What is a Creative Writer?
Example of Creative Writer Job Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
A Day in the Life of a Creative Writer
- Teach writing classes.
- Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.
- Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.
- Write narrative, dramatic, lyric, or other types of poetry for publication.
- Follow appropriate procedures to get copyrights for completed work.
- Choose subject matter and suitable form to express personal feelings and experiences or ideas, or to narrate stories or events.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Creative Writer?
Below is a list of the skills most Creative Writers say are important on the job.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Other Creative Writer Job Titles
- Program Writer
- Script Writer
- Commentator
- Writer
- Ghost Writer
Is There Going to be Demand for Creative Writers?
There were about 131,200 jobs for Creative Writer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,000 new jobs for Creative Writer by 2026. There will be an estimated 12,600 positions for Creative Writer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Creative Writer are Utah, Washington, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, New Mexico, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Creative Writer Salary
Creative Writers make between $31,700 and $121,670 a year.
Creative Writers who work in District of Columbia, California, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Creative Writers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $58,590 |
| Alaska | $64,200 |
| Arizona | $55,410 |
| Arkansas | $48,670 |
| California | $96,910 |
| Colorado | $65,450 |
| Connecticut | $78,440 |
| Delaware | $60,690 |
| District of Columbia | $101,690 |
| Florida | $53,140 |
| Georgia | $63,260 |
| Hawaii | $50,740 |
| Idaho | $52,570 |
| Illinois | $68,710 |
| Indiana | $61,920 |
| Iowa | $50,680 |
| Kansas | $62,670 |
| Kentucky | $54,320 |
| Louisiana | $44,710 |
| Maine | $61,090 |
| Maryland | $75,430 |
| Massachusetts | $70,000 |
| Michigan | $60,850 |
| Minnesota | $67,300 |
| Mississippi | $53,810 |
| Missouri | $57,420 |
| Montana | $47,440 |
| Nebraska | $45,280 |
| Nevada | $53,730 |
| New Hampshire | $56,850 |
| New Jersey | $81,160 |
| New Mexico | $49,460 |
| New York | $86,380 |
| North Carolina | $67,250 |
| North Dakota | $48,060 |
| Ohio | $48,380 |
| Oklahoma | $50,490 |
| Oregon | $69,050 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,140 |
| Rhode Island | $63,820 |
| South Dakota | $49,410 |
| Tennessee | $55,370 |
| Texas | $56,680 |
| Utah | $54,660 |
| Vermont | $62,260 |
| Virginia | $68,600 |
| Washington | $65,200 |
| West Virginia | $64,480 |
| Wisconsin | $59,360 |
What Tools do Creative Writers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Creative Writers:
- Microsoft Word
- Google Drive
- WordPress
- Text to speech software
- OpenOffice.org
- AutoCrit Editing Wizard
- WhiteSmoke
- Bare Bones Software BBEdit
- Tumblr
How to Become a Creative Writer
What education is needed to be a Creative Writer?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Creative Writers Work?
Below are examples of industries where Creative Writers work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Career changers with experience as a Creative Writer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: UNU-WIDER from Helsinki, Finland via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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