As someone who earned a creative writing degree, I often hear the question “”What can you actually do with that?”” The truth is creative writing opens more career doors than you might think. This versatile degree equips you with invaluable skills in communication storytelling and critical thinking that employers across industries value.
I’ve discovered that creative writing graduates don’t just become novelists or poets. While those are certainly viable paths the degree’s applications extend far beyond traditional writing roles. From content marketing and technical writing to publishing and education my fellow graduates have carved out successful careers in diverse fields. Let me show you how this degree can transform your professional journey and unlock opportunities you may not have considered.
Key Takeaways
- A creative writing degree opens diverse career paths beyond traditional writing roles, including publishing, marketing, education, and entertainment industries
- Publishing sector offers numerous opportunities like acquisitions editor, content manager, and literary agent, combining literary expertise with business acumen
- Marketing and advertising careers utilize creative writing skills through copywriting, content strategy, and brand storytelling, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $120,000
- Entertainment industry positions include screenwriting, game writing, and narrative design, with potential earnings between $55,000 to $139,000 annually
- Entrepreneurial paths like freelance writing and consulting allow creative writing graduates to build independent businesses with flexible income streams
- Technical and professional writing roles offer stable career options with competitive salaries ranging from $60,000 to $115,000 annually
What Can i Do With a Creative Writing Degree
The publishing industry offers diverse career paths for creative writing graduates, combining literary expertise with business acumen. Here’s a detailed look at key roles in this sector:
Book Publishing Roles
Publishing houses provide multiple entry points for creative writing degree holders:
- Acquisitions Editor – Reviews manuscript submissions, identifies marketable content
- Developmental Editor – Collaborates with authors to refine story structure, character development
- Copy Editor – Ensures manuscript accuracy, consistency, grammar
- Literary Agent – Represents authors, negotiates contracts, pitches manuscripts
- Production Editor – Manages book production timeline, coordinates with design teams
- Rights Manager – Handles licensing, foreign rights, subsidiary rights negotiations
- Marketing Coordinator – Creates promotional materials, manages book launch campaigns
- Content Editor – Develops editorial calendars, manages writer assignments
- Features Editor – Plans long-form articles, special issues, themed content
- Digital Content Manager – Optimizes content for web platforms, SEO implementation
- Managing Editor – Oversees editorial workflow, maintains publication standards
- Fact Checker – Verifies article accuracy, source credibility
- Social Media Editor – Adapts content for social platforms, engagement strategies
- Copy Editor – Reviews articles for style, clarity, consistency
Teaching and Education Paths
Creative writing graduates possess unique storytelling abilities that translate effectively into teaching positions across educational levels.
Teaching Creative Writing
Creative writing graduates excel in teaching positions at high schools, colleges, universities or writing centers. I’ve discovered numerous opportunities to lead writing workshops, design curriculum for creative writing courses or mentor aspiring writers in both traditional classroom settings and online platforms. Teachers with creative writing degrees often incorporate hands-on writing exercises, peer review sessions, and portfolio development into their instructional methods.
Common teaching positions include:
- Writing Center Director overseeing tutoring programs
- Community College Creative Writing Instructor
- Secondary School English Teacher
- MFA Program Professor
- Private Writing Coach
- Online Writing Workshop Facilitator
Academic Publishing
Academic publishing blends creative expertise with scholarly research requirements. I’ve identified key roles in this field that leverage both analytical and creative writing skills:
Academic publishing positions include:
- Journal Editor managing peer review processes
- Textbook Development Specialist
- Educational Content Writer
- Research Publication Coordinator
- Academic Press Editor
- Digital Learning Content Creator
| Position | Entry Level | Experienced |
|---|---|---|
| Journal Editor | $45,000 | $75,000 |
| Textbook Developer | $50,000 | $85,000 |
| Content Writer | $42,000 | $68,000 |
| Research Coordinator | $48,000 | $78,000 |
Marketing and Advertising Careers
A creative writing degree opens lucrative opportunities in marketing and advertising. These fields value professionals who craft compelling narratives and connect with target audiences through strategic storytelling.
Copywriting
Creative writing graduates excel in copywriting roles across digital and traditional platforms. Top copywriting positions include Brand Copywriter ($65,000-$85,000), Digital Advertising Copywriter ($55,000-$75,000) and SEO Copywriter ($50,000-$70,000). Key responsibilities include:
- Writing compelling product descriptions for e-commerce platforms
- Creating engaging social media posts for brand campaigns
- Developing memorable taglines for advertising initiatives
- Crafting persuasive email marketing sequences
- Producing website copy that converts visitors into customers
- Develop comprehensive content calendars aligned with business goals
- Create engaging blog posts optimized for search engines
- Produce video scripts for marketing campaigns
- Design multi-channel content distribution plans
- Analyze content performance metrics to refine strategies
| Content Marketing Role | Average Salary Range | Required Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Content Strategist | $70,000-$95,000 | 3-5 years |
| Content Marketing Manager | $80,000-$120,000 | 5-7 years |
| Brand Storyteller | $65,000-$85,000 | 2-4 years |
Entertainment Industry Options
The entertainment industry offers diverse opportunities for creative writing graduates to craft compelling narratives across multiple platforms. These roles combine storytelling expertise with industry-specific technical knowledge.
Screenwriting
Screenwriting positions in television studios film production companies transform written stories into visual experiences. Key roles include:
- Television Staff Writer ($60,000-$100,000/year) creating episode scripts scripts for ongoing series
- Feature Film Screenwriter ($76,000-$139,000/year) developing original screenplays standalone films
- Script Doctor ($500-$5,000/project) revising existing scripts improve story structure dialogue
- Story Editor ($65,000-$85,000/year) reviewing coordinating script development teams
- Script Coordinator ($45,000-$65,000/year) managing script versions maintaining continuity
- Narrative Designer ($65,000-$120,000/year) creating branching storylines player choices
- Game Writer ($55,000-$115,000/year) developing character dialogue quest narratives
- Story Bible Creator ($60,000-$90,000/year) establishing maintaining game world lore
- Quest Designer ($70,000-$100,000/year) writing implementing mission storylines
- Character Writer ($50,000-$85,000/year) crafting detailed character backgrounds relationships
| Role | Entry-Level Salary | Senior-Level Salary | Project Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Television Staff Writer | $60,000 | $100,000 | N/A |
| Feature Film Screenwriter | $76,000 | $139,000 | $25,000-$100,000/script |
| Narrative Designer | $65,000 | $120,000 | N/A |
| Game Writer | $55,000 | $115,000 | $500-$2,000/project |
| Story Bible Creator | $60,000 | $90,000 | $2,000-$10,000/project |
Professional Writing Roles
Professional writing roles offer creative writing graduates opportunities to apply their storytelling abilities in specialized business contexts. These positions combine analytical thinking with effective communication skills.
Technical Writing
Technical writers transform complex information into clear documentation for specific audiences. This role includes writing:
- User manuals for software applications
- Standard operating procedures for manufacturing processes
- API documentation for developers
- Installation guides for consumer products
- Medical device instructions
- Safety protocols for industrial equipment
Average annual salaries for technical writers range from $60,000 to $115,000, depending on industry expertise and location.
| Experience Level | Average Salary | Required Certifications |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $60,000 | None Required |
| Mid-Career | $85,000 | STC Certification |
| Senior Level | $115,000 | CPTC Certification |
Grant Writing
Grant writers secure funding for organizations through compelling proposals and detailed documentation. Key responsibilities include:
- Researching funding opportunities from foundations corporations
- Writing persuasive grant proposals
- Developing project budgets financial reports
- Creating program evaluations impact assessments
- Managing grant reporting requirements
- Maintaining relationships with funding organizations
Grant writers earn between $45,000 and $90,000 annually, with experienced writers commanding higher rates for specialized grants.
| Grant Type | Success Rate | Average Award |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 20-30% | $50,000 |
| Government | 15-25% | $250,000 |
| Corporate | 25-35% | $25,000 |
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Creative writing graduates excel in building independent businesses that leverage their storytelling expertise and communication skills. The entrepreneurial path offers flexibility, creative control and multiple income streams.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing creates location-independent income through diverse writing projects. Here are key freelance writing opportunities:
- Content Creation: Writing blog posts, articles and website copy for businesses ($50-500 per piece)
- Ghostwriting: Producing books, memoirs and thought leadership content ($10,000-50,000 per project)
- Journalism: Contributing features to magazines and news outlets ($0.25-2 per word)
- Corporate Communications: Developing internal documents, newsletters and reports ($75-150 per hour)
- Social Media Management: Creating engaging posts and building brand voice ($1,000-5,000 monthly retainer)
- Manuscript Development: Providing detailed feedback on book drafts ($500-2,000 per manuscript)
- One-on-One Coaching: Offering personalized writing guidance ($75-200 per hour)
- Group Workshops: Leading writing seminars and retreats ($1,000-5,000 per event)
- Author Platform Building: Advising on marketing and publishing strategy ($1,500-3,000 per package)
- Professional Editing: Developmental, line and copy editing services ($0.02-0.10 per word)
| Service Type | Entry Level Rate | Expert Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | $25/hour | $150+/hour |
| Writing Coaching | $50/hour | $200+/hour |
| Group Workshop | $500/event | $5,000+/event |
| Manuscript Review | $250/project | $2,000+/project |
Unconventional Career Paths
Creative writing graduates possess unique storytelling abilities that open doors to non-traditional career opportunities. These paths leverage communication skills in innovative ways across different industries.
Public Relations
Public Relations specialists craft compelling narratives that shape public perception of organizations brands or individuals. PR roles include:
- Writing press releases highlighting company milestones achievements growth metrics
- Developing media pitches targeting specific journalists outlets publications
- Creating crisis communication strategies during organizational challenges
- Managing social media responses to maintain brand reputation
- Producing internal communications newsletters reports updates
- Coordinating PR campaigns across multiple channels platforms
| PR Role Type | Average Annual Salary | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level PR | $45,000 – $55,000 | 0-2 years |
| PR Manager | $65,000 – $85,000 | 3-5 years |
| Senior PR Director | $95,000 – $150,000 | 7+ years |
- Writing executive speeches presentations announcements
- Developing employee communications programs handbooks guides
- Creating annual reports investor relations materials
- Managing internal messaging during organizational changes
- Producing corporate newsletters blogs podcasts
- Developing communication strategies aligned with business goals
| Communication Role | Primary Focus | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Comms Specialist | Employee Engagement | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| External Comms Manager | Stakeholder Relations | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Corp Comms Director | Strategic Planning | $110,000 – $175,000 |
A creative writing degree opens far more doors than many might expect. I’ve shown that the skills gained through this degree program extend well beyond crafting novels or poetry. From marketing and PR to technical writing and game design the possibilities are truly expansive.
What makes this degree particularly valuable is its versatility. The critical thinking storytelling and communication skills I’ve discussed are invaluable in today’s job market. Whether you’re drawn to traditional publishing roles entrepreneurial ventures or innovative fields like content marketing you’ll find your creative writing expertise in high demand.
Remember that success with a creative writing degree ultimately depends on how you leverage your skills and seize opportunities. The paths I’ve outlined are just the beginning – your creative writing degree can take you wherever your ambition and imagination lead.
