WWU ENGLISH GRAD IS LOOKING FOR CAREER ADVICE ON CREATIVE WRITING & ARTS

#engagementstory

By MAX LEISTEN

The arts don’t come with a roadmap. Creative writing? Even less so. With so many directions to take (editing, publishing, nonprofits, freelancing), how do you know where to start?

A recent English grad felt that uncertainty and reached out through Ask a Viking. The response? Not just encouragement, but a clear, five-step action plan. Read for literary magazines. Build a freelance profile. Explore nonprofit opportunities. Consider structured programs. Most importantly: connect.

A seasoned writer even offered to continue the conversation, proving once again that in creative careers, the right connection isn’t just helpful. It’s everything.

Keep it simple,

Max

The "ask"

I graduated with a degree in English, class of 2024, with a creative writing emphasis. I have a passion for Arts and Culture and Human Rights.

I am currently seeking advice on how to find a job in a relevant field where I can utilize my creative writing skills. I have experience with unpaid editing work and have attended many writing workshops in the local area. I am also a member of in-person writer’s groups through local indie bookstores where I critique work.

While I do not have any paid experience, I am eager to learn and grow in a creative environment. Any advice on how to find entry-level positions or internships in the creative writing field would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

The "give"

Hello! It sounds like you’re already doing all the right things. Here’s where I’d go next:

1. Become a reader for a literary magazine: start by finding literary magazines you like. Investigate their websites. Are any of them looking for readers? That’s a great start. You’ll be the first eyes on incoming work, sifting through looking for promising stories, which you will then pass on to the editors. This experience is usually minimally paid, but it’s a good resume builder.

2. Make a freelance profile with a service like Reedsy: there’s nothing wrong with hanging your shingle out there right now and seeing if anybody bites. Make a LinkedIn profile, ask anyone whose work you’ve critiqued to write a testimonial for you. Put the word out that you’re looking for clients, with anybody who might know anybody who might know anybody.

3. Volunteer (or apply for a job) with reading/writing non-profit orgs like The Bureau of Fearless Ideas. (as of this writing, it looks like that particular org has hit the pause button on new volunteers, but I imagine they’ll open up soon).

4. If you are looking for a more structured conduit into the business, I know a number of people who have done the editing certificate program at UW and that program has seemed to do well by all of them. I think it’s a nine-month program meant for post-bacc’s like you.

5. If you’d like, I’d be happy to hop on a Zoom call (or meet for coffee, if you’re in the Seattle area) and answer any questions you might have.

Best of luck!

The feedback

Thank you for the opportunity to share some career wisdom and connect with an alum/recent grad. I’ve long wanted to have the opportunity to support Western in this way. Great job for making it happen! It’s also a great way to steward this community!

Ready to make it simple for everyone?

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