If you have a love for words and stories, then perhaps writing is the career for you. But what exactly does ‘creative writing’ mean, and how do you go about getting a job in this field?
Here’s a good overview of what working in creative writing is like, and how to get a job in this exciting field.
1. Read, Read, And Read
If you want to get a job in creative writing, then you need to have a thorough understanding of what the role entails. Reading is the best way to achieve this, as it gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the various styles and methods used by professional writers. Additionally, it helps you determine what makes a ‘good’ piece of creative writing, and what doesn’t quite cut it.
2. Find Your Niche
If you’re looking for the perfect starter job for yourself or someone else, then consider a career in creative writing. The emphasis here is on ‘creative’, as you’ll be taking on the role of an artist, coming up with new ideas and concepts, and using your words to shape them into elegant stories. Naturally, you’ll need to choose your niche carefully, as this will impact the type of assignments you get, as well as the pay. Do some research and find a topic you’re passionate about, then dive in.
3. Graduate From A Creative Writing Course
If you’re looking to build up a portfolio of work, then consider taking a creative writing course. These courses usually span a couple of years, and teach you the craft of writing, as well as giving you the opportunity to experiment with different styles and methods. What’s more, you’ll also receive an award or diploma, which may prove beneficial for your future career.
4. Get A Teaching Job
If you have a genuine love for children and want to make a difference in their lives, then consider becoming a teacher. There are plenty of opportunities to do this, whether you want to teach English as a second language, or high school literature.
The emphasis here is on ‘genuine’, as you’ll need to have a passion for teaching, and be willing to commit to the role. Additionally, you must be able to pass a criminal records check and have a clean driving license. This will help you bring educational materials into the schools, as well as transport students to and from lessons. If this sounds like a job you’re keen on, then look into pursuing a teaching degree, and be sure to apply for as many scholarships as possible.
5. Start A Blog
If you’re looking for a way to prove your commitment to writing, and to build up your portfolio of work, then consider starting a blog.
You don’t need to have a massive following to succeed, as long as you can keep people interested in your work. If you can use your blog to showcase your creative writing, or if you want to write about the topics you’re passionate about, then this is a great way to gain experience, build a following, and make some money. What’s more, you don’t need to go overboard and spend a large sum of money on expensive hosting or a fancy domain name.
6. Join A Society Of Writers
The biggest barrier to getting a job in creative writing is gaining experience. To overcome this, consider joining a society of writers, or even starting your own. This will give you the opportunity to get feedback on your work, and to build up your knowledge base. Additionally, it will introduce you to professional writers, who can help you get your foot in the door.
7. Network With Other Writers
Even if you’ve managed to join a society of writers, or got a teaching job, the odds of you getting your first creative writing job are slim. The only way to get ahead is by networking, and trying to get your name out there as a talented writer. Start by getting personal recommendations from friends, then look for opportunities on social media, as well as contacting the publishers and editors of any magazines or newspapers you believe may be interested in your work.
Being able to write creatively is only the beginning. If you want to make a living from it, then you need to understand how to find your niche, graduate from a creative writing course, become a teacher, start a blog, or join a society of writers. As long as you can show that you have some talent, and can put in the hard work, then getting that first creative writing job may be a possibility, but only if you’re really keen on the industry.