8 Best Career Options for Skilled Writers

Not all good writers wind up writing the latest new stories or best-selling novels. The notion that those jobs are the only kind out there for professional writers is wide off the mark. In fact, many professional writers of today are into other gigs that are quite lucrative and well-paying.

So, are you one of those passion-filled newbies looking forward to exploring the many lucrative opportunities for today’s skilled writers? Read on to find out the best writing career options that are not only reputable, but also well-paying.

Print Magazine Freelancer:

Writing for the print media is certainly a lucrative option that will bring you more opportunities once you’re in. This isn’t always easy because magazines don’t need too many writers and there is plenty of competition. Get to know your favorite magazine and subscribe to their latest issues. Learn the writing style and what is expected from the authors. Send a pitch and try your luck!

Ad Copywriting:

This job is usually a blend of media, journalism, and marketing. Corporations often outsource freelance copywriters to write their promotional content that includes brochures, slogans, websites, in-store displays, direct mailings, product packaging, billboards, catalogs, etc.

Corporate copywriters need to know the business writing style and corporate business laws and practices. This job usually requires a college education in the relevant field (business or media). Check for online postings that require the services. Show them your portfolio of work (if any) to demonstrate your skills. Many advertising agencies also hire freelancers to do their work.

B2B Copy Writers:

B2B copywriters help sell a business’s products or services to other businesses. This is a writing career that will give you instant credibility and modest payments. You’ll need to know how to attract high-quality leads and increase conversions for your clients.

Speech Writing for Executives:

High profile professional speakers such as politicians and executives often hire speech writers to come up with engaging and powerful speeches.You can even get hired by speechwriting firms that hire freelance writers. Undoubtedly, they are very busy people who are often short on time.

It’s not the same as a student saying “will you do my coursework for me?”, because an executive or official has much more to his work than public discourse (which is only part of delivering their messages to the general public). The writer must have a good understanding of the speaker’s profession and his audience.

Script Writer:

Ever looked at the credits rolling on the TV screen after a show? They almost always have a “scriptwriter” to label. If you are incredibly creative and have a love for the television, this might be the gig for you. Entertainment award shows, sitcoms, reality shows, and movies, all hire specialist scriptwriters.

Newspaper Columnist:

This may be a bit of cliché, but it would be wrong to miss this one out under the heading of “best career paths for writers”. It isn’t easy getting a position as a writer in the national ranked newspaper. However, local and regional newspapers are always looking for skilled writers to contribute their articles. A regular column is likely to give you a good name and reputation.

Travel Writer:

If you’re an adventure-lover, you might be into writing about travel. A great way to step foot into this career is by blogging about your travel experiences. Travel agencies hire professional writers to write about their travel experiences through articles, books, and even transcriptions. If you live in a place where travel and tourism is abuzz, you might want to give this one a go.

Web Content Writers:

The internet is exploding with websites and blogs that are designed to be viewer-friendly and “responsive for all devices”. This means you’ll see more websites in the future requiring more and more web content. Many of these websites and blogs require content writers to write unique and engaging content to bring in more traffic to their websites. You’ll get these opportunities abundantly and if someone, who hired you, loves your work, you’re likely to become a permanent employee who keeps updating their website’s content.

Martin Berk is an educational expert at a leading education (and career) consultant that also specializes in providing coursework service.