With numerous opportunities to showcase one’s talent and earn a decent living, the UK is a great place to pursue a career as a writer. Here are the different avenues available to UK-based writers and the potential earnings they can expect.
Freelance writing
Freelance writing is an excellent way to get started in the writing industry. Freelancers work for different clients, writing articles, blogs, web copy and other forms of content. Their earning potential varies depending on their experience and the type of content they produce. For instance, a beginner freelance writer in the UK can earn between £10 and £15 per hour, while an experienced writer can charge an hourly rate of £50 or more.
Copywriting
Copywriting is a specialist writing discipline that involves creating marketing content for businesses. Copywriters create content for websites, social media platforms and advertising campaigns. Copywriting is a highly sought-after skill, and the earnings can be substantial – over £50,000 per year for experienced copywriters. Entry-level copywriters can expect to earn between £18,000 and £24,000 per year.
Screenwriting
Screenwriting is the art of writing scripts for television and film productions. Successful screenwriters can earn huge sums of money. For instance, Russell T. Davies, the writer of the popular British television series Doctor Who, reportedly earns up to £300,000 per episode. Similarly, Julian Fellowes reportedly earned over £1 million for the first season of the hit ITV drama Downton Abbey. Depending on the film’s budget, UK screenwriters can earn a minimum of anywhere from £18,900 to £42,120 for a single film screenplay.
Publishing
Publishing involves writing for books, magazines and newspapers. Authors can earn money through royalties, advances and selling rights. An author’s earning potential varies widely depending on the type of publication and the publishing company. Extremely successful authors are among the wealthiest people in the world. For example, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, is worth over £800 million, and her books have sold over 600 million copies worldwide. However, the average income for a published author in the UK is just over £44,000 per year.
The earning potential for UK-based writers is vast and varied. Earnings depend on the writer’s experience, expertise and the type of content they produce. With determination, hard work and the necessary skills, writers can make a good living in the UK.
