When people think of creative writing they tend to imagine a hunched figure, sitting alone with a cold coffee and a blank page, anxiously trying to produce the next great piece of literature. For some writers, this may be the case, but there is also a wide, varied and truly dynamic world of opportunities for a creative writer. There are numerous fields that are crying out for input of a writer, and even more stories that remain untold. Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting and lucrative employment options for creative writers.
Novelist/Author
Many writers will be driven by an ambition to produce a novel or memoir. While it is a competitive and indeed busy playing field, it is also truly rewarding and gratifying to see your work on the shelves of your favourite bookshop. Authors have the freedom to experiment with different genres before finding their voice. Perhaps it will be fiction, fantasy, horror or perhaps short stories? Successful authors can enjoy critical praise, a dedicated readership, and opportunities in film and television adaptations.
Screenwriter
Screenwriting is where the visual storyteller can find their niche. Film, television, streaming and long-form stories are enjoying a resurgence of the “golden age of television” with huge numbers bingeing on box sets globally. Film is also drifting from cinema to streaming platforms meaning more accessibility and more funding. This sector entails a lot of collaborative work with directors, producers and performers. It's a career that requires the technical skills of a screenwriter and an ability to translate a story for the screen.
Playwright
One of the oldest forms of performance, theatre is a truly enriching way to bring a story to life. Playwrights will work with dramaturgs to develop their characters, story arc and dramatic structure. Watching your words electrify a live audience in a theatre is a fulfilling and life affirming career path.
Poet
Poetry is often misunderstood as a highbrow artform that is complex and overly convoluted. But, the opposite is true. Poetry can come from anywhere. It lives both on streets and in the halls of academia. It can be found anywhere from the rap lyrics of Tupac Shakur to the rhyming couplets of Shakespeare. While it may be a little more challenging to make a living solely as a poet, if it is the calling of the artist, it simply must be answered.
Blogger/Content Writer
In the age when content is king, someone is always going to have to write that content. Content writers create a variety of resources, including blogs and articles, site content, and social media posts, which frequently require a combination of creativity, SEO understanding, and marketing insights.
Editors
Everything and anything that is published, produced or staged, will have gone through numerous stages of editing. But it’s important to know that a professional editor is more than a proofreader. Editing is a skill and arguably, an artform, and publishing editors are highly valued members of the literary world. This career path is ideal for people who enjoy working with others and have an ability to bring out the best in a piece of work.
Copywriter
Copywriting is the process of creating persuasive and interesting material for use in advertising or marketing. It's a dynamic and creative career choice, ideal for writers who can balance imagination with strategic insights in order to produce messages that appeal with target groups and generate engagement.
Ghostwriter
Ghostwriters create texts that are formally attributed to someone else. Ghostwriters will need to generate a close relationship with the subject as they will need to tell the subject's story with authenticity and intimacy. They generally write memoirs and biographies but they can also cover speeches, literary texts or articles for example. This kind of work requires well-honed soft skills and an instinct for empathy. A ghost writer must generate trust and openness with the subject but also remain objective and impartial.
Creative Writing Tutor
For those who enjoy mentoring and teaching, becoming a creative writing tutor provides an opportunity to lead and encourage the future generation of writers. This position could include academic institutions, workshops, or internet platforms.
Journalist
While there is more to being a journalist than writing, having creative writing skills is a valuable first step. Journalists report on events, conduct interviews, and create news articles using their storytelling abilities. This career choice involves ethical research and a dedication to factual reporting, as well as the ability to produce compelling articles under pressure.
Technical Writer
Technical writers are experts at producing clear, concise documentation such as manuals, guides, and FAQs. This job path is suitable for writers with a talent for condensing complex and weighty information into easily digestible and user-friendly formats.
Scriptwriter for Video Games
As the video game industry grows, so does the demand for scriptwriters who can create engaging narratives and character dialogues. This role combines creative writing with an understanding of gameplay and player experience.
Social Media Content Manager
Creative writers with a knack for short, catchy, and engaging writing can excel as social media managers. This role involves creating content for various social media platforms, engaging with audiences, and building a brand's online presence. It is fast paced, fun and highly imaginative.
Songwriter/Lyricist
Perhaps you love song lyrics, but you’re not a musician? Think Bernie Taupin and Elton John. There are many hugely successful pairings that involve a separate lyricist and musician. This job can include collaborating with musicians to compose lyrics for songs in a variety of musical genres, including stage musicals, advertising, television or film scores, among others.
Children’s Book Writer
If you can step into the imagination of a child, then perhaps writing for kids is for you? Children's books can vary from very young toddlers to Young Adult (YA) and everything in between. Many children's books are also adapted into animation, film or television.
Travel Writer
For many, travel writing is the dream job. Social media is packed full of travel experiences leaving people wanting more. This is a vocation that is ideal for those who enjoy adventure and can reflect on their experiences in an informative and entertaining way.
Speechwriter
Speechwriters prepare speeches for politicians, business leaders, and public figures. This is an important role that must include rigid fact checking, research and accuracy. The writer will also need to truly understand the speaker's voice and write a speech stirring enough to be memorable and persuasive.
Creative writing is a doorway to a world of possibilities. Whether your passion lies in the construction of narratives, sharing knowledge, or playing a major role in the literary scene, there is a path for you. With the ever-increasing demand for compelling material across all industries, opportunities for creative writers to build out profitable and important careers are more accessible than ever. Check out our courses and see where your words can take you…