How To Start A Writing Career (Plus Jobs To Consider)?

Writing

Just Press Play To Hear The Piece.

The world of writing is a vast and exciting one, offering numerous opportunities for those who have a passion for words and a talent for storytelling. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a writer, this article is your guide to starting a writing career and explores various writing jobs you can consider. Whether you’re a wordsmith, a grammar enthusiast, or a creative storyteller, there’s a place for you in the world of writing.

Assessing Your Writing Skills

Firstly, you must know how well you can write and how good your English is before starting a writing career. There are two ways to do this:

1. Take an online quiz that assesses your writing skills. This can help you figure out if you have what it takes to be a writer.
2. Ask someone who knows about writing and publishing to review your work. They’ll be able to tell you where your strengths lie and where improvement is needed.

Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not becoming a writer is right for you!

Identify your niche

It’s essential to figure out which genre or style of writing you want to specialize in. For example, if you’re interested in writing novels or short stories, the best way to get started is by identifying what kind of books are already selling well and ensuring that your work fits into that genre. You can also look at literary agents’ websites to see what they’re interested in publishing.

Building a Writing Portfolio

Building a writing portfolio is crucial to getting started in the writing world. You can start building your portfolio by creating personal blogs, writing short stories and publishing them on a site like Wattpad, or even just writing out some ideas that you think would make great blog posts or articles.

Once you’ve built up a small portfolio of work and feel ready to start looking for gigs, you’ll want to create a page on sites like Freelancer and Upwork where people can learn more about what you do. 

Overview of Freelance and Traditional Writing Career

Freelance and traditional writing career opportunities can offer different ways to pursue a career in writing. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them largely depends on your preferences, goals, and circumstances. Here’s an overview of both types of opportunities:

Freelance Writing Career

1. Freelance writing offers the freedom to choose when and where you work. You can set your schedule and work from home or anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Freelance writers often have the chance to work on various projects, from blog posts and articles to technical documents and marketing content. This variety can help you build a diverse writing portfolio.
3. Freelancers are essentially self-employed, which means they have more control over their work and client selection. You can also negotiate your rates and terms.
4. Freelance income can be inconsistent. Some months, you may have a lot of work and income, while others may be slower. It can take time to build a steady client base.
5. Freelancers must often invest time in marketing, networking, and self-promotion to find clients. Building a solid online presence and a portfolio is crucial.
6. As a freelancer, you won’t have the same job security and benefits (e.g., health insurance and retirement plans) as traditional employees.

Traditional Writing Career

1. Traditional writing jobs, such as staff writer positions at magazines, newspapers, or content agencies, often offer more job security and a consistent income.
2. Many traditional writing jobs include employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
3. Traditional writing roles often have a clear structure, with established editorial guidelines and deadlines, which can be helpful for those who thrive in structured environments.
4. In a traditional writing job, you have less control over the types of projects you work on and may have less creative freedom.
5. Some traditional writing jobs may require you to work on-site, which can limit your geographic flexibility.
6. Competition for traditional writing jobs can be fierce, and you may need to meet specific educational and experience requirements.

Writing Opportunities

There are numerous writing opportunities available across various industries and platforms. Here are some potential avenues for job opportunities in writing:

Content Writing:

Content writers create articles, blog posts, website content, and other written materials for online and print publications. Many companies hire content writers to improve their online presence and engage with their audience.

Copywriting: 

Copywriters specialize in creating persuasive and promotional content for advertising and marketing campaigns. This includes writing copy for advertisements, email marketing, social media, and product descriptions.

Technical Writing:

Technical writers produce documentation and manuals for complex products, software, and processes. They often work in technology, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing industries.

Creative Writing: 

If you have a talent for storytelling, you can pursue opportunities in creative writing. This may include writing novels, short stories, poetry, or screenplays.

Journalism: 

Journalists report news and current events for newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online publications. Investigative journalism, feature writing, and reporting on specific beats are common areas within this field.

Grant Writing: 

Nonprofit organizations and government agencies often hire grant writers to secure funding through grant proposals. This requires strong persuasive writing skills.

Resume and Cover Letter Writing: 

You can offer your services as a resume or cover letter writer to help individuals with job applications and career advancement.

Freelance Writing: 

Many writers work as freelancers, offering their services to clients and professional writing companies such as Urban Book Publishers. Freelancing allows you to choose the type of writing you want to do and manage your schedule.

Academic Writing: 

Academic writers create research papers, essays, and other academic content for students, researchers, and institutions. This field often requires expertise in specific subjects.

Scriptwriting:

If you are interested in film or television, you can explore scriptwriting opportunities. This includes writing scripts for movies, TV shows, and web series.

Social Media Content: 

Many businesses and individuals require writers to create engaging and informative social media content. This can include posts, captions, and ad copy.

Ghostwriting: 

Some writers work as ghostwriters, creating content for clients who may not have the time or expertise to write themselves. This can include books, articles, and speeches.

Conclusion

Writing career is an exciting and fulfilling journey for those who are passionate about storytelling. It offers flexibility, creative expression, and the opportunity to share your knowledge and stories with the world. You can start a successful writing career by assessing your skills, building a portfolio, and exploring various writing jobs.