The world of creative writing can be both exciting and exhilarating, as well as terrifying and daunting. For those who have never considered themselves writers, the process of creatively expressing yourself can seem both confusing and overwhelming, particularly in the beginning.
For those who love writing, it can be a great relief to know that there are so many different ways to get published, and it’s now easier than ever to navigate the industry’s many paths to success.
The Many Different Ways To Get Published
While writing is primarily associated with creative literature, the industry itself is diverse and versatile, encompassing everything from traditional novels and short stories to non-fiction and plays. There are currently more than 150 different ways to get your work published, from traditional publishing to online self-publishing platforms, e-book platforms, and even viral content generators like TikTok and YouTube.
Traditional publishing includes mainstream newspapers and magazines, which can be lucrative but still limited in scope, as well as a select number of well-known literary magazines and journals. If you want to see your name in print, you’ll usually need to go through an agent or a company that handles literary contracts, which can be quite expensive, as well as submit your work to a limited number of publishing houses that typically only accept a certain number of submissions each year.
More recently, the industry has shifted to embracing new avenues of publication, with self-publishing taking off as an option and independent and self-founded magazines and publishing houses emerging to complement traditional routes to market.
Why Study Creative Writing At University?
If you’re studying at university, you might be wondering why you should consider studying creative writing. There are a variety of reasons, all of which relate to the industry’s ever-increasing need for new writers. With the world shifting to digital and social media, the need for content creators, particularly novelists and short story writers, has never been greater.
If you’re seriously considering a career in creative writing, then it’s important to do your research into the various pathways to success, particularly if you’re looking to fund your studies. Luckily, there are a number of different scholarships and awards that can help with your studies, as well as grants and bursaries for those looking to get into publishing. Many universities now offer creative writing degrees, with courses ranging from fiction to non-fiction and even journalism. Your chosen degree will depend on your future career goals.
Where Do I Start?
With so many different ways to get published, you might wonder where you should start your search for a publisher. Like with any new industry or sector, the key is to get involved and to gain as much experience as possible, so that when you do finally embark on your career, you’re not simply starting from scratch. That being said, the world of publishing is a competitive and cut-throat environment, so it’s important to find a way to stand out from the crowd. One option is to focus on digital platforms like blogging or vlogging, as well as reaching out to existing social media communities to gain access to potential readers. Platforms like Google Blogger and Medium are great for easily establishing yourself as an author with a substantial online following, who then has the opportunity to reach a potentially global audience. Blogging gives you the flexibility to write about any subject you choose and to remain completely independent, while also offering you the opportunity to build up your own personal brand that you can take into your future publications. If you can become a well-established voice in your chosen field, you’ll find it much easier to garner interest in your work from publishers and other media companies alike.
The Perks Of An Industry Career
If you’ve been fortunate enough to secure a place at university, then the choice of career is entirely up to you. With the world shifting towards a more digital and a less traditional work environment, many traditional careers, such as teaching, are becoming less attractive. For those who love to write, the opportunities for progression and development are endless. As well as the obvious security of having a steady source of income, you should also consider the many perks that come with a career in creative writing. Traveling to conferences and writing workshops across the world, attending some of the greatest literary festivals, and being able to say you’ve worked with famous authors and creative writing legends are just a few of the advantages of working in the industry.
Hopefully, this article will help you to see the various perks of an industry career in creative writing, as well as the many different ways in which you can get there. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or a short story writer looking for that next big break, or you just want to be able to say you’ve been there, done that, and have some incredible stories to tell, there are more than 150 different ways to get there. Good luck out there.