Being a writer doesn’t mean you necessarily need to write books. There are an abundance of writing career options out there to choose from!
My personal experience is limited with many of these options but these resources can provide some info and a place to get started.
Everyone has different interests, talents, and life situations, and so it is actually really cool to have so many different avenues to pursue a writing career! There’s a spot for you out there somewhere if you’re willing and able to go look for it. 🙂
Writing Career Options
Before we start, it’s helpful to take a minute to think about the why behind why you want to write.
What motivates you?
Your personal goals, interests, and motivations will influence which writing career is best for you.
Lists of Writing Career Options
Here’s a roundup of curated lists of writing career options. These include some “traditional” jobs as well as some more unique career paths.
Note: Some resources say they are for “English majors” but don’t be discouraged if that doesn’t describe you! Writers come from many paths of life.
Writing Careers: The Business Behind Becoming an Author – ZenBusiness
If you have an interest in being a published author, this is a great guide on what skills to hone, what paths may be helpful to reach your goals, and info on self publishing and editing.
Special thanks to Amelia for bringing this guide to my attention! Good luck with your writing!
7 Fulfilling Writing Careers You Should Know About – The Write Life
A straightforward and informative list of writing career options, along with links to other helpful resources that can be found on this site.
5 In-Demand Writing Careers for People Who Don’t Want to be Authors – The Write Life
Another informative list from The Write Life! Like I said, lots of great resources on this site.
Creative Jobs For English Majors – Maryville University
This is a great overview of a few career opportunities for English majors that may otherwise be overlooked. Also included are projected growth and salary estimates.
Shout out to Erik for sharing this resource with me! Best of luck with your writing plans!
Five Tips to Turn Your English Major into a Writing Job – DIY MFA
Here is encouragement and 5 tips on creating confidence and the right mindset to find a writing job. The DIY MFA website also has a ton of resources on everything writing related so don’t be shy about looking for more specific info here!
10 Careers for Writers Who Want to Make Money – Writing Blossoms
Being a video game writer (#8) is my favorite on this list and sounds like a fun opportunity! Though maybe I just think that because I have lots of gamer friends. 🙂
This list doesn’t give many specific details but does offer some interesting ideas to follow up on.
14 High Paying Jobs for People Who Love Writing – Business Insider
This list ranks jobs by writing importance level and projected growth, as well as providing median salary info.
Money-Saving Guide for Authors and Writers – Coupon Follow
This guide provides information for writers, such as manuscript formatting and where to find free online courses, and includes a section on career options for writers.
Special thanks for Hannah for sharing this resource! Best wishes for your writing!
Resources for Finding and Starting Your Writing Career
How to Become an Editor: A Guide for Beginners – Reedsy
Think being an editor may be a good fit for you? Read on for more info on what an editor actually does and 6 steps on how to make that happen.
The Career I Didn’t Know I Wanted: A Ghost’s Perspective – Reedsy
This is a personal account of someone entering the ghostwriting business along with their 3 top tips for people wanting to make this a career.
The 5 Best Job Boards for a New Freelance Writer – Elna Cain
Info from a freelance writer on how to land freelance gigs and encouragement on just getting out there and learning by doing.
SPI’s Epic Guide To Mindset for Entrepreneurs – Smart Passive Income
If you’re looking into starting your own business (which applies to freelancing, blogging, self-publishing, etc) I definitely recommend checking out some of Pat Flynn’s resources over at Smart Passive Income. They have a huge amount of free resources including courses, podcasts, videos- whatever you want!
Low Stress Website Building Step by Step
Chances are, many of the writing career options out there will require you to have your own website of some kind. This is the guide I wrote outlining the processes and resources I used to set up this website and others I’ve built in the past.
4 Ways to Make Money with Your Website
Again, this is my own guide. These options may not all lead to full-time income but depending on what your goals are they may be useful resources to look into.
After all that, what are your writing goals and what writing career options look exciting to you?
Best of luck with your plans and with your writing!
