Writing Forward

26 Creative Writing Careers

by Melissa Donovan | Aug 4, 2022 | Creative Writing | 164 comments

creative writing careers

Creative writing careers — they’re out there!

If creative writing is your passion, then you’d probably enjoy a career in which you could spend all day (or at least most of the day) pursuing that passion.

But creative writing is an artistic pursuit, and we all know that a career in the arts isn’t easy to come by.

It takes hard work, drive, dedication, a whole lot of spirit, and often, a willingness to take big financial risks — as in not having much money while you’re waiting for your big break.

The Creative Writing Career List

Here’s a list of creative writing careers that you can consider for your future. I’m not making any promises. You have to go out and find these jobs yourself, but they do exist. You just have to look for them and then land them.

  • Greeting Card Author
  • Comic Book Writer
  • Copywriter (business, advertising, marketing, etc.)
  • Writing Coach
  • Screenwriter
  • Songwriter (Lyricist)
  • Freelance Short Fiction Writer
  • Web Content Writer
  • Creative Writing Instructor
  • Legacy Writer (write people’s bios and family histories)
  • Critic/Reviewer
  • Ghostwriter
  • Article Writer (write, submit, repeat)
  • Video Game Writer
  • Personal Poet (write personalized poems for weddings, funerals, childbirths, etc.)
  • Speechwriter
  • Write sleep stories
  • Blogger (don’t tell me you don’t have a blog yet!)
  • Creative Writing Consultant
  • Specialty writer (food, travel, fitness, etc.)
  • Write guided meditations

I’m not saying you’re going to make a lot of money with some of these creative writing careers. You might have to earn your creating writing income part-time or on the side. But if you do what you love, the money (i.e. the success) just might follow. You’ll never know unless you try, right?

Do you have any creative writing careers to add to this list? Share your suggestions by leaving a comment.

Ready Set Write a Guide to Creative Writing

164 Comments

GrapeMe

I find it so difficult to consolidate my thoughts when it comes to career paths. I know this is only a short post with some fairly obvious suggestions, but I really have to say cheers for arranging them in a way that means I can go “Oh yeah. I could do that. Or that..”

Baffled in the world of writing.

Melissa Donovan

Thanks, GrapeMe. I’m sure there are many more creative writing career paths, and hopefully some folks will stop by and add their suggestions. What I wanted to do with this post was present some starter ideas for career building. If you’re in school or have a full-time job, then these are great ways to get your feet wet, and you never know where these jobs will take you! Good luck to you!

Wayne C. Long

Great post!

I can tell you from personal experience that it IS possible to make a career in creative writing. My dream was to launch an on-line store where I could showcase and sell e-mail subscriptions to my collection of short stories. Additionally, I wanted to foster other short story writers by sponsoring short story contests.

Now, nearly three years later, LongShortStories is happily chugging along like The Little Engine That Could, bringing the best in short fiction to an ever-widening appreciative global audience.

It does take patience and perseverence, along with a huge leap of faith in yourself and the reading community at large, to create and maintain such an ongoing venture.

Am I successful? Yes. Am I rich? Yes, if by that you define success and richness as living out one’s creative dream. For that, I am so grateful to my loyal readers and contest entrants who see the power in the short story form.

Go for it, I say!

Wayne C. Long Writer/Editor/Digital Publisher

That’s one of the reasons I wanted to present this list — you never know where it will lead if you just start by dipping your toes in the water. And I think for those of us who are creative or artistic, there’s a true need to engage our creativity even if it’s not our full-time work. And if we can bring in a little extra spending money doing something we love, all the better!

Siddharth Misra

Hi Wayne Hi. Felt great to see your view and understande your perspective,on this important and required art. Writing is something which will indeed shape the future have already writen poems, want to publish them. Am a Multiple Sclerosis patient would appreciate support in my persuit to make my work visible.

Kelvin Kao

I’ve heard of most of these, except personal poet. Of course, the creative job (though not about writing) that I wonder most about is: who gets hired to design those patterns on paper towels?

I’ve been to several websites for personalized poetry. Actually, that’s something I briefly considered doing many years ago, but ultimately I chose another path. Funny you mention the paper towel patterns, because I have wondered the same thing many, many times!

Rose

Probably a clever little robot..

Marelisa

Children’s book author. 🙂 I completely agree with you that there is usually a way to turn your passion into a successful career, even if it involves looking for unconventional routes to do what you love.

Yes, those unconventional routes are the ones forged by pioneers, people who were compelled to follow their dreams. Reminds me of the saying, “Do what you love and the money will follow.”

Devin

Nice list, Melissa.

I routinely participate in two of the twenty on your list. However, I would be hard pressed to call either a career. More of a labor of love, compulsion, passion than a reliable way to pay the bills — even though I participate daily. Still, I am incredibly fortunate. I would not change my vague professional choices for anything. Best of success to all who tackle anything on the above list.

Thanks, Devin. I believe that if we combine our passion with a desire to make a living doing what we love, anything is possible. Best of luck to you!

I couldn’t agree more. I mostly just do what I love and somehow the bills get paid. believing in yourself is also very helpful — of course there is no reason not to.

Preston

Mrs. Melissa Donovan,

I wanted to write for theater newsletter a friend created.

She gave me the opportunity and not a thought would come to me.

Not a theater professional but I like theater and felt I had something to say about it.

Upon returning a few theater books to the library, I got lost in a Exploring Theater Playwriting, a topic jumped on me Rules of etiquette.

Finally, I have the first draft.

Johnny

I need guidance to help me orient myself with writing and I hope to find it online. This list is a good start. I scrub toilets for a living, can’t help but read and write before and after work. Words, concepts and definitions are very important to me, can’t imagine not pursuing writing soon, yet I need to sell it too somehow. Custodian/janitorial work speaks for itself, words require a lot more compelling.

Christine Mattice

Great list of creative writing careers, Melissa. To this list, I would like to add:

1. Letter writer — writing personal and business letters for clients. 2. Resume writer

…and you’re right. If you do what you love, the money frequently DOES follow!

Thanks, Christine! These are great additions to the list. Resume and cover letter writing are especially notable because one can make a good living in that field. However, I’m not sure it constitutes as creative writing so much as business writing. In any case, definitely worth mentioning!

TayyTayy

I’m not quite sure what I would want to do in the writing field. I don tknow because so many of them I think I could do well in. I am so grateful for this list because it shows a very organized way of showing so many possibilities in this creative field.

If you try different forms, styles, and genres of writing, you’ll eventually find the one that fits! Good luck to you!

TayyTayy

Melissa. I hope I could maybe get into non fiction writing or even journalism.

Good luck. Just keep writing and submitting, and you’ll get there.

Cheerfreak7

Im just a 12 year old girl who wants to know what I want to do with my life when I get older. All of my other friends know exactly what they are going to be, but I wasn’t sure. So, I went and looked on some websites about jobs that have to do with writing, and this website gave me a very good idea of what I want to be, a song writer because I also love singing. Thanks! 🙂

Songwriting is an excellent career. I love that songwriters get to be creative, work with lots of other artists, and are immersed in music but don’t have to deal with the spotlight and publicity (unless the songwriter is also a star). Nice career choice! Good luck to you.

Thatgirl

I am too and my parents have recently asked me what I may have wanted to be and I didn’t even know so it kinda scared me and I have recently realized I like to write stories.I know how this economy works though with the unemployment and it makes me wonder if a writing career would work.I love to write though,am I crazy or something?

At twelve years old, there is no reason to be scared if you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up. You have plenty of time! Lots of people start college without declaring their field of study, and lots of people start college thinking they’re going to do one thing and then change halfway through. But if you really love writing and want to pursue it, then there’s no better time to start than right now. No, you’re not crazy. Writing is a wonderful adventure. Also, you are living in the best possible time in history to be a writer. There are tons of wonderful opportunities available to writers that we did not have ten or twenty years ago. I wish you the best of luck, Thatgirl!

Chicagohopeful

Melissa, I’m a former high school English teacher who realized a few years into teaching that writing was what I really wanted to do. I have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education but am trying to change careers. I’ve been working on a YA novel and have been getting EXTREMELY frustrated. I have to say I found your post on accident but have found it to be very inspiring. Thanks for surge of reassurance that it can be done!

You’re welcome! I think it’s wonderful that you’re working on a novel and normal that you’re frustrated. Just keep at it and the frustration will eventually pass. You’ll find that in a battle of willpower, commitment wins out over frustration every time.

Skyi

I really want to write and it has always been a favorite passtime of mine. If i am not writing I feel empty inside like something is missing. The problem is I am scared to take that ‘leap of faith’ and make a career out of it. Instead, I search for everything else to become in life just to run from the truth that writing has been and always will be my destiny. It started back in high school when I was told writers don’t make much money. I let that get in the way of what I could be now and I quit. Now, I see writers that are better and are doing better than I am and I get jealous because I feel I am a better writer than them all!! Then I realize that talk is cheap without evidence to back it up. Can anybody offer a advice or words of encouragement for me to finally persue my one and only true love and happiness in life?? It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you..

Well Skyi, I personally don’t think jealousy is going to get you anywhere. If you obsess over comparing yourself to your peers, you will be in a constant state of negativity. Also, you should keep in mind that regardless of how well you write, you are not entitled to success, especially in a field that you chose not to pursue. I think your best course of action would be to accept that you are where you are right now because of the choices that you (and you alone) made. Once you accept responsibility for your life, you can set a new course and start pursuing a career in writing. It’s never too late to become a writer. Stop focusing on what other writers are achieving and concentrate on writing the best you can. The only way to be a writer is to write.

ChelleJ

Hey Melissa,

I think your website is great! I ran by it by mistake and really found the info helpful. I am venturing out into my writing career and can use all the info I can get my hands on. I do have a question: I have started a career and have ppl supporting me in this career but I am for certain that writing is where I belong and want to do. How do I make the transistion smoothly and let my supporters down easily? 🙂

Thanks in advance for the advice,

Thanks for your kind words. Your question confuses me. Why would you be letting your supporters down if you transition to writing as a career? If they are truly your supporters, it won’t be a let-down at all.

Wow! Is all I can say..I honestly thought that I was in this boat all by myself! Like you, I have ping ponged myself between careers and have always found my way back to writing. I mean literally I have been a secretary for over five years, graduated with a assoicates business degree, taken cosmetology courses and actually done freelance makeup artistry and STILL I find myself unhappy. I had to really sit myself down and think of what I was taking myself through…it didn’t make any sense for me not to pursue my passion; the one thing that I enjoyed most whether I was sad, mad, happy, etc. I have been writing since the tender age of six from poems to short ficition stories, won many rewards for my writing while I was in elementary through middle school. When I reached high school, I didnt want to be labeled as a “geek” and compared my life to peers which led me to where I am today. Don;t get me wrong, my life is not horrible; I have a good job and work with ppl that I am respected by but I know that life can be more fulfilling and better if I was to just do what in the heck I want to do! lol. It’s easier said than done and I know EXACTLY where you are coming from.

Like Melissa has mentioned, don’t spend your time comparing your life to others; your path to success is truly in your hands. 🙂 I wish the very best for you.

Ren

Thank you for this list! My dream career though is to be a show/concept writer for a theme park like Disney. There are stories for each ride and I would love to be one of the minda behind them.

Wow, writing a theme park ride would be a pretty awesome job. That never even occurred to me as a creative writing career. Thanks for adding it, Ren!

Jess

Hi Melissa, I’m coming up to my last year of high school and I’m trying to think of a career path. I love to write, but I’m not sure what the best way to start. What I would like to do the most is writing lyrics, and if not that poetry. However, I don’t think I would be able to. Do you know how I can get my writing out after college? How difficult was it for you? How did you start making a career out of your writing? What helped you the most? Thank you for your time, -Jessica

I believe it’s pretty difficult to make a living writing lyrics and/or poetry. But there are some careers in those areas, and just because it’s a challenging path doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue it. As a lyricist, you will need to partner with musicians, so building a network of musicians and learning about the music industry would be a good start. I understand that some slam poets are now making a living in poetry, but their form requires live (and recorded) performances, something not all writers are crazy about. (Search for “slam poetry” or check out IndieFeed Performance Poetry podcast for more info.) You can also write poetry for greeting cards (you’ll have to do a little research on how to get work in that field).

A good start for a poet like yourself is to take some poetry workshops, which will help you understand whether your work is publishable. But you should also submit your poetry to journals and literary magazines. Visit their websites, check their submission guidelines, and then send them your work. That is how you start.

I made a career out of writing by studying creative writing at university, which gave me the skills (and more importantly, the confidence) to start my own blog and copywriting business.

What helped me the most? Writing a lot and reading even more.

Good luck to you!

Andrea

Thank you so much for this list. This will be my last year in high school before I start collage, and my dream has always been to be a writer, but sadly I have always been told that writing doesn’t pay very good unless your amazingly good. The comments as well as the posting, has given me hope about having a job in writing.

One could argue that few careers pay well unless you are amazingly good. I would further qualify that to say you don’t even have to be good, just hardworking and driven. There are plenty of viable career opportunities in writing. It’s probably easier to make a good living as a technical or scientific writer than as a novelist (assuming you acquire the proper training in those fields), but if you are sufficiently motivated, you can succeed at whatever you want.

Joshua

I’ve always loved writing and video games. Me and some of my friends would literally sit and talk for hours about ideas for video games we had and would start writing them down. Even before graduating from high school, I’ve been trying to find a path that would allow me to become a video game writer. It’s been three years since I graduated from high school and I’m still left without answers. I went to college for two years for secondary English education but it just didn’t interest me the way writing for video games do. A few days ago, I went to Pittsburgh University of Greensburg and talked with a professor there to see what I should do if I want to become a video game writer. Once again, I was left without answers. She pretty much told me that she had never heard of such a thing before. Please, if you could provide me with any information, anything at all, I would greatly appreciate it.

I would suggest studying creative writing with a focus on fiction. Another good option might be screenwriting. Video games are stories, so you would want to develop writing skills in general and storytelling skills specifically. You might also take some courses in programming or application development. That’s not my area of expertise, so I can’t be more specific. You best bet is to find someone who writes for video games and ask their advice.

Dream

I came across this on accident. I was looking for different options to take for a career path on writing. I have not written much in my life. When I was in middle school and in high school I used to write in my Journal a lot. I had a couple friends who wrote poems and short stories I thought they were good and I wanted to try too. I wrote in my journal about many different things, but it never seemed satisfying to me. I was too embarassed to show everyone what I could write. So I continued to write secretivley. I stopped writing, and 2 years later when I felt as if my whole life was nothing I started writing again, and now I feel alive! i still don’t think my writing is the best but it has made me feel so much better about myself.I started writing a novel. My fiance is excited for me and wants me to follow my dream and do what I want to do. When I came across this I felt like someone was nudging me. Thank you so much! This has inspired me entirely!

Thank you for sharing your writing experiences. I’m so glad you found Writing Forward inspiring. I know what you mean about coming across something that gives you a little nudge. All my life, I’ve experienced little nudges and they have always pointed me toward writing (even way back when I had my sights set on other career paths). Those little nudges really make one wonder about destiny.

Michelle

I’m one of the few that lived the dream, earned money from writing and hated it! It sounds terrible, but writing for money sucked all the joy out of the creative process for me. I loved to write for school and my unpaid internship (I have a Bachelor’s in English), but the minute I needed to pay bills with my writing, the whole process felt like a soul-suck. Suddenly it wasn’t enough to write when the inspiration hit throughout the week (when my best writing happens anyway), but I had to be witty and original at the snap of a finger. Yet it wasn’t enough to be witty: you have to care about what sells, what different editors think “good” writing even is and follow contradictory style guidelines. It wasn’t that I wasn’t used to these things, but now if it didn’t happen or I didn’t sell, my power goes off. I had panic attacks every time I sat down to write. I had to go back and get a traditional job.

But if I’m out of it, why search this stuff a month and a half after admitting defeat? It’s because I love the art of writing: the creative process, the big dreams of those starting out, the insights others have, the glory of a sentence fashioned just right after five pages of terrible ones. The monetary aspect destroyed that for me. Just goes to show, it’s not for everyone. To anyone that wants to write for a living, be willing to work long hours, open to constant criticism and have a plan B.

Hi Michelle. I would say there’s a big difference between commercial writing and creative writing. Commercial writing means you’re writing for payment rather than to express your own ideas. I can certainly understand how writing commercially zaps creativity or feels like a soul-suck. I’ve experienced it myself. But I hope you’re still pursuing your creative writing. In fiction and poetry, I believe the best writing comes from the heart and is not driven by money or the marketplace.

Jamie

I am a senior in high school and plan on going to college to major in journalism. However, I do not know exactly what field of work to go into. I was thinking about writing for People’s Magazine. I know it seems far-fetched, but hey, it’s my dream! Do you know how a person might have a chance at writing for a such a successful magazine??

Jamie, it sounds like you have decided which field of work to go into (journalism). More specifically, it sounds like you want to write for a Hollywood gossip publication. There are probably many opportunities in that area, not limited to People Magazine. For example, there are tons of websites that focus on celebrity news, and you could also work as a writer for one of the entertainment news shows (like ET or Inside Edition). That’s definitely not my area of expertise, but it sounds to me like you’re already heading in the direction that’s right for you.

Thanks for the comment! I am not exactly positive that I want to write for People Magazine, but I do know that I want to write. What do you do for a living (if you don’t mind me asking)? I would love to write for any company, really. I just like to write. I am interested in entertainment. Which is why I want to write for a magazine. But, writing for something a little more discreet is fine too.

I’m a web designer and copywriter by trade. I help small businesses build effective online marketing campaigns. My livelihood is somewhat supplemented by the work I do here on Writing Forward. I’m also working on a couple of big writing projects (a novel and a book of creative writing exercises). The exercises book will be out soon and available here. The novel could take years! There are many opportunities for writers; you just have to find them.

That is really neat! I just want to do anything to make my family proud! I love to write! 🙂 I can’t wait to gain a higher education. Thanks for taking the time to read my comments and commenting back!

It fills my heart with hope to see a young person so excited about education. Something tells me that you’re going to do quite well, Jamie.

Andrew

Hey, i found this while looking for it, oddly enough. I am currently attending college and in pursuit of a Creative Writing degree, I am about two years in! with almost completed half of my courses for my four year, I still have some question’s as most. My concentration will be in Technical writing, Grants and contracts, but i will be writing on the side to keep the creative spark. I was curious, however, if you could point me in the direction of a detailed description of a day in your shoes as a copy write. i would much oblige Thnx again.

That would be a lengthy essay indeed. I will say this: every day is different. Also, most of my time is not spent writing. It’s spent on marketing and taking care of administrative tasks.

Barbara Saunders

Liberating thought: even if writing does not provide a full living, it can provide enough of one to let a person withdraw from the pressure to move upward in another career. A decent-paying day job plus supplemental writing can add up to as much or more income as a hated rat race job.

I agree 100%. For many writers, it’s an outlet for creativity or it supplements their income — small things that have a big, positive impact on quality of life!

Adebisi

Melisa, Thanks for the list. I am a writer who intends to find my feet more in the art of writing. I am inspired by the list. My contribution is, if you love to write anything at all, start writing. You can’t imagine where it might take you. God bless you.

Thank you for your inspiring words.

delilah

hi I would like a career in writing but I just dont know what to do. I was into journalism but had a talk with a journalist a few weeks ago and got really discouraged. I have a blog and write short stories. But I just dont know what to do in my life. I am 18 years old and would like to stop wasting time and money in lectures I am not going to use. Currently I am doing a course on media production and I’m liking it. But it is like there is something missing. When I write I feel whole.

Many eighteen-year-olds have no idea what they want to do. It sounds like you know you want to write; you just need to figure out what form. College is a great place to figure that out. You can take classes in different types of writing (fiction, journalism, business writing) and find what fits. If you’re drawn to journalism, I don’t think you should give up on it just because one journalist discouraged you. Talk to more journalists, take some journalism classes, and do a little citizen journalism. Experiment and stick with your studies!

Alexis

I am a short story writer, and a poet. But I am only 13. Trying to hook myself into this early <3

I started writing when I was thirteen too. Stick with it!

I will! Haha, even my boyfriend likes my writing.

That’s good. It’s important to have a support system. Try to find others who will appreciate and support your writing, too. Good luck!

Para

I’m having a hard time finding a career path. I’m still in high school, but it’s not going too well.

My odd circumstances are going to leave me in dire straights soon, where I can either choose to drop out of high school and get my GED or go through with two more of high school. (I’m a senior, kind of. I left public school for home school, and it’s not working out. For myself or my mother.) So, I figured that now would be the best time to find a career path that is both logical but suited to my creative side.

Is there any security in being a creative writer? I mean, this list is comparatively small when you look at more practical things like nursing degrees or business degrees. I understand that the big blow up in internet culture, creative writing via blogging is becoming a fast hit with book publishers, but how likely is it that creative writing will be a degree that I can support myself (and/or a family) on?

In this day and age, I don’t think there is true security in any career field. Perhaps there never has been. Careers in the arts have a reputation for being harder than other careers, but I am not sure I believe that to be true. I think these careers are different in that you usually don’t have an employer, benefits, etc. You are hustling rather than working set hours for a regular paycheck. In my experience, people with self-discipline and drive create their own job security (in any field). Also, there’s a kind of competition in the arts that doesn’t exist in many other industries.

In terms of your education, my advice would be to finish high school. However, I’m not privy to the details of your circumstances. I just think there is a greater value in getting a diploma alongside your peers.

Nobody supports themselves on a degree. You can get a degree in astro-engineering and end up homeless. Success is the result of making smart choices, working hard, internal drive, external support system, and luck. You might find yourself eventually making a choice between living a more secure, conventional life and pursuing your dream of becoming a career writer. Sacrifice of one kind or another is inevitable.

My cousin has his undergrad degree in English and MFA (master’s in fine arts) in creative writing. He’s taught technical writing in college and now works at home as a contractor for corporate companies (tech writing.) He recently finished the first draft of his sci-fi novel by saving up and taking a few months off at a time. And, yes, he certainly is not a starving artist.

I am studying creative writing and education, both of which are terribly impractical, income-wise. But it’s possible to make a decent living if you’re passionate, dedicated and willing to take day jobs that you won’t necessarily enjoy.

See, I just don’t think these fields of study are impractical, especially studying education (we will always need teachers). With all the budget cuts, a career as a teacher might look improbable right now, but these cuts only apply to public schools. There are many other opportunities for teachers and places where their skills can be used.

Peter Minj

Thank’s Melissa for the encouragement.I will surely look into that.This blog page of yours is really helpful for all the aspiring writers.

Karolina

I read the article and I loved it. I am an aspiring author (Junior in highschool), and wish to one day publish a succesful fiction novel, like many others. I always knew I wanted to write, but I was told constantly that it would not suit for a career, and that healthcare and buissness were far better choices, money-wise. I am aware that sacrificing wealth over happiness is a nessecity in this pathway, but I am not so interested in wealth. My love for writing and spreading messages to inspire people, and even entertain is what I strive for. I realize it is hard to make a successful fiction novel. I will forever write them, but I need a job that will at least get me by. I’m not so sure which would be best for a fiction novelist. I was leaning more on article writing, but that is more technical, I believe. I was inspired by the coments and your responses. Recently, I firmly decided to go with creative writing, but the desicion to pick what to do is dificult. I will continue writing, and hopefully, I’ll make it one day. 😀

You sound like my kind of writer, Karolina.

I once heard someone say that money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy comfort. Well, many writers find comfort in the craft. I wish you the best.

Oliver JK Smith

Hi there guys! I’ve really enjoyed reading everyones opinions and experiences. I could really do with some advice of my own- I’ve always considered myself a creative soul; I’m a songwriter, have written screen plays and am currently working on my first novel. My major passion in life is professinal wrestling (eg.wwe), I currently write a wrestling blog and love the idea of one day writing creativtly for the tv shows. Having scouted my dream job with wwe, I learnt that they require applicants to have a ba degree in creative writing or a similar field aswell as experience in scriptwriting for tv. I am 22 yrs old and looking to settle down with my girlfriend however the idea of finally going to uni and gaining the skill set to at least improve my writing has big appeal. I realise my chances of ever workibg in such a niche field are slim and would settle for any work in which I could contribute to a creative process, but is uni with all its costs and time it takes to complete worth it?

I majored in creative writing in college, and I definitely think it’s worth the time and money, especially if you plan on a career in creative writing. If the job that you’ve got your eye on requires a BA, then you should certainly pursue it if you can. Dream big!

Lisa-Marie

This is a wonderful post and I thank you for it. I have been struggling over the last few years when it came to finally making a decision in regard to what I want to do with my life. This has definitely given me a few ideas and I will be getting the ball rolling as soon as I possibly can! :]

Thanks, Lisa-Marie. I’m glad you got some ideas out of this post, and I wish you the best of luck in your writing future!

Matt Thatcher

I recently just started a hobby of writing, they’re fictional based stories, but i was inspired by real events in my life & though the stories i write are fictional, they are realistic to a certain extent as well. Guess you could consider them historical fiction &/or drama & suspense stories. I’m kind of new at writing & i don’t know very many people that are well to do writters, so I’m kind of on my own. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of where i should start?

There are plenty of writers on the internet, and you can easily connect with them. You can search for writers’ groups. Look for writers on social media. Start a blog. Writers love to discuss the craft and share information, and the web makes it easy. If you’d prefer to do something in person, check your local community college for creative writing classes and workshops or poke around and see if you can find a writer’s group that is accepting new members. Best of luck to you, Matt.

OK, thank you !!

You’re welcome.

Monica

Hello Melissa! Thanks for this list.. I’m an English major with a Creative Writing minor, and lately I have been struggling to make a decision about my future career(s). I write poetry but my main focus is writing fantasy/mystery fiction, and I’d like nothing better than to just write novels for the rest of my life. However, I know I may never be able to support myself by doing just this. I’ve been stressed out lately thinking what career I could get into, but technical writing doesn’t appeal to me and I don’t have a burning desire to teach. This list reminds me that I have more options than I thought!

That’s great, Monica! I too majored in creative writing (at my school, it was called a concentration). I’ve also found that most employers appreciate a worker who has strong writing skills. I got more than one promotion and/or raise because of my writing when I was an office worker! I wish you the best of luck!

Tim Socha

I have always aspired to become a published author, and now that I am in the last years of my life I find myself wanting to have a writing career more than ever. All my life I have worked hard to make a living to raise my family, the physical demands of my jobs have paid their toll on me, and I think it is about time I settled down and did something I could enjoy. I have always excelled in the creative arts, from writing to acting to art, but have never held a job in which I could use these talents. Following is a list of the creative writing jobs I could do from your list: Greeting Card Author, Advertising (Creative), Freelance Short Fiction Writer, Columnist, Video Game Writer (includes storytelling/fiction!), I would also like to get a few novels published. I can also draw just about anything-ultimately I would like to get my own stories published- with not only my creative writing, but my illustrations as well. I have written several books and have ideas for many more, but because I have to make a living I have been unable to get anything published because the cost is too much. In other words, because I have had to take physically demanding jobs that paid little wages I have never had the capitol to get started. I have sent out many submissions and have entered many contests, but made little ground in the creative field. I want to write, I’m good at it, and I just need to find a way to get my work noticed-this has been very difficult. I would merely like to make a living in something I’m good at and I have a driving desire to do. Is there any advice you can give me, or any contact information for agents and publishers who might be interested in helping out a new author?

Hi Tim. It sounds like you’re passionate about art and writing. I’m not sure how much you’ve submitted your work, but I would say keep at it. If you have a lot of completed material, you can polish it and just keep submitting it. Chances are that eventually, your work will be accepted. You might also want to start a website to build a readership and audience. A professionally designed site will be an expense, but you can start with a free platform like WordPress.com. You can use your site/blog to post your writing and your art. You can also self-publish and build your own readership. However, I would note that running your own website is time consuming, and there can be a lot to learn in terms of marketing, so you might want to pick up a couple of books or hire someone to help you with the process. I wish you the best of luck!

Ned-duh

Wow! Thank you so very much for creating this list! I actually haven’t really thought of doing some of the jobs listed on here. I’m only 20 years old and I’m finding it EXTREMELY hard to make it in the writing business! However, I am pursuing my dream and I am planning to do whatever it takes to make it. Thank you ever so much Melissa!

Many blessings to you,

Good luck to you, Nada!

I wish to be a writer some day.I am currently working in a IT company which offers a decent pay.But I have always loved writing since my school days even though I eventually graduated in Engineering.I want to make a career switch and pursue a career in writing.I now the pay is not that great in writing but then arts is always difficult.I want to take a shot at it and live my dream.I am very apprehensive about the future and don’t know how to tell it to my parents.I keep a blog for short-stories and poems.

Most writers start their careers while they have full-time jobs. You can definitely ease into a writing career. If you can get paid for a few freelance projects, get a blog and audience going, you’ll be able to lay a solid foundation for a future career. Best of luck to you!

Quadree Breeland

Hello, my name is quadree Breeland and I am a 19 year old college student in Delaware and I am looking to transfer to Columbia college in Chicago. I might not be the greatest writer but I love it. I have written 2 full short scripts. One is a police procedural and the serial killer who kills people with their own video games. Literally and the other is a thriller about a guy who quit the CIA because of problems with his father and a Russian terrorist comes back to try and kill him and anything around him. I love writing and I am very creative. My dream career is to write the dialogue, story, or the missions in video games. Basically, I wanna write for games. I know I won’t get a job like that as soon as I get out of college, but I have no problem applying for a job as a comic book writer, game or film reviewer, or writing for a web series. Im not really a novelist, but I wouldn’t mind taking a job like the ones I stated above when I graduate. I guess all I want is a reply with school advice and career advice. I am trying to find a good blog or site to post my stories at. I’m trying to find schools for me with film, or writing in the entertainment industry. I’m trying to find schools with dorms, clubs, and a good social life. You know, parties and stuff.

You have some great story ideas that would work well for scripts or video games. I would suggest that you try to find an internship with a company that produces video games. If you do that while you’re still in school, you’ll have a much better shot at landing a job in your chosen field when you graduate. Good luck to you!

Rachel

Blogging sounds interesting and fun, but I don’t know how to pinpoint a topic to dedicate a blog to! I’m not an expert at anything and don’t do much of a hobby that I think could carry out well as a blog. Any ideas, suggestions, etc?

Hi Rachel. You could always write a personal blog in which you share your personal stories, ideas, and experiences. You can also do a photo or art blog. You do need some central theme or topic to write around.

Katherine Hou

When I was purusing an art undergraduate degree in philosophy and graduated in 2009, I had no idea that a career in the liberal arts can be this tough. My hobby of writing has started upon graduation, and had been looking for work that can utilize my writing skills ever since.

I have seen job posts that requires a degree in journalism if were to pursue staff writer, but no mention of a degree in philosophy.

I came across your website and like what you blog about.

Thanks, Katherine. Yes, it’s tough to get these jobs, and many work best as second jobs or extra income. Part of what determines whether you can land these positions is your skill level. It’s all about practice and getting in those 10,000 hours. Keep at it!

J

I want to add Medical Writing/Editing to this list. Although some may think that it is not “creative writing”, it can be very creative depending on the type of medical writing that you do. Medical Regulatory writing is more factual, but consumer medical/health writing can give you the chance to be creative and factual at the same time. Medical Writers/Editors are paid very well ($45,000 to $100,000) and you do not have to be a medical professional to write about health topics.

Resources to learn more about medical writing:

American Medial Writing Association

Hi J. I appreciate that you mentioned medical writing, but when we differentiate between business, academic, and creative writing, medical writing definitely does not fall under the creative category. It is a form of scientific writing. Copywriting (what I do) requires a lot of creativity but it’s still not creative writing; it’s a form of business writing. However, I’m glad you mentioned it, because for creative writers, there are a lot of opportunities in the field of business, scientific, and technical writing. While some of these careers may require education in their respective fields (and some may not), they are industries where one can make a good living as a writer.

Creating Writing high school freshman

Thank you SO MUCH for creating this article!

Leonora

But isn’t making a career in writing only just … too dangerous. Because I’ve always wanted to be a novelist but I also want to make a (possible) career in the medical department. So I was thinking isn’t having a “back-up” plan better? And if so does it have to be from the same branch?

I wouldn’t call creative writing a dangerous career choice. There’s no reason you can’t study medicine and write. You could even be a medical writer. You might look into majoring in medicine and minoring in English. There’s nothing wrong with having a back-up plan, and no, it doesn’t have to be in the same discipline.

Julie

Thank you, Melissa, for this wonderful post. I have a BA in Creative Writing and really wish I had done more during uni to try out different writing careers, as internships seem extremely hard to come by for graduates. Any words of wisdom on how a graduate might gain professional experience in a particular writing field, short of going back to school?

Well it depends on which writing field — fiction, poetry, journalism? One thing you can do is submit your work to professional magazines and journals and build up your writing credits. You have a blog (that would have been my next suggestion). Get your work out there; that’s the best way gain experience.

I would really like to try my hand at journalism, but I’m starting to think the only way to do that (as a graduate without experience in the field) is to offer my services for free. But I also like your suggestion about submitting to magazines. I once read “Do good work. Then put it where people can see it.” Exposure is definitely something I need to work on! Thank you again.

Thanks, Julie. Writing is one of those careers where you may have to do some free work or take an internship to prove yourself before landing a paid gig. Musicians have to do the same thing. They play for free (or for pennies) — sometimes for years — before they start getting paid. Submitting to magazines is a great way to get experience and get paid since they often buy articles based on merit. Good luck to you, and keep writing!

AT

Thank you so much for making this website, and I can see that you are very dedicated to helping people pursue a writing career. I’m a junior in highschool, and I have considered many careers, but whenever I thought i knew what I wanted to do, deep down I knew it wasn’t. I finally figured out why I’ve been unable to pick a career, and it’s because I absolutely love to write. I would write all day, everyday if I could. I just thought that writing was a hobby, and I couldn’t make a career out of it. I now know that I can make a career out of writing, and this is what I wish to pursue in college. Only problem is that my parents want me to be a doctor or something, but this doesn’t interest them. All they care about is me making enough money, but I feel that money isn’t everything, and I would rather do what I love, and be happy. I have faith in myself, that someday I can be a sucessful writer. I just wish my parents could see that this is what I love to do. By reading all your posts on this website, it has really helped brighten my day, and it has shown me that I’m not alone, and that I can do what I love, if I have faith in myself. thank you

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found strength and inspiration here, and I wish you the best of luck with all your writing and education. Keep writing, no matter what!

Jane Kashtel

“Now, I’m not saying you’re going to make a whole lot to live on with some of these creative writing jobs but if you do what you love, the money (i.e. the success) just might follow.”

Therein lies the problem with this article. That’s not how writing works; “success” is not synonymous with “the money.” The vast majority of novelists could not live completely off their book sales, and I can think of no short fiction writers who could make that claim. Don’t even get me started on poets; getting published in the most highly regarded journals in the country leads neither to fame nor fortune. 

Writing isn’t accountancy or business management. You don’t get into creative writing to fulfill some sort of career desire. You do it because you feel compelled to write, because you have something to say. It is the effective communication of the idea that defines success, not the money attached. 

The problem with your comment, Jane, is that is disregards the title of the post that it criticizes. Young and new writers often ask me about whether they can make a career out of creative writing. This article answers the question can I make a living doing what I love (writing)? You may feel there’s something wrong with that, but I don’t. In fact, I admire people who pursue their passions and attempt to turn them into viable careers. People do need to eat.

“You don’t get into creative writing to fulfill some sort of career desire. You do it because you feel compelled to write, because you have something to say. It is the effective communication of the idea that defines success, not the money attached.”

I don’t think anyone has the right to tell other people why they should write or how they should define success. You and I come from a similar place since these ideas reflect my own personal feelings about writing, but I would never tell someone else what constitutes a valid reason for writing or how they should define their own success. There are, indeed, people who get into writing to fulfill a career desire and who define success by how much money they make.

“The problem with your comment, Jane, is that is disregards the title of the post that it criticizes.”

It does indeed, because it’s a faulty premise. Let’s look at your list: there are very, very few novelists who are able to live completely off their royalties, and I don’t know of any short fiction writer anywhere who could make that claim. As for “personal poet,” even professional poets who win the country’s best prizes don’t “make a living” from their poetry sales. Calling these “careers” would be misleading.

But notice how many novels, shorts stories and poems get published every year. My point was that writing is a field not exclusive to professionals. Anyone can write a novel with the possibility of publishing, but it is disingenuous to call this a “career” when it’s not a main source of income for most.

“There are, indeed, people who get into writing to fulfill a career desire and who define success by how much money they make.”

Writing is not economics or finance, it’s a process of communication. Using this communication tool as a money-making strategy would involve telling people what they want to hear. There are descriptions reserved for those who only tell others what they want to hear.

Jane, you seem to be more interested in looking for minute points to argue rather than grasping the full intent of this post. There are plenty of novelists and other creative writers who have built full-time and part-time careers with their work. I happen to know “personal poets” who subsidize their income by writing personal poetry. Might I suggest that you open your mind to the possibility that the people you know and experiences you’ve had are not definitive? You are merely presenting your opinions and personal experiences as facts, and they are not facts.

I don’t care if a writer’s work is a main source of income, a part-time source of income, or if it doesn’t lead to any income at all. My job here is to encourage writers to pursue their dreams and that includes trying to make a career out of their writing, if that is what they want to do. I never said that writing is economics or finance. I said that some writers get into it as a career (James Patterson is an example — he himself says he’s a better marketer than writer). If you think such people are hacks or sellouts, then that is your opinion. I have my own opinions about it, but I don’t go around publicly judging other writers because I have not walked in their shoes. I do not know what is in their hearts. And neither do you.

“Using this communication tool as a money-making strategy would involve telling people what they want to hear. There are descriptions reserved for those who only tell others what they want to hear.”

There are also descriptions reserved for people who go around the internet stirring up malicious arguments and for people who lack manners. I neither appreciate nor welcome your insinuations. Such insults, however cloaked in wit, will only get you banned from commenting here. I built Writing Forward to be a positive, uplifting space for writers to explore their craft. It’s a shame that you’re so pessimistic about other people’s potential and what is possible for aspiring writers.

Yuly

Thank you for your ideas in writing career paths, it gives me some things to think about. As a child and in my teen years I used to write short stories. However, as an adult I have lost that creative side and find that I am empty and in need to be creative. I have considered pursuing a MA in creative writing with hopes that I can find that creative side of again. I feel, however that spending the time and money on this degree may not deem worthy because it is incredibly difficult to obtain a job that pays well enough to keep the bills paid. Do you have any suggestions?

Yuly, I don’t think anyone can tell you whether it would be best for you to pursue writing on your own or to get an MA. If you are disciplined, I think you can do it on your own. If you need a lot of direction, guidance, and support, then an MA program might be better for you. Either way, you can pick up plenty of books to inspire you. When I’m uninspired and need to get more creative, I usually go through creative writing exercises and prompts, which always get my ideas flowing again. Good luck to you!

Molly Kluever

I’m in the 8th grade, and it seems that whenever something is needed, such as a testimony of my school, a farewell speech for a retiring teacher, or a greeting at an event, my name always seems to come up. Then I get a phone call, saying what is needed and the deadline. I’m glad to do it, and obviously I don’t charge anything. However, if adults always think of me, a kid, when they need something written, surely other people will do the same when I’m older. Is my reasoning off, or is that a possible job opportunity?

If the school is calling on you for writing, then that is certainly a testament to your writing abilities. It’s a good indicator that you are a talented writer, and yes, I would say that if you enjoy writing, these are all signs that writing might be a good career option for you.

Hadassa

I just completed my engineering(Civil Engineering). I have absolutely no aptitude for that subject. I did it due to pressure from family. Now, its my career. My life. I feel its high time I take a stand. I have great passion towards writing. I have thereby, developed decent writing skills. So, I would like to pursue a career in the same. Right now, I need some place to start and venture into the world of writing. That’s exactly where I need help!

I have to admit that I honestly don’t understand why some families pressure kids to pursue one particular career. I guess I can empathize when it’s a family tradition (five generations of doctors or something like that) but I can’t get behind it at all. I think each person should pursue what’s in his or her heart. Do what you love!

Ashley

What if their not sure what they want to do or where their passion lies? What should they do?

Every person has to find his or her own path. If I wasn’t sure about my passion, I’d try lots of different things until I found it.

martha

I agree. Kids should decide for themselves. And where are the guidance counselors in all this?

Maybe some schools don’t have guidance counselors or the kids simply aren’t going to see them.

Kevin

I’ve experinced the delima’s first hand similar to you,concerning family and friend’s who where great math major’s but couldn’t get through college without the English major’s writing their paper’s?I was the English major who didn’t even finish my assocites in literature because I couldn’t do Algebra.Yet my god given passion is english and the art’s ,and especially writing.All I can say is ,especially in are high tech world today,pursue what your gifted at,and if it’s writing ,do what your heart’s telling you,don’t be like so many and waite till your 50ty,you can still do it,don’t let friend’s and family say different,one dedicated art person that does give a dam.

There is a lot to learn by getting a degree, so I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t finish your associate’s in literature. However, there is a lot you can learn about the craft by simply reading and studying on your own. With or without a formal education, it takes a lot of work to make it as a writer. Good luck to you.

I’m a college student and I need some advice for a journalism career career. I love the entertainment industry as a whole. Video Games, movies, tv shows, celebrities, and music. I am currently in school for journalism and I just need help what kind of journalist I should be. I’ve already looked into entertainemt journalism and I live that. Writing articles/pieces about the entertainment industry looks like an awesome job. But what do entertainment journalists focus on. Do they just focus on being on the red carpet all the time or writing articles about celebrities all day? Do entertainemt journalists write articles about Video games, movies, tv shows, music, and other celebrity stuff. Should I become a freelance journalist? I guess my dream job is to write articles or do reports for ign in New York or another entertainment company with an office. Maybe a staff position?

Or maybe I should try games journalism? But dont entertainment journalist write about video games too? I’m a gamer and I would love to write about the newest games or movies coming out or do reviews.

I’m not an entertainment journalist (or a journalist for that matter), so I cannot give you career advice, but you might try reaching out to an entertainment journalist who can answer some of these questions for you. Good luck!

Stephanie

I am currently studying for a PhD in Creative Writing and I have to say that this is one of the most accurate lists I came across. What is good for aspiring writers to keep in mind, especially those with CW degrees, is that writing is a craft. It’s very practical, so unlike history, philosophy or literature degrees a writer has transferable skills. If you are a writer looking to make some money while writing a novel or a collection, you can offer editing and proofreading services. Becoming a content writer is a profitable pathway as well. A lot of companies look for skilled writers to produce their online articles and they usually pay well. And for the more daring, there is online publishing. Is not a guaranteed route but it gives you a boost of confidence; no matter how much you make, it’s good to know that somebody paid to read your work.

Thanks, Stephanie. I’ve taken the online and self-publishing route and haven’t looked back.

Matt

Just a little quibble: A history degree does produce transferable skills related to research and analysis, writing, word processing, etc.. It’s not “just learning names and dates.” 😀

Christina

Thinking about chaning careers. Although I got my B.G.S – General Studies and and a Masters in Management – I took a lot of creative wirting classes in college and it is something that I think I could be good at. This might be a good place to get some ideas on getting started. Thanks!

You’re welcome, and good luck to you!

vivek

i am doing engineering first year..i took the decision as i have always been quite good at maths and stuff..but i started writing last year simply for the passion that was ignited by some great novels and i am totally a novice in it..yet i like it a lot. So right now i am in a dilemma which career path i should take…one thats based on my interest but im not so good at(writing).. or the one in which i am good at(maths,science)??

I think most young people struggle with this same dilemma. Unfortunately, nobody can tell you which life path is best for you. You must find that answer within yourself. I do think that you can pursue both science and writing (you could, for example, become a science writer). You can also study writing and become better at it. It’s up to you.

I want to get into freelance writing in the entertainment industry. I love writing and I’ve looked into copywritimg and story producing. Any advice or any writing careers I should take on?

The best advice I can give you is to study writing and the entertainment industry. If you want to write entertainment news, you might want to major in journalism at a university. For screenwriting, you can major in film studies at many universities. Get to know the industry and keep working on improving your writing. There are also tons of resources you can get if you don’t go to university. Start with the “Writing Resources” section here at Writing Forward, then head to your favorite bookstore and search for books on your field of interest. Good luck!

mari

wow! you guys really love writing. Me too but I’m taking up pre dentistry right now but i really love writing much more. Actually i just wanna try this course but i think i’m not gonna continue because writing is really my passion and i’d love to pursue it. my parents don’t know any of this yet and i’m planning to tell them..any advice for me guys? thanks to whoever answers this.. 🙂

One thing to keep in mind is that you can study dentistry and writing. You can choose writing courses for your electives and set aside a little time each day for your writing. As far as changing your studies, I believe that each individual has to find his or her own path. Once you find your path, I think you should follow it, because I believe one of the worst fates is a life of regret. Hopefully, the people in your life will be supportive, although unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Ultimately, only you can make this decision. It is a big one. Take your time to think about it. Consider talking to a career counselor, who should be open-minded and objective.

Alyssa

Okay, so I’ve been thinking about the popular question, “what do I want to be when I grow up?”. Writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I LOVE books. Seriously. If I wasn’t on a competitive, year-round swim team, I could read all day. I have been thinking about jobs that circle around the actual “writing” idea, if you know what I mean. I’ve considered being an editor, since I love books, but I’m not quite sure what an editor does. Any ideas?

Editors do some writing but their main function is to make editorial decisions. Their duties vary depending on where they work. A magazine editor, for example, decides which stories go into each issue, which one gets the cover spot, and will also assign articles to the writers. An editor at a publishing house makes decisions about which books to publish. Editors also actually edit, meaning they review the writers’ work and make changes to improve it. I don’t know for sure, but I would think (hope) that someone would start out as a writer before becoming an editor. I suggest using Google to learn more about different careers for editors.

Philip

First of all, thank you for this post and all your replies. It’s very good of you to reply to everyone who needs direction. So, my dilemma is that I will be commencing my masters degree in September and lately I’ve been thinking of pursuing a creative writing masters instead.

I’ve just finished my undergraduate degree in communications and I was deputy editor and features editor of the monthly university arts magazine, which I absolutely loved and learned so much through. My undergraduate thesis was in the form of a creative writing novella, which was roughly 18,000 words. I had always wanted to try my hand at fiction writing and by completing the thesis I became fully aware how much I enjoyed it. I also received very positive feedback from lecturers.

Once I finished my undergraduate degree, I applied for and received a place on a masters in public relations, which I think I would enjoy as it’s media related. However, as mentioned, I’ve been seriously considering giving up the PR masters and applying for the creative writing one instead. My issue is that I am torn between a course that’s practical and could very well lead to a successful career, and a prestigious CW course that I’m highly interested in but may be quite impractical in the long run. I have this dream of travelling and writing novels (long shot I know) and a CW masters could help me bring my writing skills and ideas to the next level. So, I guess I’m asking if you think a CW masters is necessary in becoming an author?

And what would your opinion be on switching courses into CW or staying with the original choice? Would it be more wise to stick with PR (which I’m currently interning in) and try do some writing on the side? My only problem is, with writing I feel I need guidance, direction and deadlines. I may find it hard to do it on the side, especially when the majority of my energy would be going elsewhere.

Any info/advice would be great 🙂 And sorry for the long post.

No, you definitely do not need a CW masters to become an author. My guess is that most published authors don’t have masters. I once heard a bit of advice from an author (can’t remember who) that I thought was sound. She said if you’re self-driven and will do your writing and study the craft on your own, then you don’t need a masters. One of the benefits of a masters program is that it forces you to write and learn. If you do that on your own, you don’t really need the coursework (unless you want it for prestige). Having said that, my guess is that there is value in a masters program, in being immersed in writing and literature and surrounded with other writers, even for those who are self-driven.

Nobody can tell you what to study. It’s a classic dilemma: follow your dreams or do the “smart thing.” Only you know what is the right path for you.

Danny

I just graduated with a BA in creative writing about 5 months ago, and I’ve been applying for jobs in the creative field like crazy. I’ve applied for practically every advertising firm in the Chicago area and I’ve heard back from two of them. I don’t know if it’s because I lack experience, or the economy is just that bad. I’ve tried applying for jobs out of my field, but it’s still no dice. I hope I can find something extremely soon, as I’m near desperation at this point. I really hope there’s hope, so I don’t regret getting a BA in creative writing : (.

I held office jobs for several years after earning my BA in creative writing. Since I had a degree in English, my employers often gave me writing assignments (including editing and proofreading), which helped me build my experience. It doesn’t happen overnight. Get a job to pay the bills and keep writing. Eventually, you’ll find your path. Good luck!

Xinyiteoh

Erm hello Melissa.. I actually want to do Creative Writing since I love writing, but I also want to do History since I love both. However my parents object to both and want me to pursue some medical degree or something. Can you erm like give me some points to argue my pitiful cause since I don’t really think I’m into doctoring since I’ve got a slight phobia of blood and ever since Biology dissecting stuff had never exactly been my thing?? I hope it’s not too much to ask.. thanks in advance

I am just going to be straightforward about this, because I get a lot of emails and comments from young people like yourself whose parents are pressuring them into some career they abhor. I believe that each of us knows in our hearts who we are and what we want to do with our lives. If you have a phobia of blood, then it’s blatantly obvious that a career in medicine would be completely inappropriate for you. Now, if you had that phobia but desperately wanted to be a doctor, I would encourage you to get over it. But since that’s not what you want, why should you torment yourself? I understand why some parents advocate certain careers for their kids – they associate success with money and prestige. I do not. I equate success with happiness. And I believe that once we become adults, it is our own responsibility to find our happiness. So, once you are an adult, it’s up to you to find your path and follow it. Do what you love.

Darren

What is the difference between journalism and creative writing? I am still not very sure even after researching on the net. I have a dilemma on which course to take. I want to be a novelist but that might take years to complete a book. So, what my mother advised is that I should get a stable job that ensures my survival while I work on the book first. Which one should I do?

Journalism can fall under creative writing. For example, if you wrote a literary nonfiction book on a specific person or subject, it could be both journalism and creative nonfiction. Journalism is one of those forms that has become a bit gray. Originally, journalism meant reporting on the facts, objectively. Nowadays, a lot of journalism is heavily colored by the author’s personal views and ideologies. A novel is creative writing and not journalism at all; it is fiction where journalism is fact-based.

I think getting a stable job while writing your first book is a pretty smart way to go. Do you even have a choice? I mean, unless someone is willing to support you while you write your book, you’re going to need a job to pay the bills.

Erica Barrus

I have always had a passion for writing, but never had confidence to let anyone read any of my work. I do not have a fancy education, but I do have an amazing imagination! The work I did when I was younger my mom found and was amazed by my story. I do enjoy wrting poetry and short stories. During the development of my son, I wrote in my journal Letters to Baby. As the pregnancy developed things were less than peferct and not very positive. I stopped writing my Letter’s to Baby because it was sad things written. I only wanted my child to know he was loved from day one no matter where life took us. The baby is now 10 yrs old and so much has inspired me to write again. I started a story that I hold dear to my heart and I am super excited about it. I dont expect publishing ever, but I would like to get an outside opinion from someone in the industry that could give me tips and tools to help my creativity develope. I also would like to know some avenues I can go down to continue writing for fun and just to get things out of my mind. I am sure it is hard to make a living writing, but if I can make a little something to put away for a rainy day that would be great! Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

I would actually recommend that you take a creative writing class or workshop. An in-person one would be best, but if you’re too busy, try to find an online course (community colleges are great for this). This is an ideal way to connect with other writers while getting mentoring from someone who is experienced (the teacher), and you’ll find that many other writers share your insecurities. Make sure you vet the class first to make sure it’s credible. You might also want to research the instructor a little.

Another option would be to find a local writing group, but that may be more challenging since writing groups often arise out of established relationships. However, there are some open writing groups, especially online and in larger cities.

Your first hurdle will be to work on your confidence and worry more about strengthening your work than what other people think. Everybody starts somewhere. As long as you’re willing to work at it and improve your skills, it does not matter where you are now with your writing.

Thomas Thyros

I am a discouraged writer in need of some information. I have been writing for a little over a year and I have had some success. I have been nationally published, being a staff member on one magazine start-up, an editor-in-chief of one failed start-up magazine, and I am a staff member for an online magazine for which I publish an article every three months. I have also been published on a few other informational websites. Additionally, I have ghost written close to 200 articles on a low paying website.

The problem I have faced (which has caused me to stop writing now for several months) is the total lack of pay I have received for my efforts. So many will ask you to write; however, they do not want to pay a reasonable rate for your craft. This is the only problem that I face as per my writing. I thoroughly enjoy writing, but I cannot continue to write for such low pay. Any tips, advice, what have you, would be appreciated. Otherwise, I will have to give up writing and move on to something else. Thanks.

I had the same problem when I first started freelancing. Then I realized that the reason I was getting low paying gigs was because I was accepting low paying gigs. The better paying jobs are harder to find, and in my case, I started my own website and business to attract clients and set my own rates. This involved a lot of marketing to get my own clients, and they are business people rather than content farms. However, there is a caveat: the writing must be at a professional level to warrant higher rates.

Hello Melissa,

Thanks for responding. I haven’t accepted a low paying writing job in some time now, nor have I used any content farms. I can market well as I am a singer songwriter, and I have made good progress with it in that realm. My writing is always professional and of the jobs I have found they have paid well. However, it seems as though it is near impossible to find enough well paying writing jobs to make ends meet. Anyway, again, thanks for responding and for your suggestions. Best of luck to you.

I wish I had some solid advice to give you, but I don’t know enough about your business and marketing strategies. There are plenty of self-employed and freelance content writers out there. I’m sure a lot of them struggle to make ends meet, but plenty of them have found considerable success. When I first started, I did my best to seek out successful writers and examine their approaches so I could learn from them. Getting your own website and operating as a business (or professional consultant) makes a huge difference.

Matthew Eaton

I was just having this discussion with a friend a while back about how people get locked into three options when they write and that’s it. There are so many other opportunities out there if you know where to look for them. You just have to be open and aware of what is really out there.

Thanks for sharing this, I am glad this came along at the right time. Maybe I’ll send this over her way today!

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found this article helpful, Matthew.

Lyric

I saved this article months ago when I was in a funk, but I forgot to read it afterwards. Reading it now has made me think. Looking back at it, I’ve been writing for many years, ever since I was 13, and I’m 23 now. I’ve went to college twice, graduated both times successfully, but throughout that time I stopped writing fiction. I kept my ideas, but I never finished the stories.

I haven’t been lucky in finding a job ever since I graduated and the ones I did find were still out of reach, I went back to my writing because I needed to do something. Anything to get my mind clear and my thoughts straight like I used to because I became frustrated with myself. When I decided to go to college I had clear plans, but once I finished things didn’t go my way and I realized that I already had something that I should have never let go, my writing. Now I’m looking into finishing my ideas and self-publishing them. I’m glad I came back to this article and read it thoroughly this time.

I’m motivated now more than ever to focus on my true calling. It may be tough, but it’s the only thing I have ever done that made me truly happy even when things around me weren’t good. I think I’m gonna try writing my ideas separately in the form of a series of short stories/chapters/volumes since I’m not good at writing long works of fiction. Is there any advice that you can give me? I would love to write a story for a webtoon, but I’m not that good at drawing and I don’t know how to ask an artist for help.

Hi Lyric. Many of us take time off from writing. Sometimes it’s because we’re busy with a new job. Other times family obligations keep us from our writing. Occasionally it’s some other hobby. Thankfully, writing is always here for us, and we can return to it any time. I’m glad you did.

Madonna Weaver

Its so good to read through the interests in writing and thank you for the informative comments. I have self published a poetry book that people can use in their cards, tributes. on blurb.com called Handy Verse for Occasions with a possum on the front. I am working on my children’s stories and acitivities and will self publish in September this year. and I am blogging the challenge on madonnamm7.wordpress.com I had written the stories many years ago and did not have as much motivation and my husband encouraged me and I was inspired by the movie Julie and Julia (Meryl Streep) and started the year challenge.

Regards Madonna Weaver

That’s wonderful! I love the title Handy Verse for Occasions .

Sam

I have the most obscured dreams. I’d love to print a book with short stories of them. How may I accomplish that?

You might want to look into self-publishing through KDP or CreateSpace. Good luck!

Andy Li

I knew I wanted to write since I found out I like putting thoughts and ideas on paper. I kinda have it down, but I am struggling. Putting your thoughts and ideas is not easy as it looks, but that won’t stop me. I’m writing a book, but I just can’t seem to get past the first 10 paragraph. How do I focus my intent?

A lot of writers struggle with discipline. We get stuck and wander away from a project, we get lured away by some other idea, or life just gets in the way. The only way to focus…is to focus. Force yourself to do the work. I’ve known a lot of writers who got good results by adding writing to their daily schedule. Every day, at the same time, you sit down, and that’s your writing time. It could be twenty minutes or it could be two hours. And you do the work.

Graeme Watson

Thanks for the ideas. Given the current pandemic, being creative is something I need to look at more to try and get some additional income. Have published one collection of short stories but needing to do more.

You’re welcome, and good luck with your creative efforts!

In the past I have self published a poetry book people can put in their cards etc and also a book of children’s stories with Activities through Blurb.com I am writing a novel based on truth now. All the best to everyone in their writing. Regards Madonna Weaver

Thanks for sharing some of the opportunities you’ve carved out for yourself. These are great!

Iwan Ross

I have a creative writing career that I would like to add to your list. What about a Technical Writer? We have two technical writers employed in our company and I chat with them on a daily basis. It is a great job with above-average earning potential. Thanks for allowing me to post here.

That’s a great writing job, but it’s technical, not creative. Creative writing encompasses fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Great career though!

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Trade Schools Home > Articles > Jobs for Writers

23 Awesome Jobs for Writers That Offer Real Opportunities

By Publisher | Last Updated September 7, 2022

Here's a news flash: Good jobs for writers really do exist. You can parlay your love of the written word into a paying gig. The truth is that the technology, media, entertainment, public relations, marketing, publishing, and advertising industries all need people who can craft high-quality content. The range of possible writing careers is far broader than you might expect.

But, as with any creative field, it can be difficult to pinpoint opportunities. That's partly because writing jobs, in contrast to other occupations, don't follow a set formula. (If you want to become an engineer, you get an engineering degree. If your goal is to become a nurse, you complete a nursing program. But if you dream of becoming a writer, the path you need to take isn't nearly as clear-cut.)

That's why we've compiled a list of 23 jobs for many types of writers across many different fields. We've also included some tips on how to find legit freelance writing opportunities. And if you're wondering how to support yourself while getting established, you might want to check out our suggestions for day jobs that let you write on the side.

  • 23 jobs for writers
  • How to find legitimate freelance writing jobs
  • The pros and cons of ghostwriting
  • Day jobs for aspiring writers

Salary information is based on May 2021 data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program and the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) .

Jobs for Writers

Jobs for Writers

1. Content strategist

Content strategists combine strong writing and communication skills with analytical thinking and marketing know-how to plan, create, and manage online content that achieves specific business goals. They apply principles of search engine optimization (SEO) and study analytics to figure out what kind of content is working (and what kind isn't) so that they can adjust their strategy accordingly. Training in journalism, communications, or technical writing can be a good first step toward this career.

  • Median salary: $133,380

2. Communications director

Overseeing various types of corporate communications and making sure the public views your company in a favorable light requires a blend of top-notch writing and marketing skills. In this role, you establish the communications goals of a company and develop branding and style guidelines for press releases, articles, newsletters, email campaigns, advertisements, and other marketing materials. This is a high-level position that requires several years of experience; be prepared to work your way up.

  • Median salary: $119,860

3. Technical writer

A key skill for any technical writer is the ability to take complex technical jargon and turn it into plain English. These writers design and develop software manuals, user guides, technical specifications, and other complex documentation. A big part of the job involves drawing useful and relevant information out of software developers, engineers, and other professionals, so solid interpersonal skills are essential. Of all jobs in writing, this one has one of the best outlooks: It's expected to see faster-than-average job growth between 2020 and 2030, according to the OOH.

  • Median salary: $78,060

4. Proposal writer

A common fixture in consulting firms and sales departments, proposal writers prepare documents related to pricing, marketing, and product design. They assess requests for proposals (RFPs) and develop responses to help their employers win new business and secure contracts. To succeed in this role, you need excellent organizational and writing skills as well as an eye for detail and a solid understanding of how your company can meet the needs of potential clients.

5. Grant writer

Crafting proposals to secure financial support for foundations, non-profit agencies, and other organizations is a responsibility that falls to grant writers. They are a key part of the fundraising staff in many places. Grant writers are in charge of identifying funding sources and developing written materials that target each potential donor. Flexibility is important; some donors expect a one-page document, while others look for much lengthier proposals.

6. Web content writer

Many companies need writers who are highly skilled in researching and writing digital content like blogs, articles, and landing pages. You might be required to conduct online research or interview subject matter experts to gather information. Having some knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) techniques is very helpful.

  • Median salary for a writer or technical writer: $69,510 - $78,060

7. Speechwriter

It's not just politicians and government officials that rely on speechwriters: You could also work for business executives, notable celebrities, or public relations firms. To do this job effectively, you need to be able to write persuasively about policies or principles that you may not always agree with. A degree in journalism, communications, or political science is a good place to start. Joining Toastmasters or observing debates can also be good training.

  • Median salary: $69,510

8. Screenwriter

Do you dream of creating the next Hollywood blockbuster? Screenwriters are the creative energy behind films and television shows. You could adapt a novel for the big screen, write an episode of an established show, or develop an original movie script from scratch. You need to understand the basic structure of a screenplay as well as how to create interesting characters and write peppy dialog. You also need to be open to constructive criticism: Making revisions is how screenwriters spend most of their time.

9. Novelist

When people think of careers in writing, this is often one of the first that comes to mind. If you can create compelling characters that people want to know more about, and put them in unique situations that force them to tackle a problem or undergo a change, you might have what it takes to make it as a novelist. It's not enough to have a great idea; you also need to develop an outline and work out plot points, dialog styles, and character arcs. Traditionally, novelists have worked with literary agents to market and sell their books, but self-publishing is an increasingly popular option.

10. Advertising copywriter

Creating captivating copy for print, online, television, or radio advertisements is another way to put your writing skills to good use. The ultimate aim of an advertising copywriter is to make people want to buy a particular product or service. Whether you're creating slogans, billboards, radio jingles, or social media ads, you need to be able to say a lot with just a few words. Internships can be a good way to get started in this field.

11. Marketing communications specialist

Jobs for Writers

  • Median salary: $63,920

12. Book editor

Suggesting changes and improvements to a manuscript that an author has slaved over for months or years requires tact and diplomacy as well as editing skills. Book editors are responsible for shaping and developing a manuscript to get it ready for publication. Your job is to bring a fresh eye to a piece of text and work with the author to strengthen the fundamentals and structure of the story. Many editors work for publishing houses, but going out on your own as a freelancer is also possible.

  • Median salary: $63,350

13. Copy editor

Copy editors are the quality assurance technicians of the writing world. They carefully read through a piece of written material to root out spelling errors, grammar problems, and style inconsistencies. While a book editor deals with the big-picture structure and form of a story, a copy editor gets into the nitty-gritty details and makes sure the text aligns with editorial guidelines. In some cases, copy editors are also responsible for fact checking. You'll likely need an English or journalism degree to snag a copy editing job.

14. Public relations specialist

Cultivating relationships is key to the success of a public relations specialist. After all, you need to be on good terms with journalists, editors, bloggers, and other content producers in order to effectively control and manage the public image of your client or company. The ability to convey a message clearly and succinctly will serve you well in this field. Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door of many public relations firms.

  • Median salary: $62,800

15. Social media specialist

More and more companies are realizing they need to maintain a social media presence, which means lots of opportunity for writers who know how to tailor messages to the demographics, text limits, and content styles of platforms like Facebook and Twitter. You could find yourself blogging about the latest high-tech gadget or analyzing metrics on the company's audience and views. Training in marketing or communications can be helpful.

  • Median salary: $49,900

16. Translator

If you can write fluently in more than one language, you can seek work as a translator. And you may not have to look far to find opportunities: Employment in this field is expected to grow 24 percent between 2020 and 2030. You could work in areas like law, healthcare, publishing, and education. You need meticulous attention to detail to do this kind of work. Just remember: It won't be your job to make changes to (or improve upon) the text.

  • Median salary: $49,110

17. Columnist

Columnists are basically unshackled reporters: They're paid to give a subjective opinion on current events. As a columnist, you're expected to offer persuasive and reasoned opinions and perspectives on anything from city council's latest traffic bylaw to the current state of the U.S. economy. Many columnists also write books or serve as experts on radio and TV talk shows. You need several years of experience in your niche (e.g., politics, humor, fashion, sports, whatever) to be considered for a columnist role.

  • Median salary: $48,370

18. Journalist

Whether you focus on TV, radio, print, or the Web (or more likely a combination of those), you will spend much of your time as a journalist searching out newsworthy information and turning your findings into articles, scripts, and podcasts. Most journalists start with entry-level writing jobs as general reporters, but with experience you could work your way into a niche like sports, business, science, or the arts. News can break anywhere, anytime, so be prepared for a non-traditional schedule.

19. Film critic

Being a film critic involves more than just getting to watch movies for free. You get to frame your thoughts as an informative review that draws people in. That means you need to have a thorough understanding of the filmmaking process. You also need to have solid interviewing skills and a knack for finding unique angles that make your story stand out from the crowd, so getting some journalism training will serve you well.

  • Median salary: $48,370 for all reporters

20. Proofreader

Proofreaders are the last line of defense for a piece of content. They make sure there are no errors in the grammar, spelling, spacing, or margins of a document. In the publishing world, proofreading is the final step after the copy edit is complete. Proofreaders also check that the table of contents is formatted correctly and that any photos have appropriate captions. A degree in English or journalism can give you the skills you need for this job.

  • Median salary: $43,940

21. Greeting card writer

More than 75 percent of people buy greeting cards based on the connection they make with the text, according to the Greeting Card Association . Whether you're creating a funny happy birthday message or a compassionate get-well card, you need to craft concise verses that touch people's emotions. The key is to come up with something that a broad spectrum of people can relate to. Playing around with rhymes, allusions, and metaphors can be good practice.

22. Travel writer

For wordsmiths with wanderlust, a career as a travel writer may be what's needed to satisfy those creative and nomadic urges. You could develop a wide range of content, from guidebooks and magazine features to blogs and how-to-travel articles. Coming up with original and interesting ways to describe a destination can be a real challenge. This is almost entirely freelance work, which means self-promotion is a big part of the job.

23. Ghostwriter

A ghostwriter is an "invisible" contributor to a piece of content. You write it; your client gets to claim the credit for it. As a ghostwriter, you could be writing corporate blogs, putting out social media updates in a celebrity's name, or transforming a client's ideas, research, or life stories into a book. Ghostwriting can lead to many opportunities, though the field is not without controversy.

  • Average earnings: Rates vary enormously

How to Find Legitimate Freelance Writing Jobs

Whether you're a newbie looking for your first paid gig or an experienced professional seeking a bit of side business, going freelance may be right up your alley. But finding legitimate job postings can be a challenge. We've listed a few sites here that gather and post solid opportunities. (And most of these sites won't charge you anything to access their listings.)

Jobs for Writers

  • JournalismJobs.com features reporting, writing, and editing jobs.
  • Mediabistro lists freelance jobs in areas ranging from magazines to marketing.
  • All Freelance Writing includes opportunities for bloggers, journalists, and technical writers.
  • Morning Coffee lists jobs related to copywriting, blogging, translation, and journalism. (Sign up to receive the free weekly newsletter or check the online jobs section that's updated daily.)
  • ProBlogger features writing jobs in a huge variety of niches.
  • Freelance Writing Jobs offers listings for grant writers, copywriters, journalists, and content writers.
  • FlexJobs has listings for copywriters, technical writers, news writers, and more, though you do have to pay a fee to see the details of the listings.

Always be sure to read the fine print before you apply for any project. Some sites offer their listings for free but take a cut of any earnings you receive. And beware of content mills that expect writers to churn out articles at a breakneck pace for absurdly low rates (sometimes as low as one cent per word). It's up to you to do your research and decide if an opportunity is right for you.

The Pros and Cons of Ghostwriting

Does the idea of writing under someone else's byline intrigue you? A growing number of executives, politicians, celebrities, and notable professionals are hiring ghostwriters to turn their thoughts into a marketable form of content. Working as a ghostwriter can be a great way for aspiring writers to polish their skills and make some money. But before you decide to become a pen-for-hire, you need to understand the pros and cons.

  • You can write about any or all topics without worrying about being publicly judged on the quality of your work, since your name is not attached to the content. If you have an established reputation in a particular niche, ghostwriting in another area can let you experiment without damaging your public brand.
  • You get a chance to step into the lives of fascinating people who have reached the pinnacle of their professions.
  • You can often charge more for ghostwritten copy precisely because of the lack of recognition you receive for the work. Plus, you usually get paid up front instead of having to wait on royalties from sales.
  • Promoting the book is not your responsibility (and sales make no difference to you if you received a one-time payment up front), so you can just move right on to the next project.
  • No byline generally means you can't use your work in your portfolio, which obviously makes it difficult to demonstrate your writing chops to potential clients. You can end up relying on your existing clients to refer you to future business, which doesn't always happen.
  • Letting someone else take credit for your work can be demoralizing. You will likely have to sign a non-disclosure agreement that specifies you can never imply that the name on the cover isn't the person who actually authored the book. You might even have to watch your client explain to an interviewer how he or she went about writing the words you so painstakingly crafted.
  • If the book becomes a best-seller or wins a Pulitzer, you get no part of the royalties or rewards.

Some writers view ghostwriting work as a simple business transaction and wholeheartedly recommend it. Others feel it's unethical to allow someone to purchase content and pass it off as their own. Make sure you do your research before getting involved so that you fully understand the deal.

Day Jobs for Aspiring Writers

Getting established as a writer takes time, but you probably still have bills to pay. You might want to consider a side job that won't stress you out but will still let you have plenty of time to work on your craft. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Retail stock clerk: Unloading trucks and putting items on shelves is physical work, but it's often done at night or in the early morning, leaving you time for creative pursuits.
  • Cab driver: This is a fairly low-stress career that lets you choose your own hours. Plus, you can get great material for stories as you meet people from different walks of life.
  • Security guard: You might be able to write during long stretches of downtime, especially if you work night shifts.
  • Bartender or restaurant server: You can make extra money from tips and meet lots of colorful characters who might inspire your writing.
  • Office cleaner or housekeeper: This kind of work keeps you physically active without draining your mental resources.
  • Tutor or writing coach: You can keep your creative juices flowing by helping others polish their prose.

Write Your Next Chapter

Now that you know that plenty of jobs for writers are out there, it's time to think about how you can best prepare to take advantage of those opportunities. Do you have the skills you need for the job you want? Vocational colleges and trade schools offer career-focused training for all kinds of occupations that involve writing. So explore convenient programs near you by entering your zip code into the search tool below!

"I recommend using Trade-Schools.net because you can find the program that you are interested in nearby or online. " Trade-Schools.net User

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writing career ideas

How to start a writing career: 7 bright ideas

  • Post author By Jordan
  • No Comments on How to start a writing career: 7 bright ideas

writing career ideas

Starting a story or novel is challenging enough. But how do you start a writing career , one of longevity and rewarding opportunities taken? Read 7 ideas for how to start a writing career:

How to build a writing career:

Invest in your skills every day, balance theory with praxis, manage expectations, define what ‘writing career’ means to you, get support, take writing opportunities, practice positive promotion.

The same principles apply, whether you’re asking how to start a writing career or wish to pursue another calling. Invest in your skills as often as you can.

When we invest in something, we may invest:

Many aspiring writers invest in the third category out of proportion to the first. Yet making time to write is essential for truly expanding your writing ability. Wanting it and raw talent are great, but so is putting in the work. Make time to write, every day. On how to launch a writing career, Ray Bradbury says:

Just write every day. Read instensely - Ray Bradbury | Now Novel

Seek out opportunities to write to a brief (such as freelance copywriting). Learning to write on diverse subjects (even if they aren’t your greatest passion) is a valuable skill. After you’ve written a blog article about weather vanes every day for a year (true story), it’ll be easier to produce; to find words when you’re not feeling inspired.

Take free courses (such as our free 5-day email lessons on writing craft here ). Learning resources such as Coursera provide education on a broad range of fascinating subjects, including writing.

Many famous authors went to grad school for writing. Yet an MFA isn’t essential for a career in writing, as Now Novel writing coach Romy Sommer shares in this extract from her webinar on becoming a pro writer:

It is a relevant credential you can add to your byline when querying. Yet astute agents and publishers are equally interested in questions such as ‘Is it good?’ and ‘Will it sell?’ Sometimes, academia is paralysing to creativity. The background noise of theory may make it hard to hear what you want your work to be.

A career in any field involves praxis – acts of doing. If you’re studying a concept, try to make a practical exercise out of it.

For example, say you were reading about decolonisation in history. As an exercise, you could do the following:

Practical exercise: Imagining historical events

Write an indigenous character’s perspective as they watch a ship landing on a beach bearing the emissaries of an imperial power. Next, rewrite the same scene from the perspective of the settlers aboard the ship.

now novel community

Start with structured support

Structure your story with step-by-step prompts and get helpful critiques.

Rare (and talented, and lucky) is the author who ignites a bidding war between publishers for their debut.

Self-publishing has made it easier to build a writing career despite prestigious gatekeepers such as ‘Big Five’ publishers, though. It’s easier than ever to access ‘the market’ as an author. Learning how to make a career in writing no longer necessarily requires the right social network, degree, or industry ‘in’.

Yet self-publishing also requires work, of course, plus funds for:

  • Cover design (if you want your book to intrigue and stand out in the crowd)
  • Editing (developmental, copy-editing, proofreading)
  • An ISBN number (the unique identifier for your book)
  • Other book expenses

There are also other key differences between traditional vs self-publishing as models.

Hybrid-published Author Joanna Penn of The Creative Penn unpacks the core differences in her helfpul article, ‘Pros and Cons of Traditional vs Self-Publishing’.

However you choose to start your writing career, have realistic expectations. Planning and first drafts take time . Rewrites and edits take time. Publishing and marketing take time. Divide your process into small, attainable steps. Practice the two Ps – patience and perseverance.

When we say ‘how to start a writing career’, a lot hinges on how we define ‘writing career’. A writing career may mean:

  • Writing to connect to others and share stories important to you
  • Telling stories to build recognition or prestige through publication and other achievements
  • Writing to make money

None of these are mutually exclusive.

Let’s be honest about the third category, though: ‘Making money’ is not necessarily synonymous with the typical fiction writing career. As an example, a respected English lecturer won a national book award for a traditionally published book. He held up his Amazon Kindle and said ‘this is what I bought with the proceeds of my award-winning book’, with a sardonic smile on his face.

Prestige thus does not necessarily guarantee riches (though it may boost sales).

If you plan to start a writing career with making in money at the top of your priority list, remember to:

  • Research what has been published in the last year or two in similar genres/subject areas. What’s been a bestseller? What’s passé? (Publishing a love triangle story featuring sparkly vampires straight after the Twilight series, for example, wouldn’t make much sense)
  • Learn as much as you can about your market: For example, who your readers are, demographics (who reads the kind of books you want to write?), how best to reach potential readers, what you need to price your books at to sell and to break even
  • Consider a sideline in writing commercially (e.g. blogs, website copy and other formats) while you build up your list of fiction titles. Freelance websites such as Freelance Writing Jobs , Fiverr, Problogger and others have jobs boards as well as platforms for marketing your writing services and showcasing your skills

Remember, too that many working authors supplement their fiction writing income by:

  • Speaking at paid public events
  • Writing commercially (technical writing, copy-writing, blogging, speech-writing, and so forth)
  • Holding other full- or part-time jobs

Seize every opportunity to write. Commercial writing is not ‘selling out’. It may help you support your passion for fiction and develop better style.

How to start a writing career - infographic | Now Novel

When you watch roundtable discussions with authors, actors, directors and other creatives, you often hear ‘it takes a village’.

In writing, the ‘villagers’ include authors, editors, agents, beta readers, book designers and others. An online writing group is a good place to find support and build rapport with likeminded people.

If you’re starting out your year with a dream to write, surround yourself with people who will cheer you on and help you.

Novel coaching by a published author or fiction editor will help you improve as you go. Alternatively, a free online writing group (ideally) provides a safe space to share snippets, discussion, and the shared joys of reaching new milestones.

When we talk about how to start a writing career, we are already thinking about ‘the long game’.

Longevity is built on small moments of brilliance, plus lots of getting down to work. Each small achievement is a bead you’ll one day string on one colourful thread.

So seize opportunies. Enter short fiction contests (short stories provide a great practice/training grounds). Submit to journals or reputable fiction-publishing websites. Treat new opportunities as a chance to explore your writing voice under new conditions or requirements.

If you’re offered an internship or unpaid writing work for a company whose values, subjects or culture you admire, and you have the time, take it. You never know: The practice, lessons and insights you gain may more than compensate for the time you volunteer.

Social media provides many platforms to start building an audience for your writing.

Share occasional snippets or quotes from your own work. Ask your audience about their writing, what they love, too.

Do book blog tours when a release is imminent, where you can shine and show what makes your work and insight as an author one of a kind.

Building a tribe of others interested in what you’re doing also means listening and engaging. The same way that in a writing group, you trade critiques; share and listen.

What’s the best career advice you ever received? Share in the comments below. Finish your book in six months with group novel coaching including weekly Q&As, workbooks and a structured plan to help you finish.

Related Posts:

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  • Writing prompt ideas: 10 ideas from top authors
  • How to start writing a novel if stuck: 8 steps
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Jordan is a writer, editor, community manager and product developer. He received his BA Honours in English Literature and his undergraduate in English Literature and Music from the University of Cape Town.

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Last updated on Aug 13, 2021

20 Creative Writing Jobs for Graduates (+ Entry-Level Positions)

Being passionate about creative writing hasn’t always been associated with a stable career path, but that’s not to say that there aren’t any opportunities out there to bring well-written stories into your job. In fact, we’re here to talk about 20 different creative writing jobs — 20 professions that let the storyteller in you shine! We’ll discuss the industries, entry level jobs, and potential income for each job below. 

When it comes to creative writing, the first thing that pops up in our mind is books! While writing is the obvious option (and we’ll cover that later on in the post), most writers choose to work in one of the following positions in the publishing industry to gain financial stability first. 

❗ Note: The “per book” rates below are made with 50,000-60,000 word manuscripts in mind. 

1. Ghostwriter 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: freelance writer, ghostwriter, editorial assistant 

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $2,000-$9,000 per book or $0.10-$0.15 per word

If you’re all about creative writing but you’d prefer an upfront payment for your words, then ghostwriting is the job for you! Here’s how it works: an author hires you to help them write their story. It could (and usually is) a memoir or an autobiography which the author doesn't have the time or skills to write themselves. Fiction authors also sometimes use ghostwriters to help them write sequels and satisfy popular demands. 

Ghostwriters are freelancers, so you can start by getting some freelance writing gigs. As a beginner, you might start with short-form projects like articles, white papers, website content. Here are some resources, complete with tips from experienced professionals, that might be helpful:

  • How to Become a Ghostwriter in 6 Essential Steps (+ Tips from Professionals) 
  • How to Start Freelance Writing: 5 Steps to a Soaring Career
  • How Much Do Ghostwriters Make: The Ultimate Breakdown

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: editorial assistant

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $25,000-$30,000 per year or $800-$1,000 per book

Writing is actually not all there is to creative writing jobs — if you really love stories and are always finding ways to make a story better, then editing is a suitable profession for you. There are many types of editors: some (like development editors) work more on the plot and theme of the book, and others (like copy editors ) specialize on its language and style. 

Editorial assistant jobs are the common first steps to this career path. Entry-level positions are quite competitive in publishing, so you’ll likely need a relevant degree (English Literature, MFA, etc.) to get the job. 

Freelancing, as always, is an option, but it can be quite difficult to get clients if you start without any editing experience. Oftentimes, editors start working in-house and later transition to freelance . 

Below are some more resources for you if you want to pursue this career path:

  • How to Become an Editor: A Guide for Beginners
  • Copyediting Certificates: Do You Need One and Where to Get It?
  • Editor Salary: Can Your Skills Pay the Bills
  • Working in Publishing: An Insider's Guide

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3. Proofreader

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: freelance proofreader

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $550-$650 per book 

Proofreading comes after editing — the proofreader reads the manuscript one final time, after all the revisions are made, to see if any spelling and grammatical errors are missed out. They’re incredibly crucial to the production of a spotless book, so there’s never a shortage of proofreading jobs . 

This task is often done on a freelance basis, either by full-time freelancers or by editors who want to take on side jobs. You can specialize in proofreading alone, though most professionals will combine editing and proofreading crafts for better income. As a beginner, opportunities for short-form projects will often be more accessible — stay open-minded about taking them up, but also do some proofreading training to prepare for more exciting gigs. 

We’ve also got some resources for this topic for you to check out:

  • How to Become a Proofreader: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
  • How to Choose Your Proofreading Rates

There’s more to journalism than just breaking news on CNN, which means there’s plenty of space for the creative writer in you to flourish in this industry! Let’s take a look at a couple of options you can consider. 

4. Columnist 

👩🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: fellowships, junior writer/columnist, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $25,000-$35,000 per year or $100-$300 per piece 

If you like creative nonfiction , you probably have already considered becoming a columnist. In fact, you can even be a books columnist! Job options range from book-specific sites like Electric Literature or Literary Hub, to prestigious newspapers like The Guardian or The New Yorker. But that’s not necessarily the only thing you can write about! You can become a columnist in just about any topic, from social issues to entertainment, as long as you’re interested in the niche. 

Look out for fellowships and junior writing jobs in newspapers and magazines and get ready to apply! A degree in relevant subjects like Journalism or English Literature is a great advantage, though your ability to follow up on leads, conduct thorough research, and keep up with the latest trends in a certain niche will be carefully assessed. You can also be a contributing writer first to forge a relationship with the editors before going after a full-time position. 

👨🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: junior writer, freelance writer

There’s a fine line between a critic and a columnist: critics are usually more academically inclined, and they often work more on the arts than columnists. Columnists cover social issues, sports, entertainment in their more general sense, while critics while home in on a particular piece of art, literature, theatre, or movie to offer expert assessment of it. 

Similar to the columnists, you can begin with junior writing positions and freelance gigs, in which you build up a writing portfolio of relevant work. Ideally, critics will be more savvy to the technicalities of whatever subject you critique — be it filmography or literature. In other words, formal training like a bachelor’s degree is a good launch pad. 

6. News journalist 

👩🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer/journalist

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $30,000-$35,000 per year 

Writing news articles is different from the writing column pieces: a journalist must maintain an impartial voice and be succinct. Moreover, you’re always looking out for the latest story, whether on social media or on the street (which is where your love for creative writing can come in). 

The most common way to get into news journalism is to get a salaried position. You can also apply to internships as well, and there are compensated ones to look out for. What you will need is a degree and some journalist training so that you can use shorthand, know what makes a good story, and know what sources to chase, among other things. 

7. Investigative journalist 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer/journalist

And what if you’re a fan of true crime ? You might find yourself drawn to investigative journalism! You can chase the tail of anything under the sun, from kidnappings to factory production, from local to international events, so long as there’s an uncovered story there. The topic will often be assigned to you by an editor, and you’ll be given some time to collect information and write the article. It’s a slower pace than daily news, but it’s thrilling nonetheless. 

Similar to the news path, you’ll likely start off with an internship or a junior writing position. With this job opportunity, you can build a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to peel back the layers of the onion to reveal new insights to a matter. Again, a degree and training in journalism are essential. 

Copywriting

Copywriting is writing to sell a product or service, and it could be anything from newsletter emails to slogans to even commercial scripts! There’s definitely a creative element to it, as you’re always looking for a unique and memorable way to capture the attention of consumers. And since it's so rooted in consumption culture, copywriting is definitely a writing career that's in demand!

Below are several types of copywriting jobs you can go into. 

8. Technical copywriter

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: technical writer, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $32,000-$38,000 per year 

A technical writer works on instructional materials for manuals, white papers, and other informative pieces of writing. A technical copywriter combines that level of specialty with marketing tactics, thereby focusing on promoting products and services that are a bit more, well, technical. Think electronic companies, software developers, repair and maintenance services. 

Ideally, you’d have some education or experience in technical sectors (i.e. IT, engineering, finance). That way, you won’t take too much time to familiarize yourself with the jargon, and employers are more likely to hire you. You can also begin with technical writing, if you don’t mind working on material that’s a bit less creative. 

9. Advertising copywriter

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: junior copywriter, communications copywriter

For a more creative writing job, you can go for advertising. This often involves a lot of brainstorming with the creative team of your agency to come up with advertisement campaigns that will leave a mark. When working on this you can write all kinds of content, from slogans to image copies to web content. 

Having a bachelor’s degree in marketing or an essay-based discipline is usually beneficial if you’re looking for this kind of job. You can work for a big brand, which will constantly be needing new content, or you can work for a marketing agency, tailoring your work to every client. 

10. PR copywriter

👩🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: junior copywriter

Public relations (PR) is, simply put, the art of building a good reputation, whether that’s for an individual or a brand. You’ll work on press releases, report and presentation writing, material for internal and external communications to present your client’s motivation and direction. 

For this kind of job, the precision of your language and your ability to stay up to date with the competitors will be important. A degree in communications or business administration are a plus point. And as is often the case in most writing jobs, the ability to find the human story behind everything will be your best tool. 

Content Marketing

Nowadays, traditional marketing on TV, billboards, and posters are only a part of the industry, the other is all about online content. And with so many things zooming about on the Internet, every company will be looking for the most creative person to help them stand out. Which means you get plenty of opportunities to be imaginative, working on website content, blog posts, social media posts, and even videos.

11. Social media manager 

👨🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/junior/freelance social media specialist

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $30,000-$35,000 per year 

With our evermore online world, social media-related jobs definitely is a writing career that's in demand. So many things can happen on social media — you might very well go viral overnight! The challenge is getting there. As a social media manager, you get to be the voice of the company, interacting with customers in a friendly, casual way, while also learning their habits and preferences so that you and others on your team can better engage with them. 

This is a relatively hands-on job, so experience running a public social media account is the best thing you can have on your CV. A degree in communications can be beneficial, though many job postings don’t require anything specific.

12. Blogger

👩🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: blogger, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $0.10-$0.15 per word

Blogging is probably something you’re familiar with as a writer — but do you know it can earn you a good penny? By focusing on a specific subject (it can be books , technology, fashion, the freelance life, etc.), you can attract companies who are looking to strengthen their brand awareness and will sponsor you. It’ll take time to build an attractive platform, but it’s definitely possible. 

Beyond that, you can write for others as well. There are plenty of websites that promote creative writing jobs all over, so you can sift through them for the suitable ones. No degree requirements for this job, just your skill with a (proverbial) quill! 

13. Content creator 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: content marketer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $27,000-$34,000 per year 

If you’re happy to do a bit of everything, then apply to become a content creator. You’ll also get to collaborate with a team to come up with an overall strategy in this position.

You can work for all kinds of companies in this career. A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, English, Communications are highly relevant, though adjacent, essay-based subjects tend to do the job, too. Brushing up on search engine optimization (SEO) is also wise. 

Pop culture, the latest rumors and gossip, interesting observations served on a pretty platter — if any of that sounds interesting to you, you can jump into the media industry. Here are some job options if you want to take this route. 

14. Screenwriter

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/associate writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $9,000-$15,000 per project 

Everyone of us has probably at one point or another thought about entering the film and TV industry, and that career goal is definitely achievable, if you know where to look. A lot of people start with assistant positions to learn the ropes and get an opportunity to work on bigger productions. If you prefer to write from the get-go, you can go for lower-budget projects. 

To get one of the assistant positions and put yourself out there, touch up on craft skills like plotting, story structures , character-building to be prepared. No qualifications are specified in most cases. 

15. Broadcast journalist 

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer

We’ve covered written news — now comes broadcast news. From televised reports to radio sessions, you can be the writer behind the words that reporters or presenters read out. It’s a fast-paced job that deals with the latest real-life stories, which can be incredibly rewarding, even if it’s not explicitly creative. 

Many broadcast journalists work project by project (unless it’s periodical news), almost like a freelancer. You’ll still need to have all the skills necessary to put together a good news story, so some journalist training will be beneficial. 

16. Podcaster 

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/associate writer or producer 

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $18-$25 per hour, or $26,000-$32,000 per year 

Along the same lines as a broadcast journalist is the job of a podcaster. This is a bit more topical than journalism, and you can really home into certain fields and explore it in depth. Another special thing about podcasters is they usually host the shows, too! So if you’re confident about your voice, and about interviewing others, there’s no reason not to try this out. 

As with screenwriting, the route to get into this sector can be a little bit challenging, since it’s often a case of catching an opportunity from the right people at the right time. Which is why assistant jobs are a strong start. 

And finally, we arrive at the section that hopeful writers often dream about more than anything else. Publishing a book is not easy, it requires not just time and effort but also finances, if only to keep you afloat while completing the manuscript. That said, it’s possible to do it on the side with another full-time job, as is the case for most published writers. 

The cool thing about this career is that you are your own boss — i.e. there are no entry level positions. You are an author the day you call yourself one. 

17. Short story writer

Short stories are charming in their own right, and with the booming literary magazine sphere , there’s no shortage of space to get your words out there into the world. Publishing an anthology with a publisher is also an option but it’s harder — you often need to have an established career first. 

In any case, most magazines aim to have enough funds to pay their contributors. Small ones can pay $15-$20 per story, bigger ones $100-$200. You can also enter writing contests to win higher prizes.

18. Novelist 

Being a novelist comes with the difficulty of having the time and finances to write a full draft before you can propose it to publishers, or even publish it yourself. It’s a long commitment, and it doesn’t guarantee a payoff. If it does get printed, a book deal can get you an advance in the $5,000-$15,000 range. If you self-publish, what you get depends on how well you market your books — emphasis on the plural noun!

That said, it’s not impossible. We’ve got a whole post on how to become a novelist here if you want some pointers from famous writers like Anne Lamott and Zadie Smith! 

19. Nonfiction author 

Who says creative writing jobs have to be all about fiction? Creative nonfiction is a growing field that’s always welcoming new stories. From memoirs and biographies to true crime, from self-help to essay collections, you can focus on many different topics with this option. 

The nice thing about it all is that unlike fiction writers, you can pitch your book proposal to publishers before you complete a whole manuscript for nonfiction titles, meaning you can be guaranteed some kind of results before you start writing. The advance amount is similar to that for novels.

And last but not least, you can become a poet! Poets tell stories with rhythm and rich imagery, and not just on paper but also with their voice. Performing poetry is one of the special advantages that comes with this form of writing. Not only does it let you and the audience experience in a new way, it’s also a great opportunity to grow as an artist. 

On top of that, you can also dabble in other industries (advertising, music producers…) as a lyricist. As it’s a gig-based employment, you probably want to diversify your work portfolio to make sure there’s always something you can work on. The rates are usually similar to that of a ghostwriter.

And voila, that’s the end to our master list of creative writing jobs! Hopefully, there’s something to help you passion live on among this many options.

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62 Types Of Writing Jobs And Careers for Writers

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Looking for work as a writer? Today we look at 62 writing jobs, business opportunities and careers for writers that many people don’t even realize exist within the industry.

Types of Writing Jobs

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Have you ever wondered how many different types of writing jobs and careers there are? Probably a lot more than you think!

While there are many obvious writing jobs, such as writing articles or books for print or digital media, there are a lot of writing opportunities in industries you may have never even considered, such as the video game industry, healthcare, science, security, entertainment and even the government.

Next time someone tells you that you can’t make money writing or tells you that writing isn’t a “real job”, you can send them to this list because these are legit writing jobs anyone who loves to write can consider either as full-time work or a side hustle.

Without further ado, here are 62 writing jobs and business opportunities you can explore:

1. Academic writing

Also known as “scholarly writing”, this involves producing nonfiction text as part of an academic pursuit. It could be a report on fieldwork or research, scholarly or undergraduate analysis, proposals, or archive interpretations.

2. Advertising and Advertorial Writing  

This type of writing involves producing content that encourages customers to purchase products or services. They are typically commissioned by the company selling these products and services.

Creating advertorials involves writing or producing advertisements in a content-based editorial form. Most advertorials are disguised as opinion or informational articles but include a pitch for a product or service.

The history of advertorial writing dates back to the 19th century, with legislation actually being passed in 1914 to regulate that these types of articles were clearly marked as sponsored as they easily confused consumers.

It’s a highly effective method of advertising and is still very much used and in-demand today.

In addition to advertorials, many companies and brands need advertising copy, whether it is for commercials, online ads or print advertisements which makes this a great writing career opportunity in marketing.

3. Annual report writing

Annual reports are written communications from public companies to their shareholders. These typically detail the current state of the business, its budget, personnel changes, and other information. 

4. Article writing

When we think of writing jobs, article writing is probably the first one that comes to mind. Articles are non-fiction pieces that are commonly published in print and online publication, including news sites, newspapers, and magazines.

Many websites need article writers, but you can also submit articles to print magazines and other publications.

Long-form article writing is often in demand and involves writing pieces that range from 1,000 to 7,500 words. They usually cover complex subjects with plenty of detailed information that will be valuable to specific audiences.  

Magazine article writing involves producing content for periodic publications. These publications may be print or digital, and usually focus on a specialized field, subject, or audience. 

See our tips on how to start freelance writing to learn more about article writing as a career opportunity.

5. B2B writing

B2B or “business to business” writing consists of articles, emails, brochures and white papers within an industry.

They are typically used by companies to sell products and services to other companies and often combine journalism, advertising, and technical writing.

6. Blog outreach

Blogger outreach writing involves establishing relationships and communicating strategically with publishers and influencers. This is usually done for SEO and content marketing, to build backlinks, promote content, and secure guest posting opportunities.

7. Blogging

Blogging involves producing content for a specific audience. It may be done for business or personal expression, to instruct, and educate, or to share news and information. 

You can either start your own blog or you can write for established blogs – many bloggers outsource their writing, especially as a blog grows in popularity!

8. Writing Books and Novels

Book writing encompasses a wide variety of different subjects and includes both print books and ebooks. They can be instructional guides, biographies, historical accounts, fiction or non-fiction.

Books can be self-published, published with a traditional publisher or even commissioned and paid with a one-time fee.

Fiction books are often novels or compilations of short stories. If you like to write fiction, develop characters and have a good idea for a strong novel plot, writing fiction novels or short stories can be very lucrative! This type of writing encompasses several genres, including mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, romance, crime stories, and more.

Non-Fiction books are often instructional, reference, or biographic in nature and can also be a very good source of income for writers, especially if you have an interest in a specific niche or experience in a field.

9. Business plan writing

Business plans detail a company’s objectives and strategies for the immediate or long-term future. They can be used to entice new investors or apply for loans and government assistance. 

Many people need help with writing a business plan, especially when their company is in the start up phase or they are seeking investors or financing. You can create your own business writing business plans for small businesses and startups, or you can find work with online business plan companies to create business plans for their clients.

10. Case studies writer

Case studies are often used to establish a particular brand as an authority in its niche. They may also be used to formulate strategies for solving a particular problem or converting leads into customers.

You can often find work as someone who creates and puts together case studies with companies who offer business-to-business products and software solutions.

11. Columnist

Columnists are writers who produce recurring written pieces or articles for newspapers, magazines, or other publications. These columns are often syndicated, and popular newspaper columnists included Dave Barry and Ann Landers.

This is a good type of writing job because it is steady work and can often lead to other opportunities to make money as a writer such as speaking gigs, book deals and even merchandising.

12. Comic Writer

We don’t often think of cartoons and comics as literary works, but they are! Just because comics may have less words that a novel doesn’t mean the same craft and attention much

While not nearly as many people read comics as they used to, they still enjoy them in other forms, especially online, in film, and in books. Comics are also often great sources to be adapted into films and movies and provide countless opportunities to writers in merchandising and licensing.

Examples of famous comic writers include Charles Shultz of the Peanuts Gang, Gary Larson of Far Side and more recently online comics The Oatmeal by Matthew Inman and Poorly Drawn Lines .

13. Copywriting

Not to be confused with copyrighting, Copywriting involves producing text content for ad campaigns, brochures, and promotional materials. Copywriters craft words that sell and their work often overlaps with other types of writing jobs in this list.

Larger companies may maintain a staff of copywriters fulltime, while smaller firms may hire freelancers as needed.  

Corporate copywriting involves producing brochures, promotional materials, company manuals, and more. The job requires familiarity with business writing and corporate practices and policies. 

Marketing copywriters deliver a brand’s message clearly and concisely while maintaining that brand’s tone or identity. The content they produce usually appears on sales pages, online and print ads, and television spots.

14. Courses and Online Class Writers

Online learning has created a whole new industry of course writers, from creating courses on sites like Udemy , Teachable, and Skillshare and others.

You can either write and sell your own course or you can also find many opportunities to write and create courses for other brands and companies as a for-hire or even salaried position.

15. Curriculum writer

Similar to course writing but more educational-market focused, Curriculum writing involves developing lessons, instructional materials, and academic activities for classroom use. Writers may also review existing materials and revise them to conform to current guidelines and standards. 

As a curriculum writer, you can find work with many online educational institutions and textbook publishers, but many educators looking for side income have found sites like TeachersPayTeachers.com and others can be equally lucrative.

16. Cybersecurity writer

Cybersecurity writing involves the creation of manuals, security policies, and strategy plans for security processes and protocols.

Writers should be able to translate and communicate complex cybersecurity concepts into language that the intended audiences can understand.

17. Ecommerce writing

Ecommerce writing involves generating copy that online stores use for product and landing pages and sales campaigns. The primary objectives are to engage customers, promote the company’s products, and get the site’s pages to rank highly on Google. 

This type of writing job can sometimes overlap with the duties of copywriting as well as catalog and product description writing, especially in the case where a manufacturing company may have both direct and online sales platforms.

18. Editing/Revision/Proofreading

Editing involves analyzing text and ensuring that it flows smoothly and serves its purpose. Revision ensures that a particular piece conforms to its purpose and is structured logically. Proofreading involves identifying and correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors in the text.

19. Email Marketing

Email marketing and copywriting involves writing emails to existing or prospective customers, the objective of which is to encourage them to take a specific action. This could include signing up for a service, reading a blog post, or even just replying to the email.

There are also many writers who have built lucrative careers around writing emails, such as Kate Doster who coaches others to craft compelling emails to engage with their audience.

20. Essay writing

Essay writing is the creation of written pieces that may be articles, opinion pieces, or short stories. They are often written in discursive style, combining ideas, evidence, and arguments to address particular problems or questions.

Opinion writers at newspapers and online magazines often write essays, and collections of essays are also often published in compilations.

There are also many marketplaces where you can write and sell your essays.

21. Frequently Asked Questions and Knowledge Base Writers

FAQ writing involves coming up answers to frequently asked questions by a particular audiences. They may be technical guides or be fairly simple “question-and-answer” pieces.

You can often find these types of writing jobs with companies and brands to create tutorials and informational guides about the products and softwares they offer.

22. Game Narrative Writing

Game narrative writing involves the creation of spoken or written accounts of an in-game story. They usually combine storytelling, player interaction, and even music and imagery to represent events that occur in the game.

If you enjoy gaming and are already developing characters, plots and settings for RPG games, game narrative writing can be a very fun writing job that many people don’t realize exists!

23. Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting is the act of writing a book or article that is credited to someone else. The writer is typically paid a one-time fee for producing the work, and receives no further compensation. 

Many celebrities employ ghostwriters to write their biographies or self-help books, but even regular people employ ghostwriters when they have an idea for a book but aren’t sure how to actually put into their own words.

24. Gift Guide Writing Jobs

Writing gift guides involves compiling products that you recommend to your audience. They are usually tailored to a specific audience or event, making it easier for customers to choose which products to purchase.

Whether you read print or online magazines or blogs, you will definitely encounter a lot of examples of gift guides!

25. Grant writing

Grant writing involves researching and writing proposals for non-profits, with the goal of helping them receive funding from government agencies. Apart from writing the proposal, writers are also expected to follow up queries with the funding organization. 

While this is a very technical type of writing job that requires a lot of education and research, it can pay well and be very fulfilling in knowing you help non-profits and other organizations source funding.

26. Greeting card writing

Greeting card writing involves creating the text that appears on greeting cards. Some writers work on a salary for a greeting card company, while others work as freelancers for different firms and are paid per project.

Other writers may even produce their own line of greeting cards and sell them through Etsy or their own online shops.

27. Guest post writing

Guest blogging involves writing content that appears on another blogger’s site. Guest bloggers typically write for blogs in the same niche they are in, with the goal of attracting traffic to their own site or boosting their domain’s authority via external links.

More and more online publishers are starting to outsource guest posting, which means that writers are often hired and paid anywhere between 2 cents to 10 cents a word to produce the content that is posted as guest blogs.

28. Horoscope Writing

Horoscopes are often viewed as a form of entertainment writing, although most horoscope writers for magazines and online websites do possess some formal training and experience in astrology.

You can find work writing horoscopes for many magazines and newspapers, as well as other online publications. Most horoscope writing professionals combine astrological charting software with a fun and upbeat writing style.

29. Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism and reporting is an exciting but sometimes risky writing career where the writer is a bit of a detective in finding true information about a topic.

Investigative journalists often report on crimes as well as write about consumer and social justice issues.

This form of writing must be free of bias and include evidence as well as an explanation of how the presented conclusions were reached. 

The most famous example of investigative writing are reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, who unearthed Nixon’s scandals during his presidency.

30. Joke writing

Joke writing is the creation of short, humorous pieces that end with a punch line based on irony, a pun, or even simply nonsense. It usually follows a narrative structure, with tension building up toward the end. 

There are also many types of jokes one can write, whether its knock-knock jokes, one-liners, ancedotes or even some slapstick. As a joke writer, you could become a professional stand-up comedian, or you could even publish books of jokes or overlap into greeting card writing and other markets.

31. Legal writing

There are endless opportunities for writing careers in the field of law, from drafting contracts, generating content for legal sites, writing legal briefs, research papers, communications for clients and more.

Legal writing often requires formal training and education, but there are many levels where legal writers are needed and one can often get started as a paralegal or working as an assistant for an attorney.

32. Letter writing

The art of letter writing dates back for centuries and while many people assume no one writes letters anymore in today’s world of instant messaging and email, the truth is letters are still needed for a number of things all the time.

Business letters are the most commercially viable form of letter writing as a job and involves creating business correspondence from one organization to another. They are typically written in a formal tone and may be requests for information or a specific action. 

However, today many people also seek letter writing services for personal reasons, whether they want someone to write letters to their friends or family for special events, such as a love letter for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary or a Christmas letter.

33. Lyrics and Songwriting

Writing lyrics and songwriting is a type of writing job that can be lucrative as well as fulfilling, especially if you enjoy writing lyrics and story telling. Songwriters typically earn from royalties or they can be employed in-house by record companies.

While songwriting will be a lot easier if you have some basic musical knowledge or can play an instrument, many lyricists have found that they can often outsource these tasks to session musicians or partner with someone else.

If you have been looking into ways to make money writing poetry , songwriting is definitely a writing niche you should explore!

34. Medical writing

Medical writing combines the creativity and language skills of conventional writing with medical knowledge and expertise.

The health care industry requires written content in many different forms, whether its through writing for medical information sites or writing for hospitals, insurance companies, drug manufacturers and about healthcare equipment products.

There are thousands of different niches within the medical industry, so if you have any experience related to the medical field you are sure to find some type of writing work here for you!

35. Memoir Writing and Personal History Writers

A memoir is a type of narrative biography where one writes about their life. While memoirs are traditionally wrote in the first-person, there are millions of people who have memoir-worthy lives who aren’t necessarily great writers but still want their stories told.

Personal history writers are also high in demand, as many people often want to document the lives of the people in their families.

This is a fascinating writing career and business opportunity to explore if you enjoy history, talking with people, and documenting memorable events in life.

If you are interested in pursuing this further as a career, The Life Story Coach is a great resource to get started – and you’ll be pleasantly surprised that this can be a very well-paying writing job to explore!

36. News Reporting and Journalism

News writing involves producing reports for online and print news organizations. Writers may be expected to write about current events or search for interesting subjects to write about. 

Journalists report and write non-fiction pieces on news and current events. This type of writing is commonly used in print and online articles, television and radio news programs, and news sites.

There is a specific style in writing as a journalist and many colleges offer journalism majors. If you like researching news and being involved in your community, journalism provides steady work and many other opportunities to earn money as a writer.

37. Newsletter writing

Newsletter writing involves producing content that builds connections with customers, shares news, generates brand awareness, drives traffic, and increase sales. Newsletters can also be used to inform and educate audiences and establish brand authority. 

Writing newsletters can often be combined with advertorial content, copywriting, and email marketing and can be in print or digital format. The first place to look for newsletter writing jobs is with brands and organizations you are interested in that need a newsletter.

38. Niche industry writing

This involves creating content for a specific niche or audience. Writers are expected to have knowledge or experience in the subject they write about. 

Niche industry writing is an excellent opportunity for those who have experience in a field and are looking to supplement their retirement income or earn some side income.

As more and more companies and publishers look to establish authority and trust amongst consumers, writers with doctoral and masters degrees in psychology, nutrition, health, science, technology, education and other professional fields are in high demand.

39. Non-profit writing

Not to be confused with writing for free, as a non-profit writer your job would be to write the content and communications for non-profit organizations.

You may be involved in the work of writing grants and proposals, or creating text content for promotional materials and fundraising purposes. Writing work may be full-time or be hired by non-profits on a per-project basis. 

40. Podcast Writing

Podcasts are the online form of a radio talk show and are always in need of writing jobs, whether it is writing the scripts and content for the podcast itself or creating the podcast show notes that cite sources, guest bios and other content mentioned in the podcast.

You can either write and create your own podcast, or you can often find freelance work for other podcasters to create their scripts and show notes for them.

41. Press Release Writing

Press release writing is creation of news and information materials released to reporters and news organizations.

They can be used to announce new products or a shift in the company’s direction, new personnel or management, or developments related to the firm. 

42. Product Description Writer

Product description writing involves creating marketing copy that explains specific products. The copy should highlight the product’s main selling points and encourage potential customers to purchase it. 

This job involves writing descriptive content for products in the company’s inventory. Writers may also be required to catalog projects and materials in a service-oriented firm.

43. Proposal writing

Proposal writing involves the production of business or grant proposals that encourage funding agencies to fund research or a particular project. These proposals may require technical jargon for the specific industry and need to conform to specific style guidelines. 

44. Puzzle Writer and Game Creator

We talked about writing and creating puzzles to publish in low content books , but there are also many other opportunities to become a writer for puzzles, games, and activities.

If you love words and puzzles, you can find many writing work opportunities in creating word searches, crossword puzzles, cryptograms, logic puzzles, brain teasers, riddles and more.

You can choose the self-publish route to publish books, or you may even be able to get a syndicated column with daily or weekly newspapers and magazines.

You can also look into creating puzzles and games for toy manufacturers and children’s activity book publishers or even look into developing apps.

Magnetic Poetry Original Kit (Tin)

45. Quiz writing 

Quiz writing involves creating quizzes or tests for research, educational or entertainment purposes. They can also be used by research and marketing firms to generate traffic and gain insights into consumer habits.

You can find quiz writing job opportunities with survey companies, marketing research companies, brands and organizations, educational institutions or even with magazines publishing personality quizzes.

46. Real estate writing

The real estate industry constantly needs writers and there are tons of freelance opportunities available here, whether you are writing real estate ads, promotional flyers, or even writing content to be entered into MLS listings.

Having a real estate license will be required for any form of real estate contract writing, but licensing requirements are usually easy to obtain and you can find several opportunities working as a licensed assistant for other agents and writing for them. 

47. Recipe writing

Do you like to cook? There’s always a demand for recipe writers!

Recipe writing involves creating ingredient lists and instructions for preparing certain foods or beverages. Recipes may be unique or original or based on existing recipes and modified for a particular demographic. 

You can create recipes for popular food brands, or you can even create your own food and recipe blog or website.

48. Report writing

Report writing involves the analysis of data and the generation of reports based on that data. Reports could be about various subjects, including medical science, information technology, computer science, and more. 

Many companies and professionals send weekly or monthly reports to their clients and need someone to compose these reports to be sent. These types of reports can often be automated but still need to be originally created by a human and periodically reviewed and updating by a qualified writer.

49. Research writing 

Research writing encompasses a wide range of disciplines and fields, from science to business, and academics. Writers typically interview experts, read reports and other research materials, and analyze extensive data to create in-depth articles. 

If you love researching more than writing, another opportunity in research writing careers is to explore freelancing your research services to other writers and content creators.

50. Resume writing 

Resume writing involves writing resumes and job applications for prospective job hunters. The goal is to create cover letters and resumes that increase the candidate’s chances of being accepted for a job. 

There are many services and online marketplaces where you can find work for writing resumes, you can also find salaried positions available with career training organizations, colleges, universities, and educational services.

51. Romance Writing

Romance writing is the creation of literary pieces that revolve around love and relationships – everyone loves a good love story!

Writing romance novels is a bit different from other types of fiction writing, as the industry has specific requirements for the format and type of book.

If you’re interested in writing romance stories, check out our post of Romance Writing Prompts – it’s a great way to test the waters to see if becoming a romance novelist is a career for you to explore!

52. Screenwriting

Screenwriting or scriptwriting is the creation of scripts for films, TV programs, videos and video games.

Screenwriting is a specialized field that requires the work to be written in a specific format, typically utilizing screenwriting software. There are a lot of nuances in this format, and so if you wish to pursue screenwriting it is definitely wise to seek some training.

That being said, there are countless opportunities in screenwriting, whether its formatting someone’s movie idea for them into a script or creating your own original movie or television series.

Many television and movie production companies also employ screenwriters in-house, so there are definitely salaried screenwriting careers available!

53. SEO content writing

Writing for SEO, which stands for Search Engine Optimization, is all about strategically using targeted keywords and phrases within text content so it is easier for search engines to find it.

The goal of SEO content writers is to increase a particular site’s visibility on the search engine results pages and improve its rankings or to improve the function of a website’s internal search engine. 

Writing for SEO takes some skill and practice, but with the right training it is easy to master.

SEO For Dummies, 7th Edition

You can find endless opportunities for SEO content writing online in freelance marketplaces as well as many digital publishers and marketing firms who hire SEO writers as paid staff. Just be sure you avoid the content mills and this can be a very well-paying career!

54. Social media content writing

All of us post on social media all of the time – but did you ever consider you could be PAID to post content?

While you can certainly look into sponsored content opportunities if you have a large audience, you can also find social media content manager positions with nearly every brand in every industry.

In this writing job, you will be creating content specifically for the brand’s audience on social media. It may be promotional, informative or entertaining and often overlaps with a bit of advertising and copywriting.

55. Speechwriting

This job involves writing speeches for authority figures and public personalities. The content should captivate and entertain the audience and hold their attention throughout. 

You can find speechwriting opportunities in the public sector, for corporations, or you can even become a public speaker yourself and give talks and presentations.

56. Technical writing

Technical writing involves transforming complex and highly technical text into clear and easy to understand documents for specific audiences. The final text may come in the form of instruction manuals, journals, or guides. 

57. Transcription

Transcription involves the conversion of speech from audio or video to written text. This job requires a high level of accuracy and understanding of language nuances. 

Today it is easier than ever to get into transcription, as there are many software programs that make life MUCH easier for transcribing audio into text.

58. Translation and Transcreation

If you are fluent in more than one language, there are tons of potential careers for you in translation and transcreation.

Corporations who have gone global often need to provide multilingual instruction, and many works published in one language will need to be translated into another.

Multilingual copywriting involves receiving instructions from the client in one language and producing text in another language.

59. Travel writing

Travel writing involves writing about places, people, culture, and various other travel related aspects. This type of writing may also involve producing guides and reviews of various attractions.

Travel writers can find work with travel agencies, travel magazines or even writing for their own travel blog. 

60. UX copywriting

UX or user interface writing involves the creation of written copy to enhance the user experience. Writers may be required to plan and create all the text that appears in an interface, including instructions, error messages, and labels. 

61. Video game writers

If you want a career that pays you to play video games, video game copywriting is one that many people do not even know exists!

This work involves the creation of various types of in-game text. It includes everything from storylines and dialogs to onscreen instructions, how-to and help documentation and more. 

Many other opportunities for writers exist in the video game industry, from creating storylines and plots, characters, and developing settings.

There are also many very successful video game players who have written about game cheats, secrets, and tips.

62. Video scriptwriting 

Video scriptwriting is a less formal type of screenwriting and typically begins with a brief of what the video is about and then breaks it down into scenes and dialogue between the frames of the video.

Believe it or not, this is only a partial list of the many different types of writing jobs available. There are many more to explore, you just need to figure out where your interests and expertise lie – almost every industry needs writers!

Do you have a unique or unusual writing job that’s not on this list? Do you know of any types of companies hiring writers we may have neglected? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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Eric Pangburn is a freelance writer who shares his best tips with other writers here at ThinkWritten. When not writing, he enjoys coaching basketball and spending time with his family.

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Find a Job You Really Want In

In a world that tells hopeful writers that their professional objectives are fanciful dreams that are likely to send them on a tailspin of years without sustainable income, it can be quite intimidating to commit to the career path .

Many people tuck away their dreams of a career in the industry because of the heavy fears that their ambitions aren’t realistic enough to support them financially. While there are a lot of negative stereotypes surrounding the field, writing can be an enormously rewarding and profitable profession.

The reality is that there is a slew of different writing careers that come in all shapes and sizes depending on your expertise, preferences, and interests. If there’s a professional writer in your bones who’s just waiting to make it happen, consider some of the following careers for people who love writing.

Key Takeaways:

Great careers in writing include PR specialist , grant writing, and technical writing.

Although every writing job shares similar skills, each job comes with their own special requirements.

Between 2021 and 2031, the writing career is expected to grow 4% and produce 5,900 job opportunities across the U.S

15 Careers For People Who Love Writing

Median Salary: $41,048

A blogger handles the upkeep of an online journal called a blog. This includes things like articles on specialized topics, long-term blogs, and other types of written content online.

Some of a blogger’s responsibilities include:

Conducting ample research on industry topics

Writing articles and other types of content

Editing their work before publication

Implementing SEO keywords to increase page traffic

Responding to reader ’s comments

Skills needed for a blogger: While many bloggers base their careers on running their own blogs, others work for companies to assist them in creating informative and Google-ranking content.

In the digital age, written content online has become much more influential in bringing customers to a business, and a blogger can assist in making that happen. Bloggers often have some experience in marketing as well.

Find Blogger jobs near me

Median Salary : $41,720

Another ideal option for people who have a knack for writing is becoming a reporter . A reporter must stay up-to-date on current news and happenings to communicate this information in a timely and direct manner to their audience.

This can involve stories that happen locally in a small town to world news. Reporters can work on television or the radio, but many work in written formats like magazines and online news sources.

The basic duties of a reporter typically include:

Gathering leads for new stories

Collecting and verifying information that will be on the news

Creating an understandable storyline

Possibly taking photos or videos to accompany a written story

Editing and delivering concise and informative reports

Skills needed for a reporter: While all writing careers require a high standard of communication skills, this is especially imperative for reporters. They’re transmitting crucial recent news to people who are counting on an understandable delivery. This also requires extensively verifying the validity of their sources to ensure that they’re putting out the truth.

Find Reporter jobs near me

Median Salary : $42,449

Being a translator could be the perfect career option for individuals who have a few languages under their belt and an interest in writing. As the title implies, the job of a translator is to interpret and convey statements from one language into another.

While some translators work with verbal translations, many strictly create written content such as subtitles for films.

The job responsibilities of a translator can include things like:

Reading through materials in the source language

Researching terminology when needed

Converting written text into the translated language

Preparing translated subtitles for video content

Proofreading all translations for spelling and grammar

Editing translated content as requested

Skills needed for a translator: The role of a translator requires substantially advanced knowledge of all the languages that are being translated, in addition to stellar writing skills. The position has some prerequisites, but it can be lucrative and gratifying.

Find Translator jobs near me

Public Relations Specialist

Median Salary : $43,279

A public relations specialist isn’t the first job that comes to mind when pondering careers for writers, but it involves a fair amount of writing skills .

A public relations specialist is responsible for maintaining and expanding the company’s positive image that they represent. This is done by acting as the organization’s voice through written speeches, press releases, or other forms of public relations copy.

Additional responsibilities of a public relations specialist include:

Developing strategies for a company’s public relations

Enhancing the relationship between an organization and their audience

Acting as the contact point for media requests

Preparing presentations

Researching to analyze the public reception

Organizing events within the corporation

Skills needed for a public relations specialist: Unlike other types of writing careers, the position of a public relations specialist demands dealing with people much more often. It’s great for someone who wants to utilize writing in their professional life and participate in other tasks.

Find Public Relations Specialist jobs near me

Sports Writer

Median Salary: $50,141

The popular passions for sports and the written word come together for a sports writer . This type of writer focuses solely on conveying sports news to readers through various mediums like blogs and magazines.

Since people from all over the world absolutely love sports, the readership for this niche is massive. There is a steady demand for the content, and often, sportswriters are compensated handsomely for their coverage on the matter.

Additional responsibilities of a sports writer include:

Following sports news and watching games according to their niche

Interviewing athletes when required

Conducting further research to verify for their pieces

Writing up and editing sports-adjacent articles

Skills needed for a sports writer: The details of a sports writer’s job can vary greatly between positions. Certain sportswriters only focus on covering the happenings of a single sport, such as baseball or boxing.

Other writers in this niche will work on various games or cover the industry of sports as a whole. The position can also involve interviewing or traveling with athletes to get the full scoop.

Find Sports Writer jobs near me

Grant Writer

Median Salary : $50,377

A lot of companies need to draw their funds from grants that require a fairly extensive application process . The job of a grant writer is to find fitting grants for their organization and prepare impeccable proposals to be awarded the grant money.

The trick to succeeding in this position is a keen eye for researching, a thorough understanding of the company represented, and writing skills.

The standards responsibilities of a grant writer include:

Developing a deep understanding of the history and objectives of the company represented

Researching ideal grants from government and non-government agencies

Preparing flawless grant proposals

Handling the submission of grant proposals

Maintaining a constructive relationship with fund providers

Skills needed for a grant writer: Similar to a public relations specialist, a grant writer’s trade is to be the voice of an organization. The difference lies in the fact that a grant writer acts as the voice in the hopes of landing grant approval, while a PR specialist’s attention is pointed towards mediating the general public’s views.

Find Grant Writer jobs near me

Ghostwriter

Median Salary: $51,420

The individual behind some of the most beloved and effective written work is sometimes a ghostwriter. The services of a ghostwriter are providing written material for someone else to use under their name. It’s basically like selling the words you’ve written for another person to use as their own.

The basic responsibilities of a ghostwriter include:

Evaluating the needs of their client and providing a timeline for completion

Researching the subject of the works if required

Identifying the tone and voice of their client to impersonate it

Drafting up the written materials requested

Going through a process of editing to completion

Skills needed for a ghostwriter: Ghostwriters can work freelance for individual clients or long-term for a company. They also can create a wide variety of materials like full-length books, advertisements, blog posts, copy, or even emails.

Since ghostwriters are supposed to be providing work credited to their client, they must also be able to pick up on the client’s voice and mimic it well. Not every writer is too thrilled to give up credit to their work, but it can be a great way to turn words into profit if you’re not too attached to your writing.

Find Ghostwriter jobs near me

Median Salary : $51,516

In most writing processes, the work produced is the collective effort of multiple people. One of the last lines of defense that a written work must go through before being deemed perfection is a pass-through by an editor . The responsibility of an editor is to confirm that a piece meets the quality standard of the company that’s publishing it.

The basic responsibilities of an editor include:

Reading through the written drafts of writers

Modifying content when required to produce the best copy

Managing content production

Creating ideas for future content

Skills needed for an editor: While the tasks of an editor aren’t directly writing, they still must have above average skills in writing, grammar and spelling. They’re expected to comb through every word of a blog post, book, or other written document and make changes when necessary to produce the best version of the draft.

Additionally, writers are commonly promoted within companies to become editors if they constantly turn in flawless work.

Find Editor jobs near me

Resume Writer

Median Salary: $55,123

A well-structured resume opens the door for eager job seekers to land their next great job. However, many professionals feel that they aren’t great at creating this type of alluring resume that’s sure to get them an interview. That’s why they turn to the expertise of a resume writer to generate an incredible resume for them.

By communicating extensively with their clients, a resume writer formulates a resume to make the best first impression on recruiters and hiring companies in their professional field.

The general responsibilities of a resume writer are:

Speaking with clients to understand their background, skills, and professional goals

Researching the client’s industry

Determining the most effective way to showcase a client’s abilities on a resume

Editing the resume for correct grammar and spelling

Preparing clients for potential interviews

Skills needed for a resume writer: In addition to creating resumes, a resume writer might also assist job seekers with updating their LinkedIn profiles. The job involves a great deal of writing, but it also demands in-depth knowledge of the hiring process and how to put a client’s best foot forward in their specific industry.

Technical Writer

Median Salary : $63,000 Job Openings:

Many people don’t look at the lengthy manual that comes with their brand new camera or an organization’s quarterly reports and immediately picture the writer tediously scribing every word of it.

However, this is the job of a technical writer . Technical writers create guides for various subjects, standard operating procedures, business plans, and more.

The tasks of a technical writer involve:

Evaluating the needs of a technical project and presenting the information in the most understandable way

Coming up with ideas for technical content that is still engaging

Communicating with experts on the topics to provide accurate information

Writing the content in the proper format

Going through a reviewal process of technical work

Skills needed for a technical writer: Some technical writers build a career from completing one-off projects freelancing, and others work directly with a company to create all of their technical content.

An important facet of their responsibilities is translating complex subjects into a digestible format that anyone can follow. Once again, this relies heavily on concise communication skills and an ability to be direct.

Find Technical Writer jobs near me

Median Salary : $68,124

A copywriter focuses their writing on the world of advertising. They provide effective and engaging writing called copy to draw in the desired audience. This can mean different things depending on the specific focal point of a copywriter.

For example, a copywriter for a food website hoping to drive up their traffic might create content about healthy recipes per SEO standards and marketing tactics to bring in readers.

In addition to websites, copywriters can also work with magazines, social media accounts, publishers, television studios, or even government organizations.

The quintessential responsibilities of a copywriter include:

Fostering a clear understanding of their company’s brand

Research marketing analytics around the company’s needs and their target audience

Being a constructive member of a collaborative creative environment

Writing innovative and engaging copy

Revising copy at the request of the company

Skills needed for a copywriter: The goals of a copywriter often demand a high degree of collaboration with other marketers or professionals within the company that they work for. In addition to writing savvy, having good teamwork is essential.

Find Copywriter jobs near me

Median Salary: $68,279

When listening to the siren-esque string of symphonies that are matched with expository lyrics of popular songs, most people assume that the musician is the person who created the piece.

While plenty of music artists write their own material, many others utilize the prowess of a professional songwriter to create their hits. Sometimes these individuals are also known as lyricists or composers.

The job of a songwriter involves:

Pitching ideas to potential clients

Discussing objectives with clients to formulate a plan of action

Researching music industry trends to create a popular tune

Understanding the nuances of various genres

Writing original lyrics and melody to songs per the client’s requirements

Making changes according to client feedback

Skills needed for a songwriter: Several songwriters may work on a cohesive team to formulate the next #1 single for extremely popular artists. Songwriters can also work on a freelance basis instead of working as staff members.

Find Songwriter jobs near me

Video Games Narrative Writer

Median Salary: $71,292

Within every video game is an entire world with an abyss of interesting narratives. The chronicles of video games are devised by a video game narrative writer. These professionals are involved in the entire creative process of video game creation, from brainstorming the initial plot to writing out the final dialogue.

The tasks associated with being a video games narrative writer include:

Developing intricate plot ideas

Productively collaborating with other video game designers

Researching potential plot ideas

Writing out the dialogue that occurs between characters in the game

Making dialogue edits when required

Directing recording sessions of voice actors following the written script

Skills needed for a video game writer: Becoming a video game writer is an attractive career option for people who want to blend their professional life with embracing their creativity. It can also be quite fun to watch their work eventually come to life in a game.

To ensure that the video game’s world comes together smoothly, creative writing and collaboration skills are a must for these writers.

Median Salary : $77,190

Becoming an author is often the first thing that pops into people’s minds when someone says, “I’m a writer.” Authors typically create written content that eventually goes on to become a book through a publisher .

They can also work for outlets like magazines or television. An author is a captain who steers the ship of a story. They decide on all story elements, including the overall plot, every character, the general theme, and the writing style.

The role of an author generally includes:

Generating interesting story concepts

Outlining all of the story elements

Progressing the plot of a story coherently

Coordinating with publishers, graphic artists, and other professionals involved in the process

Negotiating published contracts successfully

Making edits to finished drafts of work

Skills needed for an author: While many authors work freelance or are self-employed , some work long-term directly with a publishing house or other type of content producer . It’s another position that allows writers to flex their creative muscles.

Find Author jobs near me

Screenwriter

Median Salary: $78,611

Screenwriters have comparable responsibilities to an author. However, they solely work on screenplays that are used for television or films.

They either produce original scripts that they will hopefully sell to a network or adapt existing screenplays. Screenwriters also often work on a team with many other writers and film industry professionals.

The typical responsibilities of a screenwriter include:

Researching possible ideas for interesting screenplays

Creating original scripts

Effectively framing a story in the form of a screenplay for movies or TV

Adapting specific sections of a script if required

Cohesively working with other members on a writing and film production team

Pitching proposals for screenplays to TV and movie executives

Developing a story that translates on screen

Skills needed for a screenwriter: Being a successful screenwriter can be one of the most lucrative writing careers, but it’s also a very competitive vocation. Individuals hoping to create a long-term profession out of screenwriting must be devoted to the craft and adept at taking rejection constructively.

They also need visualization and editing skills to ensure that their work makes sense to viewers of their television show or movie.

Job Outlook For Writers

According to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS), between 2021 and 2031, the writing career is expected to grow 4% and produce 5,900 job opportunities across the U.S. The BLS does not differentiate between types of writers, but you can use this knowledge to know that, in general, the need for writers is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Accessed on September 18, 2022.

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

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Career Ideas for Writers/ People Who Love to Write or Edit 📖

  • Sep 21, 2022
  • , Updated Oct 13, 2023

You can explore careers for writers as part of a traditional job, as a side gig, or as your own business. I’ve co-authored this post with Sara Barry , who writes for a living. We’re sharing ideas for viable writing jobs, where to find them, and how to choose, plus freelancing tips. ✨

Careers in writing can be a great fit for introverts. Sara and I are both introverts and drawn to writing.

Do you love to write, but put that aside along with the idea of the starving artist? People who love to write often write “on the side,” meaning outside of their “day job.” If you are working on a novel or a screenplay or memoir, you can keep doing that no matter what your career is. Creative pursuits have a lot to offer! But maybe you wish you could write for a living.

The good news is you can. Many people who love to write find jobs that let them work with words every day and pay the bills.

This list of writing career ideas is just a starting point. As you read through, notice which options spark curiosity, even if you’re not yet trained in that specialty. Then, gather more information on those. (See below for ideas on how.)

You’ll want to get enough information about jobs that intrigue you to help you decide which ones fit your skills, interests, financial needs, and your need for balance. (It’s not as simple as just picking from a list.)

In this post:

  • Meaningful Career Ideas for Writers

Where To Look for Writing Jobs

  • What About Freelance Writing/ Self-employment?
  • How to Choose

45+ Meaningful Career Ideas for Writers

As you browse the ideas, keep in mind that most people combine more than one thing within what they do, especially if freelancing. Writing business example: writing coaching + workshops + editing.

11 Decent Paying Writing Careers in Demand

These can be decent paying and meaningful if you find serious-minded clients or employers. It might not be hard to get training on most of these.

  • Grant writing
  • Résumé writer
  • Social media/ online content manager/ digital marketing (There’s a big demand here. Free, legit course here can help you learn and gain credentials.)
  • Copywriting/ online content creator (most typically for blogs, e-newsletters, websites)
  • SEO copywriter (a high demand specialty that you can learn)
  • Technical writer (such as technical guides, software user guides)
  • Medical writer (health websites, textbooks, etc.)
  • Science writer (usually for those with a science background)
  • Paralegal (It’s a lot to do with writing.)
  • Non-profit communications (such as fundraising letters, grants, public relations)
  • Book coach (Help people get their book done and published. Sample book coach training .)

10 Career Ideas Specifically for Creative Writers

  • Memoir writing classes and/or memoir writing coach
  • Writing coach (Sample specialties: for authors, academic writing, college essays, etc.)
  • Writing workshops or groups for fiction writers
  • Writing workshops or groups for non-fiction writers
  • Blogging (monetize your own blog)
  • Blogging for other businesses/organizations
  • Storytelling consultant ( example of a storytelling consultant )
  • Communications consultant or communications manager
  • Public relations manager (press releases, blogs, newsletters – example of a writer/editor/PR pro )

12 More Careers for Writers

  • Content strategist
  • Documentary film script writer
  • Ghostwriter
  • Article/ feature writer
  • Instructional designer
  • Online course creator
  • Online writing community host ( sample writing community )
  • Social media platform specialist (such as specializing in Instagram marketing)
  • Speech writer (could be for non-profit leaders, business leaders, etc.)
  • Web content manager
  • Recipe writer/editor (great for people who enjoy cooking)
  • Use your writing in any business venture such as coaches who create courses, blogs, presentations, program descriptions. (That’s where I use writing, like right now!)

13 Alternative Ways to Work with Words

Some writers enjoy jobs related to writing. See if these might be a fit:

  • Editor (developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading …)
  • English teacher (or other languages)
  • Writing tutor
  • Digital content manager (overseeing websites, blogs, communities, social media, etc.)
  • Policy research, development, and writing
  • Project managers on writing or marketing projects
  • Communications consultant
  • Branding consultant
  • Transcriptionist (Here’s a  place for getting experience in freelance transcribing .)
  • Translator (You can get experience on a freelance platform like Gengo but you’ll likely want to find your own work for better pay.)
  • Sensitivity reader/ authenticity reader (Help authors be more accurate based on your lived experience.)
  • Court reporter or proofreader

A good place to start:

Many organizations need:

  • articles for trade publications
  • articles or columns for general publications about a specialized field
  • blog articles
  • whitepapers and reports
  • product descriptions
  • print promotional materials
  • video scripts or presentations
  • social media content
  • user manuals, tutorials, and training materials
  • educational content, online classes
  • internal communications
  • public relations communications
  • online course creation
  • fundraising appeal letters
  • slide presentations
  • written policies and procedures
  • on-boarding packets and forms

If you are looking for new work:

Publishers and media organizations may seem like a logical starting point, but remember that all kinds of organizations need writing and editorial help.

You might have better luck searching for writing related jobs in the kinds of fields that interest you. You’ll stand out if you focus on fields in which you have the most passion and experience.

For instance, interested in green technology? Focus on networking and job searching in those fields. (This is also a great approach if you are considering freelance writing. That’s up next.)

What About “Freelance Writing”/ Self-employment?

There are a lot of opportunities for freelance writing work, and this is a popular career direction for writers.  It’s especially great those of us who love to be in control of our own time and space for working (like most introverts).

This might even be the easier path since a lot of writing is outsourced to independent contractors/ freelancers.

Freelance writing can include long-term contracts or ongoing work or short projects. You can even take on writing or editing projects on the side to see if a particular type of work is a good fit. This is also a way to start building a client base before committing to self-employment.

For specific ways to find writing and editing gigs:

➜ How to Find Freelance Writing Work

If you’re going with freelance writing, the most successful ones specialize in a particular niche. You’ll be better and faster at things in your niche topic range, and you’ll stand out in the market. Plus it makes it fun, and that matters for your well-being.

Self-employment feeling strange or scary?

There can be so many worries about self-employment, from money, to marketing, and energy, to how in the world to make the transition and stay sane.

I can’t address all the worries here, but I offer answers and guidance on all the big worries in my self-employment 101 course (especially for introverts and HSPs) . It also contains lots of real-life stories of people making it work, including writers and other creatives.  It could help you decide if it’s for you.

How to choose your best writing career path?

Did you see something that intrigued you on this list of writing career ideas? You might take some time to explore what that option looks like. That might mean reading more online, connecting with a writers or editors group, or having a conversation with somebody doing the job that interests you.

If you know someone doing the job, ask if you can schedule a time to chat. (See this cheat sheet for informational interviews for introverts .) Ask around. If you don’t have a friend or colleague with the experience you are interested in, you might know someone who can connect you to one.

Many people combine more than one. 3 real examples…

For instance, many people do writing projects on the side of another job or mix a few types of writing and editing services in their freelance business. What you add in or subtract might change over time.

Here are 3 quick stories to help illustrate.

Both Sara and I started down one writing-related path that morphed into another. I did some freelance copywriting, when I started my path to self-employment. That morphed into business coaching in my case, and while writing isn’t my job title, it’s definitely still a big piece of what I do, including blogging and course creation.

Sara worked at a job for a textbook publisher, a professional organization, and a health publisher before becoming a freelance writer and editor. Then her freelance writing shifted from working largely for book publishers to copywriting for entrepreneurs.

Ann Harikeerthan was a doctor who followed her dream to leave that to become a writer. She writes articles online, is working on a book, and leads an online writing community. [ Ann’s writing career story in her own words. ]

The journey though long and tedious has been worth it. I’m happier today than I’ve ever been. and I know I’m doing meaningful work.” ~Ann Harikeerthan, professional writer

Where to Start To Clarify What You Want

Starting with something that intrigues you might help you find the right fit or mix of things that fit — even if it’s not the first thing you try. I like to say, follow what feels fun.

But how do you choose well before going too far down one path?

These might help you find your way:

  • What if you don’t know what you want?
  • When you think you have too many interests to choose from.
  • Career Clarity Course: Uncover the Best Use of You Now

I know that’s a lot of information coming at you. You might bookmark this page and just research a little at a time. Enjoy the exploration. You’re probably great at research and learning. I welcome questions and comments below.

About Sara Barry, the co-author of this article

Sara Barry is a content strategist and copywriter who loves using words to build community and connection. She helps clients find clarity about what to write about and how to say what they want to say. Sara worked in-house in writing, editing, and communications jobs (with freelance jobs on the side), and has been self-employed since 2000. She also writes articles and essays and has a memoir in progress.

I interviewed Sara about her writer career story (it’s full of wisdom): Introvert Success Story: Freelance Writer Business. Meet Sara Barry.

  • Categories: Career and Purpose , Self-Employment
  • Tags: Career Ideas , Introvert Careers

I’ve been a self-employed career/business/purpose coach since 2009. I help introverts and HSPs (like me) who want to make a difference — in a way that fits our practical needs too. Val Nelson | Coaching | Groups | Courses | Newsletter | LinkedIn

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Home » Blog » The 10 Best Creative Writing Jobs

The 10 Best Creative Writing Jobs

writing career ideas

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Readers are attracted to creative writing because they like to step out of the regular boundaries of day to day life. They like to read about the author’s imaginations, feelings, explanations, and original ideas. Creative writing jobs are jobs that have you writing pieces that are meant to entertain.

Your work should keep readers interested and play on their desire for fantasy and imagination. This is about a writer allowing the imagination to take over a little bit, and let an interesting story to be told.

Creative writing jobs are gathering momentum as more clients are looking for writers who can add some originality and creativity to their business. Creative writing is becoming a part of modern society.

There’s a considerable increase in the demand for quality creative writers. This has, consequentially, created an increase in available creative writing jobs.

The Best Creative Writing Jobs

There are many lucrative creative writing jobs out there that are looking for writers to conjure new and exciting ideas. They want ideas that can help them convey their messages to the audiences in an engaging way.

As a creative writer, you can work with magazines, advertising platforms, websites, freelance sites, and even for yourself. The onus is on you as a creative writer to prove your worth and give the very best of yourself to your readers or audiences.

[table id=30 /]

Novel Writing

This job entails writing a long work of narrative fiction.

To be a good novelist you need to be creative, productive, and engaging. It equally requires talent, patience, and imaginative alertness since most ideas come from the abstract.

While novel writing can be enjoyable and lucrative, it is not easy. A novel has many elements to consider:

  • Note-taking
  • Brainstorming
  • Perspective
  • And many more

It’s a long and complicated process. There are many common mistakes you’ll probably make, and then need to correct. Make sure you’re mentally prepared.

A professional author can make around $65,048 per year, though this depends on the value and popularity of their work.

How to Become a Novelist

In order to become a novelist, you first need to write a novel! This is no small undertaking. For some, it takes them years to complete that manuscript.

Fortunately, there are many helpful writing tools out there these days that can make the process easier.

Squibler , for example, is a fantastic novel writing software that aims to help you write and publish your book within 30 days. This may sound like a crazy feat, but with proper organization, it can be done.

creative writing jobs

Squibler is simple but powerful. It offers you assistance and organization for every part of your novel, from brainstorming to publishing.

Scriptwriting

Scriptwriting will have writers creating scripts for mass media. This includes many things:

  • Feature film
  • Television production
  • Video games
  • Youtube videos

When people think of script writing , their minds almost always go to movies and TV. This may be the most popular type of script, but it’s not the only kind.

Many online video publications need scripts written as well. Some companies produce web series, which are only available to view online.

To have a good script you first need a good story. From a good story idea , you add sequence, create your scenes, bring in dialogue, cut away dead weight, and revise it.

Scriptwriting is similar to writing a novel in that you’re telling a story. After that, the differences start becoming obvious. You’re not just writing for someone else to read. They’re going to be watching .

This requires many different elements, such as cut scenes, transitions, actions, movements, placement, etc. It will require you to have a good visual sense as well as writing skills.

How to Sell Your Screenplay

There are a few avenues you can take to sell your screenplay to someone who will get it made.

  • Professional feedback is always valuable. There are consultants and coaches who work in the area of screenplays specifically. They can help you improve the script itself as well as advise you on how to get it sold.
  • Pitchfests and conferences. Sometimes, a writing conference of some sort will have a pitch component. This is an opportunity to pitch your screenplay to several people. The concept gets some criticism and many will advise you to go in without any expectations. The odds of actually selling your script on this day are low. But, it’s a chance to meet some people, introduce yourself, and make industry connections.
  • Get an agent. As with books, you can choose to find an agent to represent you. This will cost you some money up front, but a good agent or manager will have a strong list of contacts to itch your script to. They will also have plenty of industry knowledge to share with you.
  • Contests. These can be tricky and often come with an entry fee. But, they can be a good way to get attention. Should you do well in a contest, your work has a chance of being read by some top industry professionals, depending on the caliber of the contest.

Experienced and advanced writers can make up to one million dollars per screenplay. The low end for a good quality, original script from an unknown, first-time writer may be around $100,000.

Short Story Writing

Short stories can be a tremendous way for creative writers to flex their muscles. Individuals and websites always need writers of short stories – both fiction and nonfiction – to write compelling, exciting and entertaining stories.

To write a captivating story requires you to follow the principles of writing. A good story will contain a beginning, a middle, and an end.

How to Become a Short Story Writer

The process here is similar to that of a novelist. You first must write the stories. Once they are written, you can start the editing process and eventually move into publishing.

Typically, short stories are published in an anthology or collection.

This can be a collection of stories all from the same author. Or, a third party may put together an anthology with stories from many different authors. These usually have a theme of some sort.

The benefit of short stories is that there are many more freelancing opportunities. Websites, blogs, and other online publications might hire a creative writer on a regular basis to contribute short stories.

Or, they may go the route of taking submissions, and paying the writers of accepted pieces. Either way, you can make some money from individual stories in this way – without going through the entire publishing process yourself.

A writer can make up to $30 per hour of writing a story or charge about 12.5 cents per word. Word counts for a short story can range from 2-10,000 words on average.

Poetry Writing

Most people don’t think of poetry when they think of ways to make money from creative writing, but it is a possibility.

This is one of the creative writing jobs that need a very artistic way of writing. Poetry aims to stir the reader’s imagination and create emotion.

A writer can do this by choosing and arranging their words correctly and carefully. You’ll want to pay attention to rhythm, meaning, and sound. Poets can charge around $20 per page if their services are in demand.

How to Become a Paid Poet

Unlike some of the other creative writing jobs out there, it can be incredibly difficult to make your entire living off your poetry. Unless, of course, you get to the point of publishing your own collections – and they become successful.

That being said, there are a number of online publications that will pay you for your poetry. Depending on the type of website as well as it’s popularity, these can pay between $10 and $200 per accepted poem.

To begin, all you must do is research these publications. Find some that take submissions in your preferred style and/or genre, and start sending yours in.

It can be a tedious process. But, if you’re good, you could make a considerable amount of extra money from your prose.

Greeting Card Text Writing

This is an excellent writing job available for creative writers who are good at evoking emotion with a small number of words.

A highly creative mind is needed here. The words need to be clear and concise as well as witty and clever all at the same time.

Greeting cards are written for many different things:

  • Anniversaries
  • Get well soon
  • Expressing condolences
  • Mothers day
  • Fathers day

As a greeting card writer, you will need to be detailed. Your words need to be specific to the occasion you are writing for.

How to Become a Greeting Card Writer

The most important thing is to familiarize yourself with the different styles. I already listed off the many occasions that greeting cards are written for, but there are different styles a well.

Humor and poetry tend to be the most popular – with humor cards usually commanding a higher price.

That being said, it’s important, as a writer, to work with where you feel most comfortable and passionate. If you’re a poet and you want to work in this industry, write some beautifully rhymed greeting cards. There is still a huge market for this.

Once you find some you like, seek out their submission process. Some may work solely off submissions, while others may hire regular writers.

Knowing what kind of style, and even what occasion you’d most like to write for will help you determine where to go for employment. You’ll have to research companies that publish greeting cards in your desired area.

On average, a submission will pay around $25.However, a seasoned greeting card writer working for higher-end companies can make up to $300 per approved submission.

Songwriting

You need to be creative to write good songs. Songwriting has several different components:

Some people write every element of a song on their own. Others collaborate. One person writes the lyrics while another writes the music.

Some bands even make it a group effort when creating new songs. How the song gets written will depend on the talents and abilities of all those involved. If an artist is lacking something, that’s where you can come in.

It may be hard to believe, but many of the world’s most famous singers do not write their own songs. Just because someone can sing doesn’t mean they are gifted writers.

If you are both creative and musically inclined, songwriting can be a lucrative career option for you.

To be an original songwriter, you need to be able to visualize ideas and mix sounds together. Originality is key. There are many lawsuits created all the time because someone is being accused of stealing someone else’s song.

You need to be willing and able to put in the work to create something new, fresh, and interesting.

How to Become a Songwriter

The first step is simple – write a song! Many songwriters take classes and receive professional training, while many do not. In the end, it all comes down to how good and how appealing your work is.

Once you have some songs written, you can start sharing them with artists you think might like to sing them. You’ll have to start small and work your way up.

A talented and successful songwriter will eventually have artists coming to them for new material, rather than having to advertise themselves.

A songwriter typically makes $45 – 500 per song depending on the client and job.

Speech Writing

This writing job requires you to create entertaining, convincing, and sometimes humorous content that urges the audience to listen. Speech writing can be for various occasions like weddings, elections, and anniversaries.

Writing a speech needs someone who is expressive enough to be able to articulate deep and thought-provoking ideas in a concise way. They need to be personalized to help sway the audience to the speaker’s side.

Most of the time, a winning speech you should have a little humor in it – everyone loves a good laugh! Of course, there are exceptions to this depending on the context of the speech.

How to Become a Speech Writer

To begin, A speechwriter should have a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, and/or English.

Once you have the degree under your belt, it’s time to start gaining experience. There are a few ways you an go about finding work as a speech wrier:

  • Find employment with a public relations agency. They will have you writing speeches for multiple clients.
  • Go freelance. This allows you to work on a contract basis for as many organizations and clients as you want.
  • Occasionally, a company or even an individual may choose to keep a full-time speechwriter on staff.

How to Write a Good Speech

There are many different types of speeches and different settings in which they will be given. That said, there are a few key things to remember when writing a good speech.

  • Your overall goal is to make a good impression and leave the audience with two or three main takeaways.
  • Make them remember you. Many speeches have gone down in history, but they tend to be famous for only one brilliant, witty, and/or hilarious line. Use a strong metaphor, an unusual analogy, or shock factor to leave a lasting impression.
  • Make the opening count. Your audience is most receptive at the beginning of your speech. Grab their attention right away. Questions, funny stories, or shocking statistics can do this.
  • Make it short, sweet, and simple. If a certain detail or sentence doesn’t help you get your main idea or message across, take it out. A short, easy to understand speech is much more impactful than a long one with a lot of unnecessary detail.

A talented and successful speechwriter can make around $100,000 per year.

Column Writing

This job is about a writer sharing their thoughts, ideas, or opinions within a publication. A column will have a writer who contributes regular articles on the same general topic. For example, an advice column will have the writer answering reader-submitted questions.

Regular readers of the publication will grow to know and like the columnist. Eventually, readers will build trust with them. They will willingly take the advice given, products recommended, or whatever the case may be.

Columns will appear in many types of publications, both on and offline:

  • Newsletters

How to Become a Column Writer

First, you will need to decide which type of publication you most want to write for. Do you want to write for a print publication like a magazine or newspaper? Or do you want to contribute to an online blog or website?

Some people prefer to be published in print. But, this will limit you to what’s available locally. Pursuing online publications will give you many more options.

Next, it’s all about persistence. Find the publications you want to write for, and get in contact. Not every publication will love your writing or share your vision. Don’t give up.

Writing a Good Column

Writing a good column takes practice. And practice regularly, you must. Publications change their content all the time. If readers aren’t absolutely loving your column you’re at risk of being phased out.

Here are some tips for maintaining a good column, once you’ve gotten in somewhere:

  • Stay on schedule. Constantly missed deadlines will make you undesirable to work with in no time.
  • Always be interesting. Don’t let your column get repetitive. Even if you’re always writing on the same general subject, find ways to keep it fresh and engaging.
  • Spend the proper amount of time on each piece. After a while, writing your column will feel routine. Don’t let yourself slip. It may only be 1000 words, but the quality needs to be top-notch.
  • Choose your publications wisely. In the beginning, it may be tempting to apply to everything and accept the first offer you get. Don’t rush into anything. Do your research. Many print publications are dying out. You don’t want t jump onto a sinking ship.

Different publications will pay different rates. Often, the more popular and well-known the publication is, the more they will pay their contributors.

Some may be paid a salary while others are paid per article written. On average, however, a columnist might make between $20-30/hour.

A job as a professional editor is something many creative writers decide to pursue. It’s important to know that editing will require much less writing on your part. You will mostly be going over the work of other people.

Even still, editing is a rewarding job that you can take pride in. Editors are often in charge of the entire publication, so you will see a variety of work and writing styles.

This is fun and exciting for some. Putting together a magazine, newspaper or even maintaining a website is a real art. The finished product is something to admire when done well.

How to Become an Editor

Most who wish to be an editor will pursue a degree in journalism, communications, or English. This will give employers confidence that you have the appropriate knowledge, though it’s not always required.

Editors can work on a freelance basis, but it’s more common for a publication, website, or other company to have full time editors on staff.

These jobs are often posted on job boards and websites, or can be discovered through word of mouth.

Skills Required to Become an Editor

While it is a common pursuit, not all writers can also be editors. It does require a certain set of skills:

  • Extensive knowledge of grammar rules
  • Extreme attention to detail
  • Excellent communication skills – you will often be working with writers
  • Intermediate to advanced computer skills. Even if you are editing for a print publication, most of the work will be done on a computer.
  • Good knowledge of current communication and publishing tools.

If this sounds like you, perhaps a job as an editor would suit you. The average salary for an editor is about $56,000. However, higher-end publications may pay more.

Ghostwriting

This is a writing job that some don’t like to do. However, if you’re willing to do the work and let someone else take the credit, it can be quite lucrative.

Ghostwriters are people who write something for someone, who then turns around and posts it under their name – or perhaps the company name.

As long as both parties agree to the terms, this is perfectly fine and is actually quite common. Many websites hire ghostwriters to keep their content coming regularly.

Others will pay someone to ghost write an entire book. This could be any number of things:

  • Short stories or novellas. Some people have a creative idea in mind but aren’t good at writing it out. They will hire a ghostwriter to actually craft the story, but it will be published under their own name.
  • Nonfiction/self-help books. Again, they have the idea but need someone to structure and write it for them.
  • How-to guides. Someone has the knowledge, expertise, and process for something. Someone else turns it into a readable and cohesive instructional for consumers.
  • Their own autobiography. There are some people who have an incredible life story. It’s one they want to share with the world, but they aren’t a writer. Many ghostwriters write someone else’s life story.
  • Resumes. Every employee needs help with their resume whether that’s for an HR generalist or VP of marketing.

The list can go on. Those willing to ghost write are endlessly valuable to those with good ideas but no real writing skills and/or lack of time.

How to Become a Ghostwriter

Most ghostwriters find their work online, and work is often done on a freelance basis. Freelance job boards, blogging job boards, and LinkedIn jobs posts from HR coordinators are good places to start.

Some websites or companies might advertise for themselves that they are looking for a ghostwriter. With this, all you must do is follow the given application instructions.

The pay range for a ghostwriter is quite large. They can make anywhere from $0.01/word to $0.25/per word. Others go from $10/hour to $100/hour.

The rate you are paid depends largely on your skill level, the amount of experience you have, and the individual client you are working with.

Where to Find Creative Writing Jobs Online

So, now you’ve learned how to turn your creative writing into some money. As discussed above, there are many ways you can go about selling your work or getting hired to produce it.

Some methods are online, while others are done offline. The websites listed below are some good places to get started.

They won’t make you millions. But, you can start building your professional portfolio and generate some cash at the same time.

Flash Fiction Online

This is a good one for those looking to sell their short stories. Every month, they publish a small collection of flash fiction. This is essentially a very short story – between 500-1000 words.

creative writing jobs

They accept submissions in any genre or category and anyone can submit. They pay out $60 per published story if they are given exclusive rights. For a story previously published elsewhere, they will pay 2 cents per word.

The Sun Magazine

The Sun is an online magazine that publishes a variety of content including fiction, nonfiction , and poetry. They have a lean towards personal writing but are always on the lookout for bold pieces on cultural and political topics.

For fiction and nonfiction, they pay between $300-2000, depending on length. There is no minimum word count, though they don’t like to publish pieces over 7000 words.

creative writing jobs

For poetry, they pay between $100-250.

If you are interested, they also accept interview pitches and photography submissions. Online submission is easy, and there is no cost.

Rattle is a publication that focuses on poetry. They publish a physical issue four times a year, with around 100 pages of poetry. They also run a blog which will feature one poem each day.

Rattle is passionate about poetry and want to see it revived in this day and age. They also want to encourage poets of all kinds. This means that they don’t care for credentials or previous credits.

creative writing jobs

If they like your poem, they will publish it.

If your work is featured in a printed issue, they pay $100. For work that doesn’t make the print publication but gets featured on the blog, they pay $50.

It is free to submit, and there are no restrictions whatsoever in regards to length or genre.

Clarkesworld Magazine

Clarkesworld Magazin e publishes short stories and short novellas in the science fiction and fantasy genres. the magazine is published monthly and contains interviews and articles along with several pieces of fiction.

Word counts must be between 10-22,000 words. If accepted, stories are paid at a rate of 10 cents per word for the first 7000 words, and 8 cents for each word over 7000.

Clarkesworld has won many awards and is a well-respected publication that pays its writers well. If you’re a science fiction or fantasy writer , definitely consider submitting here.

Freelance Job Boards

All of the above-mentioned publications are places where you can submit your work for free, and get paid upon acceptance. This can be an effective way to make some extra cash and build your portfolio as a creative writer.

But, it’s not necessarily a way to build a true career. Where applicable, pursue the “real world” avenues. Make connections, talk to agents, practice your in-person pitch.

In addition to this, you may consider perusing some freelance job boards as well. These will often have all kinds of freelance jobs posted – not just writing.

However, once you narrow your search, it can be a good way to find regular clients to hire you on a contract basis. This will create good contacts and a more steady, reliable income.

Short story writing, script writing, ghostwriting, songwriting, and editing can all commonly be found as freelance-based jobs.

Finding a Creative Writing Job is Not Impossible

The term “starving artist” is familiar to most. Many have resigned themselves to making their writing a hobby. You don’t have to do this.

It may be more difficult than obtaining your run of the mill retail job, but you can still do what you love for a living as a creative mind.

Pursue a degree if you think it will help you, and stay persistent. Send queries. Submit your work. Cold-pitch all day long.

Pile up your rejection letters and let them serve as your biggest motivation. With talent, drive, and determination, you will find the people who share your vision. You’ll find the people who value good writing and are willing to pay for it.

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8 Great Ideas To Kickstart Your Creative Writing Career

Today I’m thrilled to introduce Alice Feltch, a career and productivity copywriter, who’s kindly put together an insightful post on some of the best ways to kickstart your creative writing career.

Alice will take you through some tips below, but first I wanted to share some of my own thoughts and experiences on starting out as a creative writer.

Deciding You Want To Build A Creative Writing Career

For me, deciding that I wanted to be a creative writer was the first step in me taking steps to achieve that goal. And I even went as far as quitting my job as a lawyer to do that. Let me tell you a bit about that process.

I studied law at university. Let’s just say it was a sensible choice. I enjoyed aspects of the subject but wasn’t in love with it. I did however like the challenge of writing about the law—essays and whatnot. When university ended I went into law. And again I enjoyed aspects of it, but I more endured it than anything else.

Kickstart Your Creative Writing Career

While it was clear that this path I’d forged for myself wasn’t that enjoyable, I didn’t know what else to do. In my spare time, I began to write. Comedy at first, with my good friend Ant Campbell, and then I got the idea for a fantasy novel and never looked back. I fell head over heels with writing. Now, it’s part of my daily routine. I actually get angry when I don’t get to write.

So back then when I was struggling on with my job, I decided that writing was what I wanted to do. It made me happy, and that’s how I wanted to spend the rest of my life—happy and writing.

So I quit my job and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

It was by no means an easy decision, however. For a long time, I agonised over it, and fought against the voices in my head telling me it was folly. But from somewhere I found the courage to ignore the voice of fear. And if you’re feeling hesitant too about kickstarting your creative writing career, then I urge you to be brave and do what your heart desires. For there’s no greater vocation in the world than creative writing—bringing joy into the lives of others, not just now, but forever.

And while you struggle through those early days of your career, fight the urge to give up. Ignore those that tell you you’re wasting your time. What do they know? Use their doubt to fuel your own determination. It took me years to get to where I am now. Just trust that if you put the work in, results will follow. And above all, enjoy the journey.

Over to Alice.

How To Kickstart Your Creative Writing Career

Writing is an amazing career. However, very few people get down to actually writing. That’s mainly because they believe someone could criticize their writings or because they don’t have a proper command of the English language. Let me assure you, such fears are all misplaced. 

Writing as a Skill

At the same time, writing is an innate skill. It means most writers are born to be one, though you can learn and develop skills if you work hard. But one thing’s for sure. You need the drive and determination to be a writer, and some of us, we’re born with that.

Unfortunately, most born writers too never get down to actual writing because they don’t know where to start or go looking for other careers.

Therefore, if you’re an aspiring writer, continue reading. Because in this article, I will be discussing eight great ideas to kickstart your creative writing career.

Let’s begin by understanding the different types of writing skills that are always in demand. This would help you select the right creative writing career.

Types of Writing Jobs

The term ‘writer’ broadly defines all kinds of writers. In reality, though, writing is a skill that can help you make a career in different fields. You can select any of these creative writing skills to kickstart your career as a writer.

Broadly speaking, journalists such as reporters and feature writers are writers that cover news, current affairs and lots of other stuff for their employers. This writing skill requires a nose for news and a flair to present the news accurately and without bias.

A critic is a writer who reviews everything from books to liquor, food, movies and restaurants. To make a career with this creative writing skill, you’ll require a good sense of analysis and in-depth knowledge about the field. They generally work for news media and other specialized websites.

Content Writer

A content writer generally creates content for blogs, business websites, social media, emails and other platforms. To work as a content writer , you’ll require superb writing skills combined with a drive for researching complex topics. Working as a content writer isn’t easy since website owners and bloggers will demand various kinds of content from you.

A job as a copywriter is very attractive to some people because it can be done remotely, meaning you can work anywhere you want in the world. If you’re interested in remote copywriting jobs , you can find them here.

Travel Writer

As the term signifies, a travel writer writes about amazing places where people can go during their holidays or for a trip.

Just like with some content writing roles, the beauty of being a travel writer is that you’re exploring the world as you work, and getting paid to do it in the process. 

Travel writing is a specialized type of writing, however. It also requires a curious and inquisitive mind so that you can go out into the wild, meet and talk to new people and find those little golden nuggets that can make a travel story unique. 

On top of that, you need to gain an understanding of the local culture and traditions, taste local food and tell people why they should visit a particular destination.

Technical Writer

Have you ever bought an electronic item or an electrical appliance? The user manuals that come with these are prepared by technical writers. Generally, technical writers are engineers that can analyze various specifications and guide you on how to use any particular device. This too is a specialized skill because you’ve got to explain complex technical terms in a simple and easy-to-understand manner for the end-users.

A copywriter is someone that creates content for advertising purposes. Their main job is to write catchy and attractive content that accompanies products and services as well as ads their employers will post online or offline. 

Copywriting requires a lot of creativity and superb vocabulary because you’ll have to create content that urges people to make a purchase by attracting them to a product, service or brand.

Script Writer

Ever watched a movie? If so, then all the dialogue between actors and actresses is written by scriptwriters. Sometimes, if a script is adapted from a book, the writers will have the dialogue laid out for them, which can make the task a lot easier. 

Scriptwriting is a very complex skill because it entails understanding a scenario and creating dialogue accordingly. If you need more tips and guidance, check out my detailed guide on  how to write dialogue here.

An author is a person that writes books. Nowadays, almost anyone with superb writing skills can become an author and have their book published over Kindle Direct Publishing, a service from Amazon. 

As a rule, all authors- whether writing real-life stories or fiction – are creative writers. They draw inspiration from real-life events and write books in various genres. This is a superb career as it could make you rich and famous if you’re lucky.

Eight Great Ideas to Kickstart Your Creative Writing Career

Now that you know about the different skills of creative writing that are always in demand, let’s discuss eight great ideas to kickstart your creative writing career. You can adapt these ideas to suit the type of field in which you wish to write.

Read, Read and Read

I always advise people that ask me how to become a creative writer to start reading. And that’s the best way to kickstart your creative writing career too. There’re three main reasons why I ask every budding creative writer to read.

Firstly, reading a lot of books, newspapers and magazines teaches you a lot about creative writing. You’ll learn different styles of presenting an article to any employer or even for your own blog. Secondly, reading increases your general knowledge. Even if you’re reading fiction, it does add something to your understanding.

And third and most importantly, reading helps improve your own vocabulary too. While reading books, magazines and newspapers, you’ll often stumble across words whose meanings you don’t know. In such cases, you could refer to a dictionary to learn what the word means. And of course, use such words for your own creative writing.

Generally, every good writer is also a good reader. That’s because they get ideas and inspiration from the works of others. There are several benefits of reading and hence, to kickstart your creative writing career, get into a good reading habit first.

Do Lots of Research

Always do a lot of research on topics that interest you. That way, you’ll be able to gather as much knowledge as possible about any particular subject. Additionally, research will also acquaint you with spending long hours finding relevant details. And we’re not just talking about simple internet searches; anything from offline sources such as encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers, books and other literature should all be considered.

Research is actually the backbone of content writing and all other creative writing. That’s because you’ve got to back up your stories with authentic sources of information. Without deep research, your creative writing skills are worth nothing: whatever you write would be vague and hence, unreliable for the reader.

Doing research on a particular topic or subject might sound boring. Actually, it’s not. Instead, doing research is rewarding and interesting because you’ll learn a lot of things that you’re unaware of. The process can also spark so many new ideas that elevate your novels and stories to new levels. So the simple act of doing research is another great idea to start your writing career.

Here’s a great guide on how to research more effectively by Harvard University.

Select Your Niche

Broadly speaking, every creative writer selects a niche or field in which they would love to specialize. That’s because no content writer or creative writer can be the proverbial jack of all trades.

At the same time, it’s also important to be versatile. For example, if you’re a content writer for an organization, your employer might require content about a field that you don’t know about. In such cases, versatility helps a lot. All you need to do is some research as I mentioned earlier to create content that’s engaging, interesting and relevant while meeting the employer’s requirements.

Refer to Style Guides

As a fresh face in the field of creative writing, refer to style guides. There are various style guides in the world that all writers use. Personally, I prefer the Associated Press Style Book, which I’ve been using since my days as a journalist. There are other superb style guides too such as AFP and Reuters, among others. 

A style guide helps you understand how to present an article along with the proper use of grammar for different types of content. Using a style guide is also helpful when you’re suffering from writer’s block and don’t know how to proceed further. That’s because superb style guides will show you how to continue an article or story.

Style guides don’t come free unless you’re going to download an outdated edition online. However, your investment in a style guide would prove worthwhile to launch your career as a creative writer.

Create Own Blog

I firmly believe that every person that wants to kickstart their creative writing career should create their own blog. There are two ways to open a blog. One of them is by creating a free blog on websites such as Wix.com or Blogger.com. The other is by buying a domain name and hosting it on a third-party site. Nowadays, you can create your own blog site for as low as $9.99 per month.

Having your own blog helps you in many ways. Firstly, you can post your own writings about a subject which could be anything from a professional skill or your hobbies and passions. This helps in self-branding.

A personal blog can also be useful while applying for jobs as a creative writer. You can direct them to your articles to evidence your writing ability. It’s also possible to monetize your blog through Google AdSense, sponsored posts, paid advertising and affiliate marketing. In fact, if you’re a captivating writer, you can become a celebrity blogger too.

Make a Killer LinkedIn Profile

Creating a killer LinkedIn profile is something very important to kickstart your creative writing career. According to LinkedIn, at least one person in the world gets hired every six seconds from this networking portal for professionals. 

Nowadays, employers of all fields look at your LinkedIn profile. They wish to see your academic qualifications, references and other details from your profile. Therefore, having a fabulous LinkedIn profile can actually help you launch a creative writing career.

And more importantly, you can create posts and upload them on your LinkedIn page to attract the attention of decision-makers that require creative writers.

Register on Job Boards

Now let’s discuss briefly finding work as a creative writer to kickstart your career. The first thing to do is register yourself on any top job board offering your skills from any of the eight categories of writers that I mention above. 

Some of the top job boards I would suggest include but aren’t limited to Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com, ZipRecruiter.com, Monster.com and JournalismJobs.com, among others. Here you can create an attractive profile and leave your contact details. Prospective employers will get in touch if they find your resume interesting enough.

You could also download apps from these job boards to apply instantly for any writing job. Usually, all creative writers have to pass tests to prove their skills. Therefore, prepare yourself to take such tests online or offline.

Look for Freelance Jobs

And finally, look for freelance jobs. There’re several top freelancing portals such as Freelancer.com, Upwork.com, FlexJobs.com and Fiverr.com. It really doesn’t matter if you’re new in the field of creative writing because you’ll have to bid for projects from buyers to get a freelance creative writing assignment. Freelancing can help you earn money on the side and boost your  savings account online . 

The beauty of freelancing is that once you build up a group of clients that send regular paid work you have the makings of a full-time job. You could even continue to grow and expand into a fully-fledged business by adding even more clients. 

By focusing on delivering quality results, you’ll receive lots of positive feedback and reviews which will help you draw in even more clients and customers. 

Something to bear in mind is that most freelancing portals charge a small fee, which is payable in advance while registering. Others charge between 5% and 20% of your income as their service fees. Therefore, read the terms and conditions of these freelancing portals before signing up. If you’re new to freelancing and want to take a risk-free approach then opting for a model that deducts a percentage of what you earn would be better. This way you don’t lose money while you’re getting established. 

Also, take a look at how other freelance creative writers in your field are pitching their skills to buyers. That would give you a good idea of how to create your own profile for a freelance platform. Price your services attractively to get more buyers.

In Conclusion

These ideas should help you to kickstart your career in creative writing with fair ease. As we can see, they are rather simple steps that anyone can follow. Of course, you’re free to adapt these to match your needs. Thanks for reading.

About The Author

Alice Feltch is a career and productivity copywriter who believes in the power of networking. She’s passionate about blogging and writes web content for a variety of clients. She is currently dedicated to Online Jobs Academy as a gig worker. Alice understands the benefits and challenges of the industry. Blogging about education and career regarding ideas to grow is something that she loves doing.

More Creative Writing Guides

Thank you Alice for an informative and comprehensive article. I hope you’ve learned something new! If you’d like to continue reading content of a similar ilk, why not check out my page dedicated to creative writing tips for beginners? You can also read a bit more about how to plot a story here or check out my guide on using the 5 senses in writing .

If you’d like to learn a bit more about creating characters , head here, and here’s another guide on character development . You can also check out these guides below:

  • Writing tips
  • Hated writing rules
  • How to write romance scenes
  • How to format a manuscript
  • Mental health in fantasy books
  • What is characterization?
  • How to write strong female characters
  • How to edit
  • What is StoryOrigin?
  • How to plot a story
  • What is passive voice?
  • 4 ways to begin writing a novel
  • How to plan a story
  • How to plan a novel

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me or join my online writing group !

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Creative Writing Careers: Exploring Future Prospects for Aspiring Writers

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In a world where technology continues to evolve, and traditional job roles are being redefined, creative writing careers have emerged as exciting and viable options for individuals with a passion for words. Gone are the days when writing was solely confined to the realm of literature or journalism. Today, the demand for skilled writers extends across various industries, offering a plethora of opportunities for those seeking a career in writing. In this blog post, we will delve into the diverse career prospects available to future writers and explore how this field continues to evolve in the digital age.

1. Content Creation and Copywriting: 

As the digital landscape expands exponentially, the need for engaging and persuasive content has never been greater. Companies, both large and small, are constantly in search of skilled writers to create compelling content for their websites, blogs, social media platforms, and marketing campaigns. A content creation and copywriting career allows writers to showcase their creativity while delivering impactful messages to target audiences.

2. Editing and Publishing: 

Behind every great writer is an equally great editor. The publishing industry relies heavily on professionals with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of language and grammar. Whether it's working for a publishing house, literary agency, or as a freelance editor, there are ample opportunities for aspiring writers to embark on a career path that involves refining and polishing the work of others.

3. Technical Writing and Documentation: 

Technical writing is a specialized field that involves translating complex concepts into clear and concise language. Software development, engineering, and healthcare industries require skilled technical writers to create user manuals, product documentation, and instructional guides. This career path blends writing with a strong understanding of technical subjects, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy both writing and problem-solving.

4. Journalism and Freelance Writing: 

While the rise of digital media has disrupted traditional journalism, it has opened up new avenues for writers to share their perspectives and expertise. Journalists now leverage online platforms, such as blogs and independent publications, to report on various topics and directly engage with their audiences. Additionally, freelance writing offers the flexibility to work on diverse projects, ranging from feature articles to ghostwriting books, enabling writers to build a versatile portfolio.

5. Teaching and Writing Education:

For writers who have a passion for sharing their knowledge and nurturing the next generation of wordsmiths, a career in teaching or writing education can be immensely rewarding. Many universities and educational institutions offer creative writing programs where experienced writers can serve as mentors and instructors. Moreover, online platforms and workshops allow writers to create their own courses and share their expertise with a global audience.

writing career ideas

The realm of creative writing careers has expanded significantly in recent years, offering aspiring writers a range of exciting prospects. From content creation and copywriting to editing, technical writing, journalism, and teaching, the opportunities in this field are diverse and ever-evolving. With the advent of the digital age, writers have found new platforms to express their creativity and connect with audiences worldwide. Whether you dream of becoming a novelist, a blogger, or a copywriter for a major brand, the path to a fulfilling writing career is within reach. Embrace your passion, hone your skills , and seize the opportunities that lie ahead as a future writer. For more ideas, check out The Big List of Careers for Writers .

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How to Become a Writer in 2023 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Writing is a passion for many and a successful career for others. If you want to seriously pursue writing as a career, here’s how to get started.

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Tomas Laurinavicius

Co-Founder & Chief Editor, Best Writing

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Wherever you look, you’ll see tons of words: on product packing, in your mobile banking app, or across billboards in town. Behind those are amazing people like yourself.

Wondering how to become a writer and get paid for your craft?

This guide covers:

  • Popular writing careers
  • Average writer salaries
  • Ways to sell your own writing
  • In-demand writing jobs

…and step-by-step instructions for breaking into the writing industry.

Types of Writing Careers

Writers get paid for their words, and many industries need them.

Here are popular types of writing you can do.

Creative Writing vs. Nonfiction Writing

Creative writing  includes prose and poetry writing. Fiction writers invent worlds, populate them with characters, and artfully build a compelling narrative using various canons of storytelling and poetics.

Nonfiction writing  is a broader category featuring all written materials that are not based on a fictional storyline. Nonfiction writers can specialize in biographies or memoirs, create instructional materials, or use their writing skills to create business communication and marketing materials.

Nonfiction writing has three subcategories:

  • Academic writing . Producing scientific research articles and creating various instructional materials — textbooks, curriculums, instruction manuals, and other types of educational workbooks.
  • Journalism . Writing timely, accurate reporting of recent facts, events, and ideas. You can specialize in investigative reporting or write personal essays, have a regular column, or switch between different beats.
  • Business writing . This niche has the widest subset of jobs, ranging from copywriting and blogging to proposal writing and grant writing. Business writers create various content for the industry they work in.

Overall, beginning writers have no shortage of career options today.

Popular Types of Writing Careers

  • Advertising copywriter
  • Health writer
  • News writer
  • Technical writer
  • Editor/copyeditor
  • Scriptwriter
  • Content marketing specialist
  • Medical writer
  • Resume writer

How Much Money Does a Writer Make?

As in any other profession, compensation for writers varies by industry, seniority level, and area of expertise.

In the publishing industry, authors make money from advances and royalties. Authors receive an average advance of  $49,360 , based on “ Publishing Paid Me”  spreadsheet data.

Royalty rates vary depending on the publishing method.

Self-published authors retain up to  70% royalty per book sold . In  traditional publishing , authors get  5%-8% royalties on paperbacks , 1 5% on hardcovers , and  20% on eBooks .

Compensation for professional writers, working full-time, part-time, or freelance writing varies a lot by profession.

Here are median salaries for full-time writing careers as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

  • Technical writer salary : $78,060
  • News reporters and journalists : $49,300
  • Public relations specialists : $62,810 ‍
  • Editors : $63,400

How to Become a Writer in 2023: 6 Step-Guide

If you want to seriously pursue writing as a career, here’s how to get started.

1. Decide on Your Writing Niche

You have many writing careers to choose from. But too many choices breed decision paralysis.

To narrow down your options, ask yourself: do you want to primarily do nonfiction or fiction writing?

You can always do both and change niches later on. But you have to channel your efforts into one lane to make progress faster.

Next, think about a narrower writing specialty, also known as your niche.

A writing niche is your area of expertise, where you are familiar with the subject matter, content requirements, and popular formats.

Each type of writing — medical, UX, or technical writing — requires knowledge of the industry's best practices. For example, technical writers need to know the industry jargon, have a sharp, instructional tone of voice, and understand technical documentation formatting requirements. You can develop these skills both on the job or via formal training.

You can select your writing niche based on:

  • Type of writing . Journalism, academic, fiction, or industry-specific.
  • Content format . Blog posts, emails, web copy, eBook, business reports.
  • Industry . Law, marketing, healthcare, retail, etc. ‍
  • Your background.  Personal or professional. For example, as an accountant, you can work with finance brands.

By selecting a writing niche, you concentrate your effort on understanding the market better. This helps you develop the right knowledge and skill set, do better work — and earn more money eventually.

What Type of Writing Makes the Most Money?

Specialized writing, requiring niche expertise, pays the best.

For example, entry-level UX writers earn a median salary of  $90,000 , and senior professionals earn north of  $150K .

Medical writers have a median pay of  $95,609  annually. Content strategists, in turn, earn  $102,989/year  on average.

Fiction writing can be lucrative as well as you have no earning cap. Popular authors receive six-figure advances per book (plus royalties).

For example, Hanya Yanagihara, fashion editor and published author, received a  $1 million  advance on her third book. Elizabeth Gilbert got  $200,000  for the cult  Eat, Pray, Love  novel.

At the same time, popular self-published authors can also make it big.

Former lawyer, L.J. Ross,  sold over 4.5 million copies  of her first novel via Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing. She now earns a comfortable living from 19 other self-published novels.

But not every writer is as successful. More often, budding writers don’t make a bank from fiction alone.

Many also hold a day job, writing or non-writing, to pay the bills.

The publishing world is hugely competitive. Careers in business writing or journalism offer better job security and more stable income.Want more? Read more about  how to make money from writing .

Interviews With Writers Who’ve Done It

We interview writers from all fields and ask them how to get where they’re.

  • How to Become a Technical Content Producer
  • How to Become a Sportswriter
  • How to Become a Freelance Content Writer
  • How to Become a Published Author
  • How to Become a Freelance Writer
  • How to Become a Psychology Writer
  • How to Become a Creative Content Writer
  • How To Become a Freelance Journalist
  • How To Become a Sustainability Copywriter
  • How to Become a Freelance B2B SaaS Copywriter
  • How to Become a B2B SaaS Technology Writer
  • How To Become a Health Writer

2. Practice Writing Every Day

Good writing isn’t just talent — it's tradecraft.

You need to continuously practice your ‘technical’ writing skills — sentence structure, narrative flow, tone of voice — and build your core skills to advance your career.

A good writer has:

  • Impeccable grammar
  • Rich vocabulary
  • Strong research skills
  • Adaptable tone of voice
  • Editorial and fact-checking skills
  • Interviewing skills
  • Business acumen (in their niche)

Perhaps, you were taught some of those skills at high school or as part of your bachelor's degree. But theory alone isn’t enough to produce good writing. You also need regular practice.

As Stephen King  says :

“Sometimes you have to go on [with writing] when you don't feel like it, and sometimes you're doing good work when it feels like all you're managing is to shovel shit from a sitting position.”

The point of writing regularly is to build your writing muscle. The ability to produce good writing even when you are not inspired, face writer’s block, or battle your impostor syndrome.

That’s called professionalism.

To help you get to this stage, try these simple  writing exercises.

Practice free writing . Block 20-30 minutes each morning or evening to put down just about any ideas on paper. Don’t sweat about making it perfect. Try to use a tone you’d want to assume in your writing.

Transcribe others.  To develop a distinctive voice, fit for the type of writing you do, rewrite content from authors you admire. This can be a top-performing copywriting ad or a reported article. The point of this exercise is to internalize the other writer’s syntax, cadence, and ton — and absorb it into your writing.

Start a (micro)blog . If you want to specialize in online writing, which is most writing these days, start your blog. You can publish short posts on  LinkedIn ,  Medium , or  Typeshare . That’s an easy way to create several writing samples and start building a personal brand as a writer.

3. Fill In the Gaps in Education

Do you absolutely need to have a writing degree to make it big? No.

Many writers obtained unrelated associate degrees or never even went to college. Instead, they relentlessly practiced their craft.

Formal education can accelerate your writing career in the early days, especially if you’ve developed some industry connections in school. You also get to study literature, learn copy-editing basics, develop fact-checking skills, plus…expand your vocabulary and improve your grammar.

But you can also develop marketable writing skills at your own pace and on a much smaller dime.

These are some of the best ways to learn more about writing.

Books . Pick up several  books on writing  to grasp the basics of building a good story, doing reported writing, and writing at a good pace.

Online courses.  You can find free courses on  Coursera ,  edX , and  Udemy  (including those from top universities).

Alternatively, you can invest in an authored online course from a successful writer.  Copyhackers  and  Copybloggger  have two highly sought-after writer certification programs.

Writing communities  offer a great way to network and bounce ideas with peers. You can get your pressing questions answered, plus receive feedback on your work.

Some communities are free (and less structured) e.g.  Female Freelance Writers  or  Writers Unite!  Others are paid and offer carefully curated information and original content such as  The Copywriter Club  or  Workfrom Slack group .

Mentorships and apprenticeships.  Some pros offer personalized mentorship services to aspiring writers, where they share tips for building a successful career. Less often, experienced writers hire and train apprentices. Oftentimes, by subcontracting their client work to you and coaching you on the quality standards. Freelance writer Kaleigh Moore discusses these arrangements in  greater detail .

Short-term academic programs.  If you want to get a professional credential and mingle with academic advisors, you have  many MFA programs  at a four-figure price tag.

4. Start Writing Part-Time

To become a writer, you don’t need to go all-in immediately.

Elizabeth Gilbert writes in  Big Magic :

“I never wanted to burden my writing with the responsibility of paying for my life. I knew better than to ask this of my writing, because over the years, I have watched so many other people murder their creativity by demanding that their art pay the bills.”

Gilbert herself lived by that principle. Despite writing short stories and pitching book deals most of her adult life, she also held another job until Eat, Pray, Love became a roaring success.

Many other talented writers also began their careers in other niches:

  • David Ogilvy , Father of Advertising, used to  train as a chef  and sell cooking stoves.
  • Aaron Orendorff , pro copywriter and former Editor-in-Chief at Shopify, was once a  pastor .
  • Sally Rooney , the first great millennial author, used to be a  professional debate participant .

Writing part-time is a safe way to start your professional career (unless you already have a job offer at your desk).

You can give yourself time to find your niche, create a small portfolio, and make yourself more employable by developing complementary skills.

Below are some of the most  in-demand skills for writers  (apart from writing).

Fact-checking.  Verifying facts and data; investigating sources and claims. Requires accuracy and attention to detail.

Interviewing and transcription.  Ability to interview subject matter experts (SMEs) and sources, then transcribe their input to incorporate into your writing.

Target audience research.  Requires basic market research skills and experience in working with primary and secondary data sources to create audience segments for marketing.

Search engine optimization (SEO)  includes knowledge of keyword research techniques and on-page SEO best practices — related to content structure, keyword placements, interlinking, and so on.

Content strategy.  Creation of frameworks and systematic approaches to content production based on the set marketing goals. Requires knowledge of content marketing.

Editorial planning.  Content and  editorial calendar  development and ongoing maintenance. Helps you ensure that you are producing the right content and publishing it at the right time.

Content management system (CMS) knowledge . Familiarity with WordPress, Webflow, or Squarespace CMS interfaces. Basic HTML/CSS skills are a plus.

Email marketing.  Familiarity with different types of email marketing emails. Newsletters, promo sequences, transactional emails, onboarding emails, and so on.

Conversion rate optimization (CRO).  User research, heatmap session analysis, and other types of investigations and improvements performed to optimize conversion rates.

Social media marketing.  Visual and written content creation for popular social media networks. Copy performance analysis and optimization for higher click-through rates.

Line editing and copy-editing.  The first means editing for clarity, lengths, and grammar. The second is checking the text for accuracy and consistency.

Set some basic writing goals for each month. Divide them into three groups:

  • Income : target earnings cap.
  • Education : training or knowledge you want to get.
  • Client outreach : number of pitches or job applications to make.

Then block time to work on each. Prioritize gigs that would help you develop new skills rather than do the same work repeatedly.

Should Writers Work for Free?

It’s something you need to decide for yourself.

By publishing your writing as a guest post or magazine submission, you can land your first byline and build your credibility as a writer.

But doing bigger client projects for free devalues your qualifications and often leads to a lifecycle of poorly paid work. Writing is a job and therefore entitles you to compensation.

5. Find Paid Writing Opportunities

As a professional writer, you have plenty of options.

At the basic level, writing jobs can be:

  • Contract-based

The first two usually come with an official employment contract, fixed annual salary, and extra benefits or perks.

Contract-based and freelance jobs assume self-employment. You are hired as an independent contractor, meaning you get to set your rates (mostly), but also pay income taxes and social security contributions.

You can also double as a freelance writer on the side while having a regular job. That’s a good way to supplement your income and progressively transition to full-time freelancing (which often pays more!).

Also, full-time in-house roles may be hard to get as a newbie. So you can try to combine  writing internships  with gig-based work to build out your portfolio first.

Where to Find Writing Jobs?

Job boards  like Best Writing Jobs  curate full-time and freelance jobs. You can also check industry-specific job boards like  Mediabistro  (for marketing and copywriting jobs) or  Journalism Jobs .

Freelance writer platforms.  Instead of joining general platforms like  Upwork , look into writer-specific talent networks such as  ClearVoice ,  Contra , or  Skyword .

LinkedIn  is an easy way to connect with employers directly through networking, apply for relevant jobs (based on your profile data), and  list your freelance services  on your profile.

Online writing communities  are a great way to connect with peers, plus receive a fresh scoop on possible jobs and leads from others.  Peak Freelance ,  Superpath , and  Freelance Writers Den  are the best.

Where to Publish Your Writing?

Online and print media.  You can pitch individual publishers, follow editors on Twitter and respond to posted calls, or use  Pitch Whiz  to get centralized updates.

Trade journals  specialize in industry content for B2B decision-makers. They accept reported articles, interviews, educational and informational content from experienced writers. Muck Rack has a great guide for  pitching trade editors .

Literary journals and almanacs  publish short stories, personal essays, and narrated pieces across all genres, from love writing to sci-fi.

Most have monthly or quarterly calls for submission. Book Fox has a  list of top 100 literary magazines  to pitch.

Self-publish via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP ). You can publish fiction and non-fiction eBooks yourself  using the KDP platform from Amazon .

6. Work on Your Brand

To become a writer, you need to publicly present yourself as one.

In other words: develop a personal brand, a promotion strategy for cultivating a certain perception of yourself. So that when people look up you online, they can understand what type of writing you do and what makes you a pro in it.

The main elements of your personal brand are the following.

Portfolio or personal website . A place where you communicate your niche, curate your clips (writing samples) and explain what services you provide.  Clippings.me  lets you create a simple portfolio website for free.  Webflow  is a more advanced builder to try out.

Social media accounts.  LinkedIn and Twitter, for example, the two platforms where people can connect with you and chat up on things. Follow  Kat Boogard  on Twitter for tips on freelancing or  Liz Willits  for advice on LinkedIn branding for writers.

Online appearances.  These range from bylined posts to personal blog posts and podcast appearances. Think of these as “breadcrumbs” you leave for potential clients to hire you.  Copyhacker’s guide  explains how to build your personal brand using guest appearances.

You don’t have to get each element perfect immediately. Treat personal branding as a work in progress.

Start with a simple portfolio website to organize your clips. Refresh your LinkedIn profile and connect with more people in the industry.

Block some time to strategize your positioning as a writer.

To do so, answer these questions:

  • What industries do you want to work with the most?
  • Which size of the company is ideal for you?
  • What type of writing services do you excel at?
  • What makes you more competitive than others in this space?

Then summarize all of the above into a short professional statement.

For example,  Marijana Kay  positions herself as a  “Freelance writer for SaaS & marketing brands, specializing in long-form, actionable blog content.”

Copywriter  Kira Hug  is a conversion copywriter for businesses who are  “ready to own who you are — the good, the bad, the surprising.”

kira-hug.jpg

Source:   Kira Hug .

Your positioning statement helps you communicate who you are and what type of work you like.

Also, by narrowing down to a specific niche, you can quickly develop an acute skillset and become an in-demand writer with a glowing reputation.

Conclusion: Where Do I Start as a Writer?

To start writing for a living, you should first decide on your niche, and the type of writing you want to (mostly) specialize in. Then work on creating your first writing samples.

First, mimic what other writers in your industry are doing. Pay attention to copy structure, formatting, titles and subheads, tone of voice, the pace of the narrative, and story flow. Try creating content in a similar style.

At the same time, learn extra skills. If you want to specialize in online writing, learn about SEO and content marketing. There are plenty of online courses and industry blogs with in-depth content.

Once you have some working samples, look for part-time gigs. If you can afford to, sign up as an intern or apprentice to get some on-the-job training from others (but likely no pay). Alternatively, look for entry-level freelance jobs, offering guidance and instructions to new writers.

To become a better writer, always ask for feedback on your work and try to improve each time.

Fill in the knowledge gaps and learn new things about the industry you are covering. To be a well-paid writer, you need to have an open, curious mind, passion for learning, and dedication to constant self-improvement.

FAQs About Becoming a Writer

Here are answers to several other questions new writers have.

Can you become a writer without a degree?

Yes, absolutely.  Formal education in a relevant field is helpful, especially at the early stages of your career. But it becomes less of a factor as you gain real-life work experience.

Published authors like Ray Bradbury and William Faulkner and many professional business writers became successful without a degree.

What is the difference between a copywriter and a content writer?

Copywriters specialize in persuasive and promotional copy (printed ads, landing pages, sales copy). Content writers create informational, educational, or entertainment content (blog posts, articles, news reports).

While both try to speak to a target audience in the most appealing way, copywriting attempts to encourage concrete action. Content helps develop familiarity and affinity towards the brand that publishes it.

How do I start freelance writing with no experience?

Create a set of writing samples.  These don’t have to be commissioned pieces for clients.

You can write personal blog posts, landing page samples, or short-reported pieces in your niche. Then show these to clients as a sample of what you could do for them.

Most clients are interested in your skills, not your resume. So focus on building out a small portfolio in your niche first.

What kind of careers involve writing?

Nearly every job these days involves a lot of writing — from emails to meeting notes and team reports. But if you want to primarily do writing, look into careers in content marketing, communications, PR, or journalism.

Do writers have day jobs?

Yes, many authors and freelance writers also have day jobs. In fact, it’s better to keep a day job as a published (or unpublished) author instead of living from one advance to another. Likewise, many people grow a writing business on the side and switch to it full-time when they reach a certain level of income.

Where can I sell my writing?

You can sell your creative writing to literary magazines, anthology publishers, almanacs, and individual magazines. Online platforms like  Medium  and  Narratively  also pay writers per story or per number of views. Also, you can sell non-fiction writing to print and online magazines, newspapers, and blogs. Many have open calls for submissions. You can (and should!) also connect with individual editors and pitch them your ideas.

How do authors get paid?

Authors get paid in two ways — via advances on books and through royalties. Publishers offer signed-on writers an advance to help them complete their books. Then pay out a percentage of each copy sold. Self-published authors make money from royalties only. But they get to keep a bigger percentage.

Are professional writers in demand?

Absolutely! The demand for online content writers, in particular, surged as businesses shifted to online marketing over the past 18 months. Also, writers are actively employed by tech firms to provide copy for new and current products. Between 2020 and 2030, the employment of writers and authors is projected to  grow by 9% .

How do beginner writers make money?

New writers often end up working for ‘content mills’ — platforms that pay peanuts for an unreasonable volume of work. Some also sign up for popular freelance marketplaces like  Upwork ,  Fiverr , and  PeoplePerHour .

Again, these don’t always offer great pay. A better way to make money is to apply for freelance writing jobs directly or build relationships with clients online — via LinkedIn, niche communities, or social media. In this case, you can name and negotiate your rates.

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Teacher's Notepad

19 Writing Prompts about Jobs

Does a job sound boring or exciting to you?

Here’s a secret that I didn’t learn for far too long in life…

It can be whatever you want it to be! As corny as it might sound, it’s actually very true. We really can choose for a job to be a chore, or a daily source of satisfaction and enjoyment. In some cases this actually applies to the same job. Sort of a “glass half full / glass half empty” type scenario.

But ultimately, we are in control of what job we go after once we finish our schooling and get out into the world. If you have something in mind which you believe would be a wonderful job, make it happen!

Sure, it might not fall into our laps, but with some thoughtful consideration and a bunch of hard work, we absolutely can have a job that brings us rewards of all kinds if we go after it.

So today we’re thinking about what jobs are, what they mean to us, and inspiring some thoughtful writing – which might just help us understand just how amazing the opportunities ahead of us really are!

Let’s get into it…

How to use:

Try using one or two prompts which grab you as discussion points for a class of students. You’re sure to get a lot of interesting discussion going. Then have everyone go and write a piece on a second writing prompt.

It can be interesting to give several groups of young writers a different prompt each, and see what the resulting written work is as presented back to the class.

You may prefer to simply choose one prompt, and have all students write extensively on it – or for a given amount of time.

Alternatively providing the full list and allowing everyone to write about the prompt that most speaks to them. In the process of reading through the list you’re likely warming up those writing neurons too, stirring up all sorts of different opinions and ideas along the way.

Enjoy, happy writing!

19 Writing Prompts about Jobs:

  • How do you think people end up working at a job they love to do?
  • Over recent years lots of new jobs or ways of earning a living have emerged, such as being a professional gamer or a YouTuber. How do they make that their job?
  • If you did not have to worry about money, what job would you most like to have? Why?
  • Do you think most people finishing high school are certain what they want to do as a job? Why?
  • How do the jobs of people around you such as friends and family influence what you think of as possible future jobs for yourself? Why?
  • Have you met anyone recently that made you interested in what they did as a job? What was it about that job that caught your attention?
  • Most jobs 100 years ago looked very different to jobs today, and many of those jobs no longer exist. There are many jobs today that didn’t exist 100 years ago. How do you think jobs might look in 100 years time?
  • If there was a job that you’d really love to have, to you think it would be worth working and studying hard to achieve it? Why?
  • Would you rather have a job that was difficult but very satisfying, or very easy to do but not at all satisfying? Why?
  • Do you think what job you’re wanting to do will change over time? Why is that?
  • Often when thinking about what job we might want, we think of jobs that are most “visible” to us – for example, doctor, firefighter, builder. But there are thousands of jobs that we never see unless we go looking. How can we discover more possible jobs?
  • Some jobs are more meaningful than others, helping save lives, or helping others live a better life and so on. Would you rather have more meaning or more money from your job? Why?
  • Different jobs can lead to different levels of happiness or stress in life. Would you prefer a job that leaves you feeling happy at the end of most days, but might not provide you much extra spending money, or a job that left you very stressed or unhappy at the end of most days, but which gave you huge amounts of money to spend? Why?
  • If you think of all the different types of jobs people you know have worked at, are there any which you think would be great to try doing yourself? Are there any which you know you would not like to do? What draws you to one type of job, and puts you off another job?
  • Would you prefer to work a single job that you enjoy for the rest of your life, or a different job every year? Why?
  • Is there anyone that you look up to who has helped you understand that a job doesn’t need to be a boring thing you have to do? Who are they, and how have they helped you understand this?
  • If you think of your group of friends, do you all want to go into very different jobs, or are there any themes around what work some of you are wanting to go into? Why do you think that is?
  • If your best friend was unsure about what job they wanted to get, how would you help them think about it to try and find something they would enjoy and find satisfying?
  • Would you want to do your hobby as a job? Why?

Needing more writing resources and printables?

Good news people, we have well and truly got you covered.

Try some winter writing prompts for a start. That not enough? Get a little deeper with writing prompts about yourself !

If you’re needing some prompts for younger students, try our collection of 2nd grade writing prompts .

As usual if you have ideas on what you’d like us to make next in the way of free resources and printables, just let us know. Our husband and wife team create new things for you to use for free all the time – seriously – check back soon and you’ll see what I mean!

Don’t forget to share this with others 🙂

Thanks, Matt & Hayley

writing career ideas

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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David Nield

17 Tips to Take Your ChatGPT Prompts to the Next Level

5 blue balls riding on 5 randomly arranged curved black tubes against a bright green backdrop

ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other tools like them are making artificial intelligence available to the masses. We can now get all sorts of responses back on almost any topic imaginable. These chatbots can compose sonnets, write code, get philosophical, and automate tasks.

However, while you can just type anything you like into ChatGPT and get it to understand you. There are ways of getting more interesting and useful results out of the bot. This "prompt engineering" is becoming a specialized skill of its own.

Sometimes all it takes is the addition of a few more words or an extra line of instruction and you can get ChatGPT responses that are a level above what everyone else is seeing—and we've included several examples below.

While there's lots you can do with the free version of ChatGPT, a few of these prompts require a paid ChatGPT Plus subscription —where that's the case, we've noted it in the tip.

ChatGPT can give you responses in the form of a table if you ask. This is particularly helpful for getting information or creative ideas. For example, you could tabulate meal ideas and ingredients, or game ideas and equipment, or the days of the week and how they're said in a few different languages.

Using follow-up prompts and natural language, you can have ChatGPT make changes to the tables it has drawn and even produce the tables in a standard format that can be understood by another program (such as Microsoft Excel).

If you provide ChatGPT with a typed list of information, it can respond in a variety of ways. Maybe you want it to create anagrams from a list of names, or sort a list of products into alphabetical order, or turn all the items in a list into upper case. If needed, you can then click the copy icon (the small clipboard) at the end of an answer to have the processed text sent to the system clipboard.

Screenshot of ChatGPT

Get ChatGPT to respond as your favorite author.

With some careful prompting, you can get ChatGPT out of its rather dull, matter-of-fact, default tone and into something much more interesting—such as the style of your favorite author, perhaps.

You could go for the searing simplicity of an Ernest Hemingway or Raymond Carver story, the lyrical rhythm of a Shakespearean play, or the density of a Dickens novel. The resulting prose won't come close to the genius of the actual authors themselves, but it's another way of getting more creative with the output you generate.

ChatGPT can really impress when it's given restrictions to work within, so don't be shy when it comes to telling the bot to limit its responses to a certain number of words or a certain number of paragraphs.

It could be everything from condensing the information in four paragraphs down into one, or even asking for answers with words of seven characters or fewer (just to keep it simple). If ChatGPT doesn't follow your responses properly, you can correct it, and it'll try again.

Another way of tweaking the way ChatGPT responds is to tell it who the intended audience is for its output. You might have seen WIRED's videos in which complex subjects are explained to people with different levels of understanding. This works in a similar way.

For example, you can tell ChatGPT that you are speaking to a bunch of 10-year-olds or to an audience of business entrepreneurs and it will respond accordingly. It works well for generating multiple outputs along the same theme.

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Screenshot of ChatGPT

Tell ChatGPT the audience it's writing for.

ChatGPT is a very capable prompt engineer itself. If you ask it to come up with creative and effective inputs for artificial intelligence engines such as Dall-E and Midjourney , you'll get text you can then input into other AI tools you're playing around with. You're even able to ask for tips with prompts for ChatGPT itself.

When it comes to generating prompts, the more detailed and specific you are about what you're looking for the better: You can get the chatbot to extend and add more detail to your sentences, you can get it to role-play as a prompt generator for a specific AI tool, and you can tell it to refine its answers as you add more and more information.

While ChatGPT is based around text, you can get it to produce pictures of a sort by asking for ASCII art. That's the art made up of characters and symbols rather than colors. The results won't win you any prizes, but it's pretty fun to play around with.

The usual ChatGPT rules apply, in that the more specific you are in your prompt the better, and you can get the bot to add new elements and take elements away as you go. Remember the limitations of the ASCII art format though—this isn't a full-blown image editor.

Screenshot of ChatGPT

A ChatGPT Plus subscription comes with image generation.

If you use ChatGPT Plus , it's got the DALL-E image generator right inside it, so you can ask for any kind of photo, drawing, or illustration you like. As with text, try to be as explicit as possible about what it is you want to see, and how it's shown; do you want something that looks like a watercolor painting, or like it was taken by a DSLR camera? You can have some real fun with this: Put Columbo in a cyberpunk setting, or see how Jurassic Park would look in the Victorian era. The possibilities are almost endless.

You don't have to do all the typing yourself when it comes to ChatGPT. Copy and paste is your friend, and there's no problem with pasting in text from other sources. While the input limit tops out at around 4,000 words, you can easily split the text you're sending the bot into several sections and get it to remember what you've previously sent.

Perhaps one of the best ways of using this approach is to get ChatGPT to simplify text that you don't understand—the explanation of a difficult scientific concept, for instance. You can also get it to translate text into different languages, write it in a more engaging or fluid style, and so on.

If you want to go exploring, ask ChatGPT to create a text-based choose-your-own adventure game. You can specify the theme and the setting of the adventure, as well as any other ground rules to put in place. When we tried this out, we found ourselves wandering through a spooky castle, with something sinister apparently hiding in the shadows.

Screenshot of ChatGPT

ChatGPT is able to create text-based games for you to play.

Another way to improve the responses you get from ChatGPT is to give it some data to work with before you ask your question. For instance, you could give it a list of book summaries together with their genre, then ask it to apply the correct genre label to a new summary. Another option would be to tell ChatGPT about activities you enjoy and then get a new suggestion.

There's no magic combination of words you have to use here. Just use natural language as always, and ChatGPT will understand what you're getting at. Specify that you're providing examples at the start of your prompt, then tell the bot that you want a response with those examples in mind.

You can ask ChatGPT for feedback on any of your own writing, from the emails you're sending to friends, to the short story you're submitting to a competition, to the prompts you're typing into the AI bot. Ask for pointers on spelling, grammar, tone, readability, or anything else you want to scrutinize.

ChatGPT cleared the above paragraph as being clear and effective, but said it could use a call to action at the end. Try this prompt today!

Screenshot of ChatGPT

Get ChatGPT to give you feedback on your own writing.

In the same way that ChatGPT can mimic the style of certain authors that it knows about, it can also play a role: a frustrated salesman, an excitable teenager (you'll most likely get a lot of emoji and abbreviations back), or the iconic western film star John Wayne.

There are countless roles you can play around with. These prompts might not score highly in terms of practical applications, but they're definitely a useful insight into the potential of these AI chatbots.

You can type queries into ChatGPT that you might otherwise type into Google, looking for answers: Think "how much should I budget for a day of sightseeing in London?" or "what are the best ways to prepare for a job interview?" for example. Almost anything will get a response of some sort—though as always, don't take AI responses as being 100 percent accurate 100 percent of the time.

If you're using the paid ChatGPT Plus tool, it will actually search the web (with Bing) and provide link references for the answers it gives. If you're using the free version of ChatGPT, it'll mine the data its been trained on for answers, so they might be a little out of date or less reliable.

Your answers can be seriously improved if you give ChatGPT some ingredients to work with before asking for a response. They could be literal ingredients—suggest a dish from what's left in the fridge—or they could be anything else.

So don't just ask for a murder mystery scenario. Also list out the characters who are going to appear. Don't just ask for ideas of where to go in a city; specify the city you're going to, the types of places you want to see, and the people you'll have with you.

Your prompts don't always have to get ChatGPT to generate something from scratch: You can start it off with something, and then let the AI finish it off. The model will take clues from what you've already written and build on it.

This can come in handy for everything from coding a website to composing a poem—and you can then get ChatGPT to go back and refine its answer as well.

You've no doubt noticed how online arguments have tended toward the binary in recent years, so get ChatGPT to help add some gray between the black and the white. It's able to argue both sides of an argument if you ask it to, including both pros and cons.

From politics and philosophy to sports and the arts, ChatGPT is able to sit on the fence quite impressively—not in a vague way, but in a way that can help you understand tricky issues from multiple perspectives.

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Chrome gets a built-in AI writing tool powered by Gemini

writing career ideas

Google Chrome is getting a new AI writing generator today. At its core, this Gemini-powered tool is essentially the existing “ Help me write ” feature from Gmail, but extended to the entire web and powered by one of Google’s latest Gemini AI models. The company first announced this new tool in January and it remains in its “experimental” phase, meaning you must explicitly enable it.

To get started, head to the Chrome settings menu and look for the “Experimental AI” page. From there, you can easily enable the new writing feature, as well as Google’s new automatic tab organizer (which I haven’t found particularly useful or smart so far) and the new Chrome theme manager). For now, the AI writer is only available in English on Windows, Mac and Linux. After that, right-click on any text field and select “Help me write.” You can use this to write something completely new and Gemini can also rewrite existing text.

writing career ideas

Image Credits: Google

If you’re subscribed to Gemini Advanced, this new tool will not give you access to an enhanced writing model, a Google spokesperson told us. It’s very much meant for short-form content like emails or support requests and a bigger model may not even be of much help there anyway.

One nifty feature here is that the tool will take into account the site you are on when it makes its recommendations. “The tool will understand the context of the webpage you’re on to suggest relevant content,” Google engineering director Adriana Porter Felt writes in today’s announcement . “For example, if you’re writing a review for a pair of running shoes, Chrome will pull out key features from the product page that support your recommendation so it’s more valuable to potential shoppers.”

As with the “Help me write” feature in Gmail, it’s easy enough to change the length and tone of the results, too.

It’s important to note that the text, content and the URL of the page you are using the service on will be sent to Google under its existing privacy policy. Google explicitly notes that this information “is used to improve this feature, which includes generative model research and machine learning technologies,” which includes a review process with humans in the loop. Caveat scriptor.

writing career ideas

Google’s Duet AI can now write your emails for you

Posted Feb 27, 2024

At 1:00 PM UTC

Mostly to summarize content, get writing help and automate their workflows, according to a new Slack survey that polled 10,000 people working desk jobs. However, 43 percent of all respondents said they never received any guidance from their companies on how to use AI products at work.

Not surprisingly, the survey found that there’s more takeup of AI tools in organizations that give employees guidelines to use the technology.

screenshot of Slack survey showing 43 percent of desk workers polled received no guidance on using AI tools

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