CREATIVE WRITING

What can you do with a MFA in Creative Writing?

The versatility of a master’s degree in creative writing allows graduates to pursue careers in various industries where strong writing, storytelling, and communication skills are highly valued. Adaptability and networking are essential for success in these diverse career paths.

Tech Knowledge

Individuals with a master’s degree in creative writing can benefit from familiarity with various technologies to enhance their writing, research, and career opportunities. Although this is an extensive list, the specific technologies you need to know can depend on your chosen career path, but some common ones include:

  • Word Processing Software: Proficiency in word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs is essential for writing, editing, and formatting manuscripts.
  • Writing and Editing Software: Writing and editing tools like Scrivener or Grammarly can help writers streamline their writing process and improve their writing quality.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Knowledge of CMS platforms like WordPress can be useful for writers who want to create and manage their own blogs or websites.
  • Research and Reference Tools: Tools like Zotero, EndNote, or Evernote help writers collect and organize research materials and references.
  • Digital Publishing Platforms: Familiarity with digital publishing platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Smashwords can be valuable for self-publishing authors.
  • Screenwriting Software: For those interested in screenwriting, software like Final Draft or Celtx is essential for formatting scripts.
  • Collaboration Tools: Writers who collaborate with others can use collaboration tools like Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) or Dropbox Paper to work together in real time and share documents.
  • Social Media Platforms: Writers can use social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn to build their author brand, connect with readers, and promote their work.
  • Website and Blogging Tools: For writers who maintain blogs or author websites, platforms like WordPress, Blogger, or Squarespace can be helpful.
  • Email Marketing Software: Writers interested in building an email list for their readership can use email marketing platforms like MailChimp or ConvertKit.
  • E-book Design and Formatting Tools: Design and formatting tools like Adobe InDesign or Vellum are useful for creating professionally formatted e-books.
  • Grammar and Style Guides: Access to grammar and style guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style or AP Stylebook, can help writers maintain consistency in their work.
  • Digital Writing Workshops: Online writing workshops and courses, hosted on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare, offer opportunities for skill development and networking.
  • Writing Community Forums: Joining online writing communities and forums like Wattpad, Goodreads, or NaNoWriMo can help writers connect with peers, gain feedback, and share their work.
  • Audio and Video Recording Tools: Writers interested in podcasts or author interviews may need recording and editing software and equipment.
  • Data Security and Back-Up Solutions: Backing up manuscripts and important writing files is critical; cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive can be helpful.
  • Author Website Analytics: Knowledge of website analytics tools like Google Analytics can help authors track website traffic and reader engagement.
  • Writing and Publishing Software: Writing software with distraction-free interfaces, like Ulysses or Bear, can help writers stay focused on their work.
  • E-books and Digital Publishing Software: Familiarity with e-book creation and conversion software, such as Calibre or Sigil, can be useful for self-publishing authors.
  • Project Management Tools: Writers working on longer projects, such as novels or research, may benefit from project management tools like Trello or Asana to stay organized.

The specific technologies a writer needs may vary depending on their writing style, genre, and career goals. Writers should stay open to exploring new tools and technologies that can enhance their writing process and career prospects in a digital age.

Competencies + Other Skills

Graduates with a master’s degree in creative writing need a set of competencies to excel in their careers. These include a strong command of writing, proficiency in various literary genres, the ability to edit and revise effectively, and the skills to conduct research when necessary. They should also understand the publication process, screenwriting techniques, if relevant, marketing and promotion strategies, and be adaptable in their writing style to meet the demands of different projects and audiences. These competencies form the foundation for successful and versatile careers in creative writing.

  • Creativity: Creative writers must possess a high degree of creativity to develop unique and engaging narratives.
  • Discipline and Time Management: Self-discipline is critical for setting writing goals and managing time effectively, especially for longer projects like novels.
  • Resilience: Rejection and criticism are common in the writing world, so writers need resilience to persevere through setbacks.
  • Self-Motivation: Writers often work independently, so self-motivation is crucial for maintaining consistent writing habits.
  • Open-Mindedness: Being open to feedback, new ideas, and different writing styles allows writers to continually improve.
  • Empathy: Understanding and portraying diverse characters and perspectives with empathy enhances the depth of storytelling.
  • Networking: Building relationships with fellow writers, literary agents, publishers, and editors can lead to opportunities and support in the writing industry.
  • Communication: Effective communication skills help writers pitch ideas, collaborate with others, and engage with readers and audiences.
  • Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail ensures that writing is free of errors and inconsistencies.
  • Problem-Solving: Writers often encounter plot, character, and structural challenges that require creative problem-solving.
  • Listening Skills: Listening to feedback and understanding the needs and preferences of readers or clients is essential for meeting expectations.
  • Cultural Awareness: Sensitivity to cultural nuances and diverse perspectives can enrich storytelling and avoid stereotypes.
  • Storytelling: Strong storytelling skills, including narrative structure and pacing, are fundamental for capturing and holding readers’ attention.
  • Self-Reflection: The ability to reflect on one’s own writing and continually strive for improvement is essential for growth as a writer.
  • Adaptability: The writing landscape evolves, so being adaptable to changes in publishing and marketing trends is important.

Emerson Campus Orgs

  • Concrete Literary Magazine
  • The Emerson Review
  • Gauge Magazine
  • Stork Magazine
  • The Berkeley Beacon
  • Emertainment Monthly
  • em Magazine
  • Your Magazine
  • Five Cent Sound
  • Atlas Magazine
  • Graduate Student Association
  • Emerson College Book Club
  • Graduate Reading Series
  • Redivider
  • Writers of Color

You can also consider other non-industry oriented organizations and assist them with your areas of interest (example: having your scripts workshopped in SPEC or writing a newsletter for Women in Motion).

Industry Job Boards

Professional Associations and Conferences

Sample Job Titles with a Masters in Creative Writing

  • Author/Novelist: Many creative writing graduates pursue careers as authors, writing novels, short stories, and other literary works for publication.
  • Poet: Those with a passion for poetry may publish their own collections of poems, contribute to literary journals, or even work as performance poets.
  • Screenwriter: Creative writers often transition into screenwriting, creating scripts for television, film, and online content.
  • Playwright: Playwriting is another option, with opportunities to write for theater productions, including plays and scripts for performance.
  • Creative Writing Instructor/Professor: Some graduates go on to teach creative writing at the college or university level, sharing their knowledge and skills with aspiring writers.
  • Freelance Writer: Freelance writers can explore a wide range of writing opportunities, from journalism and content marketing to copywriting and ghostwriting.
  • Editor: Editors work with authors to refine and polish their manuscripts, whether in book publishing, magazines, or online publications.
  • Literary Agent: Literary agents represent authors and help them secure book deals and negotiate contracts with publishers.
  • Content Strategist: Creative writers can use their storytelling skills in content strategy, helping companies develop engaging content for websites, blogs, and social media.
  • Public Relations Specialist: PR professionals with a creative writing background excel in crafting compelling press releases, speeches, and other communication materials.
  • Marketing Copywriter: Copywriters create persuasive advertising and marketing content, including slogans, product descriptions, and promotional materials.
  • Technical Writer: Technical writers create user manuals, product documentation, and instructional materials, translating complex information into understandable language.
  • Grant Writer: Nonprofits and organizations often hire grant writers to secure funding by crafting compelling grant proposals and applications.
  • Content Developer: Content developers create educational materials, online courses, and e-learning content.
  • Content Manager: Content managers oversee content creation and strategy for websites and digital platforms.
  • Journalist: Creative writers can transition into journalism, reporting news stories for newspapers, magazines, or digital publications.
  • Blogger/Content Creator: Some creative writers become bloggers or content creators, generating their own online content and monetizing their platforms.
  • Speechwriter: Speechwriters craft speeches and presentations for public figures, politicians, and corporate leaders.
  • Copy Editor/Proofreader: Copy editors and proofreaders review and edit written content for grammar, style, and accuracy.
  • Advertising Creative Director: With experience, some creative writers can advance to leadership roles in advertising agencies, overseeing creative teams and campaigns.

Blogs & Industry Professionals to Follow

How the Career Development Center can support

  • How to pitch your stories
  • How to get an agent

Link to other docs to support