by Ruth Belena

Created on: June 24, 2009   Last Updated: November 09, 2009

Successful writers get paid to do what they love most, but it is also necessary to be adaptable, persistent and skilled to meet the requirements for being a writer. A skilled writer can compete for a variety of writing jobs and projects. A proficient writer can submit to various publications. An adaptable writer is successful at producing work that is effective for its purpose or in demand by publishers.

1.. A writer should be adaptable at all times.

When you are writing a full length novel, or you are writing a series of articles, you will be expected to write in a style and a format that meets the requirements of the book market, the magazine or the website. A literary agent will determine whether there is a market for your work, and an editorial service can ensure it is presented in the correct format. When you write for a business client, you must stick precisely to any guidelines you are given.

* Guidelines provided by a publisher, editor or client may stipulate an exact word count, a particular writing style, or a way of formatting the piece. If you are writing for a website you may be provided with keywords to use, and instructed on how often to repeat each word or phrase within the finished article.

2. A writer should be able to accept rejection and constructive criticism.

You should be prepared to have work rejected, and expect your queries to be refused. This is not always an indication of poor quality writing, or of failure to produce good work. It often happens when a publisher only wants a certain kind of writer, or when a client has not clearly explained exactly what is wanted.

Whatever you have written can always be submitted elsewhere. A writer should take advantage of any constructive criticism offered by an editor or publisher, and try to improve or rework a piece until it is more suitable for publication.

* A writer might be completely satisfied with a finished article or a book, but then an editor or publisher can request a full or partial rewrite. This does not mean the writing was not up to standard. A rewrite request usually indicates the writing does not quite work in its present form, or is not quite ready for publication.

3. A writer should be competitive and dedicated to writing.

Writers need to write continuously and keep perfecting their skills. Most writers become better at writing the more they write. It takes dedication to continue to write, to be prepared to adapt, improve and acquire new skills.

The main requirement for being a writer is to understand the difference between writing as a business and writing for fun. The other essential requirements for being a writer are dedication, determination and persistence.

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