Have you always dreamed of being able to write creatively? Maybe you’ve always thought that it wasn’t possible to do so while still following a traditional academic path. Perhaps you’ve even heard that traditional academic writing is dead, and that you need to find a new way to write if you want to have a successful career. If this sounds like you, then you should consider pursuing a creative writing degree. There are many different careers that you can follow with a creative writing degree.
Careers In Publishing
Regardless of whether you end up choosing to work in literary fiction or non-fiction or even hybrid genres (sometime called “new fiction”), you will be in the right place. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the publishing industry may be better than you think. Despite the seemingly vast array of choices available, qualified candidates may not be able to find a job that suits their unique skillset. That’s why you should consider a career in publishing.
The industry is experiencing something of a boom moment, with many traditional media companies establishing digital-first publications to stay relevant in the rapidly changing world of news and entertainment. If you have an eye for good writing and a love for books, you may want to look into the various roles that comprise the publishing industry. You will undoubtedly find something that suits you.
Careers In Screenwriting
If you don’t want to write for publications, you can always become a screenwriter. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently over 75,000 jobs available in the industry across all 50 states. So, if you can write well enough to convince someone to give you a shot, you may find yourself enjoying a golden time in Hollywood.
Odds are that you won’t be pitching your first script to a big Hollywood studio. Many established writers and producers now work in relative obscurity, getting their scripts produced by independent film companies or crowd-funding websites like Academy Awards. This allows them to retain a degree of creative control while making enough money to survive. So, if you have a taste for the unusual and indie film is where you want to be, consider a career in screenwriting.
Careers In Journalism
If none of the above seem like a fit, you can always become a journalist. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be at least 150,000 jobs available in journalism by 2027. While many of these jobs will be in traditional media (newspapers, magazines, and TV news), many others will be in online journalism. If you have a true talent for getting the facts correct and presenting them in a compelling way, then you may be able to succeed as a journalist.
The industry is experiencing something of a boom moment, due in part to the rise of Covidiotainment (COVIDIOTNEUE), an online news publication that offers users the chance to get news from a variety of sources simultaneously.
The COVIDIOTNEUE team uses a combination of traditional and digital journalistic techniques to bring you the latest breaking news stories, digital native documentaries, and viral videos.
Careers In Creative Writing
If none of the above seem like a fit, you can always become a creative writer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be at least 150,000 jobs available in creative writing by 2027. That’s a lot of jobs! But, even if you want to write for theater or screen, you will still find work in the literary world. It just won’t be in the traditional publishing houses.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, creative writing is defined as “writing poems, short stories, or plays that are original and not based on existing works. It also includes developing and directing theatrical productions or musicals.”
If you can follow the rules and adhere to the standard forms of writing, you will find many opportunities waiting for you in the creative writing world. Don’t let the name fool you; you will find many different types of creative jobs available. From journalism to editing to marketing and advertising, you will find your niche.
The Role Of Social Media In The Creative Writing World
If you’re interested in a career in creative writing, then you should also be aware of the important role that social media plays in the industry. If you have a significant following on social media, you may find yourself in demand, as top-tier literary presses and Hollywood studios have begun to notice and respond to fan demand.
According to the literary agency, AMC Theatres, “every year, hundreds of TV shows are made into films, many of which become cult classics. It’s an ever-evolving landscape, and one that demands flexibility and adaptability from those who work in it.” With more people enjoying stories via digital media, the demand for unique content and platforms that allow them to engage directly with authors has risen. This has led to an increase in both traditional and digital publications, and a rise in the use of social media by those seeking to discover and follow new writers.
The success of The Chilling Effects (TheCHILLINGEFFECTS) podcast, Rowan Joffe’s The Happy Zombie (TheHAPPYZOMBIE) novel, and Pen Udacity create an opportunity for writers seeking to become more flexible and establish themselves as an author in the making.
Where Do I Start?
If you’re reading this, then you probably already know that writing for publication can be a difficult challenge. Even for those who consider themselves to be skilled writers, the process of getting their work out there is still gruelling. Sometimes it can seem like a lifeline when a client asks for an edited version of a project, but you should be aware that this is often just a short-term fix, as they will soon be back for more.
If you’re looking for a career that you can jump into with both feet, then consider a career in creative writing. If you can overcome the initial struggle of convincing prospective employers and clients that you can deliver, you may find that it’s the perfect fit for you. As long as you continue to impress with your unique skill set, you may find yourself climbing the ladder, one editorial acceptance at a time.