Find Grad Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Creative Writer

Find Schools Near

What Does it Take to Be a Creative Writer?

Creative Writer Example Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

Daily Life Of a Creative Writer

  • Choose subject matter and suitable form to express personal feelings and experiences or ideas, or to narrate stories or events.
  • Write narrative, dramatic, lyric, or other types of poetry for publication.
  • Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.
  • Adapt text to accommodate musical requirements of composers and singers.
  • Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
  • Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.

Skills Needed to be a Creative Writer

Creative Writers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

Types of Creative Writer

  • Screen Writer
  • Script Writer
  • Crossword Puzzle Maker
  • Short Story Writer
  • Creative Writer

Creative Writer Employment Estimates

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.

undefined

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.

How Much Does a Creative Writer Make?

Creative Writers make between $31,700 and $121,670 a year.

undefined

Creative Writers who work in District of Columbia, California, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

How much do Creative Writers make in different U.S. states?

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Creative Writers

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
  • WhiteSmoke
  • OpenOffice.org
  • AutoCrit Editing Wizard
  • Bare Bones Software BBEdit
  • Tumblr

How to Become a Creative Writer

What education is needed to be a Creative Writer?

undefined

How many years of work experience do I need?

undefined

Where Creative Writers Are Employed

undefined

The table below shows the approximate number of Creative Writers employed by various industries.

undefined

You May Also 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.

Featured Schools

Find Graduate Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited graduate schools across the U.S.