You'll need a high level of writing skill and talent. To develop these skills, you could get a qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• creative writing
• communication and media
• English language or literature
• creative and professional writing
• journalism

You could also do a postgraduate writing course to get into this career.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

You can do several things to develop your writing skills and learn more about the world of publishing. These include:

• joining a local writers' group
• entering writing competitions
• blogging online

You might be able to apply directly for technical writer jobs in industries like engineering or pharmaceuticals, if you've got the relevant background and qualifications.

Experience in journalism could also help you to get into travel or broadcast writing.

You could work in TV or radio as a scriptwriter. BBC Writersroom has information, advice and workshops on writing and submitting scripts.

You may be able to publish and sell your work without formal training or qualifications, if you're exceptionally talented and have taught yourself. A literary agent may be able to help you with this.

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• excellent written communication skills
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

In this role you could:

• choose a subject based on personal interest, or at the request of an agent or publisher
• come up with ideas, plots or content headings
• research information using the internet, libraries, site visits and personal interviews
• develop your story, article, blog, review or instruction manual
• submit your draft to a publisher or editor
• revise your work after getting feedback
• upload your work to websites or social media, or look for publishing opportunities
• attend book signings, readings and discussions of your work
• run writing workshops

You could work in an office or from home.