How to become a better writer

What does a writer do?

The duties of a writer will differ depending upon their area of expertise, their job or assignment, the industry in which they work, and the medium for which they write. Writers must be able to create content that will engage, inform, and please their audience.

A writer spends much of their time researching a topic, gathering information from sources, and outlining what they plan to write. Based upon their job, a writer may write articles, stories, essays, scripts, press releases, and other materials for publication.

Writers must also review and revise their work, editing it for accuracy, clarity, grammar, and style.

Steps to become a better writer

Becoming a better writer may not be the same for everyone. While some writers are self-taught, most have education and training in the field, such as a bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, creative writing, or a related field.

Work experience is also vital to becoming a better writer, as many employers may not hire writers without professional experience.

Here are some steps you can follow to become a better writer:

Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field

A bachelor's degree in English or a related field is typically necessary to become a better writer. As writing is a broad field with diverse employers and work settings, communications, journalism, and creative writing degrees can be potentially beneficial. Along with professional experience, these programs may help you become a better writer.

Step 2: Develop a daily writing habit

Practice, practice, and practice should help you to improve your writing skills. Make writing an everyday habit. Keep a daily journal to record your activities, feelings, thoughts, and creative prose or poetry. You may also opt to start a blog.

It does not matter if others see your personal writing. You may decide to keep it private for your eyes only. However, what matters is that you are writing every day. Over time, you may notice improvements in your writing.

Step 3: Get continuous feedback on your writing

Share some of your writing with others so that you can get feedback. If you work in a job that involves writing, this may be automatic, with feedback from your boss or editor.

If you are just trying to improve your writing on your own, share some of it with a trusted advisor who is knowledgeable about writing. Instructors you have had, fellow writing classmates, and, if you are still a student, the writing lab at your college or university can all provide helpful evaluations and comments.

Accept this feedback as constructive criticism of your work, and do not take any feedback personally.

Step 4: Gain relevant work experience

As with many professions, gaining practical work experience is valuable in becoming a better writer. Apply for internships and jobs that can help you hone your writing skills.

Any type of professional writing can boost your marketability as a writer while also helping you to improve your writing skills. This includes entry-level staff writing positions crafting newspaper obituaries, covering municipal meetings, and writing feature articles.

Step 5: Attend writing workshops or seminars

Becoming a better writer is a continuous process. Attending writing workshops or seminars may help you to improve your writing skills, learn a new type of writing, and generate ideas for your writing.

It may also allow you to network with other writers and editors, increasing your marketability while improving your writing skills.

Get started on edX

Explore writing courses and degree programs on edX as you strive to improve your writing. You may wish to concentrate your studies in an area in which you are weak, such as grammar, or in an area in which you are interested in writing, such as business writing.