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.
Featured schools near , edit
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.

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.

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?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Creative Writers Are Employed

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

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
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |