What are the Different Types of Writing Careers?

Businesses, organizations, and individuals often need the services of skilled writers, providing numerous job opportunities. Writing careers vary in scope, usually corresponding to the type of writing demanded by an employer or client. Some common writing careers include copywriting, authoring books, and grant writing. TV writing, technical writing, and promotional or PR writing are also options in the writing field.

Not all writing careers require specific training or education, though many writers do have degrees in English, creative writing, or journalism. Newspaper and magazine writers, in particular, may be required by their employer to have a degree in journalism. Similarly, writers who specialize in marketing or public relations may hold degrees in business or communications.

Publishers and media outlets rely on both freelance writers and regular employees to write books, develop web content, and write magazine and newspaper articles. Entertainment media relies on writers to compose scripts for television shows and movies. Educational publishers may rely on writers who have some previous education or expertise within the subject matters on which they publish curriculum or textbooks. Within these organizations, writers may have room for advancement, eventually becoming project managers or editors.

Writing careers can be found in many businesses and organizations with a mission or business other than publishing. Many businesses rely on public relations professionals to provide them with press releases. Copywriters produce catalogs, brochures, as well as content for websites and advertising materials. Manufacturers also use technical writers to compose manuals for using electronics, computers, and software.

Grant writers are often, but not always, freelance writers. They prepare grant applications for individuals and organizations in hopes of persuading a grant committee to award the grant to their client. Grant writers may be paid per project, or they may work on a contingency basis, taking a percentage of any grant awarded. Resume writers are likewise often freelance writers who specialize in preparing quality resumes and cover letters to help job hunters find work.

Blogging is an emerging writing career distinguished by the fact that blog writers, or bloggers, do not require the services or even an outside publisher to publish their work on the Internet. Bloggers can gain recognition on the basis of their ability to achieve high ranking in search engines as well as by their good, informative writing. In addition, bloggers can earn money from advertising and affiliate program sales. While many bloggers see their writing as a hobby, others have turned their blogging into a source of revenue and have, in some cases, launched their writing careers as a result.