I’m not getting a degree in creative writing because I believe there are more profitable degrees out there. I want to be able to make a living from my writing, and while a degree might not directly lead me to this, it certainly won’t hurt my chances.
The Demand for Creative Writers Is On the Rise
The demand for creative writers is on the rise, as those with talents in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry can expect to earn more than those with just a basic knowledge of English.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, published in May 2019, the number of people employed in creative writing increased by 6% from 2013 to 2018, with a projected increase to 22.2 million by 2026.
The need for creative writers is largely due to the fact that many companies now prefer to outsource the creation of content to freelance writers, as demonstrated by the Content Strategy Association’s 2019 State of the Market Report.
The industry body analyzed 11,000 published articles and discovered that 71% of content creators are currently independent contractors or freelancers, and only 19% are employed by large publishing companies.
This trend is likely to continue, especially now that companies can provide content on demand, with the least amount of effort possible. According to the Association of American Publishers, in 2018 the industry’s overall digital growth was 17% (up from 11% in 2017), with ebook growth rising by 24%.
The Time Has Come For Those Who Aren’t Ready
For those who aren’t ready to commit to a creative writing degree (yet), now might be a good time to consider other options; perhaps take a year off and get some real-world experience before applying for a job. With the right amount of freelance writing and editing, you can easily build a sustainable income stream that will allow you to pursue your degree once you’re ready. Good luck out there.