If you have a love for words and a talent for crafting stories, then you might want to consider a career in creative writing. There is a wide range of opportunities available, from being an academic writer to working for a large publishing house. The job opportunities are good, and the pay is usually sufficient to cover your living costs. You’ll need to have a solid foundation in English to be considered for an editorial role, but it’s quite feasible to enter the field with minimal experience. So, let’s take a look at the various careers available in creative writing, and the qualifications you’ll need to pursue them.
Academic Writing
Being an academic writer means you’ll be producing articles for publication in journals and newspapers. These pieces may be on a variety of topics, but will typically involve original research. They will also require you to compile a significant amount of information regarding your subject matter. If you enjoy doing extensive research and have a good command of the English language, then this is a good career choice. You’ll typically need to have a respectable background in the field before you can begin working as an academic writer. You should also have a good understanding of linguistics since you will be working with words on a day-to-day basis.
Starting pay as an academic writer is usually decent, but it can vary significantly depending on the field. For example, you may find there is more opportunity for progression in English literature than there is in microbiology. However, the rate of pay is usually satisfactory to encourage most people to pursue this line of work. There are also a number of part-time jobs available as an academic writer, so you can fit this in around your studies. You can further your education by taking up a master’s degree in English literature or creative writing. If you are determined to enter the field and want to do so professionally, then an MA could be the means to achieving your goal. If you are a mature student looking for extra income, then consider looking into teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). This could be a good way to make some extra cash, and it doesn’t require a specific degree (although a TEFL qualification would be advantageous).
Journalism
Working as a journalist is another option. Whether you choose to report on current affairs, international events, or social issues, you will need to be able to gather and synthesize large amounts of information quickly and accurately. You’ll also need to have a good command of the English language and be able to write convincingly about your subject matter. Once you’ve established yourself as a reliable and accurate journalist, you can specialize in areas such as political reporting, economics, or sports writing. In addition to this, you’ll need to consider whether you want to go freelance or pursue a career in journalism for a large publishing house. Freelance journalists are usually paid on a per piece basis, which can range from £500 to £1,000 or more. For more information on the various career paths available in journalism, take a look at the IJobs website. They have a lot of in-depth information about pursuing a career in this field, including information about education and training. If you can’t find enough information about a particular career path, then you can contact the IJobs editorial team directly to get some helpful tips and suggestions. They’ll be able to give you an idea of what qualifications you’ll need and where you can find them. Journalism is a fairly competitive field, and employers expect candidates to have a sound knowledge of current affairs and an ability to research intricate topics. It is also a very flexible field, so if you have a genuine love for writing and being able to explore a variety of topics, then this is a good choice for you. However, be aware of the initial costs involved in getting started – not just in terms of money, but also in terms of time and energy. Once you’re up and running, you can expect to earn a decent living from journalism, but it will still be a job that demands a lot from you.
Scriptwriting
If you have a flair for creating stories and compelling characters, then you might want to consider moving towards full-time writing. You’ll need to be able to take an objective viewpoint whilst still keeping the reader engaged. You’ll also need to have a good understanding of linguistics, as well as the ability to form coherent narratives and express yourself clearly in writing. If you’ve got a proven track record of creating engaging stories, then this is a good choice for you. You can progress in this field by taking up a postgraduate degree in creative writing or applied linguistics, which will give you a good understanding of both literature and language. Once you’ve established yourself as a capable writer, you can look to create and develop material for film, television, or online platforms. In terms of salary, it’s not the most lucrative of careers, but you can expect to earn a decent living from it. You’ll also need to be comfortable with the idea of being freelance, as this will be a common means of employment for established writers. If you want to write, but lack the technical and academic knowledge required to do so, then consider moving into scriptwriting – it’s a good fit for people with an analytical mind and a love for the creative process.
Authorship
A career as an author is an option that should be considered by people who enjoy creating fictional stories and getting lost in the adventures of their characters. It’s a common misconception that you need to have previously published work to be considered for an author role. Typically, you’ll need to have a decent sized readership or following on social media to be considered for an author position – though, as the industry evolves, so do the requirements for becoming an author. It’s also a job that can be very flexible in terms of hours and location. If you’ve got a solid understanding of English grammar and syntax, then this is a good choice for you. You can find out more information about how to become an author on this Writing.com guide to the freelance writing lifestyle.
A distinct advantage of pursuing a career in authoring is the diversity of projects you’ll be able to take on. If you have a particular interest in a certain subject matter (such as history or literature), then this is a good opportunity to further your knowledge and build on your existing skill sets. If you want to pursue this line of work, then consider looking into an MPhil or PhD in English literature or writing. These qualifications will give you a solid foundation in the field, as well as the skillset necessary to become an accomplished author. Once you’ve qualified, you can look to specialize in areas such as historical fiction or creative non-fiction. It’s a popular choice among full-time students, as well as people who want to further their educations but lack the time to complete a full-fledged degree. If you want to write, but don’t have the necessary degree, then consider looking into a postgraduate writer’s course (MPhil / PhD). These courses will give you a good understanding of both language and literature, as well as the skillset necessary to enter the field professionally. After completing a postgrad course, you can look to work for a large publishing house or go freelance. Freelancing is a common means of employment for established authors, so if you want to write, but don’t want to commit to a full-time job, then consider freelancing.
Poetry
If you enjoy crafting clever limericks and want to do so professionally, then you might want to consider a career in poetry. You’ll need to enjoy a good measure of solitude to be able to focus on your poetry, so if you’re looking for professional development then this isn’t the best choice. You’ll also need to be confident enough to express yourself well in verse. A degree in English literature will put you ahead of the competition, and with the right qualifications, you can even go on to write innovative poetry that will be hailed as works of genius. If you want to write, but lack the technical and academic knowledge required to do so, then consider moving into poetry. You may not get rich from writing poetry, but you will certainly be able to support yourself and develop your talent.
The stigma surrounding poetry is slowly being lifted, with more people seeing it as a valid form of creative writing. This is evidenced by the amount of competitions that exist for both beginners and experienced poets alike. Take a look at this year’s International Poetry Slam in London, which celebrates its 21st year this year and is open to everyone. You don’t need to be a professional to participate. Similarly, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival offers a Poetry Slam to aspiring and established poets alike, as well as a number of other competitions and showcases that are open to all. These events and others like them across the country will hopefully help to destigmatize poetry, and allow more people to see the wonders of words and write creatively.