What does it mean to be a professional writer? Well, one obvious thing to say would be: a writer who gets paid. But that would largely exclude academic writers, unless you count receiving a copy or two of your book as reimbursement. No, there has to be more to being a professional than money, important though that is.

Just off the top of my head, these are the characteristics of the professional writer that distinguish him or her from others. The professional writer will tick at least one, and usually several, of the following boxes.

• Reading books about the craft of writing.

• Reading well-written books and articles, including those in a different genre for the one in which he/she writes.

• Taking part in writing workshops.

• Attending courses (professional development).

• Drafting and redrafting, not assuming the first attempt is perfect.

• Has an awareness of the intended readership.

• Researches and proofreads, to try to make the finished product as good as possible.

Unlike those people, of whom there are too many, who think that writers just have to sit around, bash out a few words, and then lie in a hammock watching their bank balance soar, real writers know that writing is a serious business, and relies on hard work. Inspiration is necessary perhaps, but it certainly isn’t sufficient.