This is the final article in a series of four on creative careers. If you haven’t read 7 creative careers for practical people or 7 creative careers using technology or 7 careers for creative performers you can find them by clicking the links.
In this article I cover careers for literary creatives. Being a literary creative means using language to convey more than the literally obvious. In this sense most of us are literary creatives to some extent.
For those with the talent to pursue a career in the field, as with all creative fields, its hard work, resilience and tenacity that will get you there. If you prefer to express your creativity in words, whether spoken or written, this article is for you.
Author
Whether fiction, non-fiction, novel, flash fiction or academic essay, an author produces coherent narrative on a subject or theme. This could be for consumption in, for example, a book, a document, online or in print. You need to research and (or) be a specialist in the field you choose to write about and be able to focus.
Short stories or flash fiction are a way to get noticed if you are an aspiring writer. Magazines and competitions offer the opportunity to submit your stories for publication. Some even offer the opportunity to get paid.
If non-fiction is more your thing try writing blogs. In both cases you will need to work at developing an audience through social media.
You may choose to go via the traditional publishing route and should research submission guidelines on the websites of publishing houses. Or you may prefer to self-publish. If you’ve done your preparatory work using social media you should be able to direct an already interested readership to your self-published work.
For fiction The International Writers Collective offers ideas of where to submit flash fiction and The Write Practice is another great resource for fiction in general including short stories. If you prefer nonfiction try Writers.
Marketing content writer
Content can be anything from blogs, social media posts, emails and sales copy. In this field you would use your skills to create content for a variety of digital media. The precise nature of the content will depend on its purpose. This might be general news, advice or to drive sales.
If you’re interested in this field try writing a blog of your own. Bloggers need to build up a portfolio of their work so a potential employer can see the quality of their writing. Digital marketing agencies will advertise for writers on their website or LinkedIn. You should build a profile of yourself and your skill set on LinkedIn if you’re serious about this kind of work as recruiters will search for new talent from this site.
Advertising Executive
This role would require you to build a relationship with your client or clients, understand their products or services, the company culture and the brand. Working for an agency you would be responsible for devising and running advertising campaigns. The job requires as much creative flair as organisational skills.
You can find vacancies posted on Drum and Campaign Jobs. You should also follow agencies on social media where they may post vacancies and set up a LinkedIn page so you can search and make yourself searchable for agencies. If you haven’t got a relevant qualification experience will be important.
Poet
Opportunities for poets are limited. You can develop your craft online or in a creative writing group and write and self-publish your work online using social media to raise your profile. Or you could consider performance poetry as a mode of delivery. Street theatre, festivals and events would be opportunities to showcase your work. You might consider performing for free at events to establish a following, create YouTube videos of your work and use social media to raise your profile.
If your work is good enough opportunities will present themselves but it’s a highly competitive field. Be prepared to be resilient, tenacious and able to accept rejection.
Script writer (film/TV/radio)
As a script writer you may be, for example, writing for a TV drama, comedy, film or advertisement. Success in this field depends on talent and hard work. Collaborate with film makers, whether student or amateur. Get productions on platforms such as YouTube and enter competitions. The more visible and popular your work the more likely production companies will be interested. Use LinkedIn to list your work and search for more. You could also list your services on freelance websites such as Upwork or Freelancer. Use your contacts, whether a tutor or someone you met while working on a project. You need to put the work in to find the opportunities.
Journalist – print/online media (Newspaper/Magazines/Websites)
As a journalist you will be researching and writing articles for print or online media outlets. You need to find news worthy stories and work to deadlines. A social media presence will be crucial for building a profile. It will also help with generating ideas for stories, communicating with your readers and to build interest in the publication for which you work.
You would usually need to study a journalism course to get in to this field of work. In the UK the industry standard is a NCTJ accredited course.
Journalist – Broadcast (TV/Radio/YouTube)
Broadcast journalists work for radio, TV or online broadcasting platforms. This is a very competitive area of journalism so you need to persevere if you want to succeed. The more versatile and multi-skilled you are the better your chances. Networking and taking advantage of your connections is important. Connections which may come from course mates that have gone on to gain employment in the industry, people they know, your former tutors, colleagues you’ve worked with to produce newscasts, etc. Have and maintain a LinkedIn account and follow the social media accounts of all the media channels of interest.
Try to build a portfolio of work to evidence your skills. This might be easier if you are taking an accredited course. You could produce your own newscast in which you present in whichever genre you prefer. If you’re lucky enough to secure a work experience placement or a job in broadcasting such as runner you could work your way up. You’re going to need talent and relentless hard work.
You can study for an appropriate degree or a course such as offered by the British College of Journalism in the UK or NYFA Broadcast Journalism in the USA.