The stereotype of the unemployed writer as a starving artist is a common misconception about individuals who choose to pursue a career in creative writing.
But the truth? Creative writing can lead you down myriad lucrative, varied, and rewarding career paths. The best part? You’ll be able to put your creative talents to good use by exploring the infinite opportunities being creatively minded can afford you.
Curious to learn more? Here are just 5 examples of career paths you should consider as a creative writer.
1. Fiction Novelist
Arguably the first profession that comes to mind when we think of creative writing? Becoming a fiction novelist. Of course, this field is highly competitive and difficult to break into.
Unless you’re J.K. Rowling, you’re highly unlikely to experience overnight success. But if you’re determined, dedicated, and committed to your goal – and perhaps most importantly, you write fiction people want to read, it could be worth the risk. Be sure to be realistic, though. You may need to take on other jobs to supplement your income until you make it – like, for example, freelance ghostwriting.
2. Ghostwriter
In a world where AI content is becoming rampant, only one thing is certain: the best quality copy is human-written – especially for SEO purposes. What you may not know, however, is that most of the time, SEO content is produced by ghostwriters.
What is ghostwriting, then? Essentially, it requires the creative writer to produce copy that is published under someone else’s name. This may sound counterintuitive, but the truth? Ghostwriting allows you to flex your creative writing muscle in a wide variety of different fields, and not be boxed into any particular topic. Even better? You will be well-remunerated for your efforts – ghostwriting can be lucrative.
3. Digital Marketing Professional
Not all creative writing roads lead to becoming a ghostwriter or producer of non-fiction novels. Indeed, your written communication skills can be repurposed – in this case, as a digital marketing professional.
How does digital marketing relate to creative writing? It’s no surprise to reveal that creative writing in digital marketing is an essential element when producing, attention-grabbing marketing campaigns. Yes, a large part of your role as a digital marketing professional will be tied up in creating and producing campaign content, and as such, you need to be able to write creatively, and in a way that both grips and speaks to your audience. The ability to write creatively draws audiences into your message, captures their imagination, and keeps their attention on your campaign.
4. Journalist
As a journalist, you’ll call on your creative writing skills by crafting captivating copy that grabs the interest of your readers. You’ll create nifty headlines and clever catchphrases, and you’ll need to know your way around churning out concise yet creatively-written content.
Of course, to be able to pursue a career in this profession, you’ll need to obtain the requisite qualifications. You can complete a journalism degree online and qualify yourself to secure a coveted role as a journalist. But, take note – becoming a journalist is highly competitive, and it takes a great deal of effort to secure a permanent role in this field.
5. Editor
Finally, all writing – no matter how well-crafted – must be edited to some degree. If going over written copy with a fine-tooth comb, spotting and amending grammatical errors, typos, and strange turns of phrase sounds like your cup of tea, editing could be for you.
The truth? To be a good editor, you need to be a strong writer yourself. Editing is an extension of writing, and in this sense, can be just as creative as writing itself.
So, you love to write. But, you loathe the thought of becoming a struggling, underpaid author. The good news? There is a wide variety of different career paths your creative writing skills can take you down.
But whether you choose to become a journalist, editor, digital marketing professional, freelance ghostwriter, or even, a traditional novelist, one thing remains the same. Your natural creative ability and flair for writing are essential to each of these roles, and certainly won’t go unnoticed in your pursuit of professional greatness.
