How To Become A Writer 10 Modern Writing Careers

How To Become A Writer 10 Modern Writing Careers How To Become A Writer 10 Modern Writing CareersPosted May 11, 2015, by Vivien LuuIf English was your favourite subject in high school and youve nursed vague dreams of being paid for your witty one-liners or clever story arcs, chances are youve toyed with the idea of pursing a career in writing.If this is the case, theres also a high chance that when you shared those ill-defined aspirations of becoming a writer with your high school career adviser, they immediately whipped out their journalism pamphlets.Yes, being a journo is great. But theres so much more to professional writing than working for the fourth estate. From copywriting to video games writing, weve put together a comprehensive list of writing jobs for the modern wordsmith.Click an icon below to find out more. 1. CopywriterDESCRIPTIONCopywriters work on the creative side of advertising. Theyre usually employed in-house or by an ad agency, and are paired with art directors to generate ad campaigns and write the accompanying copy. This might include slogans, jingles, TVC scripts and eDMs.SKILLSCopywriters need toWork well with othersThrive under pressure and work to deadlinesBe ideas peopleKeep abreast of industry newsBe resilient (burning out is common in ad land)Be ok with using their creative talents to sell thingsSPECIALISATIONSCopywriters can specialise inDigitalTelevisionRadioDirect marketingBrandingTRAINING-AWARD School Is Australias fruchtwein prestigious school for advertising creatives. Tutors are hand-picked from the top ad firms, and candidates must submit a sternbezogen portfolio of ideas to gain entry. - Certificate IV in Advertising Is a great course to study if youre a professional writer by trade but dont have an advertising hintergrund.RESOURCES- Campaign Brief and AdNews Comprehensively cover both Australian and international industry news. - mUmBRELLA Lists advertising jobs in Australia and covers industry news.PAY$39 $82ktable-b order td border1px solid 444table-border border1px solid 000table-border td, table-border th padding3px border1px solid 444table-border tr td + td + td, table-border tr th + td + td table-border tr td + td , table-border tr th + td2. SpeechwriterDESCRIPTIONAs highly specialised PR professionals, speechwriters help politicians and top-end business executives give powerful and compelling speeches. They often collaborate with their client and other media professionals to research the subject matter, define the desired effect of the speech, and target the right audience.SKILLSSpeechwriters need to beStrong researchersSocial media savvyWell-versed in media relationsPersuasive writersUnderstand how the written word differs from the spoken wordAble to work in high-pressure environmentsSPECIALISATIONSSpeechwriters can specialise in two areasPolitics and government bureausBusiness corporationsTRAININGDue to the high-stakes nature of speechwriting, the profession usually calls for at least a bachelors degree in communication and writing. A background in PR is also a plus.Introduction to Public RelationsBachelor of Communications (Public Relations)Graduate Diploma in Policy and Applied Social ResearchRESOURCES- Must reads for speechwritersMichael Long, a White House speechwriter, has put together a comprehensive list of recommended reads.- Get advice from the bestJon Favreau, President Obamas speechwriter (who incidentally brings home $US172k a year), has some insightful speechwriting tips.PAY$78 $100ktable-border td border1px solid 444table-border border2px solid 000table-border td, table-border th padding3px border1px solid 444table-border tr td + td + td, table-border tr th + td + td table-border tr td + td , table-border tr th + td3. JournalistDESCRIPTIONHalf of a journos job is to be a great writer, but the other half is about finding the stories. News is, after all, exactly that new. Journalists can work for networks or publications and chase stories, build relat ionships with sources and often face very tight deadlines.SKILLSJournalists need to beNews junkiesSocial media savvyPersuasive and personableAble to research and fact-checkA stickler for spelling and grammarAware of media law and legislationAble to thrive in fast-paced environmentsSPECIALISATIONSBy styleNews reportingFeaturesBy mediumTVRadioDigitalPrintBy genrePoliticsSportLifestyleFoodTRAINING- Charles Sturt University Is one of Australias most prestigious universities for journalism. Noteable alumni include Andrew Denton, Jessica Rowe and Melissa Doyle. Popular courses includeBachelor of Communication (Media Practice)Master of Communication- Short courses Are also great if youre a writer by trade, but not trained in journalismCertificate in Freelance JournalismStyles and Genres of JournalismRESOURCES- The Walkey FoundationIs Australias peak body for journalists, and is responsible for the nations most prestigious journalism award. They host industry events, offer internships and p ublish a trade publication.- ABC cadetships and work experience The national broadcaster offers a number of highly-regarded cadetships and work experience programs that are great for new graduates.PAY$36 $73k4. ScreenwriterDESCRIPTIONWhether its a Hollywood blockbuster or HBO drama, film and TV shows all have one thing in common a killer script, and a screenwriter whos behind it. There are two general types of screenwriters. TV show writers, who work in a writers room to break a story and bounce episode ideas around, and features writers who work on their own scripts, which they then sell to studios.SKILLSScreenwriters need toHave thick skin (the film industry can be brutal)Be natural storytellersHave a unique voiceBe film and TV addictsBe ok with working aloneBe highly imaginativeSPECIALISATIONSBy mediumTVFilmBy genreSitcomRomantic comedy (rom-com)DramaCrimeChildrensTRAINING- Australian Film Television and Radio SchoolIs the national film school, and considered one of the most p restigious places to study screenwriting in Australia.- Useful coursesIntroduction to Screen AnalysisCertificate in Introduction to ScreenwritingRESOURCES- The Australian Writers GuildAre a peak body that represent Aussie screenwriters. They run annual competitions for unproduced screenplays and also offer industry advice on legal issues and pay.- The Black ListIf you want to write great scripts, you need to read great scripts. Every year The Black List releases their top 100 unproduced scripts of the year, based upon Hollywood executives feedback. The website also have a great screenwriting blog for aspiring writers.PAY$0 US$5m (capped at the price ofDj Vu the most expensive script ever sold)table-border td border1px solid 444table-border border2px solid 000table-border td, table-border th padding3px border1px solid 444table-border tr td + td + td, table-border tr th + td + td table-border tr td + td , table-border tr th + td5. Video games writerDESCRIPTIONUnlike other writing pro fessions, video game writers not only have to tell a story, they have to tell a story that can be played. These writers collaborate closely with level designers and programmers to help bring a game to life. Game writers often work as part of a narrative team, and focus on driving the story forward by working on things like character arc, dialogue and world building.SKILLSVideo game writers need toWork well with othersUnderstand game mechanics and gameplayBe game fantaticsHave a background in creative writingBe storytellersSPECIALISATIONSBy genreRole playing games (RPG)First person shooter (FPS)Massively multiplayer online (MMO)Real time strategy (RTS)Puzzle-basedTRAININGWriting for video games is still a relatively new field, so there arent any courses dedicated entirely to game writing yet, however having training in game design is definitely a bonusDiploma of Creative Arts (Game Design)Bachelor of Creative Arts (Game Design)RESOURCES- KotakuDo a great job covering news from the vi deo games industry, and often interview game designers, writers and creators.- PAXIs an annual games conference held in Melbourne that is great for both fans and game creators alike.PAYUS$53 US100ktable-border td border1px solid 444table-border border2px solid 000table-border td, table-border th padding3px border1px solid 444table-border tr td + td + td, table-border tr th + td + td table-border tr td + td , table-border tr th + td6. Bid/Grant writerDESCRIPTIONThe job of a bid writer or grant writer is to help organisations prepare tender documents in a bid to win new business or gain further funding. Bid and grant writers are always in high demand and can be hired by any number of organisations from global corporations and NGOs to universities, construction firms and charitable organisations.SKILLSBid writers need toBe strong collaboratorsPossess top-notch administrative skillsCommunicate their ideas wellHave industry knowledge of their chosen sectorBe thorough researchersHave stra tegic visionSPECIALISATIONSBy industryConstruction and architectureHealthcare and disabilityMedical researchNot-for-profitTRAININGBid writers need to hold at least an undergrad degree in communications. So depending on your level of training, the following courses might be helpfulBachelor of CommunicationGraduate Certificate in CommunicationsSpecific training in grant writing would be helpful to newcomers to the fieldCertificate in Advanced Grant Proposal WritingCertificate in becoming a Grant Writing ConsultantPAY$60 $155ktable-border td border1px solid 444table-border border2px solid 000table-border td, table-border th padding3px border1px solid 444table-border tr td + td + td, table-border tr th + td + td table-border tr td + td , table-border tr th + td7. Blogger/digital content writerDESCRIPTIONDigital content writing or blogging is a unique part-journalism, part-marketing. Content writers can be employed in-house or recruited by content marketing agencies. They work with strat egists to generate content that is rich, sharable, and helps to build a brands voice.SKILLSContent writers need toBe social media savvyUnderstand search engine optimisation (SEO) techniquesBe confident with content management systemsHave basic Photoshop skillsSPECIALISATIONSThe great thing about being a blogger or content writer is that you can specialise in whatever it is youre passionate about. This might includeTravelFoodFashionTechTRAININGOpen Universities Australia offer single units of study which are great for both new bloggers and seasoned writers interested in content writingIntroduction to WritingWriting the ZeitgeistWriting, Rhetoric and PersuasionRESOURCES- Blogs to watchDailyTekk compile an annual list of the hottest blogs out there. Knowing what works and what audiences like is a great starting point for your own blog writing.- Marketing case studiesSalesforce have also compiled a list of case studies that highlight what great content marketing looks like.PAY$38 US$9.6 m (capped at 2014s highest earning blogger owner of TechCrunch, Michael Arrington)table-border td border1px solid 444table-border border2px solid 000table-border td, table-border th padding3px border1px solid 444table-border tr td + td + td, table-border tr th + td + td table-border tr td + td , table-border tr th + td8. AuthorDESCRIPTIONPerhaps the most well understood, and most desired writing profession is that of the author. Authors can either be commissioned to write a novel, or if theyre not signed with a publishing house, will work on their own manuscripts before sending them out to firms.SKILLSAuthors need toBe self-driven and ok with working aloneBe highly imaginativeHave thick skinDevelop a unique voiceUnderstand storySPECIALISATIONSBy genreNon-fictionChildrensYoung adultCrimeRomanceTRAININGWriting a novel is a daunting task, especially if youve never been trained in the craft of creative writing. We recommend the following for aspiring writersCreative Writing A Practical IntroductionCertificate in Writing a BestsellerBachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing)Graduate Certificate in Arts (Writing)RESOURCES- The Australian Writers MarketplaceIs a fantastic resource for aspiring authors, and serves as a comprehensive guide to the Australian publishing market. The book is updated annually and is like the Yellow Pages of literary agents and publishers.- Pitch eventsFor unpublished authors, pitch events such as Allen Unwins Friday Pitchare an opportunity to get noticed by industry professionals, and more importantly to get published.PAY$0 US$94m (capped at 2014s highest earning author, James Patterson)table-border td border1px solid 444table-border border2px solid 000table-border td, table-border th padding3px border1px solid 444table-border tr td + td + td, table-border tr th + td + td table-border tr td + td , table-border tr th + td9. Technical writerDESCRIPTIONThe job of a technical writer is to make technical information digestible and easy to follow for readers. Technical writers produce a whole host of technical documents such as user guides, white papers and system manuals, and can also work with experts such as scientists, engineers and doctors to help produce journal articles and important documents like clinical study reports.SKILLSTechnical writers need to Write in a clear and concise mannerHave impeccable attention to detailUnderstand training and development needsUnderstand information systemsHave strong editing and proofreading skillsSPECIALISATIONSBy industryMedicalHealthcareScienceBusinessTRAININGTechnical writers are often required to hold at least an undergraduate degree in communicationsBachelor of Communications (Media Studies)Master of CommunicationPAY$48 $124ktable-border td border1px solid 444table-border border2px solid 000table-border td, table-border th padding3px border1px solid 444table-border tr td + td + td, table-border tr th + td + td table-border tr td + td , table-border tr th + td10 . GhostwriterDESCRIPTIONThis list would be replete without a nod to ghostwriters the invisible forces who work behind the scenes on novels, screenplays and autobiographies for the pay, rather than the fame. Ghostwriters are often commissioned by two types of clients those with no writing background (celebrities and media personalities looking to pen a novel or autobiography), and professional writers struggling with writers block.SKILLSGhostwriters need to beGood listeners and collaborate well with non-writersAble to accurately research and fact-checkStrong subeditorsGifted storytellersAble to set aside their ego (the client often has the final say)SPECIALISATIONSGhostwriters can be commissioned to help withAutobiographies and memoirsNovels (both fiction and non-fiction)Screenplays and scriptsTwitter accounts and social media managementTRAININGGhostwriters are trained as professional writers, ideally with a background in publishingor journalism. For aspiring ghostwriters, we reco mmend the following coursesMaster of Arts (Writing)Certificate in Non-Fiction Writing and PublishingWriting, Editing and PublishingRESOURCES- A closer look at ghostwriting The Australian Society of Authors has compiled a comprehensive overview of ghostwriting.- Learning from the bestAndrew Crofts, one of Britains most successful ghostwriters, has released a book with rare insights into the world of professional ghostwritingPAY$25 $500k per booktable-border td border1px solid 444table-border border2px solid 000table-border td, table-border th padding3px border1px solid 444table-border tr td + td + td, table-border tr th + td + td table-border tr td + td , table-border tr th + tdThe pen is indeed mightier than the sword. Hone your greatest weapon today with our range of online writing coursesSources - Payscale - Australian Government Gazette - Gamasutra 2014 Salary Survey - Writers MarketplaceBachelor of Communication (Journalism)Study modeOn CampusOnlinePayment optionsHECS-HELPUpfro nt paymentEnquire Online Enquire OnlineWriting ResourcesPublishing assistant sample resumePublishing assistant sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesHelen Scheuerer - Founding Editor of Writers EditAmanda Palm - BLOGS X BANTER Founder & WriterMorris Gleitzman - Childrens AuthorSonya Hartnett - Award-Winning AuthorInterested in becoming a?WriterJournalistCopywriterEditorAuthorPopular Career Searchesonline creative writing coursescreative writing course brisbaneonline creative writing course australiabachelor creative writing melbourneonline degree for creative writingWriting CoursesBachelor of Creative WritingEnquire Online Enquire Online Vivien LuuViv is a writer who enjoys researching and writing about creativity, how the menschenwrdig mind works, and neuro processes. She values creativity above all else and admires people who pursue their career dreams, no matter the sacrifice. In her spare time, she binges on HBO shows and epic fantasy novels.Related ArticlesBrowse moreCAREER INSPIRATIONFemale entrepreneursSandra Reynolds - Author and Blogger, The $120 Food ChallengeI am passionate about teaching people not so much how to cook but how to eat, how to plan a menu for the week, how to stock up their pantry, how to use seasonal produce.Creative careersFemale entrepreneursMia Freedman - Writer and Website EntrepreneurI have always been passionate about creating tribes of women, communities of like-minded people.CAREER INSPIRATIONEntrepreneurshipHow to Become A Professional BloggerIn recent years, social media has been revolutionising the way people find jobs. Social media is now becoming a job in itself, with many people turning their blog or website into a viable moneymaker.