What experience do you have?

First of all, let me say that everyone in the copywriting forum has been such a tremendous help to me. I've gotten so much advice on my rates and on specializing.
My question is this, what experience do you have in writing? I'm actually just curious as to whether some of you hold degrees in English or Journalism?
I don't. I did attent college, but not for any sort of writing. I just wondered if that's a requirement for many of the higher paying clients. Or if talent and a firm grasp of the English language are essentially all that are needed

 

Vabeaty,
It has to do with how you write, your talent and your confidence. If you come off being unshaky in your skill level. Others will and can pick up on the hesitation.

Just get out there, prove what you are worth and it'll come to you. You don't need to have a journalism or an english degree. If you have a degree, it's beneficial to you because in order to get that degree, you had to take a general course load, right? It more than likely included english 101, 102 and so on.

Good luck, and keep yourself positive!

Jim

 

I put in two semesters of writing classes, and that's it. I'm making a nice sum of money just on those. I have another writing class next semester, hoping to take a lot in from it.

May seek a degree in the future..

 

Hi. I have a degree in English, and a three-year experience, which has helped me get a couple of good clients.

But natural skills and responsibility are even more important to them - they want their texts, and they want them NOW!

 

Higher paying clients will usually look at what you've done in the professional world first and foremost.

Having a degree in the field is always a plus and will help get you going. And having a degree in Journalism is a major plus from a getting going standpoint.

In the end, you either have the level of ability the client/employer is looking for or you don't.

 

You definitely don't need a degree in English to be a successful writer. A degree in journalism may be a requirement if you're interested in news-oriented writing, or as Jason mentioned, when getting started. But in the end, a degree in your specialty is much more important (assuming your specialty isn't journalism). Many clients pay more for specialists in a field, and your expertise in that field is enormously more important to them than basic writing ability. Remember, the best writers (in a technical sense) aren't always the highest-paid. That's what editors are for. The real key to getting paid decent money is knowing how to effectively market yourself.

 

Jenn and Jason are correct - news-oriented writing will typically require a Journalism degree. If you specialize in a particular field, having a degree in that field can certainly help! Higher paying clients are paying you not just for your writing abilities, but because of your experience in that niche. It's NOT absolutely necessary to have a degree but it can help depending on what direction you plan to take with your writing.

Jenn also made an excellent point about marketing. If you can market yourself effectively, that's the most important step!

 

Thanks all. Once again, you all have provided great information. I love this forum! Any time I have a question about my writing business, it takes only minutes to get in answered in here

 

A little late to the game, but I'll throw in my two cents.

I specialize in parenting and pregnancy topics. Looking at your sig, I'll assume that you know (as nobody but a parent can) that you have to BE a parent and have experienced a pregnancy to fully understand the topic. Yes, I research the field extensively. Yes, I'm always reading the latest findings, but no college degree would have taught me more than having my two gigantic babies. (But that's another story.)

Of course, I also specialize in education. I'm a certified teacher in 5 different subject areas, and will soon be certified as a school librarian as well. I've completed a Masters in Library Science (specifically for schools) as well. In addition to that, I also am constantly attending workshops and seminars with the latest research and methods. I've been in the classroom for six plus years and there is simply no substitution for that combination of education and experience.

Finally, I actually teach English and Reading, so the flow of the written word is something I teach to others. I think that helps considerably.

Oh, and the last English or writing class I took was in high school - I tested out of all college level classes and took Engineering and Business classes instead as that was my original degree. Just goes to show...

 

As to college, I'd like to point out that there's a major difference between some level 100 or 200 course, take English for instance, and a 300- or 400-level specialized course.

The earlier ones are pretty much a joke unless your English usage is limited to text messaging. The upper-level courses require far more ability and effort to excel in them.

But, each university is different. Typically, a degree is used to get your foot in the door.

 

I'll second that. I just never actually needed to take a writing class for any of my degrees. Well, I did take business writing, but that was a real joke - how to write a memo and what not.

If you're interested in true journalism, you need to study journalism. And there is no substitute for a degree in that sort of field.

I will point out, however, that you can have every degree under the sun, but if you don't have voice in your material or enough experience to own a topic, you'll just sound like a textbook - which is great if you're writing for one.

 

Yep.

Actually, I'd like to have every degree under the sun, but there just isn't enough time.

 

I'm self taught, first started reading the newspaper daily when I was an eight year-old.
Now have a weekly article in my state's paper that pays $100 for 300 words, and have also traveled overseas to write for a travel magazine on two separate occasions.

I know that I could get more work If I had my own little site showcasing some of my printed work. Does anyone think a wordpress blog will be suitable. I have already got a domain name/ business name.

 

I haven't yet tried Wordpress, but I've heard a lot of good things about it, including that you can make it look like less of a blog and more of a website.

You might also consider building a Squidoo lens, or a page at Hubpages. Both of those are free also.

HTH and great luck with your site!

Honey

 

An online portfolio to reference to is essential for any serious writer. I have three on different services that I am working on condensing into one. Nothing wrong with wordpress especially if you are a beginner.

As for the original question, I don't have a degree. I do have over 5 years of college credit but spread out in such a way that it doesn't add up to anything close to a degree. I have taken several English classes and can safely say that they wont help much if you don't have a talent for or enjoy writing.

As was previously said a degree will only help you be noticed when applying for a job. Unless your position requires a degree (a discriminatory practice for anything but the most highly specialized people, doctors, teachers, lawyers etc.) a professional portfolio will be just as useful if not more so.