What Can You Do with a Creative Writing Degree?

A degree in creative writing opens the door to a world of storytelling, imagination, and expression. While some may view this degree as a path solely for aspiring novelists or poets, the truth is that it provides a versatile skill set applicable in numerous industries. Creative writing graduates possess strong communication skills, an ability to craft engaging narratives, and the flexibility to adapt their writing to different formats and audiences. So, what can you do with a creative writing degree? In this article, we’ll explore various career paths that allow you to leverage your talents and passions in writing.

Writing and Publishing Careers

Author/Novelist

One of the most traditional and sought-after roles for those with a creative writing degree is becoming an author or novelist. Many creative writing graduates aspire to write fiction or non-fiction books that reach a wide audience, whether through traditional publishing houses or self-publishing platforms. A degree in creative writing equips you with the skills to develop compelling characters, intricate plots, and meaningful themes that resonate with readers.

In the traditional publishing route, you may need to work with literary agents, editors, and publishers to get your work published. However, the rise of self-publishing platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers an alternative path where you retain full control over your work.

Popular genres for authors include fiction, memoirs, poetry, and even genre-specific niches like fantasy or historical fiction. With persistence, strong storytelling, and marketing skills, many authors find success in both traditional and self-publishing markets.

Freelance Writer

Freelance writing is another lucrative career for creative writing graduates. As a freelance writer, you can work for a variety of clients, writing blog posts, articles, website content, or even ghostwriting books and speeches. The flexibility of freelancing allows you to build a career around your own schedule, choosing clients and projects that align with your interests.

Freelance writers are in demand across multiple industries, including marketing, technology, travel, education, and more. You may also develop long-term relationships with clients who regularly need writing services, providing a stable stream of income while allowing you to explore diverse writing assignments.

Journalist/Feature Writer

If you enjoy storytelling with a journalistic flair, a career in journalism or feature writing may be for you. Creative writers with strong research skills can excel in writing for newspapers, magazines, and digital media outlets. In this role, you’ll focus on storytelling, reporting, and bringing compelling narratives to life through investigative journalism or human-interest stories.

Journalists often explore real-world topics, from politics to culture, using their creative writing background to present these subjects in engaging ways. Feature writers, in particular, are responsible for crafting long-form articles that delve deeply into topics, offering readers in-depth insights and perspectives.

Careers in Marketing and Advertising

Content Writer/Copywriter

In the digital age, businesses rely heavily on content marketing to attract and engage customers. As a content writer or copywriter, you’ll craft written content for websites, blogs, advertisements, and social media, helping businesses tell their stories and connect with their audiences.

Copywriting focuses on writing persuasive materials like advertisements, product descriptions, and promotional campaigns, often requiring sharp, concise messaging. In contrast, content writing typically involves creating longer-form articles, guides, or blog posts that inform and educate the audience while subtly promoting a product or service.

A creative writing degree helps you develop the ability to craft messages that resonate with readers, making this an ideal career path for those interested in merging creativity with marketing strategy.

Social Media Manager

Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook require engaging and consistent content to capture the attention of audiences. As a social media manager, you’ll use your creative writing skills to write posts that embody a brand’s voice, convey messages concisely, and inspire action.

Social media managers also curate and create visual content, manage online communities, and respond to customer inquiries, requiring a mix of creativity and strategic thinking. A strong understanding of narrative and audience engagement, which comes with a creative writing background, is essential for crafting posts that stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

Teaching and Academia

Creative Writing Instructor

If you’re passionate about sharing your love of storytelling with others, becoming a creative writing instructor could be a fulfilling career. Creative writing instructors teach students the art of writing fiction, poetry, screenplays, and more at the high school, college, or community levels.

In this role, you’ll guide aspiring writers through the creative process, offering feedback on their work and helping them refine their craft. Opportunities are available at universities, community colleges, and through writing workshops, either in-person or online. This career allows you to inspire the next generation of writers while continuing to work on your own projects.

English Teacher

Another common path for creative writing graduates is teaching English at the middle school or high school level. In this role, you’ll teach students literature, grammar, and writing techniques, helping them develop critical analysis skills and a love for reading and writing. While the focus may not be solely on creative writing, your background in storytelling will help students engage more deeply with literature and writing assignments.

Careers in Film, TV, and Video Games

Screenwriter

For those drawn to the world of film and television, screenwriting offers a thrilling opportunity to tell stories through dialogue and visuals. As a screenwriter, you’ll write scripts for movies, television shows, or streaming series, collaborating with directors, producers, and actors to bring your story to life.

Screenwriting is a highly competitive field, but creative writing graduates are well-equipped with the storytelling skills needed to succeed. Whether you’re interested in writing feature films, short films, or episodic content for television, a background in creative writing can help you craft engaging scripts that capture the audience’s imagination.

Video Game Writer

The gaming industry has evolved into a major platform for storytelling, and creative writers are playing an increasingly important role in crafting the narratives that guide players through immersive experiences. As a video game writer, you’ll develop dialogue, character backstories, and plotlines for video games, working closely with game designers and developers.

This career requires a unique approach to storytelling, as video games often involve non-linear narratives that allow players to make choices and shape the story. Creative writing graduates who enjoy interactive storytelling will find this an exciting and innovative career path.

Other Creative Career Paths

Playwright

For those who love live performance, writing for the stage offers a dynamic way to explore dialogue and character development. As a playwright, you’ll write scripts for theater productions, collaborating with directors and actors to bring your story to the stage.

Theater allows for a direct, emotional connection with the audience, and writing for performance requires a deep understanding of pacing, dialogue, and character interactions. Whether you’re interested in drama, comedy, or experimental theater, playwriting is a rewarding creative outlet.

Content Strategist

A content strategist oversees the creation and distribution of content within businesses, helping brands craft their messaging and communication strategies. In this role, you’ll blend creativity with business acumen, developing content plans that align with brand goals while engaging customers across various platforms.

Creative writing graduates excel in this role due to their ability to tell compelling stories, adapt their voice for different audiences, and create cohesive narratives that span multiple forms of media.

Conclusion

A creative writing degree opens up a wide range of career possibilities, from traditional writing roles to opportunities in marketing, media, and education. Whether you dream of becoming an author, writing scripts for film and TV, or helping brands tell their stories, the skills you gain from a creative writing degree are adaptable and in-demand across various industries.

With the flexibility and creativity that come with a background in writing, the possibilities are endless. Explore different paths, experiment with your craft, and find the career that aligns with your passion for storytelling.