So you’ve got a flair for writing, excellent judgment and an ability to articulate ideas well. Now what do you do? How do you go about getting a job in the lucrative world of writing? This is the question a lot of prospective authors want to know. It’s not that there aren’t any jobs out there; rather, it’s that you have to know the right people in order to get them.
The good news is that, with a little bit of networking, research and the willingness to learn, you can land yourself a job as a writer without having to worry about finding enough work to make ends meet. Sound exciting? Let’s take a look.
Find A Job
As a starting point, it’s important to find a job that you can see yourself as a long-term career. This will give you the motivation to work hard and prove yourself, as well as allow you to develop your skills quickly and gain experience. If you’re currently employed in a 9 to 5 job and planning on applying for a writing job, then it might be a good idea to look into office work. There are a lot of jobs available for writers and researchers in legal, financial and business niches, among others. Finding your perfect fit is all about knowing the right people and having the right connections. Don’t worry, no one is going to hand you a golden ticket to success – you have to work hard to prove yourself.
Study The Craft
Writing is a constantly evolving field. There are new styles, new methodologies and new platforms cropping up daily. If you want to succeed as a writer, then it’s important to keep up with the times and learn from the best. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources available to help you out. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a classic novel or take an online class with a renowned professor, there are plenty of opportunities out there for you to learn and keep learning. It’s important to find the resources that suit your needs. While getting a formal education is highly recommended, you don’t have to go overboard and get a graduate degree if you don’t want to. What’s important is that you choose your options wisely and don’t go for the most prestigious one simply because it is the most convenient.
Network
Another important factor to consider when applying for a job is your network. Who do you know that may be able to give you a helping hand? With some effort, you can turn your contacts into resources for you to learn from. For example, you may know a journalist who can give you an exclusive interview with a celebrity. Or you may know someone who can get you access to a renowned museum for free tours. Having a wide network will certainly help you out, and it’s a good idea to make the most of it. There are a number of different ways that your network can help you, so be sure to utilize them all.
Be Brave
No one is an expert in every field, and that’s the beauty of being able to combine your talents with other individuals’ expertise. If you want to be able to write your own ticket to success, then it’s important to be brave and put yourself out there. Even though this might seem scary, reaching out to people and making connections is how you climb the ladder. Be brave and try new things, and you’ll definitely succeed.