A writer or author creates works of fiction or non-fiction for publication and sale. Examples include novels, short stories, poems, newspaper features, biographies, computer games, popular science, popular history, travel books and children’s literature.
You could be:
Salaries for authors vary massively according to the fame of the author and the length and type of the work.
However, an author working full time hours might earn an average salary of around £12,000 a year.
The figures below will provide a rough guide to freelance rates of pay.
* National Union of Journalists Freelance Directory latest rates.
Workforce Employment Status
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You need to have:
Young Scot and Creative Scotland operate the 'Nurturing Talent - Time to Shine Fund', which aims to support young people aged 11-25 and interested in developing creative or artistic skills. Both individuals and groups can apply for funding up to £1,000. For more information see the Young Scot website.
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The following organisations may be able to provide further information.
Arvon
Tel: 0204 529 4970
E-mail:
national@arvon.org
Website:
http://www.arvon.org
Twitter:
@arvonfoundation
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ArvonFoundation
Arvon provides residential courses in creative writing.
Association for Scottish Literary Studies (ASLS)
Tel: 0141 330 5309
Website:
http://asls.arts.gla.ac.uk/index.html
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scotlit/
Poetry Society
Tel: 020 7420 9880
E-mail:
info@poetrysociety.org.uk
Website:
http://www.poetrysociety.org.uk
Website (2):
http://ypn.poetrysociety.org.uk
Twitter:
@PoetrySociety
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thepoetrysociety
The Young Poets Network has useful tips and links for young poets aged 13 to 25.
Publishing Scotland
Tel: 0131 228 6866
E-mail:
enquiries@publishingscotland.org
Website:
http://www.publishingscotland.org/
Twitter:
@PublishScotland
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Publishing-Scotland
Scottish Book Trust
Tel: 0131 524 0160
E-mail:
info@scottishbooktrust.com
Website:
http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/
Twitter:
@scottishbktrust
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/scottishbktrust
Writers' Guild of Great Britain
Tel: 020 7833 0777
E-mail:
admin@writersguild.org.uk
Website:
http://www.writersguild.org.uk
Twitter:
@TheWritersGuild
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thewritersguild
The Writers' Guild produces free downloadable guidelines for writers working in several specialist industries including TV, film, radio, comics, illustrated stories, games and theatre. These include information on rates of pay.