Getting started in literature...

A YouGov survey published almost two years ago found that writing topped the list of ideal jobs for Britons. The pollsters discovered in August 2007 that almost ten per cent of those questioned said that they wanted to be authors.

Starting a career in literature can be done at any age and with any skill level, provided there is a serious inclination for the sector and there is some degree of natural talent.

Writers can work several forms of literature, like poetry, drama or fiction. They can also work in different media, producing scripts for TV or radio programmes, writing for an online audience or sticking to traditional print.

There is a debate in the industry about the skills and qualifications really needed to begin a career in literature. Creative writing courses in colleges and universities are one way to earn a qualification in literature, but there is a mixed perception about them.

The qualifications debate

Journalist Ian Jack recently observed in the Guardian that such courses were 'a closed little dance: tutors teach students who in turn teach other students, like silversmiths in a medieval guild where a bangle is rarely bought though many are crafted, and everyone lives in a previous world'.

In response, Professor Russell Celyn Jones of Birkbeck College pointed out in the same publication: 'I do concede that some institutions employ tutors with creative writing PhDs, and who have no proven integrity in the marketplace, to do the mentoring. If anyone encourages fantasies among students it could be these doctors of philosophy.

'But I prefer to think of a writer's job in the academy as one that preserves the world of writing and reading (an art too) in both old and new forms of production.'

Whether or not one decides to undertake a qualification in writing is an individual decision to make, looking at both the positives (networking opportunities, meeting with publishers etc) and the negatives (high costs, competition).

Training and networking

Perhaps more useful to the budding writer is membership of a professional body that provides professional development opportunities as well as offers a platform for interaction and networking with others in the industry.

The National Association for Writers in Education (NAWE) is one such organisation. It explains that its four aims are to connect, support, advocate and to challenges its members.

Another organisation that offers information and advice (albeit only to writers in Wales) is the Academi, the national society for the promotion of literature in the country.

It says on its website that it offers 'events, courses, competitions … conferences, tours by authors, lectures, international exchanges, events for schools, readings, literary performances and festivals' that can support writers in Wales.

Getting published

Writers through the ages have struggled with getting their manuscripts published. But once the first book or collection has been accepted, the process becomes much easier.

'There are over 100,000 books published each year in the UK,' say Booktrust. 'Don't let this put you off writing a book but write because you feel you have a genuine contribution to make in a certain field.'

The charity hosted a 'How to get published' masterclass at the London Book Fair last year, where panellists debated over the different approaches writers take to getting their work into the market.

Authors were advised that the most important thing to remember is that publishers are interested in profits and that potential writers should approach publishing houses in a professional and business-like manner.

'This doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your artistic vision or 'dumb-down' - far from it - but experience has shown us that the key to getting published lies in convincing a publisher that your book has a potential market, that you are the best person to write it and that you have done your research,' Booktrust recommended.

Further information:

Academi – literature promotion agency in Wales
http://www.academi.org/  

Scottish Arts Council funding for writers
http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/funding/apply/individuals/literature.aspx  

Arts Council England
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/  

National Association for Writers in Education
http://www.nawe.co.uk/metadot/index.pl?op=show&iid=2383  

Booktrust – charity promoting reading
http://www.booktrust.org.uk/Home  

Writers Guild of Great Britain
http://www.writersguild.org.uk/public/index.html