It was not so long ago that options were limited for aspiring writers. There were two ways to find success, and not even those were guaranteed to bring you the fame and money you might’ve craved.
Whether you wanted to become a best-selling author and tell your stories, or become a journalist and report others’ tales, they were both tough markets to break into.
But the internet has brought forth many more opportunities and opened doors for those wanting to put pen to paper — or fingers to keyboard.
It’s now a well of possibilities, and an open field where anyone can try making it as a writer.
The writing market is still difficult, but it’s more diverse and there are so many branches available for writers that all you have to do is pick one.
And that’s the tough part: Finding what you like and what suits you in a way that doesn’t compromise who you are.
More importantly, you need to discover the type of writing that you find most inspirational and enjoyable. What could you write about for the rest of your life? Who would you write it for?
There are many options, and picking the wrong one might end up killing your muse.
In order to prevent the dreaded writer’s block, it’s best to do some research to find out what type of writing job is the best fit for your personality.
If you want your words to make an impact, you need to move away from scribbling notes on napkins and daydreaming about selling a book. You need to work, you need to practice, and you need a bit of luck. But you also need to know which direction you’re heading.
So, what writing job will best be suited for you? Well, it depends.
1. The Creative Loner
Some of the greatest minds in history were loners and introverts, those who enjoyed the fictional world more than the one outside.
Luckily, writing is usually a solo activity and it’s very accessible for those who prefer to isolate themselves with a hot cup of coffee. Journalism may not be for you, but there are plenty of other options.
If you have the patience, you could let the creative juices flow and start working on your own novel. Put it all on paper. The chances are slim that J.R.R. Tolkien created Middle Earth in a busy coffee shop. J.K. Rowling came up with the Wizarding World on a lonely train ride, so perhaps you’re on the right path.
Make sure you read some tips on how to get your imagination flowing and find the right inspiration.
If your patience is not up to par, become a blogger and write about whatever you want in shorter posts. Take note of the ways you could monetize and turn your blogging hobby into a career.
2. The Charismatic Extrovert
You need to tell your own stories because you have a lot of them. Your imagination overflows and you know exactly how to show people your vision using just your words.
If you close your eyes, you can see it. And, most importantly, you can make others see it as well. These are the writers who can capture the reader’s attention and hold them there with engaging and incredibly fun writing. Be it creating a compelling character, brilliant dialogue, or captivating articles, you know how to communicate with your audience.
If you thrive on being surrounded by people and experiences drive your writing, you could opt for journalism, relaying the sights you see or events you witness.
More and more companies are starting to realize the importance of online marketing and promoting their business through various channels. Those companies look for people who are both socially savvy and also talented at crafting compelling online content that will get more traffic directed their way.
3. The Pondering Genius
These writers have a natural inclination towards artistic expression that is unmatched. You’re idealistic and philosophical, pondering on abstract concepts and striving for perfection. Each detail is important, and each word can be a symbolic to a beautiful new meaning. You could be a novelist, if only you practiced how to keep your deadlines.
Perhaps your writing is not meant solely to make people move and act, but also to make them think. These writers are excellent at providing inspiration for others. Your could be a speechwriter for company leaders and politicians. Or you could become a songwriter, bringing true quality to modern music. Ghostwriting is an excellent option, if you don’t care about your name being attached to your work but have a knack for giving depth to others’ thoughts and ideas.
4. The Diligent Researcher
If you’re the epitome of patience and highly detail-oriented, there are oodles of job opportunities out there. Your creativity might not burst, and perhaps you don’t like to imagine worlds that don’t exist — and never will.
You think of the future and you want to be helpful. you’re a fast learner and no detail is too small to escape your attention.
You can become a technical writer, because you don’t even have to be an expert in the field. You might not know everything about the newest gadget that broke the industry, but you can sure research it until you sound like an expert. If you’re truly a perfectionist, you could opt for academic writing. Use your foreign-language skills to work as a translator or start testing products as a reviewer.
5. The Explosive Factotum
They want it done? You’ll get it done. These writers can’t do anything halfway.
If you’re terrific at accomplishing tasks before deadline, you’re highly productive, and even a little aggressive, there are jobs that will suit your speed. Perhaps you’re a little impatient and a bit disorganized, but there are ways to get your thoughts in order. That shouldn’t limit you.
You have a strong work ethic and you are ready to face whatever piece is thrown your way.
A career in copywriting could be well suited to you and it’s one of the higher paying jobs on the writing market today. You need to be fast, creative, and know a lot about everything. Every client is different and you need to be able to mold to their preferences, understand their perspective, and make modifications. Even more, you need to do this all in a timely manner.
There are many opportunities out there, and you may have a hard time finding the one that’s best suited for you. But all you need to remember is that there is no limit to what you can write. There’s room for everyone today, so pick what you love — what inspires you — and you may be calling yourself a professional writer in no time.