your career can have many paths. You can start with being a writer and then move in a different direction, but I believe that what you learn as a writer can always benefit your career. If you want to go in a more creative route, you could always consider freelance writing or even writing outside of your day-to-day job. If you write short-stories, you could try submitting them to a publication.
Research various "writing" roles - such a content marketing, journalism, technical writing, creative writing, etc.
Reach out to writers who you admire - this could be a local reporter or someone who even publishes a blog
Explore writing courses - there are a range of options (check out LinkedIn Learning and Udemy for free or affordable courses)
Read a lot! If you want to be a journalist, read articles; If you want to be an author, read a lot of books. Find writers who's style you enjoy and try to emulate it.
Stay open to opportunities - even if it doesn't quite match up to your dream writing position, consider new opportunities to expand your skillset & allow others to benefit from your writing skills
In my career, I've found that writing is an invaluable skill. I started out as a reporter working for a newspaper - a local paper. I did have health insurance options. I will be honest with you, the pay was not great, but the experience was incredible. As a reporter, I learned how to work on a deadline and communicate well with people. I learned how to turn many interviews into one cohesive story. I built up my resiliency and my confidence, plus I was able to really hone my writing skills.
Being a reporter (or you could say a "professional writer") opened other doors for me. I ended up working for a Technology Consulting firm as a Content Manager in the marketing department. They were looking for someone who could take a complex topic and make it easy to understand - that's what writers do. After a couple years, I ended up leading that department. That job lead to my current position at Cisco where I was able to further expand my skillset and move into Program Management. And guess what? Writing is still VERY important in my role. People rely on my communication skills that I wouldn't have had without my reporting degree.
Your career can have many paths. You can start with being a writer and then move in a different direction, but I believe that what you learn as a writer can always benefit your career. If you want to go in a more creative route, you could always consider freelance writing or even writing outside of your day-to-day job. If you write short-stories, you could try submitting them to a publication.
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice.
Isaac
Fernando Iriarte
Freelance Writer & Editor
151
Answers
Puerto Rico
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
Your options for jobs opens up a lot of possibilities. From column writer, novel writer, editor/proofreader and copywriter, just to name a few, you can go into the area that clicks with you the most. Regardless of the area you choose be sure to properly research and get acquainted with the format of your desired field. Thankfully there are various guides and courses dedicated to each field of writing. One heads up if you decide to become a novel writer or script writer be sure to look up unions for those fields to better help you with job opportunities and to make sure you're treated fairly.