How to Become a Creative Writer

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions will likely need some formal training and some publishing companies prefer to publish writers that a bachelors degree in English or creative writing. If you are looking to get your boost your skills even more, then a master’s degree can help you meet your goal.

Begin your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started in creative writing.

Much Does a Creative Writer Make?
$55,940 (national median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)

Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+3,800 additional people employed

Specialization Options:
Fiction, poetry, fantasy, graphic novels, romantic novels, screenplays, etc…

(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Writers and Authors page)

The Best Places to Become a Creative Writer

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors held about 145,900 jobs in 2010. About 68 percent were self-employed. Many writers work within organizations as full-time staff, while many others work as freelancers.

  • Self-employed authors and writers
  • Newspapers and other periodicals
  • Advertising agencies
  • Public Relations firms
  • Government institutions
  • Motion picture industries
  • Radio and television broadcasting

Employment and Information Data for Creative Writing

Why Become a Creative Writer?

Working as a professional creative writer is a competitive field, but one that allows you to use your talent and creativity on a daily basis. As a writer working professionally, you will develop original content for advertising, books, magazines, movie and television scripts, songs and online publications. While many writers work alone, developing content as part of an independent career, many writers work with businesses and agencies as team members or a dynamic organization. The job market for creative writing is strong, and several positions within organizations and also independently, allow writers to earn a living doing what they love.

Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Creative Writer

  • English
  • Literature
  • Literary Theory
  • Business for Writers
  • Poetry
  • Fiction
  • Nonfiction Writing
  • Creative Writing
  • Playwriting

Degrees to Help You Become a Creative Writer

There are several educational paths that can lead to a career as a writer. Because good writing careers and professional standards is required, most employers hire people with a degree in the fields of English, Journalism or Communication, or with previous writing experience. Degrees for writing professions are typically available at the associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Bachelor’s Degree in English/Creative Writing

An English major’s curriculum will educate students on literary and language development from throughout history, giving graduates a holistic understanding of spelling, grammar, creative writing and language history. Students learn the contextual framework of writing and can take this degree into several different professional directions.

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism

A journalism degree offers focused coursework that prepares you for a career or research, writing and editing. Typically covering a range of media formats, including print, broadcast and interactive, you will be given a well-rounded education to prepare you for a career as a professional writer. Journalism students start by learning the basics of writing and journalism, and later select a specific focus, depending on subject concentration, media interests and electives.

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications

A communications program provides a broad range of classes around the topics of writing, broadcasting, advertising and public relations. A graduate from this program will be prepared to take on a number of entry level jobs. While not as writing-focused as an English or Journalism degree, a Communications degree will provide students with a variety of writing skills, for both creative and professional settings.