Creative writing is a wonderful hobby but writing every day can be a challenge. What if you could incorporate it into your career? People have probably told you to study for a “real” job, but there are legitimate career paths where creative writing skills are essential. Here are ten of the best.

 

1. Advertising Copywriter

Advertising copywriters work in a creative department and report to the art director within an advertising, media or full-service agency. The job involves writing words (copy) to client briefs to create, develop and produce successful advertising campaigns.

Copywriters create headlines, slogans, catchphrases, straplines and body copy for hardcopy materials and write specialised copy for websites, social media and mobile applications. There may be opportunity to write scripts for radio jingles and TV commercials.

 

2. Arts Administrator

If you’re passionate about the arts, a career as an arts administrator might be for you. This role is responsible for the management of activities and projects required by organisations in the arts sector, including arts festivals, community and arts organisations, theatres, galleries and museums. Your creative writing skills will involve contributing to publications that accompany events and activities.

 

3. Creative Director

Creative directors work in graphic design, film, music, video game, fashion, advertising, media, or entertainment industries. This role may also be useful in other creative organisations such as web development and software development firms. The creative director may also assume the roles of an art director, senior copywriter, or lead designer.

 

4. Digital Copywriter

A digital copywriter specialises in writing for the web. The basics still apply, so writing to inform and engage the reader and motivate them to do something, whether it’s to buy a product or use service, is important. However, digital copywriters must conform to a new set of rules, as people read differently online.

 

5. Editorial Assistant

This position involves editorial and administrative work. For instance, editorial assistants oversee freelance writers to make sure deadlines are met but also contribute to the editorial. In book publishing, editorial assistants work directly under specific editors. There is also opportunity to work in digital publishing for online publications, which involves editing and writing website content and using social media.

 

6. Lexicographer

A lexicographer produces dictionaries and tracks the progress of language. Duties typically include compiling, writing, editing and organising definitions for use in dictionaries, lists, lexicons and encyclopedias. The job may include compiling reference books, specialised texts, such as medical dictionaries, or edited dictionaries designed for specific audiences, such as children or students. Working with and defining words all day will enhance your vocabulary and exercise your creativity.

 

7. Magazine & Newspaper Journalist

A magazine or newspaper reporter writes features, stories and columns for print and online publications. They interview people and turn their interviews into compelling stories. They have strong editing and proofreading skills and can take on multiple tasks. As a feature writer, creative writing is essential to engage the reader to draw them into a story.

 

8. Web Content Manager

A web content manager is typically responsible for the content that appears on a website. They are typically in charge of content producers, content placement and content quality. Content managers are often part of the creative team that designs and structures the website.

 

9. Creative Writer

Creative writing is a broad field that can include many career paths. Creative writers may contribute articles to magazines or anthologies, work as authors or teach creative writing.

 

10. Public Relations

Public relations professionals need excellent writing and relationship building skills. They also need to be well-informed of what is current and newsworthy. They are good at analysing and disseminating information and are able to identify interesting angles that meet client objectives.

 

Creative Writing Courses 

Creative Writing Program

Certificate of Freelance Writing

Advanced Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing