”It’s a fabulous job, it’s so much fun. As long as you’re patient and willing to put the work in, it’s incredibly satisfying and joyful.
Patti LarsenAuthor
Writing stories and communicating information with words is one of the oldest, and perhaps most resilient jobs there is. The possibilities are endless: whether you want to write romance, action, comedy or adventure stories, the world needs authors who are passionate about writing. Thanks to the internet, it’s never been easier to become a professional writer and make money at it. Many authors are now self-published; meaning you use the internet to reach the readers who will pay for your stories. This way, you don’t need to sell your book to a publishing company in order to reach readers. You can also do this from anywhere in the world, including right here on P.E.I. There are many college and university programs and workshops out there that will help you create and publish your future book, comic or short story. Writing and editing your work can take years, but fortunately there are many well-paying jobs skilled writers can do to make extra income. Careers in journalism, marketing, and communications require writing skills and pay well. The demand for English teachers and tutors is also high, especially for immigrants who come from non-English speaking countries.
Want to know more?
GENERAL INFO
JOBS
Fiction Author (books, comic books, short stories), Non-Fiction Author, Book Editor, Publisher
JOIN UP
The P.E.I. Writers’ Guild is a group of welcoming authors who work together and hold workshops to help each other develop stories into books.
OTHER JOB OPTIONS
Website Content Writer, Journalist, Advertising Copywriter, Public Relations/Communications Professional
LET’S TALK MONEY
$43,893/year (Canada-wide average) [Source: Hill Strategies 2010]
GET TO BUSINESS
Skills in social media, digital marketing, website publishing and media relations can all help you get your stories to the audiences who will appreciate them.
NEAREST SCHOOLS
University of Prince Edward Island, English Program
EXAMPLE PATH TO SUCCESS
You can begin by taking English and creative writing classes in high school while writing stories on the side. After you graduate, you can continue your studies at a university or college that will help you hone your craft. After writing your stories, you can find an editor to help you turn it into a book ready to be read by the public. You can self-publish and sell your stories online, or connect with a publisher who will buy your book and distribute it. After finding your fan base, you can continue writing sequels and mentoring younger writers.
Have more questions?
ASK AN ARTIST
PATTI LARSEN
For any specific questions that Patti may be able to answer, please click the button below to send an email.
CLICK TO ASK PATTI A QUESTION
