Do authors need a degree

Answer 1

No. There have been authors as young as kindergardners that have had books published.

In short, no. There have been many authors who did not have any formal education. However, an good education can have its advantages in terms of being well rounded, giving you different ways of thinking, creative writing skills, as well as critical thinking skills.

Answer 2

Theres no set requirements in the form of examinations or degrees which you must have to become a writer as anyone is allowed to write and even have their work published without any degrees or qualifications whatsoever although a degree in the English language would be beneficial to your writing technique or style

Answer 3

There is no requirement to have a college degree to become an author. But to be a successful author, one has to have a good grasp of the language, something that is greatly helped by have at least a bachelor's degree.

A college degree generally is required for a position as a writer or editor. Good facility with computers and communications equipment is necessary in order to stay in touch with sources, editors, and other writers while working on assignments, whether from home, an office, or while traveling. Education and training. Some employers look for a broad liberal arts background, while others prefer to hire people with degrees in communications, journalism, or English. For those who specialize in a particular area, such as fashion, business, or law, additional background in the chosen field is expected. Increasingly, technical writing requires a degree in, or some knowledge about, a specialized field-for example, engineering, business, or one of the sciences. Knowledge of a second language is helpful for some positions. A background in web design, computer graphics, or other technology field is increasingly practical, because of the growing use of graphics and representational design in developing technical documentation. In many cases, people with good writing skills may transfer from jobs as technicians, scientists, or engineers into jobs as writers or editors. Others begin as research assistants or as trainees in a technical information department, develop technical communication skills, and then assume writing duties. Other qualifications. Writers and editors must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should enjoy writing. Creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation, and perseverance also are valuable. Writers and editors must demonstrate good judgment and a strong sense of ethics in deciding what material to publish. In addition, the ability to concentrate amid confusion and to work under pressure often is essential. Editors also need tact and the ability to guide and encourage others in their work. Familiarity with electronic publishing, graphics, and video production increasingly is needed. Use of electronic and wireless communications equipment to send e-mail, transmit work, and review copy often is necessary. Online newspapers and magazines require knowledge of computer software used to combine online text with graphics, audio, video, and animation. High school and college newspapers, literary magazines, community newspapers, and radio and television stations all provide valuable-but sometimes unpaid-practical writing experience. Many magazines, newspapers, and broadcast stations have internships for students. Interns write short pieces, conduct research and interviews, and learn about the publishing or broadcasting business. Advancement. In small firms, beginning writers and editors hired as assistants may actually begin writing or editing material right away. Opportunities for advancement and also full-time work can be limited, however. Many small or not-for-profit organizations either do not have enough regular work or cannot afford to employ writers on a full-time basis. However, they routinely contract out work to freelance writers. In larger businesses, jobs usually are more formally structured. Beginners generally do research, fact check articles, or copy edit drafts. Advancement to full-scale writing or editing assignments may occur more slowly for newer writers and editors in larger organizations than for employees of smaller companies. Advancement often is more predictable, though, coming with the assignment of more important articles. Advancement for writers, especially freelancers, often means working on larger, more complex projects for better known publications or for more money. Building a reputation and establishing a track record for meeting deadlines also makes it easier to get future assignments. Experience, credibility, and reliability often lead to long-term freelance relationships with the same publications and to contacts with editors who will seek you out for particular assignments. The growing popularity of blogging could allow some writers to get their work read. For example, a few well-written blogs may garner some recognition for the author and may lead to a few paid pieces in other print or electronic publications. Some established staff writers contribute to blogs on the on-line versions of publications in conjunction with their routine work. However, most bloggers do not earn a considerable amount of money writing their blogs. For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below this answer box.

Answer 4

As described by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; authors, writers, and editors should have a college (Bachelors) degree in communication, journalism, or English, should be able use modern electronic writing devices, should be motivated to work independently on their own creative ideas, and should have the ability to express ideas logically and clearly.

Formal education is the best way to sufficiently master the skills needed to become a profession author. But in some cases, people can be successful writing on a part time bases, with only a high school understanding of grammar. But to be able to devote your life to authorship, where it would be your sole source of income, requires professional training.

Answer 5

none except that you have to have enough knowledge to write a book that will actually sell on today's market

Answer 6

I don't think that they need a degree but I think you have to pass a literacy exam!