If you’re looking for a creative writing job, then you’ll need to find a way to stand out from the crowd. With so many applicants, it can be hard to get an interview, and even more difficult to get the job once you’re in. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to make sure that your application is as strong as possible. This article will go over what a statement of writing plans is, how to write one effectively, and most importantly, how to use it to maximize your chances of getting hired.
What Is a Statement of Writing Plans?
A statement of writing plans, also known as a SOWP, is a short document that you can include in your application for a creative writing job. It’s a chance for you to outline what you’ve done in the past and what you intend to do in the future. The document doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be comprehensive enough to show that you’ve thought through your project and have a clear idea of what you’re going for. It will also help your potential employer get a sense of your approach to working.
The document should cover all aspects of your work, including the following:
- A brief summary of your previous experience
- A description of the creative writing courses you’ve taken
- A summary of your writing process
- An outline of your future goals
- Any relevant links
- Your SOWP score
What Should My Statement of Writing Plans Include?
The best statements of writing plans are comprehensive and include everything listed above. While it’s not required that you use all of the space provided, you should fill every line with as much information as possible. Your SOWP is a chance for you to showcase your abilities and experience, as well as your vision for the future. It should never be a struggle to find the right words to fill in the document – you’re aiming for a concise yet comprehensive document, after all!
Why Do I Need a Statement of Writing Plans?
If you’ve ever tried to get a job in creative writing, then you know how hard it can be. Even if you’re a highly talented writer, you’ll most likely be competing with thousands of others for very limited editorial positions. To get an edge over the competition, you need to stand out from the crowd with a unique set of skills and experience. One great way to do this is with the help of a strong statement of writing plans. By creating a compelling narrative about yourself, including a detailed description of your past experiences, you can show employers that you’re the type of writer they’re looking for.
Your SOWP will also help you establish yourself as an authoritative voice in your field. If an employer is looking for an engaged voice with a strong opinion, then you’re the writer they’ll want to hear from. Your passion for your work is what will get you noticed, as is your track record of success. Your SOWP will act as a great marketing tool, convincing employers that you’re the right person for the job. It will also help you find the right opportunities, as publishing houses, literary agents, and individual creators vet your SOWP and decide whether or not to engage with you.
How Do I Create a Statement of Writing Plans?
If you’ve got a good idea of what you’re looking for, then creating a statement of writing plans shouldn’t be too difficult. All you need is an organized mind and some decent word processors. You can download a free PDF statement of writing plans generator from the website of the Association of American Publishers (4A’s), which can then be edited and formatted in any way you choose.
You can find a sample statement of writing plans below:
- Brief summary of previous work experience
- Short story – 2000 words
- Overview of writing courses taken
- How to write a novel – 2000 words
- Outline of major characters
- Thematic analysis of the novel
- Proposal for publishing contract
How Is My Statement of Writing Plans Evaluated?
The statement of writing plans is one of the three parts of your creative writing application. Your resume, covering letter, and statement of writing plans should all be consistent in tone and content, and use appropriate grammar and spelling. The statement of writing plans will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Formatting
- Content
- Length
- Relevance
In order to achieve a perfect score, your statement of writing plans must be well-written, comprehensive, and relevant. Make sure you work on eliminating any grammatical errors before submitting your application – an editor can be extremely helpful here. Be sure to proofread and edit multiple times before giving it your final approval. This way, you’ll be certain that every detail of your work is correct and that you’ve provided enough information for the reader to make an informed decision about your application. When proofreading, ask yourself questions and make sure you understand what you’ve written. If you still don’t understand something, then it’s probably better to leave it out rather than risk introducing errors. In the end, the perfect statement of writing plans should leave the reader feeling confident that they’ve found the right person for the job, and excited about what they’ve read. This is ultimately what you’re aiming for.
What Should I Include in My Statement of Writing Plans?
The statement of writing plans is a chance for you to introduce yourself to an employer, while also marketing your abilities as a writer. To get the most out of this document, make sure you include everything you think is relevant about yourself. You don’t need to go into great detail about every aspect of your life, but including some fascinating stories about yourself and your work will definitely make you more interesting. Keep things light and airy as possible – the less you say, the better. You should also include information about the type of work you do, as well as the length of time it takes to complete a project. In the end, the statement of writing plans is only a short document, so don’t worry about making it perfect. Instead, just make sure you include everything you need to get the job done. Your potential employer will be more than satisfied with what you’ve written, and you’ll have the opportunity to start a new project with them.