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How to Get the Most Out of Your Creative Writing Career

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a writer, then congratulations! You have a potentially lucrative career ahead of you. According to the International Journal of Creative Writing, the global economy values short-story fiction at just over $160 billion annually.

While it’s unquestionable that creative writing is a lucrative career option, putting in the necessary hours to successfully navigate the creative writing career path can be tricky. Some aspiring writers find it difficult to establish a routine, while others worry that focusing on their writing will hinder their social lives. Is there a right way to do this? How can you ensure you get the most out of your creative writing career?

Take Classes

One of the things that make creative writing a potentially lucrative career option is the fact that so many people are doing it. According to the Creative Writing Major Statistics report from the National Collegiate Creative Writing Association (NCCWA), 76.7% of colleges and universities offer degrees in creative writing. That’s a combined total of more than 500 creative writing programs around the world.

While the report points out that this is a relatively new development, with the number of degree programs increasing by 12% between 2006 and 2015, taking classes could be a strategy to develop your creative writing skills.

Whether you choose to attend a prestigious writing program in New York City or a correspondence course with a teacher in your own home, these are all viable options. And if you don’t want to get a formal education but still want to be a writer, plenty of non-profit organizations, social media platforms, and magazines that accept unsolicited submissions provide opportunities for you to develop your skills and gain experience.

Join A Society

Another way to get more out of your creative writing career is to join a society of writers. The advantage of doing this is that you’re bound to gain access to a pool of experienced professionals who can help you navigate the path to becoming a published author. Some writing associations even have well-regarded literary agents on staff who can introduce you to top publishing houses and secure you lucrative book deals should you be so fortunate as to be signed by one of their clients.

A good place to start your research is the NCCWA website, where you’ll find a list of associations, societies, and literary agencies that represent authors in various genres. You’ll also find information about the benefits of membership and how to join a writer’s society in your area.

Attend Conferences

If you’re serious about being a professional writer, then it really is a case of getting out of your comfort zone. As part of your research, you should consider looking into the many writing conferences that take place each year. By heading to a conference, you’ll be able to network with other professionals, make valuable contacts, and even get some valuable lessons from more experienced writers. Whether you choose to attend the famed Clarion West, which is a writing conference located in Seattle, Washington, or the Midwestern School of Commerce’s annual business and fiction convention, you can learn a valuable lesson or two from more established writers. Simply search for upcoming fiction conferences in your area and start preparing for them. This way you’ll ensure you get the most out of your creative writing career.

Consult An Agent Or A Literary Manager

If you’re fortunate enough to have been offered representation by an agent, then it’s time to celebrate! Your agent will be able to negotiate on your behalf with publishers, secure you lucrative book deals, and even help you navigate the publication process.

While it’s great to have an agent, they can only do so much for you. As in any other field, you’ll still need to put in the necessary hours to learn the craft of writing and build up your portfolio. Should you choose to go the independent route, you can hire a literary manager to help take care of the business side of things while you focus on writing. It’s a win-win situation!

Developing a routine, getting enough sleep, and establishing healthy habits are essential if you want to get the most out of your creative writing career. From there, it’s up to you to put in the hours and ensure your work is of the highest quality. Good luck out there!