Career as a Creative Writer (Novelist)

“The movie didn’t do justice to the movie!”, ever been a part of a book vs the movie argument? If yes, then you are probably someone who enjoys reading and understands fiction. 

Want to be the next Ruskin Bond or J.K. Rowling? Become a writer, even better, a novelist. You can build your own fictional world and share it with the world. Or if you have an exciting life to share, you can do that too!

In this blog, we will cover the career as a creative writer-novelist, the career path, skills, courses, and job outlook. Read till the end for book recommendations on writing fiction. 

What does a Writer do?

A writer is simply “a person who artistically expresses his or her ideas or thoughts in a written form of work,” according to the simple definition. An author who prefers to create novels to shorter genres like poetry, essays, or short stories is known as a novelist.

A comparatively less role driven profession, the nature of the job doesn’t dictate a set kind of duties or responsibilities. Here are a few things a novelist is expected to do:

• Building a story. (Plot, Characters, Setting,Theme, etc.)
• Investigating the backstory of the book they’re writing
• Drafting and editing
• Coordinate with editors, publishers, and agents to prepare your writing for publication
• Internet and in-person book promotion.

Types of Novels

A broad category of novels are divided into Fictional and Non- fictional Novels.  

Fictional novels, as the name implies, feature fictional characters and situations. A nonfiction novel, on the other hand, will concentrate on historical people, socio-political events, or personal life stories. 

There are different book genres that novels come under as follows:

Each of these categories requires a novelist’s use of distinct writing and research methods. 

A novel’s final copy is the result of a lengthy process of composition, revision, and editing. A writer can self-publish a novel or have it published by publishing business. 

Career path for a Writer

There is no fixed career path to become a novelist. One needs a stong background in writing and creative storytelling. The degrees related to which are mentioned below. 

Based on your chosen niche to write on, you can choose the subjects for your undergraduate program. 

Path I

• Minimum of 60% in Grade 10
• Diploma in Creative writing or Writing skill.
• Undergraduation in Literature, Fine Arts, Mass Communication, etc. 

Path II

• Minimum of 55% in 10 + 2 or equivalent from any stream.
• Graduation in Literature, psychology, Fine Arts, Journalism, or Mass Communication, etc. 

After any one of the pathway, one can pursue a postgraduate degree related to the field and interest. Enrolling in certificate programs and internship during or after graduation can help gain good exposure and build a profile. 

Salary in different stages of a career as a Writer

If a book sells 20,000 copies in India, it is regarded as a best seller. An author receives a royalty from the sales of the novel, which is typically 1–10%.

If you’re a debut author, your royalty percentage may only be 5% to 7.5% of your MRP. You will receive a 10% royalty if you are an established author. In India, very few authors receive a two-digit royalty rate.

According to Bookriot, a traditionally published author earns 5-20% royalties on print books, 10-25% on audiobooks, and 25% on ebooks. When an ebook costs between $2.99 and $9.99, Amazon pays 70%, and when it costs more than that, 35%.

Skills Required to become a Writer

The skills that a novelist should have are:

For Writing

• Editing:
  Editing is probably the most self analytical skill that a writer should have. Being able to edit your work from a writer and reader perspective is perhaps the most crucial skill. 

• Persuasive storytelling:
  After all, it is all about telling an interesting story. You should be able to not just convince, but create a visualization through words. 

• Language expertise:
  Language comprises of Grammar, Syntax, and vocabulary. A mastery in all of them is essential to good writing. You can also take help from online tools, but one should have the expertise. 

• Reading:
  A large part of your undergraduate program will train you into being a mindful reader. The more you read, the better you will write. 

• Communication skills: 
  Very much connected to persuasive storytelling, communicating with your audience through your characters and authorial presence is a skill to master. 

For Personal

• Discipline
  If you are a novelist, you are your own boss. That means you will have to discipline yourself. Until and unless writing is not practised on a daily basis, with frequent feedback and improvisation. One won’t be able to deliver an authentic material. 

• Determination
  Setting goals, and achieving those goals will require focus and determination to contribute every single day. Even the most famous books, are made with years of efforts and time. 

• Adaptability
  As mentioned before, one might not turn into a world or nation renowned author in a day. It take time to be recognized and gain the reputation, thus one will have to adapt to writing, experimenting, negotiating with publication houses, editors, etc. 

• Organisation skills
  Knowing the essentials of creating a story, organizing your content to make it engaging require organizational skills. 

• Socialising
  Perhaps the most underrated skill, make sure to join writing clubs and engage with people. They can provide feedback and help in writing better. Thus, socialising and creating the network need this skill. 

• Problem-solving
  What’s a story without conflict? Be it resolving issues in your writing, or negotiating writing or book contracts, problem-solving is a must have skill. 

Is becoming a Writer a good career option? 

Though not a fast-paced career, your career as a writer can overturn any moment. Many writers start writing as a side career, as immediate success is not guaranteed. As per 2020 statistics, the field has seen only 9% growth in terms of job vacancies. 

As a novelist, you will be sharing your story with a larger audience. Your story can help someone or inspire them. If worked out well, it is a highly satisfying, and probably the coolest, intellectual career.  Another perk is, that it gives you complete autonomy. 

Type of industries Hiring a Writer

Writer is required in almost every possible field, if you aspire to have a career as a writer (novelist), you will receive writing opportunities as Grants, Projects, or Ghost Writers. The industries that hire writers are: 

• Publication Houses
• Newspaper or Media Houses
• Entertainment Industry
• Travel Industry
• Online Publication Websites/ Editing Services

Top Publishing Houses for a Writer (Novelists) in India 

Here are the top companies and publishing houses that hire writers in India: 

Penguin Books India

Oracle

MacMillan Publishers India

Rupa Publications

Times of India

Screen Rant

Harper Collins Publishers India

Random House India.

Wiley India

Seagull Books

Courses to upskill as a Writer (Novelist)

Writing projects are available from several publishing houses. To be considered for the project, one must submit a writing portfolio. Once that is done, you must promptly send the work to the publishing company.

Numerous reputable institutions provide certificate programs in creative writing, which can help with networking and gaining writing insights. A few locations that provide certificate programs in creative writing are listed below:

Name of the course	Provider
Certificate Course in Creative Writing	Xavier Institute of Communications
Comprehensive Creative Writing Course	The Writers Bureau
Good with words: Writing and Editing	University of Texas
Creative Writing Workshop	Deer Park Institute
Writing for Young Readers	Commonwealth Education Trust
Certificate Course in Creative Writing	Sri Aurobindo center for arts and communication

Check out the JuniorMBA in advertising program to enhance your writing skills.

Qualifications to become a Writer

A specific educational background is not necessary to become a novelist. If you want to write a specific style of novel, such as a psychological thriller or science fiction, a degree that complements the information required for such writing may be an excellent alternative.

Degrees in India 

After completing Grade 12, you can apply for a diploma or any undergraduate course. A degree in the arts or a closely connected discipline would aid the creative process because it exposes the student to a wide variety of writings.

UG degree names 

The eligibility requirements for undergraduate degree programs with information on colleges have been shared in the blog- How to become a Creative Writer – Novelist. The estimated duration of these courses is 3-4 years. Here are a few courses you can try:

• Bachelors in Mass Communication
• Bachelors in Fine Arts
• Bachelors of Arts in Literature with specialization in Creative Writing
• Bachelors of Arts in Linguistics
• BA (Theatre Studies, English, Psychology)

PG

A minimum of 55% in an undergraduate program is expected for applying to a postgraduation course. Apart from this, many universities have their specific entrance exam and follow a merit-based admission process. Here are a few courses you can try:

Name of the course	Duration
MA in Literature: Creative Writing	2 years
MA in Mass Communication	2 years
Masters in Fine Arts	2 years
Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication	2 years
MA in Theatre/Psychology/Linguistics	2 years

Degrees Abroad 

There are several undergraduate degrees abroad that focus specifically on creative writing or technical writing. Apart from that, you can even apply for Bachelor in Art, Film, and Visual Studies, or history and fiction studies. 

To apply for a postgraduate degree abroad, the eligibility criteria are as follows:

• A minimum of 70% cumulative average or equivalent grade in the undergraduate program.
• Minimum scores in following exams:
  • TOEFL: 250
  • IBT: 100
  • IELTS: 7.0

Here are a few postgraduate degrees focusing on writing:

Name of the course	Duration
Master of Writing and Publishing	2 years
MA in Visual Journalism and Storytelling	2 years
MA in Communication, Cultural and Media Studies	2 years
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing	2 years
Master of Arts in English – Creative Writing and Language and Literature	2 years

References for a Writer

Below are the books from writers around the world on writing fiction and nonfiction:

• On Writing by Stephen King
• Shitty First Drafts by Anne Lamott
• The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler
• Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Renne Browne
• Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
• The Kick-ass Writer by Chuck Wendig
• Bird by bird by Anne Lamott
• Story Genius by Lisa Cron
• The Writer’s Quotebook: Authors on Creativity, Craft and Writing life. 

Each one of us have a story to share. The roots of storytelling are deep and connected in sense of community and well-being. Anyone can be a writer, but it needs patience, skill, and vision to become a writer or novelist. One should try this career full-time or as a hobby. 

FAQs about the career as a Creative Writer