When I was in school, scoring well in writing and reading on aptitude tests meant: 1) journalism and 2) human resources. The problem was, that I didn’t want to go into journalism and also, I’m ridiculously awkward on the best of days. How was I going to survive in a human resources position? Writing as a career wasn’t encouraged so I didn’t and now I think that might have been the biggest mistake I ever made.
By not looking at writing as a full-time career, I also didn’t look at any literary career. I’m here to tell you, that you CAN make a career out of your passions, even if they lie in literary-adjacent positions. Check out the short list below of careers that often can, and do, overlap with writing. Maybe one of them will strike your fancy!
5 Literary (Adjacent) Careers
Editor
Editors work closely with writers daily. I will be the first to admit, that while I love writing, some of the more specific rules of the English language evade me regularly. Fortunately for me, editors exist. Editors work in varying depths of the writing process to help writers create strongly structured plots, well-defined characters, and grammatically correct prose. Editing can take on many forms and ranges from developmental editing, at the more basic structure of the story, to copy editing, line editing, and proofreading. Each level of editing is designed to look at different elements of the writing.
How would someone become an accredited editor though? Surely there is more to it than saying you’re an editor and gaining clients without anything to recommend you. Well, there is, accreditation doesn’t hurt and there are several noteworthy companies that a hopeful editor could look into to gain knowledge and credentials.
Editorial Freelancers Association: https://www.the-efa.org/education/
While the Editorial Freelancers Association does not offer a certification program, the EFA is a strong source of useful information for budding editors. Courses cover a number of focused topics including finding your way in a freelancing editing career and different styles of editing at multiple levels of skill.
ACES: The Society for Editing: https://aceseditors.org/training
ACES is a society for editing professionals and has joined with The Poynter Institute to create a three-part editing certificate available on-demand and can help an editor become qualified and launch the legitimacy of their business (ACES).
Editing is a great way to work in a literary career and supplement a writer’s income or act as a full-time position for qualified individuals. If you enjoy reading, writing, and the specifics of the English language, editing may be a career you would be interested in. Check out the above-listed websites and do some additional research to determine if a career in editing may be a good fit for you!
*Check out This Book Beauty’s blog on different types of editing: https://www.bluedandelionpress.com/thank-dog-theres-an-editor-for-that/
Specialized Writer (Technical or Grant)
Writing takes many forms in professional workspaces including emails, professionally drafted documents, employee handbooks, and in some cases (particularly academic and non-profit) technical and grant writing. These types of writing require special attention to detail and a different skill set.
American Grant Writers’ Association, Inc.: http://www.agwa.us/onlinecourses
LearnGrantWriting.Org: https://www.learngrantwriting.org/blog/how-to-be-freelance-grant-writer/
Technical Writer HQ: https://technicalwriterhq.com/
Consider certification for technical or grant writing if you are interested in a writing career that can be used in a freelance career or within an organization. The cost of securing certification and learning from professionals is worth considering for a career doing what you love. Be cautious to do your research before dedicating resources to some certifications though. Look for professional certifications that will help lend legitimacy to your career and value to your work.
Publishing Specialist
Publishing itself has a significant number of different positions with varying focuses. Self-publishing writers may be looking for someone to coordinate the process of their publication. A book coach would be something similar, but with more focus on the writing aspect of the book itself. Publishing specialists should be able to assist writers in finding and securing cover art, formatting, connections with bookstores, and other ways to prepare their books for bookshelves across the world.
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, check out a few of these resources to help determine your path:
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/articles/advice/become-a-publisher
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/articles/get-into-publishing
Book Marketing Consultant/Marketing Specialist
One service that all authors need is marketing! Whether traditionally published or self-published, authors must get their names out there and spread the word about their publications. This means a well-curated marketing plan to establish the author’s brand and create interest in consumers. Some of the most popular authors in the world currently have fantastic marketing campaigns, and for a self-published author, a well-maintained marketing plan could make or break the success of their book.
This is another position that can be accomplished in a freelance capacity, making it an ideal option for individuals with a passion for reading, marketing, and helping authors meet their book’s full potential.
Author Marketing Experts: https://amarketingexpert.com/
Reedsy: https://blog.reedsy.com/freelancer/how-to-become-a-book-marketer/
Social Media Specialist
This newer position has risen to fame quickly. A social media specialist or manager handles all social media posting for an author or other creative. This is one of those positions that large companies, not even in creative fields, are hiring for because, let’s face it, keeping up with social media is exhausting. This position is also responsible for responding to questions and monitoring the comments section to respond quickly and appropriately when problems arise.
Something I am discovering quickly as I’m working on editing, writing, blogging, and trying to live some version of life, is that social media is often one of the last things I think about, and my creative energy is gone by the time I do. Unfortunately, since posting engaging content regularly is one of the top recommendations for social media followings, it doesn’t make for a great situation. Social media specialists may work closely with marketers for branding and advertising campaigns however, they will also work to post engaging content on a consistent schedule, and help to create relationships with viewers.
If this sounds like an ideal position for you and you’d love to help establish and maintain a strong and positive social media presence for authors and other creatives, check out the below and see if this would be a good fit for you:
CF Blog: https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/digital-marketing/become-a-social-media-specialist/
Excelsior University: https://www.excelsior.edu/article/what-is-a-social-media-specialist/
Even if writing a book or writing poems is not in your plans for life, that doesn’t mean that you have to be relegated to journalism if you’re interested in a literary career! With the rise of indie publishing, self-published authors are looking to build networking ties with individuals in literary-adjacent fields to help produce quality products and successful book launches.
Furthermore, if you’re starving for a literary career and would love the opportunity to work freelance and be your own boss, these are definitely some career options to consider.
Lastly, don’t let what others tell you, define what you can do, go out and get those dreams, make them into reality, and then shout it from the roof-tops!
And as always, Happy Reading!
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