highest paying creative writing jobs

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Last updated on Aug 13, 2021

20 Creative Writing Jobs for Graduates (+ Entry-Level Positions)

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Linnea Gradin

The editor-in-chief of the Reedsy Freelancer blog, Linnea is a writer and marketer with a degree from the University of Cambridge. Her focus is to provide aspiring editors and book designers with the resources to further their careers.

Being passionate about creative writing hasn’t always been associated with a stable career path, but that’s not to say that there aren’t any opportunities out there to bring well-written stories into your job. In fact, we’re here to talk about 20 different creative writing jobs — 20 professions that let the storyteller in you shine! We’ll discuss the industries, entry level jobs, and potential income for each job below. 

When it comes to creative writing, the first thing that pops up in our mind is books! While writing is the obvious option (and we’ll cover that later on in the post), most writers choose to work in one of the following positions in the publishing industry to gain financial stability first. 

❗ Note: The “per book” rates below are made with 50,000-60,000 word manuscripts in mind. 

1. Ghostwriter 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: freelance writer, ghostwriter, editorial assistant 

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $2,000-$9,000 per book or $0.10-$0.15 per word

If you’re all about creative writing but you’d prefer an upfront payment for your words, then ghostwriting is the job for you! Here’s how it works: an author hires you to help them write their story. It could (and usually is) a memoir or an autobiography which the author doesn't have the time or skills to write themselves. Fiction authors also sometimes use ghostwriters to help them write sequels and satisfy popular demands. 

Ghostwriters are freelancers, so you can start by getting some freelance writing gigs. As a beginner, you might start with short-form projects like articles, white papers, website content. Here are some resources, complete with tips from experienced professionals, that might be helpful:

• How to Start Freelance Writing ( Read here )
• How to Become a Ghostwriter ( Read here )
• How Much Do Ghostwriters Make? ( Read here )

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: editorial assistant

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $25,000-$30,000 per year or $800-$1,000 per book

Writing is actually not all there is to creative writing jobs — if you really love stories and are always finding ways to make a story better, then editing is a suitable profession for you. There are many types of editors: some, like development editors, work more on the plot and theme of the book, and others, like copy editors,  specialize on its language and style . 

Editorial assistant jobs are the common first steps to this career path. Entry-level positions are quite competitive in publishing, so you’ll likely need a relevant degree (English Literature, MFA, etc.) to get the job. 

Freelancing, as always, is an option, but it can be quite difficult to get clients if you start without any editing experience. Oftentimes, editors start working in-house and later transition to freelance . 

Below are some more resources for you if you want to pursue this career path:

• How to Become an Editor: A Guide for Beginners ( Read here )
• Copyediting Certificates: Do You Need One and Where to Get It? ( Read here )
• Editor Salary: Can Your Skills Pay the Bills? ( Read here )
• Working in Publishing: An Insider's Guide ( Read here )

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3. Proofreader

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: freelance proofreader

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $550-$650 per book 

Proofreading comes after editing — the proofreader reads the manuscript one final time, after all the revisions are made, to see if any spelling and grammatical errors are missed out. They’re incredibly crucial to the production of a spotless book, so there’s never a shortage of proofreading work opportunities . 

This task is often done on a freelance basis, either by full-time freelancers or by editors who want to take on side jobs. You can specialize in proofreading alone, though most professionals will combine editing and proofreading crafts for better income. As a beginner, opportunities for short-form projects will often be more accessible — stay open-minded about taking them up, but also do some proofreading training to prepare for more exciting gigs. 

We’ve also got some resources for this topic for you to check out:

• How to Become a Proofreader: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide ( Read here )
• How to Choose Your Proofreading Rates ( Read here )

There’s more to journalism than just breaking news on CNN, which means there’s plenty of space for the creative writer in you to flourish in this industry! Let’s take a look at a couple of options you can consider. 

4. Columnist 

👩🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: fellowships, junior writer/columnist, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $25,000-$35,000 per year or $100-$300 per piece 

If you like creative nonfiction , you probably have already considered becoming a columnist. In fact, you can even be a books columnist! Job options range from book-specific sites like Electric Literature or Literary Hub, to prestigious newspapers like The Guardian or The New Yorker. But that’s not necessarily the only thing you can write about! You can become a columnist in just about any topic, from social issues to entertainment, as long as you’re interested in the niche. 

Look out for fellowships and junior writing jobs in newspapers and magazines and get ready to apply! A degree in relevant subjects like Journalism or English Literature is a great advantage, though your ability to follow up on leads, conduct thorough research, and keep up with the latest trends in a certain niche will be carefully assessed. You can also be a contributing writer first to forge a relationship with the editors before going after a full-time position. 

👨🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: junior writer, freelance writer

There’s a fine line between a critic and a columnist: critics are usually more academically inclined, and they often work more on the arts than columnists. Columnists cover social issues, sports, entertainment in their more general sense, while critics while home in on a particular piece of art, literature, theatre, or movie to offer expert assessment of it. 

Similar to the columnists, you can begin with junior writing positions and freelance gigs, in which you build up a writing portfolio of relevant work . Ideally, critics will be more savvy to the technicalities of whatever subject you critique — be it filmography or literature. In other words, formal training like a bachelor’s degree is a good launch pad. 

6. News journalist 

👩🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer/journalist

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $30,000-$35,000 per year 

Writing news articles is different from the writing column pieces: a journalist must maintain an impartial voice and be succinct. Moreover, you’re always looking out for the latest story, whether on social media or on the street (which is where your love for creative writing can come in). 

The most common way to get into news journalism is to get a salaried position. You can also apply to internships as well, and there are compensated ones to look out for. What you will need is a degree and some journalist training so that you can use shorthand, know what makes a good story, and know what sources to chase, among other things. 

7. Investigative journalist 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer/journalist

And what if you’re a fan of true crime ? You might find yourself drawn to investigative journalism! You can chase the tail of anything under the sun, from kidnappings to factory production, from local to international events, so long as there’s an uncovered story there. The topic will often be assigned to you by an editor, and you’ll be given some time to collect information and write the article. It’s a slower pace than daily news, but it’s thrilling nonetheless. 

Similar to the news path, you’ll likely start off with an internship or a junior writing position. With this job opportunity, you can build a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to peel back the layers of the onion to reveal new insights to a matter. Again, a degree and training in journalism are essential. 

Copywriting

Copywriting is writing to sell a product or service, and it could be anything from newsletter emails to slogans to even commercial scripts! There’s definitely a creative element to it, as you’re always looking for a unique and memorable way to capture the attention of consumers. And since it's so rooted in consumption culture, copywriting is definitely a writing career that's in demand!

Below are several types of copywriting jobs you can go into. 

8. Technical copywriter

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: technical writer, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $32,000-$38,000 per year 

A technical writer works on instructional materials for manuals, white papers, and other informative pieces of writing. A technical copywriter combines that level of specialty with marketing tactics, thereby focusing on promoting products and services that are a bit more, well, technical. Think electronic companies, software developers, repair and maintenance services. 

Ideally, you’d have some education or experience in technical sectors (i.e. IT, engineering, finance). That way, you won’t take too much time to familiarize yourself with the jargon, and employers are more likely to hire you. You can also begin with technical writing, if you don’t mind working on material that’s a bit less creative. 

9. Advertising copywriter

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: junior copywriter, communications copywriter

For a more creative writing job, you can go for advertising. This often involves a lot of brainstorming with the creative team of your agency to come up with advertisement campaigns that will leave a mark. When working on this you can write all kinds of content, from slogans to image copies to web content. 

Having a bachelor’s degree in marketing or an essay-based discipline is usually beneficial if you’re looking for this kind of job. You can work for a big brand, which will constantly be needing new content, or you can work for a marketing agency, tailoring your work to every client. 

10. PR copywriter

👩🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: junior copywriter

Public relations (PR) is, simply put, the art of building a good reputation, whether that’s for an individual or a brand. You’ll work on press releases, report and presentation writing, material for internal and external communications to present your client’s motivation and direction. 

For this kind of job, the precision of your language and your ability to stay up to date with the competitors will be important. A degree in communications or business administration are a plus point. And as is often the case in most writing jobs, the ability to find the human story behind everything will be your best tool. 

Content Marketing

Nowadays, traditional marketing on TV, billboards, and posters are only a part of the industry, the other is all about online content. And with so many things zooming about on the Internet, every company will be looking for the most creative person to help them stand out. Which means you get plenty of opportunities to be imaginative, working on website content, blog posts, social media posts, and even videos.

11. Social media manager 

👨🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/junior/freelance social media specialist

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $30,000-$35,000 per year 

With our evermore online world, social media-related jobs definitely is a writing career that's in demand. So many things can happen on social media — you might very well go viral overnight! The challenge is getting there. As a social media manager, you get to be the voice of the company, interacting with customers in a friendly, casual way, while also learning their habits and preferences so that you and others on your team can better engage with them. 

This is a relatively hands-on job, so experience running a public social media account is the best thing you can have on your CV. A degree in communications can be beneficial, though many job postings don’t require anything specific.

12. Blogger

👩🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: blogger, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $0.10-$0.15 per word

Blogging is probably something you’re familiar with as a writer — but do you know it can earn you a good penny? By focusing on a specific subject (it can be books , technology, fashion, the freelance life, etc.), you can attract companies who are looking to strengthen their brand awareness and will sponsor you. It’ll take time to build an attractive platform, but it’s definitely possible. 

Beyond that, you can write for others as well. There are plenty of websites that promote creative writing jobs all over, so you can sift through them for the suitable ones. No degree requirements for this job, just your skill with a (proverbial) quill! 

13. Content creator 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: content marketer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $27,000-$34,000 per year 

If you’re happy to do a bit of everything, then apply to become a content creator. You’ll also get to collaborate with a team to come up with an overall strategy in this position.

You can work for all kinds of companies in this career. A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, English, Communications are highly relevant, though adjacent, essay-based subjects tend to do the job, too. Brushing up on search engine optimization (SEO) is also wise. 

Pop culture, the latest rumors and gossip, interesting observations served on a pretty platter — if any of that sounds interesting to you, you can jump into the media industry. Here are some job options if you want to take this route. 

14. Screenwriter

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/associate writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $9,000-$15,000 per project 

Everyone of us has probably at one point or another thought about entering the film and TV industry, and that career goal is definitely achievable, if you know where to look. A lot of people start with assistant positions to learn the ropes and get an opportunity to work on bigger productions. If you prefer to write from the get-go, you can go for lower-budget projects. 

To get one of the assistant positions and put yourself out there, touch up on craft skills like plotting, story structures , character-building to be prepared. No qualifications are specified in most cases. 

15. Broadcast journalist 

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer

We’ve covered written news — now comes broadcast news. From televised reports to radio sessions, you can be the writer behind the words that reporters or presenters read out. It’s a fast-paced job that deals with the latest real-life stories, which can be incredibly rewarding, even if it’s not explicitly creative. 

Many broadcast journalists work project by project (unless it’s periodical news), almost like a freelancer. You’ll still need to have all the skills necessary to put together a good news story, so some journalist training will be beneficial. 

16. Podcaster 

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/associate writer or producer 

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $18-$25 per hour, or $26,000-$32,000 per year 

Along the same lines as a broadcast journalist is the job of a podcaster. This is a bit more topical than journalism, and you can really home into certain fields and explore it in depth. Another special thing about podcasters is they usually host the shows, too! So if you’re confident about your voice, and about interviewing others, there’s no reason not to try this out. 

As with screenwriting, the route to get into this sector can be a little bit challenging, since it’s often a case of catching an opportunity from the right people at the right time. Which is why assistant jobs are a strong start. 

And finally, we arrive at the section that hopeful writers often dream about more than anything else. Getting your book out in the world is not easy, it requires not just time and effort but also finances, if only to keep you afloat while completing the manuscript. That said, it’s possible to do it on the side with another full-time job, as is the case for most published writers. 

The cool thing about this career is that you are your own boss — i.e. there are no entry level positions. You are an author the day you call yourself one. 

17. Short story writer

Short stories are charming in their own right, and with the booming literary magazine sphere , there’s no shortage of space to get your words out there into the world. Publishing an anthology with a publisher is also an option but it’s harder — you often need to have an established career first. 

In any case, most magazines aim to have enough funds to pay their contributors. Small ones can pay $15-$20 per story, bigger ones $100-$200. You can also enter writing contests to win higher prizes .

18. Novelist 

Being a novelist comes with the difficulty of having the time and finances to write a full draft before you can propose it to publishers, or even publish it yourself. It’s a long commitment, and it doesn’t guarantee a payoff. If it does get printed, a book deal can get you an advance in the $5,000-$15,000 range. If you self-publish, what you get depends on how well you market your books — emphasis on the plural noun!

That said, it’s not impossible. We’ve got a whole post on how to become a novelist here if you want some pointers from famous writers like Anne Lamott and Zadie Smith! Read it here .

19. Nonfiction author 

Who says creative writing jobs have to be all about fiction? Creative nonfiction is a growing field that’s always welcoming new stories. From memoirs and biographies to true crime, from self-help to essay collections, you can focus on many different topics with this option. 

The nice thing about it all is that unlike fiction writers, you can pitch your book to publishers before you complete a whole manuscript for nonfiction titles, meaning you can be guaranteed some kind of results before you start writing. The advance amount is similar to that for novels.

And last but not least, you can become a poet! Poets tell stories with rhythm and rich imagery, and not just on paper but also with their voice. Performing poetry is one of the special advantages that comes with this form of writing. Not only does it let you and the audience experience in a new way, it’s also a great opportunity to grow as an artist. 

On top of that, you can also dabble in other industries (advertising, music producers…) as a lyricist. As it’s a gig-based employment, you probably want to diversify your work portfolio to make sure there’s always something you can work on. The rates are usually similar to that of a ghostwriter.

And voila, that’s the end to our master list of creative writing jobs! Hopefully, there’s something to help you passion live on among this many options.

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What Are the 15 Highest Paying Writing Jobs?

If you can identify the highest paying writing jobs, you can make a full-time income and energize your writing career.

Many people will try to tell you that there is no money in writing. They either say that the field is too competitive, assignments are not regular enough, or that no one wants to pay the cost of good writing. But, they fail to consider how many people earn more than the median salary for all occupations in the U.S. ($41,950 as of May 2020.)

There are many people working high-paying writing jobs and earning a respectable income. May editors make $80,000 a year or more. Content managers can easily break six figures.

Work on excelling in areas like our list of highest paying writing jobs below to increase your income.

1. Technical Writer

2. speechwriter, 3. screenwriter, 4. novelist, 5. ghostwriter, 6. greeting card writer, 7. travel writer, 8. grant writer, 9. copywriter, 10. content writer and strategist, 11. proposal writer, 12. romance writer, 13. public relations writer, 14. columnist, 15. nonfiction writer, the final word on the highest paying writing jobs, what type of writing pays the most, what are the best jobs for writers without a degree.

Writers Work contains freelance writing opportunities for writers who want to start their career

Technical writing involves taking complex ideas and translating them into an easy-to-understand format. To excel in this field, you’ll need not just writing skills, but some understanding of tech-related concepts, as well. 

It also pays to be a strong researcher. You don’t need to be a subject matter expert in everything you write about, but you do need to be able to take in information and synthesize it into clear and concise text.

Average salary: $60,852

Why not check out our article on the perfect style guide for business writing to help you prepare for this niche. 

Few public figures write their speeches. Instead, they hire skilled writers who can translate their ideas into compelling spoken words.

While political speechwriters are the most well-known kind, there are also speechwriters in other niches. For example, speechwriters may craft speeches for executives, academics, and even people who want a very special wedding toast.

To be a successful speechwriter, you need to write simply, directly, and conversationally. You need to be able to analyze potential audiences and write in a style that they will find relatable. And, you need to capture the natural voice of your client, so your speech does not sound canned.

Average salary: $85,950.

Screenwriters have an essential role in bringing your favorite entertainment to life. They are behind hit movies and also the episodes of your favorite shows. There are even unsung heroes who get paid a premium behind the scenes to “punch up” scripts that are good but not perfect.

To be a successful screenwriter, you need to be able to work collaboratively, accept criticism and make changes based on what others want. You will also need to have a good ear for dialog and a basic understanding of the structure of a screenplay.

Average salary: $110,000

Many people think that being a successful novelist is a pie-in-the-sky dream. However, many writers are making full-time, reliable incomes writing fiction to fit the market.

If you feel you have a book in you, take some time to get familiar with the business. Look for agents who accept first-time writers. Learn about the tropes, expectations, and word counts associated with your writing genres.

Average salary: $49,046

Often, professionals in fields that range from tech to the movies have stories and wisdom they’d like to share, but not the time or writing skill to write a book of their own. This is where ghostwriters come in. If you care more about the act of writing than securing bylines, this can be an excellent path for you.

A ghostwriter will work with a client to create a book together. It is common for ghostwriters to interview their subjects chapter by chapter and write the book based on what their client has to share.

Most ghostwriting is done by freelance writers. Fees vary but can run from $30K to $80K or more for a full-length book. Ghostwriters also often handle social media and blogs for public figures.

If you have a way with words, this can be a great way to make a living. Most people who buy greeting cards say that they choose them based on their connection with the words in the text. Since greeting cards are short and sweet, the pay per word is among the highest you’ll find.

Average earnings for writing greeting cards  range from $25 to $150 per accepted submission .

Travel writing is a dream for many people who love writing and exploring new places. Travel writers can include bylined journalists writing for glossy magazines, solopreneur bloggers, and long-form writers who contribute detailed guidebooks about different locations.

Many travel writers work directly with specific hotel chains, tourism boards, and other entities to encourage travel to specific places. 

The  average travel writer  makes $59,197 a year. 

Many foundations and nonprofits depend on grants for their operational costs. Therefore, these organizations will employ grant writers to ensure the best possible chances of a successful application.

Grant writers start by identifying potential funding sources and then writing proposals that persuade the group to contribute to their client’s needs.

Different donors will have different requirements that must be followed to be considered. For example, grant writers will need to know how to break down costs and what sorts of language are most likely to persuade a donor.

Some grant writers are employees of the organizations they help. Others are freelancers who charge flat rates or a percentage of the secured grant.

The  national average salary  is $42,879.

Copywriters can create copy for materials that include blogs, websites, pay-per-click articles, and more. However, in today’s highly digital environment, they need skills in search engine optimization (SEO) along with a knack for persuasion.

While many copywriters have bachelor’s degrees in advertising, journalism, English, or a related field, a degree is unnecessary. Some work as part of a specific agency’s staff, others take freelance writing jobs.

The  average national salary for a copywriter  is $50,846.

If you need help building up a portfolio, check out our article on creating writing samples.  

It takes skill to get your client to stand out from the crowd. Content writers and strategists use blog posts, articles, social media, and ads to bring potential clients to a website.

To excel in content writing, you need to stay on top of the latest best SEO practices. Content marketing also needs to hit a delicate balance between providing the information that potential prospects want and an enticing feel without being overly promotional.

Salaries in this area can vary wildly. Beginners may work for a few cents a word. But, on the other hand, experienced  content strategists can earn  around $59,920 a year, on average.

When companies are looking for funding or contracts, a formal written proposal is often part of the process. Proposal writers have skills in persuasive writing to demonstrate how their clients can meet an investor’s or customer’s needs.

While many people in this field have degrees in disciplines like journalism or communication, it is not necessary. Instead, potential employers will look at a proposal writer’s track record with successful deals. 

The  national average salary for a proposal writer  is $57,628.

This is an area of creative writing that is so in demand it requires its own separate listing. Every year, romance novel sales exceed $1 billion. About a third of all mass-market fiction books are in the romance genre. And that doesn’t even begin to touch the demand for romance games and interactive novel writers.

Most romance writers are freelancers. They may self-publish on platforms like Amazon or sell their stories to publishers like Harlequin or Avon. However, there are also many calls on job boards for writers to create content for romance games. These are usually work for hire, with the client company keeping the rights.

Because earnings are self-reported, it is hard to put a firm number on how much a romance writer earns. However, reports of  $8,000 a month in sales  or more are not uncommon.

Maintaining a positive public image in today’s highly connected environment is more important than ever before. Public relations writers will handle writing tasks that include press releases, speeches, social media posts, blog posts, and more. 

It is common for people in this field to seek a degree in public relations, journalism, business, or a related field. Some may also pursue master’s degrees in areas that include public health or nonprofit management.

The  national average salary for public relations writers  is $54,111.

Many people return week after week to read insights from their favorite columnists. While columnists typically had work that appeared in newspapers and magazines in the past, many communicate directly with readers now through emailed newsletters on platforms like Substack.

Many columnists have degrees in areas like journalism or communication. Others will have education or life experience in the areas they write about, including food, politics, history, or other areas. There are, however, no specific educational requirements to become a columnist.

Specific publishers employ some columnists. Others earn money on the syndication of their columns. 

The  national average salary  for a columnist is $39,956.

If you have niche knowledge, a following on social media, or something else in your background that sets you apart, you may have what it takes to become a nonfiction book writer.

Publishers like John Wiley & Sons are continually looking for subject matter experts who also have a knack for writing. As a result, they do not accept proposals. Instead, they prefer to contact the writers with who they want to work. Other nonfiction publishers have submission guidelines that typically start with a proposal and a few sample chapters.

A full-time  nonfiction writer earns , on average, $61,240 a year.

Writing skills can be a boon in a massive array of fields. To succeed, you need to work on your writing skills and research in your chosen and other related fields to increase your marketability. While newbies may not make a lot, experienced writers can advance through a number of fields to earn a comfortable living with their trade.

FAQ About the Highest Paying Writing Jobs

There is no single answer to this question. Entry-level writers take pennies a word and those at the top of their field at $1 a word or more.

Writers without a degree can find success freelancing. Credentials take a back seat to quality published clips.