What Does it Take to Be a Creative Writer?
Occupation Description Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Creative Writer Responsibilities
- Write narrative, dramatic, lyric, or other types of poetry for publication.
- Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
- Plan project arrangements or outlines, and organize material accordingly.
- Develop factors such as themes, plots, characterizations, psychological analyses, historical environments, action, and dialogue to create material.
- Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.
- Teach writing classes.
Featured schools near , edit
Creative Writer Needed Skills
When polled, Creative Writers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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
- Magazine Journalist
- Story Writer
- Fiction and Nonfiction Prose Writer
- Sports Writer
- Commentator
Job Opportunities for Creative Writers
In the United States, there were 131,200 jobs for Creative Writer in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 12,600 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Do Creative Writers Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Creative Writer ranges between $31,700 and $121,670.
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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Creative Writers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Word
- Google Drive
- WordPress
- Text to speech software
- WhiteSmoke
- OpenOffice.org
- AutoCrit Editing Wizard
- Bare Bones Software BBEdit
- Tumblr
How do I Become a Creative Writer?
Individuals working as a Creative Writer have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Creative Writer?
Where do Creative Writers Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
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
Request Info
|
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 > |
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.