Interested in becoming a professional writing consultant? Here's how!

There are many ways to get your foot in the door in the professional writing world. However, after looking through the Bureau of Labor Statistics (the government department that lists statistics for various jobs and occupations), there are a few key steps that will ensure you land a job as a professional writing consultant.

First, it is a general rule of thumb (though not entirely absolute) that the candidate hold a degree in either Journalism, English or Communications. If you are going into a specific field, a background in that field is helpful.

A qualified candidate would:

• Express ideas clearly and logically
• Use creativity
• Use good judgment and a show a strong sense of ethics. This is vital in deciding what material is appropriate to publish.
• Have the ability to work well under pressure and to concentrate amid confusion. The writing world is often full of deadlines, and professional writing is no different, as there are clients who need material at certain, specified times.

It would be helpful for a prospective professional writing consultant to get involved in campus publications. Although these positions are usually unpaid, they provide priceless experience. Another option to gain experience would be to get an internship. If you are lucky, it will be a paid one.

The outlook for professional writing consultants is a good one. The need for technical writers in fields such as law, economics and medicine is growing. Also, since technology is changing very rapidly, the need for technical writers to write user's guides, instructions manuals, etc. is growing as well.

If you can get your foot in the door of the professional writing world, you are sure to enjoy a challenging, stimulating, and exciting career!

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos089.htm