4 Steps to More Creative Writing Jobs

When I do career coaching for freelance and creative writers, I understand why they are drawn to the profession. Writing, for the right person, energizes the soul as they speak to the world in the unique style they are blessed with. But is a creative writing or freelance writing job for you? And how to you grow a career in this field?

This article identifies four critical steps to growing your career as a creative writing professional. Don't start with a job listing of potential creative writing opportunities, but start with you, who you are, and grow your career from there.

Step 1: Know Your Strengths

What kind of writing most energizes you? Is there a particular topic, style of writing, or communication vehicle that draws your attention? What type of writing brings you the most applause? In what writing capacity do you find that you naturally do a good job or find it naturally energizing?

When I'm coaching a fellow aspiring writer, we talk through the kind of writing projects they most enjoyed in the past, times when people reacted well to their writing, heros, and aspirations. There's no magic set of questions other than those that reveal your heart as a writer. It is what it is. If ghost writing period novels is your calling, then be still and confident in that knowledge.

The more you know about your heart as a writer, what energizes you, topics you most care about, the writing mediums that seem like your home, the easier it is to grow your career in creative writing. Grow your career from your strengths, not by trying to be someone you aren't.

Step 2: Build Your Brand

Toothpaste. That's the reaction I get from most writers when I speak to them about brand. No one wants to think of themselves as a tube of toothpaste. But before you reject this step, know that you will get writing opportunities based on your reputation or your brand. That brand actually takes on a life of its own. That is why I encourage you to be smart in the choices that build it.

Brand building comes in many packages. Some start with a website about you, your work, your aspirations, and new projects. Websites can build your brand. You will share it with clients and other writers to let them know who you are. Others volunteer helping other writers as they grow their own portfolio. Anything that builds your reputation or creates meaning in the minds of potential customers is a brand.

Protect your brand. One writer uses a pen name for work that falls outside his main brand while keeping his main focus, ghost writing novels, on his website and central to his portfolio. He does fill-in work as needed without tainting his brand.

Intentionally build your brand and you'll get the creative writing jobs that align best with your talents and the brand you are building.

Step 3: Grow Your Portfolio

Especially for creative writers beginning their career, target creative writing jobs that build your portfolio. Yes you may have to take other kinds of work, but intentionally invest in your portfolio. To future clients, your portfolio speaks to their desire to work with someone who's got a wealth of experience in all the right areas. If you intentionally grow it, the right creative writing jobs will show up on your doorstep, especially if you complete the final step, step 4.

Step 4: Build a Strong Network

Writers are the lone wolves of the career world. With a laptop and internet connection, you can speak to your audience with power while wearing Starbucks-stained pajamas. Most writers get their energy from ideas, from the internal world of thought. Others find energy from social connections where with us, the social world can be a bit draining.

Writers need to build a network with fellow writers and others in the field. Your network represents a group to minister to, to serve while drawing ideas, feedback, and inspiration from. Either directly or indirectly, they build your career. You need them.

Build your network through writer's forums, workshops, and local social connections such as through meetup.com. Give and eventually it comes back to you. Connect and you'll find growth that may indirectly grow your talent or directly connect you with the people who can showcase your talent.

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