Author requirements........?

Question

I would like to write books as a paid job in the future, but, however, I cannot really afford to go to college. Is tech school enough? What classes should I take?

Answer 1

There is no requirement of a degree to be an author. I would say join a Writer's Group which many colleges have, whether or not you take any classes.

It also will depend on what you are writing. If you are writing nonfiction, you should have a background in that topic.

Answer 2

Writing is one of the few jobs that doesn't depend on qualifications. You have to DO it. If you want to write fiction, start with short stories. If you want to write tech books, then learn your subject and find a way of presenting the information in such a manner that makes you stand out from the crowd. Writing professionally is very competitive, so learn how to use grammar and sell yourself- there's lots of books that will help you.

GET USED TO REJECTION.

It took me five years of hard work to sell anything.

One other thing. Good Luck- it's totally worth it.

Answer 3

You do not have to go to college or even tech school to become a writer. You just have to be serious enough and committed enough to write. You must write all the time, and you must learn to write well. Just putting words to paper is not nearly enough.

There is so much to be a writer, much more than just writing. You have to know how to sell, market, promote. It is hard work, but it is so worth it if it is really what you want.

Start reading books that interest you, not necessarily what is selling big and popular. What INTERESTS you. Read books about writing, read books about writing by other authors. Read books on how to become a better writer.

There are hundreds of blogs about being a writer and the business, because that's what it is a business. If you want to take classes you can often take creative writing classes at community colleges. There are online courses you can take.

Hope this helps.

Karen Syed

http://karensyed.blogspot.com

Answer 4

Don't worry about college, you just need to want to write and it's not about education, it's about enjoying writing.

Answer 5

You don't need to go to college to write, but there is very little chance for you to be able to support yourself from just writing books. You'll probably will have to go to college to get a career other than writing.

Answer 6

Anybody can become an author really if their stuff is good enough, the famous jk rowling was a single mum and i believe she didnt go to university! so go for it!

Answer 7

You don't need a college education to write. You do need an excellent command of the language, however. I suggest you start reading some excellent books. Books that make you think, that take you into their world, books that contain beautiful language.

If grammar is an issue, you can teach yourself the rules easily and inexpensively with a copy of Strunk & White's THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE.

Other than that, just write. Even when it's c**p, just write. It's the only way you'll get good enough to publish.

Answer 8

Of course it's good enough.

You just need to learn good grammar and vocabulary, then to read a lot of books or get hired at a publishing house even without pay, ask them if they need your services, then you learn from the inside how they judge a book.