creative writing community college jobs

• Job Listings

English and Literature

Search criteria.

Clear Filters

Refine Results

Create your free job search account.

• Receive new jobs by email
• Post your resume/CV
• Track your applications

Have an account? Sign in

Jump to navigation Skip to content

Search form

• P&W on Facebook
• P&W on Twitter
• P&W on Instagram

Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

Find a home for your poems, stories, essays, and reviews by researching the publications vetted by our editorial staff. In the Literary Magazines database you’ll find editorial policies, submission guidelines, contact information—everything you need to know before submitting your work to the publications that share your vision for your work.

Whether you’re pursuing the publication of your first book or your fifth, use the Small Presses database to research potential publishers, including submission guidelines, tips from the editors, contact information, and more.

Research more than one hundred agents who represent poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers, plus details about the kinds of books they’re interested in representing, their clients, and the best way to contact them.

Every week a new publishing professional shares advice, anecdotes, insights, and new ways of thinking about writing and the business of books.

Find publishers ready to read your work now with our Open Reading Periods page, a continually updated resource listing all the literary magazines and small presses currently open for submissions.

Since our founding in 1970, Poets & Writers has served as an information clearinghouse of all matters related to writing. While the range of inquiries has been broad, common themes have emerged over time. Our Top Topics for Writers addresses the most popular and pressing issues, including literary agents, copyright, MFA programs, and self-publishing.

Our series of subject-based handbooks (PDF format; $4.99 each) provide information and advice from authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers. Now available: The Poets & Writers Guide to Publicity and Promotion, The Poets & Writers Guide to the Book Deal, The Poets & Writers Guide to Literary Agents, The Poets & Writers Guide to MFA Programs, and The Poets & Writers Guide to Writing Contests.

Find a home for your work by consulting our searchable databases of writing contests, literary magazines, small presses, literary agents, and more.

Poets & Writers lists readings, workshops, and other literary events held in cities across the country. Whether you are an author on book tour or the curator of a reading series, the Literary Events Calendar can help you find your audience.

Get the Word Out is a new publicity incubator for debut fiction writers and poets.

Research newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications that consistently publish book reviews using the Review Outlets database, which includes information about publishing schedules, submission guidelines, fees, and more.

Well over ten thousand poets and writers maintain listings in this essential resource for writers interested in connecting with their peers, as well as editors, agents, and reading series coordinators looking for authors. Apply today to join the growing community of writers who stay in touch and informed using the Poets & Writers Directory.

Let the world know about your work by posting your events on our literary events calendar, apply to be included in our directory of writers, and more.

Find a writers group to join or create your own with Poets & Writers Groups. Everything you need to connect, communicate, and collaborate with other poets and writers—all in one place.

Find information about more than two hundred full- and low-residency programs in creative writing in our MFA Programs database, which includes details about deadlines, funding, class size, core faculty, and more. Also included is information about more than fifty MA and PhD programs.

Whether you are looking to meet up with fellow writers, agents, and editors, or trying to find the perfect environment to fuel your writing practice, the Conferences & Residencies is the essential resource for information about well over three hundred writing conferences, writers residencies, and literary festivals around the world.

Discover historical sites, independent bookstores, literary archives, writing centers, and writers spaces in cities across the country using the Literary Places database—the best starting point for any literary journey, whether it’s for research or inspiration.

Search for jobs in education, publishing, the arts, and more within our free, frequently updated job listings for writers and poets.

Establish new connections and enjoy the company of your peers using our searchable databases of MFA programs and writers retreats, apply to be included in our directory of writers, and more.

• Register for Classes

Each year the Readings & Workshops program provides support to hundreds of writers participating in literary readings and conducting writing workshops. Learn more about this program, our special events, projects, and supporters, and how to contact us.

The Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award introduces emerging writers to the New York City literary community, providing them with a network for professional advancement.

Find information about how Poets & Writers provides support to hundreds of writers participating in literary readings and conducting writing workshops.

Bring the literary world to your door—at half the newsstand price. Available in print and digital editions, Poets & Writers Magazine is a must-have for writers who are serious about their craft.

View the contents and read select essays, articles, interviews, and profiles from the current issue of the award-winning Poets & Writers Magazine .

Read essays, articles, interviews, profiles, and other select content from Poets & Writers Magazine as well as Online Exclusives.

View the covers and contents of every issue of Poets & Writers Magazine , from the current edition all the way back to the first black-and-white issue in 1987.

Every day the editors of Poets & Writers Magazine scan the headlines—publishing reports, literary dispatches, academic announcements, and more—for all the news that creative writers need to know.

In our weekly series of craft essays, some of the best and brightest minds in contemporary literature explore their craft in compact form, articulating their thoughts about creative obsessions and curiosities in a working notebook of lessons about the art of writing.

The Time Is Now offers weekly writing prompts in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction to help you stay committed to your writing practice throughout the year. Sign up to get The Time Is Now, as well as a weekly book recommendation for guidance and inspiration, delivered to your inbox.

Every week a new author shares books, art, music, writing prompts, films—anything and everything—that has inspired and shaped the creative process.

Listen to original audio recordings of authors featured in Poets & Writers Magazine . Browse the archive of more than 400 author readings.

Ads in Poets & Writers Magazine and on pw.org are the best ways to reach a readership of serious poets and literary prose writers. Our audience trusts our editorial content and looks to it, and to relevant advertising, for information and guidance.

Start, renew, or give a subscription to Poets & Writers Magazine ; change your address; check your account; pay your bill; report a missed issue; contact us.

Peruse paid listings of writing contests, conferences, workshops, editing services, calls for submissions, and more.

Poets & Writers is pleased to provide free subscriptions to Poets & Writers Magazine to award-winning young writers and to high school creative writing teachers for use in their classrooms.

Read select articles from the award-winning magazine and consult the most comprehensive listing of literary grants and awards, deadlines, and prizewinners available in print.

• Subscribe Now

Jobs for Writers

• Contact the Administrator

Michigan State University

Ast/asc prof, audrey and john leslie endowed : creative writing/american indian and indigenous studies.

Ast/Asc Prof, Audrey and John Leslie Endowed

Job no: 968641 Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff Major Administrative Unit /College: College Of Arts And Letters Department: English 10004264 Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience Location: East Lansing Categories: Education/Training, Tenure System Faculty, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union

Josephine Quarterly

Social media intern.

Josephine Quarterly is seeking applicants for a Social Media Intern who can expand the reach and audience of Josephine Quarterly via established social media accounts on Twitter and Instagram. The ideal candidate should be fluent with Twitter and Instagram platforms and possess excellent written communication skills.

Towson University

Assistant professor of english - fiction writing.

The Department of English invites applications for a tenure-track, 9-month Assistant Professor position in fiction writing in the Department of English, beginning August 2025.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have a terminal degree in creative writing (MFA or PhD) or related field, and a strong record of high-quality fiction publications or promise thereof and demonstrated excellence as a teacher. Expertise in other areas related to professional writing, such as editing, magazine production, freelance writing, or other types of creative writing is desirable.

Hauser & Wirth

Bookstore manager.

Hauser & Wirth is one of the leading international galleries for contemporary art with locations in Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, Menorca, Somerset, St. Moritz, and Zurich.

Adelphi University

Visiting assistant professor, department of english.

Visiting Assistant Professor Department of English College of Arts & Sciences

JOB SUMMARY:

The English Department at Adelphi University invites qualified candidates to apply for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professorship to begin in August 2024.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The successful candidate will be a published writer and effective teacher who will teach 18 credits across the academic year 2024-5.

University of California, Berkeley

Lecturer, lecturer in summer sessions.

Job #JPF04215 College Writing Programs / College of Letters & Science - Undergraduate Division / UC Berkeley

Apply now: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04215/... View this position online: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04215

POSITION OVERVIEW

Apprenticeship (Paid)

At Reed Words, we make brands and businesses stronger through language, developing messages that meet the moment and helping organizations tell powerful, distinctive stories. We work on every aspect of brands’ verbal identities, from naming, to tone of voice, to packaging copy.

This fall, we’re offering one apprentice the chance to learn the ropes by working in our New York office.

Assistant to Middle Grade Author

Prolific New York Times bestselling author of middle grade fiction and screenwriter seeks a part-time assistant for writing/personal assistant duties. Job entails help with research, story development, editing, social media, and scheduling, as well as household tasks like errands and cooking. Hours are approximately 2-7pm on weekdays. Rate is $20/hour for 25 hours a week. W4, no benefits. Must have a car and live in Los Angeles (mileage reimbursed). Email resumes to  [email protected] . 

The Poetry Foundation

Assistant editor.

The Poetry Foundation is seeking a full-time assistant editor. The assistant editor is responsible for helping the editorial team produce monthly issues of Poetry on schedule while maintaining the high standards of both the contents and format of the magazine. This role has administrative and editorial responsibilities and reports to the senior editor.

The Poetry Foundation is a hybrid workplace. This position will be in-person at our Chicago offices three days per week, with the option to work from home two days per week.

The Objectives You Will Meet

National Book Foundation

Teaching artist, bookup.

The National Book Foundation (NBF) is seeking writers or other literary professionals who have experience working with young people to serve as Teaching Artists for BookUp, a free, after-school book club-style program for middle-school students. This 24-session program meets regularly once per week for 90-minute sessions, plus two Saturday half-day field trips. Participants select up to 10 books to read each year, engage in book club-style discussions and creative response activities, and interact with the local literary community through field trips and other events.

Independent Publishers Group

Production manager, crp.

The Production Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing the costing and scheduling for all CRP frontlist and backlist titles. Success in this role requires ensuring that all books are produced on time and within budget, whether it is a brand-new A-list hardcover anticipated to make the New York Times bestseller list, a reliable backlist title that consistently sells to a niche market, or a Print-On-Demand (POD) title that extends the longevity of a classic text.

National Accounts Manager

This role will be managing the two national wholesale accounts (Ingram and Bookazine) as well as AWBC/Books-A-Million. This is a high-profile position that requires an experienced, knowledgeable National Account Manager with strong communication and organization skills, detail-oriented, data- driven, and passionate champion for books. The National Account Manager is responsible for managing IPG’s overall relationship with these national accounts and coordinating internal cross-department initiatives that help further their sales growth. This position reports to the VP, Sales

Amplify Publishing Group

Marketing and publicity assistant.

Amplify Publishing Group (APG) is a leader in the hybrid publishing space with more than twenty years of experience acquiring, producing, marketing, and distributing books. Passionate about ideas and voices that need to be heard, APG is known for launching nonfiction books that start engaging and timely conversations. 

Callaloo Literary Journal

Production editor.

Location:  Remote

Job Type:  PT, Contract

Reports To:  Executive Editor

About Callaloo Literary Journal:  Callaloo is a premier literary journal that publishes original work by and about writers and visual artists of African descent worldwide. Callaloo offers an engaging mixture of fiction, poetry, critical articles, interviews, drama, and visual art. 

The Paris Review

Senior editor.

The Paris Review  is seeking a senior editor to work with the magazine’s editor and managing editor on prose for the quarterly print magazine and to help with editorial projects across the  Review ’s platforms. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the sensibility of the preeminent literary journal in the U.S. by discovering, developing, and editing new writing by the most exciting authors of the day.

Looking for new clients? Meet them on Reedsy

Create a free account to receive requests from authors.

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 )

JOIN REEDSY

Find exciting new projects

We connect publishing professionals with our community of 1,500,000 authors.

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.

Earn more than you would at a publishing house

Create your free Reedsy profile to get started.

Create your Reedsy freelancer account

We have some great projects already lined up for you to work on.

Become a freelance editor with Reedsy

We connect the best editors in publishing with 1,000,000+ independent authors.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

• Request Info
• Visit Campus

Creative Writing

A.a. degree, certificate.

• Explore This Program

Ready to take the next step? — Request More Info & Apply today!

Writers are integral members of the collaborative teams creating content for print publications, film, television, radio, and new media. Put simply, the story comes first.

The Creative Writing program prepares you for a career in the arts and entertainment industry by providing course work that encourages writing proficiency, creative expression, literary scholarship, and critical thinking. You will develop your craft as you participate in workshops, conference with faculty mentors, interact with visiting writers, and collaborate with students in other academic disciplines. Extra-curricular activities include the Screenwriting Club, The Writers’ Guild, and, Readers’ Corner. Students are also encouraged to submit writing and art work to the  Kelab Art and Literary Journal , a collaborative effort of the Creative Writing, Graphic Design, Photography and New Media programs along with the Writers' Guild.

You may select the Prose, Poetry, and Drama concentration or the Screenwriting concentration.

Degree Requirements

• Creative Writing, A.A. - Prose, Poetry, and Drama Concentration
• Creative Writing, A.A. - Screenwriting Concentration
• Creative Writing, Certificate - Prose and Poetry Concentration
• Creative Writing, Certificate - Screenwriting Concentration

Careers on Career Coach

Our Creative Writing students have earned recognition as distinguished poets, novelists, dramatists, and screenwriters. For example, a recent grad sold his feature screenplay to Universal Pictures. They have also gone on to apply their skills in editing, publishing, and marketing, as well as pursue a range of other majors, using the writing skills they gained in this major as a foundation. 

Learn more about related jobs:

Program Chair

Chris Xaver, Ph.D.

Professor, communication and media arts.

Chris brings to Tompkins Cortland a strong and varied background. She received her B.S in broadcast journalism, cum laude, from the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, her M.A. from Syracuse in political science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship, and her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University. 

Transfer Options

Students develop portfolios for submission to four-year programs in creative writing, dramatic writing for theatre, and television, film, and new media.

Recent graduates have transferred to SUNY College at Purchase School of Film and Media Studies, SUNY College at Oswego, and Ithaca College.

You might also consider:

• Binghamton University
• SUNY College at Brockport
• Cornell University
• SUNY College at Cortland
• Emerson College
• SUNY Potsdam
• Ithaca College
• New York University
• SUNY College at Purchase
• SUNY University at Buffalo
• Syracuse University
• Financial Aid
• Global Initiatives
• Student Life
• College Info
• Freedom of Information
• Staff Directory

170 North Street, P.O. Box 139     Dryden, N.Y. 13053     888.567.8211 | 607.844.6580

Jobs, Internships & Grants

COUNTERCLOCK PATCHWORK

COUNTERCLOCK Journal( counterclock.org ) is a triannual literary arts magazine established in 2017 with the aim of healing, destigmatizing, and empowering authentic narratives. We are currently open to applications for PATCHWORK, a fellowship program that allows poets and filmmakers to explore, illuminate, and grow by collaborating on poem-films. Over the course of our ten-week long program, poets and filmmakers from around the world are partnered together to write, produce, direct, and edit their very own miniature motion pictures. The deadline to apply is April 19th, 2024. The time commitment ranges from 2-4 hours per week, and the fellowship takes place completely online. We invite students from UChicago to submit their applications in the coming weeks.  You can find out more information about applying to PATCHWORK at  counterclock.org/patchwork-apply , and you can view previous PATCHWORK films at  counterclock.org/enter-patchwork .

ISAC Museum Educators 24-25

Teach education programs to K-12 school, family, and youth groups at the ISAC Museum. As a Museum Educator, you will be trained in inquiry-based instructional techniques, engaging teaching techniques, and how to manage a classroom as well as learn ancient history and archaeology. These positions will develop your public speaking and leadership skills, and you will learn how to interact and engage with large groups of varying ages, ability levels, and diverse backgrounds.

Undergrad and graduate students encouraged to apply. A cover letter and resume can be sent to  [email protected]  by April 22nd at 8:00 am. 

Institute of Reading Development

The Institute of Reading Development is now hiring summer teachers for our reading programs for students of all ages.  

Luminarts Fellowship  

Deadline: February 16. The Creative Writing Fellowship awards excellence in creative writing in the categories of poetry and/or prose, both fiction and nonfiction. 

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the date of applying. Be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a degree program, conservatory, or other professional artist development program (not necessarily specific to the program for which you are applying). Live within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop.

Deadline: Rolling. We would like to introduce you to  Eloquenti  – an online marketplace of freelance proofreaders, editors, and writers. Looking for remote freelance jobs? Unlock new opportunities for flexible work, secure and smooth payments, and customer support for your professional services. If you are a native or bilingual speaker with experience in proofreading, editing, and scientific writing, come join our network of world-class experts and professionals. Joining Eloquenti is free. Sign up here and we will send you more information about the application process.

The Graham Foundation

The Graham Foundation seeks an intern to work closely with the Foundation's staff to support the organization's daily operations. This internship is suited for students in architecture, architecture history and theory, art history, or related fields. An interest in a career at a foundation, nonprofit, or arts and cultural institution is preferred. Internships are intended to expand knowledge of operations at a nonprofit arts and cultural institution, which can include grantmaking, the production of exhibitions and public programs, archiving, and visitor services. Click here for more info. 

MR Screenwriting Fellowship

Deadline: Sign up for updates The 2023 Minority Report (MR) a paid fellowship program for underrepresented student screenwriters that provides a paid stipend of $1,000; Meetings with managers, agents, and executives from UTA, 3Arts, and more; Script readings from production companies like A24, Blumhouse, Big Beach, Paramount, and Plan B; Panels with top writers and directors (previously The Daniels, Chloe Zhao, Barry Jenkins, Shaka King, and more); Personalized mentorship from industry leaders. Click here for more info.

  Freelance Audience and Social Media Manager

New York Focus is seeking a freelance audience and social media manager who will help our new publication develop a comprehensive audience strategy, grow our social media channels, expand our newsletter subscriber base and help us think about how to optimize for search and other metrics. Pay starts at $30 an hour, commensurate with experience. This position will require approximately 16 hours a week for three months. This position is a remote position and applicants can be based anywhere. Please submit a resume to  [email protected]  to apply. The application deadline is September 25, but we will consider applications on a rolling basis – submit earlier if you can. Politico Internships and Full Time Roles Interested in Journalism & Politics? POLITICO is actively hiring full time and internship roles for Summer 2023 Come hear from the Talent Acquisition Partner and Politico team members on what they do, culture, and student Q&A. Politico, known originally as The Politico, is a political journalism company based in Arlington County, Virginia, that covers politics and policy in the United States and internationally. Click here for more info.

Useful Contacts

Ben Waltzer , UChicago Careers in Media, Arts, and Design Senior Program Director

Denise Dooley , Student Affairs Administrator

Skip to job results

Skip to refine results

• Skip to main menu
• Skip to user menu

English & Literature jobs

• Refine results

Broaden your search

• Humanities 2744

Refine your search

• Faculty Positions, Humanities, English & Literature Remove selection
• Adjunct   268
• Administrative   5
• Fellowship   3
• Non-Tenured Track   32
• Tenured/Tenured Track   18
• California   79
• Colorado   34
• Georgia   32
• Illinois   81
• Maryland   58
• Michigan   44
• New Jersey   39
• New York   33
• Texas   85
• North America   803
• More…
• Up to $29,000   1
• $50,000 - $69,999   1
• $70,000 - $89,999   3
• $90,000 - $119,999   1
• Commensurate with Experience   9
• Competitive   726
• Not specified   72
• Full Time   406
• Part Time   407

Found 813 jobs

Faculty positions.

• Maryland, United States
• Salary Not Specified
• Towson University

Towson University (<a href="http://www.towson.edu" target= "_blank">www.towson.edu) was founded in 1866, is recognized by U. S. News & World...

View details Faculty Positions

• Save Faculty Positions You need to sign in or create an account to save

Stanford Department of English/Creative Writing Program Open Rank Faculty Search, Fiction Writer

• 94305, Stanford
• Asst Prof: $108,000 - $127,000 Assoc Prof: $121,000 - $150,000 Full Prof: $140,00 - $240,000
• Stanford University

Stanford English/Creative Writing search for tenure-track Assistant Professor, tenured Associate Professor or Full Professor, Fiction Writer

View details Stanford Department of English/Creative Writing Program Open Rank Faculty Search, Fiction Writer

• Save Stanford Department of English/Creative Writing Program Open Rank Faculty Search, Fiction Writer You need to sign in or create an account to save

Clinical Assistant Professor,  Expository Writing Program

• New York City, New York (US)
• Annual base salary for this position is $70,000
• New York University College of Arts and Science 

NYU's Expository Writing Program  invites applications for full-time Clinical Assistant Professors to teach intensive first-year writing courses.

View details Clinical Assistant Professor,  Expository Writing Program

• Save Clinical Assistant Professor,  Expository Writing Program You need to sign in or create an account to save

College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Openings

• Texas, United States
• Salary Commensurate with experience
• Baylor University

College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Openings Baylor University seeks to fill the following faculty positions within the College of Arts and...

View details College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Openings

• Save College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Openings You need to sign in or create an account to save

Writing Associate (Casual Position)

• Massachusetts, United States
• Salary Not specified
• Amherst College

Writing Associate (Casual Position) Amherst Campus Part Time JR5181 Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts...

View details Writing Associate (Casual Position)

• Save Writing Associate (Casual Position) You need to sign in or create an account to save

English Assistant Professor - Early Modern

• Ann Arbor, Michigan
• As per qualifications
• University of Michigan - Department of English Language & Literature

The Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assis...

View details English Assistant Professor - Early Modern

• Save English Assistant Professor - Early Modern You need to sign in or create an account to save

Tenure-Track Assistant Professorship in Poetry and Poetics

• Oregon, United States
• Competitive Salary
• Reed College

The English Department at Reed College invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship in poetry and poetics beginning in August...

View details Tenure-Track Assistant Professorship in Poetry and Poetics

• Save Tenure-Track Assistant Professorship in Poetry and Poetics You need to sign in or create an account to save

Part Time Instructor Pool - English

• California, United States
• Grossmont/Cuyamaca Community College District

Part Time Instructor Pool - English R-00664 San Diego County - Grossmont CollegeSan Diego County - Cuyamaca College Transforming lives through...

View details Part Time Instructor Pool - English

• Save Part Time Instructor Pool - English You need to sign in or create an account to save

Part-time HUMAN GEOGRAPHY Instructor (Applicant Pool)

• Atlanta, Georgia, United States
• Georgia State University

Position Details Position Information Posting Number PTI00138P GSU Log Number Classification Title Part-Time Instructors Position...

View details Part-time HUMAN GEOGRAPHY Instructor (Applicant Pool)

• Save Part-time HUMAN GEOGRAPHY Instructor (Applicant Pool) You need to sign in or create an account to save

Part-time CRIMINAL JUSTICE Instructor (Applicant Pool)

Position Details Position Information Posting Number PTI00139P GSU Log Number Classification Title Part-Time Instructors Position...

View details Part-time CRIMINAL JUSTICE Instructor (Applicant Pool)

• Save Part-time CRIMINAL JUSTICE Instructor (Applicant Pool) You need to sign in or create an account to save

Part-time ACCOUNTING Instructor (Applicant Pool)

Position Details Position Information Posting Number PTI00137P GSU Log Number Classification Title Part-Time Instructors Position...

View details Part-time ACCOUNTING Instructor (Applicant Pool)

• Save Part-time ACCOUNTING Instructor (Applicant Pool) You need to sign in or create an account to save

Part-Time ECONOMICS Instructor (Applicant Pool)

Position Details Position Information Posting Number PTI00135P GSU Log Number Classification Title Part-Time Instructors Position...

View details Part-Time ECONOMICS Instructor (Applicant Pool)

• Save Part-Time ECONOMICS Instructor (Applicant Pool) You need to sign in or create an account to save

Part-Time COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS Instructor (Applicant Pool)

Position Details Position Information Posting Number PTI00136P GSU Log Number Classification Title Part-Time Instructors Position...

View details Part-Time COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS Instructor (Applicant Pool)

• Save Part-Time COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS Instructor (Applicant Pool) You need to sign in or create an account to save

Assistant Professor of World Literature

• Boone, North Carolina, United States
• Appalachian State University

Position Title Assistant Professor of World Literature Tenure Status Tenure Track Position Number 009311 Department English - 250200 Minimum...

View details Assistant Professor of World Literature

• Save Assistant Professor of World Literature You need to sign in or create an account to save

Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Fiction)

Position Title Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Fiction) Tenure Status Tenure Track Position Number 009411 Department English -...

View details Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Fiction)

• Save Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Fiction) You need to sign in or create an account to save

Adjunct Instructor - CE Adult Education and Literacy

• Fort Worth, Texas, United States
• Tarrant County College

Posting Details Please view posting details below. To apply to this posting, please click the link above. Position Information Posting...

View details Adjunct Instructor - CE Adult Education and Literacy

• Save Adjunct Instructor - CE Adult Education and Literacy You need to sign in or create an account to save

Adjunct Water Technology Instructor

• Escanaba, Michigan, United States
• Bay College - Main Campus

Position Details Position Information Position Title Adjunct Water Technology Instructor Pay Grade...

View details Adjunct Water Technology Instructor

• Save Adjunct Water Technology Instructor You need to sign in or create an account to save

PT English Instructor

• Cerritos College

PT English Instructor Salary: $95.91 - $137.94 Hourly Job Type: Part Time Job Number: English24 Closing: 2/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific Location:...

View details PT English Instructor

• Save PT English Instructor You need to sign in or create an account to save

Professor of English

• Carlinville, Illinois
• 54,000-60,000
• BLACKBURN COLLEGE

Blackburn College, a unique four-year liberal arts college with a student-managed work program located in Carlinville, IL, seeks applications for a...

View details Professor of English

• Save Professor of English You need to sign in or create an account to save

Part-Time Instructor Pool - English Composition and Literature

• Santa Barbara City College

Part-Time Instructor Pool - English Composition and Literature Salary: $70.98 - $93.00 Hourly Job Type: PT Credit Faculty Job Number:...

View details Part-Time Instructor Pool - English Composition and Literature

• Save Part-Time Instructor Pool - English Composition and Literature You need to sign in or create an account to save

• Foothill-De Anza Community College District

PT English Instructor HR EMPLOYMENT/CAREERS PART-TIME ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR Foothill-De Anza Community College District is establishing a pool of...

Assistant/Associate Adjunct Faculty in Writing Studies (WRIT 201) Writing

• Saint Mary's College of California

Assistant/Associate Adjunct Faculty in Writing Studies (WRIT 201) Writing & Research Location: Moraga, CA Open Date: Aug 12, 2024 Deadline: Aug...

View details Assistant/Associate Adjunct Faculty in Writing Studies (WRIT 201) Writing

• Save Assistant/Associate Adjunct Faculty in Writing Studies (WRIT 201) Writing You need to sign in or create an account to save

Grant Writer, Generalist

• San Marcos, Texas, United States
• Texas State University-San Marcos

Posting Information Posting Information Posting Number 2024677 Posting/Functional Title Grant Writer, Generalist University Pay Plan...

View details Grant Writer, Generalist

• Save Grant Writer, Generalist You need to sign in or create an account to save

Asst Professor - English

• Laramie, Wyoming, United States
• University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities. We are also especially interested in candidates...

View details Asst Professor - English

• Save Asst Professor - English You need to sign in or create an account to save

Subscribe to RSS

• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Business & Community
• Course Schedule
• Academic & Career Programs
• Paying for College
• Student Support
• Arts, Digital Media & Communications
• Computer Science & Information Technology
• Culinary, Hospitality & Tourism
• Design, Manufacturing, Construction & Applied Technologies
• Health Sciences
• Liberal Arts
• Public & Social Services
• Science, Engineering & Math
• ACC Institutes
• Bachelor’s Degrees at ACC
• Honors Program
• English Language Programs
• Fast Track Careers
• Degrees & Certificates
• Student Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Orientation
• Student Course Evaluation
• Continuing Education
• Adult Education
• High School Programs

• Liberal Arts Area of Study

Creative Writing

Earn an associate degree in creative writing and explore writing and story skills by studying Creative Writing at Austin Community College. You’ll learn about plot structure, effective literary devices, and helpful editing practices. Whether you’re a screenwriter, children’s author, or a genre-bender, ACC has you covered.

Career & Salary Information

While the publishing industry is highly competitive, writing skills can be a great advantage in almost any career. Wordsmiths often create content for advertising campaigns, books, magazines, movies, television, social media, and more.

Awards & Program Maps

Choose the award path that’s right for you.

ACC offers stackable credentials. Certificates prepare you for a career change or career advancement and often include credits that count toward associate degrees. Associate degrees further increase your employability and help you build a strong foundation for university transfer. Learn about credential options .

Explore awards and follow the program maps below to stay on track.

Academic Program Department Contacts

Request Information About Applying to ACC

Note: Bachelor’s Degree, Health Sciences, and other specialty programs may not appear in the Program Of Interest selection area. Use the Request for Information links on those pages to contact those program administrators.

Start Here. Get There.

Main Address

Earning A Creative Writing Degree: All About A Bachelor’s In Creative Writing

Updated: Aug 24, 2023, 11:05am

When thinking about creative writing, you may recall Emily Dickinson writing evocative poems, Nicholas Sparks penning love stories or Ernest Hemingway tapping away on an old typewriter. While these are all creative writers at work, not all professionals in the field are authors; there are other career options for you if you love writing and want to make it your career.

Though not always required, many writing jobs call for a bachelor’s degree. From writing novels to reporting news stories, a creative writing degree equips you with strong writing and communication skills to prepare you for a fulfilling, imaginative career.

This article discusses bachelor’s degrees in creative writing, admission requirements, common courses and job options. Read on to learn how a creative writing degree prepares you for a writing career.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

What Is a Creative Writing Degree?

A creative writing degree teaches you the techniques behind many writing projects, including fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, biographies and poems.

A bachelor’s degree in creative writing focuses on the principles of effective storytelling, writing for different genres and developing believable characters. You hone essential skills through giving and receiving feedback from peers and instructors, preparing you for many jobs requiring strong writing skills.

A bachelor’s degree in creative writing requires about 120 credits and takes four years of full-time study to complete. Accelerated programs may take less time.

Admission requirements for a bachelor’s in creative writing typically align with the university’s general admission requirements and include a completed application, transcripts from previous coursework and English proficiency. Because each school is different, these requirements may vary.

Specializations for Creative Writing Majors

Many creative writing programs offer areas of concentration, which allow you to focus your studies. Offerings vary by program, but below are a few typical specializations for students pursuing creative writing degrees.

This concentration covers all aspects of fiction writing, including character development, storytelling, plot development, narrative voice, various genres, publishing techniques and the mechanics of fiction writing. It prepares you to write engaging stories and bring them to life.

A nonfiction concentration allows you to explore many types of nonfiction writing, including autobiography, travel writing and magazine writing. It also touches on publishing technologies and teaches you how to use research and reflection to create stories that resonate with readers.

With a poetry concentration, you learn to tap into your imagination to write work that creates engaging imagery and inspires others. Coursework includes poetry writing workshops where you and other students share your work for feedback and support.

Screenwriting

A screenwriting concentration prepares you to write for Hollywood productions, such as television shows, documentaries, short films and movies. With this concentration, you learn about story structure, character development and visual storytelling.

Common Courses in a Creative Writing Degree

Introduction to creative writing.

This course covers the essential mechanics of creative writing, such as point of view, setting, dialogue, imagery, scene development and characterization. As a student in this class, you can expect to read and critique your peers’ work and get feedback on your own.

Writing with Digital Media

Since digital media has become an essential medium for disseminating information, no creative writing program would be complete without a digital media course. This course covers writing and publishing across digital media formats and how to use audience, purpose and context in your writing.

Introduction to Screen and TV Writing

If you are interested in working as a screenwriter for films or television, this course helps get you started. It provides an overview of narrative screenwriting, the history and development of screenwriting, and storytelling principles used in writing for film and television.

Introduction to the Writing of Creative Nonfiction

Creative writing students need to know how to write both nonfiction and fiction. In this course, you learn the mechanics of writing original nonfiction while reading and studying contemporary nonfiction.

Fiction Writing Workshop

In this course, students explore writing different types of fiction pieces. They then share their work with each other and engage in discussion and group commentary.

Creative Writing Degree vs. English Degree: What’s the Difference?

While there are overlapping subjects in the English and creative writing disciplines, these degrees are a bit different.

An English bachelor’s degree focuses on both writing and literary studies. In this major, learners study various types of writing, such as creative, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, digital and professional writing. They also explore literature and build analytical, editorial and cultural literacy skills. It’s common for programs to offer English concentrations such as literature or creative writing.

A creative writing degree more narrowly hones students’ writing skills rather than focusing on literary subjects. This degree prepares learners for careers as screenwriters, novelists, journalists, poets and other writing professionals.

If you know you want to work in a creative writing career , a creative writing degree may be a good fit. If you prefer a broader degree that includes a more in-depth study of literature and literary theory in addition to writing, an English degree may be a better option.

What Can You Do With a Creative Writing Degree?

Below are a few popular jobs you can pursue with a creative writing degree. We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Payscale .

Writer or Author

Median Annual Salary: $73,150 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree; high school diploma sometimes acceptable Job Overview: The roles of authors and writers vary depending on the type of writing they do. They may write content for various mediums, such as books, magazines, advertisements, blogs, films, television programs, biographies or speeches. Writers often work closely with editors, advertising agencies and other stakeholders to create pieces for print or digital publication. Some writers are freelancers who work with multiple clients.

Median Annual Salary: $73,080 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Editors review and revise written content to ensure clarity, concision and accuracy. They must have excellent grammar and proofreading skills. These professionals may also plan and develop story ideas and collaborate with writers to ensure high-quality final products. Editors often work for magazines, book publishers, advertising firms and television broadcasters.

Median Annual Salary: $55,960 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field Job Overview: Journalists write stories about current events and newsworthy issues to inform the public. Successful journalists have strong interviewing and investigative skills. They may work for broadcast news organizations, newspapers, magazines, or other print or digital publications. Some journalists are freelancers who write for multiple publications, and some work as columnists, news anchors or news correspondents.

Average Annual Salary: Around $57,300 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree; high school diploma sometimes acceptable Job Overview: Copywriters are persuasive marketing writers who craft copy that advertises or encourages readers to take a specific action, such as purchasing a product or signing up for a newsletter. These professionals often write advertisements, company slogans or taglines, website copy and marketing emails. Copywriters commonly work for advertising agencies or marketing departments; some are freelancers.

Screenwriter

Average Annual Salary: Around $71,000 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree; high school diploma sometimes acceptable Job Overview: Screenwriters , sometimes called script writers, write, revise and test scripts for television shows, commercials and films. These scripts may be original stories or stories based on books. Screenwriters need a firm grasp of dialogue and character development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Creative Writing Degree

How many years does it take to get a creative writing degree.

A bachelor’s in creative writing typically requires 120 credits and takes four years to complete. Your degree may take longer if you study part time, and accelerated programs may allow you to complete your degree faster.

How much do creative writers make?

Salaries for creative writers vary drastically depending on their job title. For example, a best-selling author earns much more than a small-town newspaper journalist. According to the BLS, writers made a median annual salary of $73,150 as of May 2022.

• How To Become A Journalist
• How To Become A News Anchor
• What Can You Do With A History Degree?
• What Can You Do With A Journalism Degree?
• Writing Careers: 6 Jobs To Check Out
• Where Can You Complete An Online Art Therapy Master's Program In 2024?
• Where Can You Earn An Online Art History Master's Degree?
• Best Online Creative Writing Degree Programs
• Best Online English Degrees
• Best Master's In English Online Programs
• Best Journalism Schools Online
• Best Master's In Math Education Online
• Best Online Master’s In History Degree
• Best Online Master’s In Interior Design
• Best Online Master’s In Journalism Programs
• Fashion Merchandising Degrees
• Earning A Master's In Creative Writing
• Earning An English Bachelor’s Degree
• Earning A Bachelor’s Degree In History
• Bachelor’s Degrees In Journalism
• Earning A Bachelor’s Degree In Music
• 9 Types Of Music Degrees, Plus Concentration Options

Where Can You Complete An Online Art Therapy Master’s Program In 2024?

Where To Earn An Online Photography Degree In 2024

Best Master’s In Math Education Online Of 2024

Best Online Master’s In Music Education Of 2024

Best Online Master’s In History Degrees Of 2024

Best Online Master’s In Journalism Programs Of 2024

Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

The 12 Best Creative Writing Colleges and Programs

College Info

Finding a dedicated creative writing program at a school you're excited about can be a real challenge, and that's even before you start worrying about getting in. Nonetheless, there are some great options. In order to help you find the best school for you, this list rounds up some of the best colleges for creative writing in the United States .

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

You should never take college rankings as absolute truth —not even the very official-seeming US News ones. Instead, use these kinds of lists as a jumping-off place for your own exploration of colleges. Pay attention not just to what the rankings are but to how the rankings are determined.

To help with that, I'll explain how I came up with this highly unscientific list of great creative writing colleges. I started by narrowing my search down to schools that offered a specific creative writing major. (If you don't see a school you were expecting, it's likely because they only have a minor.)

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

• #1: MFA Ranking —If a school has a great graduate creative writing program, it means you'll be taught by those same professors and the excellent graduate students they attract. Schools with strong MFA programs are also more likely to have solid alumni networks and internship opportunities. However, many schools with great undergrad programs do not offer MFAs, in which case I simply focused on the other four options.
• #2: General School Reputation —The vast majority of your classes won't be in creative writing, so it's important that other parts of the school, especially the English department, are great as well.
• #3: Extracurricular Opportunities —One of the key advantages of majoring in creative writing is that it can provide access to writing opportunities outside the classroom, so I took what kind of internship programs, author readings, and literary magazines the school offers into consideration.
• #4: Diversity of Class Options —I gave extra points to schools with a variety of genre options and specific, interesting classes.
• #5: Alumni/Prestige —This last criterion is a bit more subjective: is the school known for turning out good writers? Certainly it's less important than what kind of education you'll actually get, but having a brand-name degree (so to speak) can be helpful.

The Best Creative Writing Schools

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of schools! The exact numbering is always arguable, so look at it as a general trend from absolutely amazing to still super great, rather than fixating on why one school is ranked #3 and another is ranked #4.

#1: Northwestern University

Northwestern's undergrad creative writing program boasts acclaimed professors and an unparalleled track record of turning out successful writers (including Divergent author Veronica Roth and short-story writer Karen Russell).

Outside the classroom, you can work on the student-run literary journal, intern at a publication in nearby Chicago, or submit to the Department of English's yearly writing competition . The university is also home to a top journalism program , so if you want to try your hand at nonfiction as well, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so.

#2: Columbia University

Like Northwestern, Columbia is home to both a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school (plus one of the best English departments in the country), so you have a wide range of writing-related course options. Columbia also benefits from its location in New York City, which is bursting at the seams with publishing houses, literary journals, and talented authors.

#3: University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's big draw is the infrastructure of its graduate Writers' Workshop, which is often considered the best MFA program in the country.

As an English and Creative Writing major here, you'll take classes from great young writers and established professors alike, and get to choose from a wide range of topics. This major provides transferable skills important for a liberal arts major with a creative focus. You'll also have access to the university's impressive literary community, including frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and the acclaimed literary journal The Iowa Review .

#4: Emory University

Emory is renowned for its dedicated undergrad creative writing program , which draws the very best visiting scholars and writers. Students here have the chance to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors, study a range of genres, compete for writing awards and scholarships, and work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project.

#5: Oberlin College

A small liberal arts school in Ohio, Oberlin offers very different advantages than the schools above do. You'll have fewer opportunities to pursue writing in the surrounding city, but the quality of the teachers and the range of courses might make up for that. Moreover, it boasts just as impressive alumni, including actress and writer Lena Dunham.

#6: Hamilton College

Hamilton is another small college, located in upstate New York. It's known for giving students the freedom to pursue their interests and the support to help them explore topics in real depth, both inside and outside the classroom. Hamilton's creative writing program takes full advantage with small classes and lots of opportunities to intern and publish; it also has one of the best writing centers in the country.

#7: Brown University

Brown's Literary Arts program offers one of the top MFAs in the US as well as an undergraduate major . For the major, you must take four creative writing workshops and six reading-intensive courses, which span an array of departments and topics, from music and literature to Middle East studies and Egyptology.

#8: Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University has an excellent creative writing MFA program, lots of super specific class options, and a number of scholarships specifically earmarked for creative writing students. This school’s undergraduate English program also offers a concentration in creative writing that allows students to specialize in a specific genre: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. If you’re interested in exploring your potential in a specific writing genre, Washington University could be a great pick for you.

#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT might not be a school you generally associate with writing, but it actually has an excellent program that offers courses in digital media and science writing, as well as creative writing, and provides plenty of guidance on how graduates can navigate the tricky job market.

Not to mention the school is located in Cambridge, a haven for book lovers and writers of all kinds. Though it probably isn’t a good fit for students who hate science, MIT is a great place for aspiring writers who want to build writing skills that are marketable in a wide range of industries.

#10: University of Michigan

University of Michigan is one of the best state universities in the country and has a top-notch MFA program. This school’s undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications give students crucial practice in both building a writing portfolio and articulating their interest in creative writing to an audience who will evaluate their work. If you're looking to attend a big school with a great creative writing major, this is a fantastic choice.

#11: Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is another school that's known more for engineering than it is for writing, but, like MIT, it has a dedicated writing program. As a major here, you must take not only courses in prose, poetry, and literature, but also classes on topics such as philosophy and history.

#12: Colorado College

Colorado College is a small liberal arts school known for its block plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. The creative writing track of the English major includes a sequence of four writing workshops and also requires students to attend every reading of the Visiting Writers Series.

Bonus School: New York University

I didn't include NYU in the main list because it doesn't have a dedicated creative writing major, but it's a great school for aspiring writers nonetheless, offering one of the most impressive creative writing faculties in the country and all the benefits of a Manhattan location.

How To Pick the Best Creative Writing School for You

Just because Northwestern is a great school for creative writing doesn't mean you should set your heart on going there. (The football fans are completely terrifying, for one thing.) So where should you go then?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking at creative writing programs to help you determine the best school for you:

Does It Have Courses You're Interested In?

Look at the course offerings and see whether they interest you. While you can't predict exactly what classes you'll love, you want to avoid a mismatch where what you want to study and what the program offers are completely different. For example, if you want to write sonnets but the school focuses more on teaching fiction, it probably won't be a great fit for you.

Also, don't forget to look at the English courses and creative writing workshops! In most programs, you'll be taking a lot of these, too.

What Opportunities Are There To Pursue Writing Outside of Class?

I touched on this idea in the criteria section, but it's important enough that I want to reiterate it here. Some of the best writing experience you can get is found outside the classroom, so see what kind of writing-related extracurriculars a school has before committing to it.

Great options include getting involved with the campus newspaper, working on the school's literary journal, or interning at the university press.

Who Will Be Teaching You?

Who are the professors? What kind of work have they published? Check teacher ratings on Rate My Professors (but make sure to read the actual reviews—and always take them with a grain of salt).

If you're looking at a big school, there's a good chance that a lot of your teachers will be graduate students. But that's not necessarily a bad thing: a lot of the best teachers I had in college were graduate students. Just take into consideration what kind of graduate program the school has. If there's a great creative writing MFA program, then the graduate students are likely to be better writers and more engaged teachers.

What Are the Alumni Doing Now?

If you have a sense of what you want to do after you graduate, see if any alumni of the program are pursuing that type of career. The stronger the alumni network is, the more connections you'll have when it comes time to get a job.

What About the Rest of the School?

Don't pick a school for which you like the creative writing program but dread everything else about it. Most of your time will be spent doing other things, whether hanging out in the dorms, exploring off campus, or fulfilling general education requirements.

Many schools require you to apply to the creative writing major, so make doubly sure you'll be happy with your choice even if you aren't accepted to the program.

What's Next?

Are you sure a creative writing major is the right fit for you? Read our post on the pros and cons of the major to help you decide what path to take in college.

For more general advice about choosing a college, check out our complete guide to finding the right school for you. Some major factors to consider include deciding whether you're interested in a small college or a big university , an in-state or out-of-state institution , and a public or private school .

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

• Microsoft 365

• Current Students
• Faculty / Staff
• Course schedule

• Social Media Icon Type

creative writing

With an associate degree in Creative Writing from Normandale, you’ll be ready to make your way into the writing world, and you’ll be prepared to pursue a bachelor of arts degree or bachelor's of fine arts in Creative Writing at a four-year college or university.    

In each creative writing class assignment, you’ll gain excellent writing skills and develop a thorough understanding of what it takes to make a reader turn the page. You’ll dive deep into story structure and study a variety of writing genres including poetry, fiction, screenwriting, memoir and nonfiction.    

Plus, through our creative writing program, you’ll learn how to be an effective communicator - not only as a writer - but as a speaker, too.   

Perhaps a Creative Writing Certificate is more your speed? We have one of those, too.    

Degree students will finish their time at Normandale by writing a capstone project.  

Normandale Student Literary Journal

Find the latest edition here!

Where Will a Creative Writing Degree Take You?

Good writing is good thinking. As a writer, you will develop critical thinking skills as a foundation for your writing. In a typical creative writing class, you’ll research, gather information and incorporate all your background data to craft relevant and page-turning prose and narratives.   

Creative writers are in high demand. Many find jobs as content creators in various industries. Public relations firms, marketing companies, advertising agencies, and publishing houses all need excellent writers and editors.   

(Or perhaps you’ll write the next Great American Novel, screenplay or both!)

What Makes our Creative Writing Program Unique?

Did you know Normandale’s associate degree in Creative Writing was the first in Minnesota? Our program is highly regarded nationally, and most of our graduates with an associate degree in creative writing take their skills to the next level: a four-year college or university.    

You can take a wide variety of courses and discover what kind of writing fits your interests and goals - everything from fiction to memoir, from poetry to screenwriting and more.    

Plus, our capstone writing project prepares you for large, complex writing opportunities ahead.

“Normandale not only set me up for my career as a writer but continues to support me. Faculty genuinely care about their students’ success. I got all the fundamentals I needed here, and I always felt like I was ready for the next step after each class.”

Creative Writing Program Basics

Creative Writing (AFA)

Creative Writing Certificate

• ENGW 1111 Introduction to Creative Writing
• ENGW 2112 Poetry Writing
• ENGW 2113 Fiction Writing
• ENGW 2114 Play and Screen Writing
• ENGW 2115 Memoir Non-Fiction Writing
• ENGW 2800 AFA Capstone

English Faculty

Visit Campus

Related Programs

What can you do with an English degree? Earn an Associate Degree in English from Normandale and pursue careers in public relations, marketing, advertising, and education.

Normandale is one of the top community colleges for language studies in minnesota. take foreign language classes and earn the benefits of learning a new language..