As a writer, you should compile a portfolio to promote your work. You can begin developing a portfolio as early as high school. As your skills develop, you can be more selective about what you include, and your portfolio tends to improve as a result.

Although good writing stands out, it's also helpful to make professional contacts in the field. An internship is a great way to do this. It also gives you hands-on experience in the industry and provides you with more potential portfolio material. You could intern for professional writers, film production companies, TV stations, cable networks, magazines, and advertising agencies, to name several examples.