How to become A Creative Writer

• Writer
• Author

What do Creative Writers do?

A Creative Writer would typically need to: 

• Pen articles, advertisements, fiction, poetry, biographies, grants, marketing campaigns and scripts that interest the audience
• Conduct and compile research before and during the writing process to ensure authentic detail; fact-check work for correct information
• Create outlines, blurbs and drafts of projects to share with clients 
• Meet deadlines as set by clients or publishers
• Edit and proofread their own documents or documents from clients to ensure their writing flows easily and logically
• Liaise with other relevant professionals such as editors, publishers, photographers, graphic designers and artists 
• Submit documents to their client, publisher or editor for proofreading and feedback; edit work according to specification and feedback
• Negotiate contracts with clients and publishers; market and distribute work
• Attend meetings, workshops and training sessions as required; network to develop contacts and seek publishing contracts

A Creative Writer’s work environment depends on where they work. If working as a freelancer, a Creative Writer may work from home or rented office space. In a salaried position, they most likely work in an office by themselves or with a team of professionals. 

You can choose your working hours as a freelancer, while a salaried job entails a more regular, 40-hour workweek. Creative Writers may need to work long hours as deadlines approach. A freelancer may work over holidays and weekends while supporting a more traditional job. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Creative Writers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Creative Writers are generally employed by:

• Publishers
• Digital Media Companies
• Print Media Companies
• Film Studios
• Academic Institutions
• Public Relations Firms
• Advertisement Companies
• Corporate Communications Departments
• Computer Games Developers

Local, national and international professional associations and organisations, such as The Author’s Guild and The International Women’s Guild, are crucial for Creative Writers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications. Depending on the kind of creative writing you undertake, you will find associations or guilds explicitly suited to you. 

• Overcoming writer’s block and getting the work done in time to meet deadlines 
• Being open to criticism and feedback 
• Working with other people and incorporating their ideas and feedback into your work
• Editing your work after feedback

Make use of the various avenues at your disposal to gain very critical work experience.

A personal blog or one you can contribute to will improve your writing skills and gain audience awareness. Similarly, internships in media companies, journals, schools, advertising, marketing and publishing will give you a better insight into the professional world while improving your writing skills.

Any experience garnered through working for your school or university magazine, newspaper, and creative journal will help you understand a Creative Writer’s role in varied environments. Potential playwrights may work with local theatre companies or college programmes to get vital exposure to the world of theatre.

While a bachelor’s degree is not typically mandatory to work as a salaried Creative Writer, a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertisement, or Creative Writing will stand you in good stead. Short courses or diploma courses in related fields might also facilitate your entry into the job market.

If you want to work in academia or take up a managerial position, you need a master’s degree in the fields mentioned above. Educational requirements will also depend on whether you want a salaried position or are willing to work as a freelancer.

While not essential, certification in journalism, digital media, marketing, grant writing, copyediting and content writing from a reputed organisation can prove valuable in preparing you for a plethora of coveted positions. 

Courses that help you improve your communication and interpersonal skills and your presentation skills are also precious. The way you present yourself and your portfolio to potential employers can help you make a lasting impression. 

Typically, Creative Writers need to start small and slowly build up a portfolio of work that they can use to apply for senior positions. Most begin by writing for small businesses, local newspapers, advertising agencies and nonprofit organisations. With experience, you can go to work in more prominent organisations. 

Building a reputation and garnering an audience is crucial for Creative Writers; they can get published by reputable organisations or complete challenging assignments. A marketable brand name and impressive portfolio will fetch better commissions and higher salaries. 

Creative Writers can also work as editors, especially those with a good eye for recognising mistakes, correcting writing style, and interacting with other writers. With experience, you can work as an editor as well. 

As a Creative Writer, you can also work in the corporate world, especially in advertising and marketing. With experience and a good work record, you can move up the corporate ladder.

Creative Writers with desirable qualifications and experience and a unique portfolio have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Creative Writer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Attending literary conventions, conferences and festivals are all excellent forms of CPD that allow you to stay updated and in touch with the writing community around you. It also allows you to network, which could lead you towards new opportunities. 

Certificate courses that allow you to specialise in formats such as grant writing would open new doors. You can also enrol in workshops, residency programmes, training programmes and online courses from local and national organisations to improve your writing, get feedback, and get published.

What Is Your Type?

Creative Writers can work in a host of settings and roles, fulfilling vital needs across various sectors and fields. Therefore, creative writers have endless options, and they can choose the one that best suits them. 

The following roles are just some of the few pathways Creative Writers can follow: biographers, bloggers, content writers, copywriters, novelists, playwrights, poets, screenwriters, advertisement writers, speechwriters, and teachers.

Agents

Creative Writers working in fiction and non-fiction will need an agent before approaching publishing houses to ensure their work does not end up in the trash, unseen and unread. 

Look for an agent who specialises in your chosen genre and can help promote your career. A look through the other authors they represent will further validate their ability to represent you. 

Once you have potential agents in your sights, send them an adequate sample of your work along with a synopsis and cover letter. Make sure to format your sample according to the individual agent’s specifications. Requirements may vary across genres such as fiction, non-fiction, plays and poems. 

Self-Publishing

Creative Writers can publish digitally or self-publish. Digital forms of literature, such as e-books, are becoming increasingly popular; some sites and platforms cater specifically to this market. If you are successful in self-publishing, you can approach independent book stores or online retailers to sell your books. 

However, as a self-publisher, you will have to shoulder additional responsibilities, which can be demanding and require you to understand copyright laws.

Keys to Success

While producing a portfolio of work is paramount to your success as a Creative Writer, marketing yourself is equally essential. An agent or publisher will help with publicity and marketability, but you can also self-publicise via blogs, interviews, readings, social media, your own website and workshops. 

Having an online presence can help you stand out against other writers and reach a broader customer base for your writings. 

The Importance of Deadlines

Deadlines tend to be an essential part of a Creative Writer’s life. They may be set for you by the organisation you’re working for. On the other hand, freelancers get to set and abide by deadlines of their choice. Failure to meet deadlines will make employers doubt your professionalism, cause you to lose your writing momentum, fall off schedule and hinder career progression.

A sentence that has all the alphabets in it is called a pangram or holoalphabetic sentence. A well-known pangram is “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog”.

No one becomes a writer because it is easy… writing is a tricky business. However, if you are passionate about writing and committed to sharing your creativity with people, there are endless avenues where you can make your words ring true for the masses. Knowing that your work is published, knowing that your words are allowing people to experience something new will be a fantastic reward in itself. 

Make sure to read well-known authors and writers from your field, whether journalism, poetry, fiction, blogs or nonfiction. However, don’t forget to cultivate your own voice. Don’t copy your favourite authors.