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What work outside of the education industry can one get with and English and Creative Writing Major How can one get into the publishing industry with this major??
Want to major in English
Hope to be an author
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Anthony’s Answer
Hi Adaugo - Congrats on knowing what you want to major in. I also majored in English with a Creative Writing minor and then did a Masters in Creative Writing. I currently work as a Project Manager for an education company. I also write creatively in my spare time and publish short stories in literary magazines.
As has been suggested, while a fine goal, there are no guaranteed paths to becoming a published author. Even if you achieve this, most authors are notoriously poorly paid and have volatile income streams. Therefore, while I would absolutely urge you to continue to pursue this as a goal, it is imperative that you also undertake some study areas that have a more practical and financially stable future. Understanding AI is essential in most industries right now, so electing to take a minor in anything AI related is a good option. Similarly, if there are any areas of interest that can help harness your creativity but have a practical industry-related application (marketing, project management, game design) will stand you in good stead for supporting yourself while working on the next great novel!
Good Luck!
As has been suggested, while a fine goal, there are no guaranteed paths to becoming a published author. Even if you achieve this, most authors are notoriously poorly paid and have volatile income streams. Therefore, while I would absolutely urge you to continue to pursue this as a goal, it is imperative that you also undertake some study areas that have a more practical and financially stable future. Understanding AI is essential in most industries right now, so electing to take a minor in anything AI related is a good option. Similarly, if there are any areas of interest that can help harness your creativity but have a practical industry-related application (marketing, project management, game design) will stand you in good stead for supporting yourself while working on the next great novel!
Good Luck!
Updated
Greg’s Answer
Hey Adaugo! First of all, kudos on your choice: English/Creative Writing will bring you lots of joy, I know it did to me.
You can find a great number of opportunities outside of education with such a degree. But I think what will help even more is the expertise you can build during getting the degree. You can become a copywriter, a technical writer (if you have an affinity for technology and an open mind to learn some of the background processes), and any type of creative in any department. I myself am a technical writer: started in marketing way back when, then transitioned here and couldn't be happier. I also write creatively in my spare time.
AI may seem to threaten a lot of jobs, but creativity, especially expert creativity (with an understanding of the whys and hows behind the raw power of it) will always be in demand. You can find work as an editor, and hone your skills that'll help you in your author journey.
It's also smart to think of becoming an author as something you constantly aspire and build towards, but it's a fickle thing so a stable job is absolutely necessary. It'll also give you tremendous lived experience that you can use in your writing.
First thing to do is embrace the opportunity to learn. Explore and live the joy of literature and language. On a more practical level: immerse yourself in the areas that speak to you, and if you can, find as many of them as possible. Variety is not only the spice of life but also a huge help in diversifying and being able to tap into multiple areas for different jobs.
You can find a great number of opportunities outside of education with such a degree. But I think what will help even more is the expertise you can build during getting the degree. You can become a copywriter, a technical writer (if you have an affinity for technology and an open mind to learn some of the background processes), and any type of creative in any department. I myself am a technical writer: started in marketing way back when, then transitioned here and couldn't be happier. I also write creatively in my spare time.
AI may seem to threaten a lot of jobs, but creativity, especially expert creativity (with an understanding of the whys and hows behind the raw power of it) will always be in demand. You can find work as an editor, and hone your skills that'll help you in your author journey.
It's also smart to think of becoming an author as something you constantly aspire and build towards, but it's a fickle thing so a stable job is absolutely necessary. It'll also give you tremendous lived experience that you can use in your writing.
First thing to do is embrace the opportunity to learn. Explore and live the joy of literature and language. On a more practical level: immerse yourself in the areas that speak to you, and if you can, find as many of them as possible. Variety is not only the spice of life but also a huge help in diversifying and being able to tap into multiple areas for different jobs.
Thank you so much for your kind words and insight. It is much appreciated.
Adaugo
Updated
Sherri’s Answer
Hi Adaugo, your question about an English/Creative Writing major and the publishing industry is excellent. There are many career paths available in writing and publishing for someone with this major, depending on your interests.
An English major can lead to jobs where you need to explain ideas and information clearly. Industries that need writing and publishing skills include business, technology, medicine, engineering, entertainment, education, healthcare, defense, and law. Some job titles you might explore are technical writer, business writer, medical writer, copywriter, content creator, content manager, content strategist, technical editor, medical editor, and publication manager.
I began my career with an English major and got my first job as a technical writer at a healthcare company that made software for medical labs. My role involved writing, editing, and publishing instructions for the medical technicians using lab instruments and software. The content I created was also used in marketing and product information and published into multiple languages. The experience with my first job helped me move into roles in technical and content strategy and leadership positions. I expanded my career by getting a degree as a medical technician and a master's in management. I really enjoyed my work in technical writing and editing in the healthcare field!
If you want to pursue an English/Creative Writing degree and work in publishing, you can start by taking contract work as a copywriter or junior technical writer to build your portfolio. It's important to develop your writing and editing skills, learn how to interview people for information, and work well in a team. Be open to learning digital technology and how to use it, as there are many systems and programming languages like XML and DITA for managing and publishing content. Knowing another language is helpful, and learning to write prompts for AI and checking AI output is also essential.
As you improve your writing and editing skills, your abilities as an author will grow too. Many technical writers also write and publish novels, poetry, or journal articles and a side job.
An English major can lead to jobs where you need to explain ideas and information clearly. Industries that need writing and publishing skills include business, technology, medicine, engineering, entertainment, education, healthcare, defense, and law. Some job titles you might explore are technical writer, business writer, medical writer, copywriter, content creator, content manager, content strategist, technical editor, medical editor, and publication manager.
I began my career with an English major and got my first job as a technical writer at a healthcare company that made software for medical labs. My role involved writing, editing, and publishing instructions for the medical technicians using lab instruments and software. The content I created was also used in marketing and product information and published into multiple languages. The experience with my first job helped me move into roles in technical and content strategy and leadership positions. I expanded my career by getting a degree as a medical technician and a master's in management. I really enjoyed my work in technical writing and editing in the healthcare field!
If you want to pursue an English/Creative Writing degree and work in publishing, you can start by taking contract work as a copywriter or junior technical writer to build your portfolio. It's important to develop your writing and editing skills, learn how to interview people for information, and work well in a team. Be open to learning digital technology and how to use it, as there are many systems and programming languages like XML and DITA for managing and publishing content. Knowing another language is helpful, and learning to write prompts for AI and checking AI output is also essential.
As you improve your writing and editing skills, your abilities as an author will grow too. Many technical writers also write and publish novels, poetry, or journal articles and a side job.