What does it take to become a professional writer?

In the last post we talked about the process of getting your work published, so I thought it was valuable to take a step back in the process and deal with the question that often haunts aspiring writers ‘do I have what it takes to become a professional?’.

Firstly, there are many types of paid writing work across a diverse range of disciplines from writing scripts, books, journals and newspaper articles, to writing marketing content. There are also as many subjects available to write about as there are diverse human experiences, after all writing is quite literally the translation of human experience into an artful literary presentation.

Writing is not like regular jobs, even if you do find yourself in a standard office environment the chances are it is unlike any other office based career. The experience of a writer is more in-line with that of a musician or artist. It takes more than just training, most importantly it requires talent and an extraordinary level of dedication. Becoming a professional writer takes time, will lead to several knock backs and you must be prepared that in the end it could never actually happen.

The Process of Publishing - think it, write it ,PRINT IT!

The publishing process can appear complex at times, especially if this is your first time thinking about writing a book. Here are some easy steps to help guide you when writing your book before having it published.

Printing Arrives in England

Where did it all begin? have you ever wondered how printing got to England and became so successful? There are numerous printing companies here in the UK, many of which still use the traditional methods that were originally brought overseas by the first ever English printer, translator and importer of books into England -  William Caxton in 1476.

William Caxton 

As Caxton went to London at the impression able age of 16 , he became an apprentice to a merchant and then later moved on to Bruges. Bruges , know for its wool trade was a fantastic place for him to grow, which he did - quickly becoming one of the most important and successful members of the merchant community. Caxton went on to serve as governor of the 'English Nation of Merchant Adventurers', which allowed him to represent his fellow merchants, as well as act as a diplomat for the king.