Do you want to become a children’s television writer? More and more people are answering “yes” to this question, as evidenced by the fact that the television industry is one of the most accessible and lucrative in terms of becoming a professional writer. There is a wealth of opportunities in the field, ranging from freelance writing to being a script editor, and the pay for all these roles can vary significantly. In fact, there are so many different opportunities in writing for children that it can be hard to figure out where to start your career. We’ve put together a list of everything you need to know about getting a job writing for kids, including:
Find Your Niche
As with any other job, your first step to becoming a children’s television writer is to find your niche. Your niche can be a subject matter or a demographic, and it will determine the kind of shows you will be able to write. For example, if your niche is animals, then you may want to consider seeking out opportunities to write about dogs or other pets. On the other hand, if your niche is teens, seek out scripts for teen dramas or shows that focus on teenagers’ issues. Finding your niche doesn’t have to be hard – simply look at the shows currently on the air and see which ones resonate with you. Once you find your niche, you can move forward to the next step.
Develop Your Writing Skills
The next step is to develop your writing skills. Whether you’re writing for children or adults, fiction or non-fiction, being a good writer means being able to tell a story in an engaging manner and have readers (or viewers) glued to their seats. To that end, you should develop your skills through reading. Watch a lot of TV shows and read the scripts of the shows you enjoy watching – this will help you discover your strengths and weaknesses as a writer and allow you to work on improving yourself. If you’re looking for a head start, you could also consider applying for a writing internship with a TV station or production company that does a lot of children’s programming. This will help you get your feet wet and allow you to polish your writing skills. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of resources available to help aspiring writers find the niche they are fitting into and develop the skills they need to be successful. If you’re looking for guidance, consider getting in touch with a professional writing group or asking other writers for help.
Decide Whether To Go Freelance
Now that you have your niche and you know what kind of shows you will enjoy writing, it’s time to figure out whether you should go freelance. In general, freelance writing is a great way to go because it allows you to write what you want when you want, which can be a great learning experience and you may be able to pitch your writing to various publications or businesses in the industry. However, if you want to make a living at it, you may want to consider looking for a staff position at a TV station or production company. This will undoubtedly be a stepping stone to bigger and better things, but it can also mean some financial stability. Be sure to consult with trusted members of the industry in your area to see what opportunities are available and which one is best suited for you.
Look For Openings
Once you have your staff position, it’s time to start hunting for openings. This is easier said than done, as there are so many different shows and so much competition for roles. As a writer, you are undoubtedly familiar with the term “gatekeeper”, which is someone who has the power to decide whether or not your script will make it into the next round of casting calls. Your manager at the TV station or production company will be your best resource for this, as well as the contacts she makes through the industry. Try and get in touch with as many people as possible, as there is a chance you will never know who can help you find your first job as a children’s television writer – maybe someone you’ve never even heard of!
Writing for children can be a great way to develop your career as a writer. It can also be a lot of fun – just make sure you find the right job for you! More and more people are seeking out opportunities in this field and it can be a great way to make a living while also enjoying what you do. If you’re looking for a career change, or if you just want to try out writing for children, then check out the roles here and find the one that suits you best.