Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Writer
What writers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a writer?
Write 1,000 words. From there, the day usually includes research topics, write drafts, and revise. Flexible, deadline-driven hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a writer working full time.
- Write 1,000 words.
- Research a feature.
- Interview a source.
- Write ad copy for a client.
- Revise a chapter.
- Pitch editors.
- Invoice clients.
Where writers work
Writers work at home, in offices and on location.
Hours and schedule
Flexible, deadline-driven hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Research topics
- Write drafts
- Revise
- Pitch ideas
- Meet deadlines
- Work with editors
- Market work
Tools you’ll use every day
- Word processors
- Google Docs
- Scrivener
- Final Draft
- Grammar tools
- Research databases
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative work
- Remote and flexible
- Variety of topics
- Be your own boss
What’s hard
- Unstable income
- Rejection
- Isolation
- AI competition in some content
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love writing
- I’m self-disciplined
- I handle rejection
- I’m curious
- I want flexible work
- I can market myself
Not sure? Take the free Writer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Respect copyright
- Avoid defamation
- Protect sources
- Prevent repetitive strain