Jobs for English Majors Part Two: Writing Opportunities

Unfortunately, becoming a New York Times bestselling author may not be in your future, but there are jobs beyond the parameters of perpetual academia available to those holding English degrees.

Copyrighting is a great option for anybody who simply loves writing. You have to really enjoy the craft and process of writing more than anything else, since there will be plenty of times that you have to write "boring" copy for a paycheck. As you're going through college, you can begin to distinguish yourself as a copywriter by writing online copy. Sites like Helium, Associated Content, Squidoo, Suite 101, and others are all great starting points. After you've got a little experience, consider marketing through Constant Content or applying for a job at Demand Studios; these sites offer better pay up-front, but they also require a bit more practice and experience at copywriting.

Technical writing requires similar skills as those of a copywriter, and taking early steps in copywriting is a good way to help land a tech writing job later down the road. However, tech writing internships are definitely preferred above copywriting job placements. Technical writers must compose documents in straightforward and precise language, requiring specific practice and skill.

Journalism is another option. Consider newspaper internships and writing for school papers during college to prepare for this career track. Additionally, with the prevalence of electronic media in today's society, starting a news blog or some other form of guerilla web-reporting can help you gain some early notoriety.

Creative writing is often dismissed as a pipe-dream, but it is an attainable profession with proper graduate study and related experience. Copyrighting or tech writing can be good experience to build a portfolio while getting paid, but submitting regularly to less-lucrative creative writing journals will help get your poetry and prose swirling through academic circles. The popular Writer's Market series of books is a good starting point to find publishers for your creative works: consult my "Top Five Resources for Poetry Publishing" article for information on more creative marketplaces. Publishing early and often in your career is very helpful, but do not underestimate the boost that an Masters of Fine Arts in Fiction or Poetry from an accredited graduate school will give you. After struggling with low-paying markets early on, you'll eventually be able to work as a creative writer at least part time-and, if you've gone with the MFA route, you'll have the credentials for a college Lecturer position to pay the bills not covered by your creative writing income. For more information on university teaching jobs, see my earlier article in this series: "Jobs for English Majors Part One: Teaching and Tutoring Opportunities."