How do i become a writer?

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5 comments, last by mdamman 10 years, 2 months ago

I mean i know how to actually write. Every company website i go on keeps asking for experienced writers (seniors etc). How should i start off? Should i go for smaller companies (indies? There are alot in my City, Vancouver)? In my opinion i have the skills. Should i like go on IndieDB/ModDB and do freelance work? Someone give me some pointers? I'm a begineer (Almost finished HS. Going to University).

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I mean, I know how to actually write. Every company website that I go on keeps asking for experienced writers (seniors, etc.). How should I start off? Should I go for smaller companies (indies? There are a lot in my City, Vancouver)? In my opinion I have the skills. Should I, like, go on IndieDB/ModDB and do freelance work? Can someone give me some pointers? I'm a beginner (Almost finished HS. Going to University).

Just start writing for yourself and putting your work out in the public realm for practice, and to get feedback. You can then offer your services to indies (or larger companies), using this previously published work as a portfolio so that they can see your skills. From there you can point people to both your public portfolio, and to your experience/history.

Sorry to nit-pick, but there's several grammar and spelling mistakes in your post -- when applying for a writing position, those small mistakes would probably result in an instant rejection, so make sure to double proof-read everything when asking around for work cool.png

I mean, I know how to actually write. Every company website that I go on keeps asking for experienced writers (seniors, etc.). How should I start off? Should I go for smaller companies (indies? There are a lot in my City, Vancouver)? In my opinion I have the skills. Should I, like, go on IndieDB/ModDB and do freelance work? Can someone give me some pointers? I'm a beginner (Almost finished HS. Going to University).

Just start writing for yourself and putting your work out in the public realm for practice, and to get feedback. You can then offer your services to indies (or larger companies), using this previously published work as a portfolio so that they can see your skills. From there you can point people to both your public portfolio, and to your experience/history.

Sorry to nit-pick, but there's several grammar and spelling mistakes in your post -- when applying for a writing position, those small mistakes would probably result in an instant rejection, so make sure to double proof-read everything when asking around for work cool.png

I know. I'm on my ipod so.........

Sorry to nit-pick, but there's several grammar and spelling mistakes in your post -- when applying for a writing position, those small mistakes would probably result in an instant rejection, so make sure to double proof-read everything when asking around for work cool.png

Just to concur with Hodgman, this is an important issue. The mistakes in your post noticeably jump out. Normally I tune those flaws out (it's the internet after all!), but when someone is saying they have skill as a writer, but their everyday writing doesn't vouch for them...

To put it by way of analogy, when I hang around artists, even their five-minute doodles have quality to them. They throw away art I'd hang on a wall (despite my supplications and entreaties dry.png).

If you're a writer, even your five-minute posts should be well above the average level of quality (or lack thereof) of the internet.

You shouldn't be a grammar-nazi nitpicking others' posts (unless, like in this thread, they come asking for advice wink.png), but you should nit-pick your own posts. If you don't know how something is spelled, look it up instantly. Don't misspell it and plan to look it up later, because each misspelling will lock in that misspelling further in your mind.

Same with grammar, capitalization, etc...

[Edit:] Ah, well, there's some leeway granted for when posting from certain devices. Just don't make any job-offers like that! laugh.png


I know. I'm on my ipod so.........

Not a valid excuse. Get a degree, and write, write, write.

-- Tom Sloper -- sloperama.com

Not sure why Tom didn't link this for you. Follow the below link and that should be sufficient to at least push you to the next level of questions.

FAQ 32: Writing for Games

I mean i know how to actually write. Every company website i go on keeps asking for experienced writers (seniors etc). How should i start off? Should i go for smaller companies (indies? There are alot in my City, Vancouver)? In my opinion i have the skills. Should i like go on IndieDB/ModDB and do freelance work? Someone give me some pointers? I'm a begineer (Almost finished HS. Going to University).

As some have said, to be a writer, one must write. Whatever your preferred medium of writing is (stories, articles, scripts, etc.), start composing regularly. Make it a hobby and always look to improve your ability.

It is also crucial that you put your work out there to be read. Blogs are great and free. I would recommend looking into sites that welcome user content and have people willing to read and critique your work as critical feedback is a must. If your main source of it thus far has been yourself your friends and your high school teachers, that's not enough. You need people that are willing to tear apart your work to force you to improve.

Keep writing, build a portfolio of your best pieces, and don't settle for less than your best. You're welcome to submit yourself or your work for freelance publishing, though it will likely be some time before you're going to be paid for it. If you come across an offer to write for free, take it. It's experience and a good way to make connections. I'm not speaking from experience, but I expect nearly all paid freelance writers have previous relationships with the editors that hire them. The best way develop these kinds of relationships is to get your work out there. Since you're going on to university, definitely have a look at any school connected outlets or writer's groups.

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