Do you have to go to college to be a writer?

Question

I am currently working on a novel because one of my hobbies is writing. I would like to know, do you have to take writing/English courses focused on writing if you want a book published? Are their college requirements to have a book published, or can somebody with a good idea and good writing habits come out of nowhere?

Answer 1

nope 15 year olds get published, you just have to be good at writing. not educated per-say.  

Answer 2

No you don't have to go to college to become a published author.  And even you do go to college there aren't any required writing courses that you have to take, although some school do offer that circumlum.

In fact Eragon was written by a teenager and it was published.  And I'm sure there have been other young authors that have published as well, without higher education.

Anyone with the will power and determination to write a novel and to do the work that's required to edit and polish it can get published.  That doesn't mean you're not likely to face a lot of rejection, but all it takes is one publisher willing to take a chance on your book.

Answer 3

You do not necessarily have to have a college education to become a published author; the only rigid requirement for publication is that you produce a marketable product -- a readable novel.  However, I think that generally your chances of being published will increase if you are college educated.  You will take writing courses and learn style and the basics of writing and will have your work critiqued by objective professors.  Additionally, if you graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree, you will be a more well-rounded individual with a liberal knowledge of arts and letters.  In the meantime, regardless your chosen course of study, continue writing.  Practice is essential to gaining proficiency, obviously.  Good luck!

Answer 4

This topic was recently covered here. There are some good responses.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Essentially, just as others have said, no. You don't need a college degree to be an author. Read the responses. I think you'll find them interesting. I particularly liked mememe's answer.

Answer 5

no.. a publisher knows no age. it depends on the novel you are writing.

Answer 6

No you don't need college or any formal education to write or publish a book. However, creative writing courses offered at colleges and universities everywhere are great for helping with things like grammar and style. Joining a writer guild is also a great way to meet other authors with similar dreams.

If you can get the education, then why would you pass it up? But anyone with drive, determination, a good story,a great editor and a lot of luck can write a book. You can even publish a book yourself.

Do yourself a favor if you're serious about the whole thing and join a writer's guild in your area. You'll enjoy it! The best of luck.

Answer 7

No you don't have to go to college. But there a lot of great college writing classes that could further your writing ability.  

Answer 8

That is a good question.

  

Answer 9

JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer never went to school for writing, and they are NOT the exception. Publishers don't look at that sort of thing - they look at the book. Actually, some successful authors suggest that you DON'T take classes like these because "Chances are it will drain the life out of your creativity." (Laurie Halse Anderson)