Make Extra Money Teaching a Writing Class

If you are looking for ways to make some extra money using your writing skills, you might want to consider teaching a writing class. Even if you don't have any teaching credentials, there are still opportunities in many colleges and universities around the United States for writers to take on teaching others their craft. If you are a writer looking for ways to make more money, and you have the right kind of personality it takes to instruct others, you may want to consider taking on a writing class of your own.

Writing classes are taught by professors and others in the teaching fields, but many colleges hire adjuncts to teach as well. An adjunct is a person hired to teach who has the skills and experience necessary to teach students their craft, but does not have extra academic responsibilities. They are hired on a class by class basis. You will most likely be considered for a teaching position if you are a published writer, so it will help if you have published books, or written for magazines or other publications.

A degree isn't a necessity, but it doesn't hurt to have one. You can teach a variety of writing classes, from basic writing skills, to journalism to poetry. You can basically can teach the writing skills you have, based on what type of writing you know and do well. If you are a science fiction writer, you could teach a class on creative writing. Universities and colleges teach all types of writing skills, including playwriting, technical writing, biographies, fiction and non fiction of all varieties.

Contact the writing program director of the university you are interested in, and make an appointment for an interview. Bring a portfolio of your work along, including any published work you may have. Before you approach the school for an appointment, make sure you've done your homework. Visit the college you are interested in, find out what types of writing classes they offer.

They might even be looking for writing teachers, so check their website or hiring board first. If you plan to offer a new class, bring a written proposal along to your interview. You may also want to have lesson plans or outlines ready as well, to show you know what you're doing, and are prepared to teach. You will have to be diligent in searching, as not every university will accept your proposal, or is hiring new teachers at the moment.

You may also want to try other places, such as adult education programs, community centers, the local YMCA. Even city recreation centers may have teaching opportunities.