Great Jobs for Authors That Aren't Just About Publishing Books

If you're someone who loves to write, you're already sitting on a valuable skill set. Writing isn't just about putting words on a page - it's about telling stories, explaining ideas clearly, and connecting with people. And guess what? Those are skills that tons of industries are looking for.

You don't have to be a best-selling novelist or land a big publishing deal to make a living as a writer. There are so many jobs out there where authors can use their talents in different, creative ways. 

Whether you're looking for something full-time or a side hustle, this guide breaks down real opportunities for writers who want to do what they love - and get paid for it.

1. Journalist

Journalists research, investigate, and write stories that keep the public informed about what’s happening in the world. From local events to global news, they dig for facts, interview sources, and craft reports that are accurate and engaging. Some journalists cover breaking news, while others focus on long-form features or opinion pieces. 

It’s a fast-paced job that’s ideal for curious people who love asking questions and telling real stories. Whether you're writing for print, digital, or broadcast, journalism helps give people the info they need to stay in the know.

Key Skills:

• Strong research and fact-checking

• Interviewing and communication

• Clear, concise writing

• Ability to work on tight deadlines

Potential Employers:

• Newspapers and magazines

• Online news outlets

• TV and radio stations

• Nonprofit and advocacy organizations

2. Copywriter

Copywriters craft the catchy words behind ads, websites, emails, product pages, and more. Their job is to make readers feel something or do something, like click a button or buy a product. Good copywriting is all about using just the right words to make a message stick. It’s part creativity, part psychology, and part strategy. 

If you enjoy writing punchy, persuasive content and coming up with clever ideas, copywriting could be a great fit, especially in marketing and branding.

Key Skills:

• Persuasive writing

• Creative thinking

• Basic marketing knowledge

• SEO (search engine optimization) understanding

Potential Employers:

• Marketing and ad agencies

• E-commerce companies

• Corporate marketing departments

• Freelance clients and startups

3. Blogger

Bloggers create content about topics they’re passionate or knowledgeable about, from food and travel to finance and parenting. Some blogs are personal, while others are designed to attract traffic and earn money through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links. 

Blogging takes more than just good writing - you’ll also need to know a bit about SEO, promotion, and keeping an audience engaged. With consistency and a clear niche, blogging can become a rewarding creative outlet or even a full-time gig.

Key Skills:

• Strong writing and storytelling

• Basic SEO

• Social media promotion

• Consistency and self-discipline

Potential Employers:

• Personal websites

• Media companies

• Niche websites or affiliate networks

• Brands looking for lifestyle or industry bloggers

4. Ghostwriter

Ghostwriters create content for someone else who takes the credit. You might be writing a book for a busy CEO, blog posts for a public figure, or speeches for an event. It’s a behind-the-scenes job, but it can be both well-paid and creatively diverse. 

The key is being able to match someone else’s voice and vision, often based on interviews or rough outlines. If you’re a flexible writer who doesn’t mind staying out of the spotlight, ghostwriting is a smart and steady option.

Key Skills:

• Adapting to different voices and styles

• Confidentiality and discretion

• Strong writing and research

• Flexibility and collaboration

Potential Employers:

• Public figures and executives

• Authors and influencers

• Agencies offering ghostwriting services

• Freelance platforms

5. Screenwriter

Screenwriters write scripts for films, TV shows, web series, or video games. They develop characters, structure scenes, and create dialogue that moves a story forward. It’s a visual style of storytelling that requires thinking in terms of what the audience will see and hear. 

Breaking into the industry takes persistence and networking, but if you love movies and storytelling, screenwriting offers a chance to bring your ideas to life on screen. Many screenwriters also pitch their own original projects.

Key Skills:

• Strong storytelling and structure

• Dialogue writing

• Understanding of screen formatting

• Creativity and collaboration

Potential Employers:

• Film and TV production companies

• Streaming platforms

• Animation studios

• Independent filmmakers

6. Editor

Editors take written content and polish it until it’s clear, engaging, and error-free. They work with writers to improve grammar, flow, and structure while making sure the tone and message are just right. Depending on the role, an editor might fix typos, reorganize content, or offer big-picture feedback to help a story shine. 

If you have a good eye for detail and enjoy helping others improve their work, editing can be a great career path in publishing, media, or corporate settings.

Key Skills:

• Strong grammar and language knowledge

• Attention to detail

• Communication and collaboration

• Critical thinking and analysis

Potential Employers:

• Book publishers

• Magazines and newspapers

• Online content companies

• Marketing and communications teams

7. Content Writer

Content writers create articles, web pages, emails, product guides, and more to inform, educate, or engage an audience. Unlike copywriters who focus on selling, content writers focus more on value and information. 

Whether you're writing a how-to article or an in-depth blog post, your job is to keep readers interested and coming back for more. It’s a flexible job with options in many industries, especially online. If you enjoy researching topics and explaining things clearly, content writing is a great fit.

Key Skills:

• Clear, engaging writing

• Research and organization

• SEO basics

• Adapting tone and style for different audiences

Potential Employers:

• Content marketing agencies

• Tech companies

• E-learning platforms

• Small businesses and startups

8. Grant Writer

Grant writers write proposals to help nonprofits, schools, or research groups get funding from government programs, foundations, or corporations. It’s a mix of persuasive writing and technical detail, often involving budgets, project descriptions, and goals. 

A strong grant proposal can make a huge impact, helping organizations carry out important work. If you like structured writing, working with mission-driven groups, and making a difference, grant writing could be your calling.

Key Skills:

• Persuasive and formal writing

• Research and data gathering

• Attention to guidelines and deadlines

• Project planning and budgeting understanding

Potential Employers:

• Nonprofit organizations

• Hospitals and universities

• Foundations and research institutes

• Freelance grant writing agencies

9. Social Media Manager

Social media managers handle the voice and vibe of a brand online. They write posts, engage with followers, and keep content fresh across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and TikTok. While it might sound casual, the job requires strategy, creativity, and a solid writing game. 

Good social media managers know how to write in a way that connects and gets people to interact. If you're great with words and enjoy staying on top of trends, this could be a fun, fast-paced job.

Key Skills:

• Short-form writing and creativity

• Brand voice consistency

• Engagement and community building

• Understanding analytics and trends

Potential Employers:

• Startups and small businesses

• Large brands and retailers

• Marketing agencies

• Nonprofits and public figures

10. Writing Coach

Writing coaches help others improve their writing skills and reach their goals, whether that’s finishing a novel, writing stronger essays, or communicating better at work. It’s part teacher, part mentor, and part motivator. You might work with students, professionals, or aspiring authors. 

If you love writing and also enjoy helping people grow, coaching can be incredibly rewarding and often flexible. Many writing coaches work one-on-one or run group programs online.

Key Skills:

• Encouraging and supportive communication

• Strong understanding of writing principles

• Teaching or mentoring experience

• Goal-setting and time management

Potential Employers:

• Schools and universities

• Private clients

• Online learning platforms

• Writing centers and coaching businesses

11. Literary Critic

Literary critics read and analyze books, plays, and other written works, then share their thoughts through essays, reviews, or articles. Their goal is to dive deeper into a piece of literature to explore themes, style, and cultural impact. 

Whether it’s reviewing a new novel or unpacking a classic, literary critics help others see what makes a work meaningful. If you love reading, thinking deeply, and sharing your opinions, this role might be right up your alley.

Key Skills:

• Analytical and critical thinking

• Deep knowledge of literature

• Strong writing and argumentation

• Clear, thoughtful communication

Potential Employers:

• Literary magazines and journals

• Newspapers and online publications

• Book review websites

• Academic institutions

12. Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers create educational materials like lesson plans, worksheets, and digital courses. They often work with schools, publishers, or online learning platforms to make sure content is clear, engaging, and aligned with learning goals. 

If you enjoy breaking down big ideas into digestible steps and love the idea of helping others learn, this is a smart and meaningful way to use your writing skills.

Key Skills:

• Educational writing and design

• Organization and clarity

• Understanding of learning standards

• Collaboration with educators or subject experts

Potential Employers:

• Schools and school districts

• Textbook publishers

• EdTech companies

• Government education departments

13. UX Writer

UX (User Experience) writers focus on the words people see when they interact with digital products, like apps, websites, or software. Think button labels, instructions, error messages, and onboarding flows. The goal is to make the experience easy, helpful, and even enjoyable. 

UX writing blends clarity, design thinking, and empathy. If you enjoy writing short, purposeful content and want to work closely with designers and developers, this is a growing field worth exploring.

Key Skills:

• Clear, concise writing

• User-focused thinking

• Collaboration with product teams

• Comfort with digital tools and design basics

Potential Employers:

• Tech companies

• App development firms

• SaaS (Software as a Service) companies

• Startups and design agencies

14. Novelist

Novelists write fiction books, building entire worlds and characters from their imagination. Whether you’re crafting mysteries, romances, fantasy epics, or literary fiction, writing a novel is a big creative project. 

While traditional publishing is one path, many novelists now self-publish or go hybrid. It can take time to build a readership, but for passionate storytellers, writing novels can be deeply fulfilling - and sometimes even financially rewarding.

Key Skills:

• Creative writing and storytelling

• Character and plot development

• Patience and persistence

• Self-editing and revision

Potential Employers:

• Traditional book publishers

• Self-publishing platforms (like Amazon KDP)

• Literary agents

• Yourself (as an indie author or hybrid writer)

15. Communications Specialist

Communications specialists handle how a company or organization talks to the public. This includes writing press releases, internal memos, newsletters, website content, and social media. The job is about keeping messaging clear, professional, and on-brand. You’ll often work with marketing, PR, and leadership teams.

If you’re a strong writer who can adapt your tone to fit different audiences, communications could be a great long-term career path.

Key Skills:

• Versatile writing and editing

• Brand voice and messaging strategy

• Internal and external communication

• Planning and organization

Potential Employers:

• Corporations and brands

• Government agencies

• Nonprofits and universities

• PR and communications firms

Tips for Getting Started

Starting out as a writer or shifting into a new writing role can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few simple steps to help you move forward.

How to build a portfolio

Your portfolio is like your writing resume - it's where potential employers or clients see what you can do. Start by picking 3 to 5 strong samples that match the kind of work you want. Don’t have paid experience yet? No problem. Create mock pieces or personal blog posts that show off your style and range. Tools like Google Docs, Contently, or a simple personal website work great for organizing your samples.

Where to find writing gigs

There are plenty of places to look for writing work online. Freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can help you get started. Platforms like ProBlogger, We Work Remotely, and LinkedIn often post content writing and editing jobs. Also, check company websites directly - many have careers pages with openings for writers. Don’t overlook smaller, local businesses that may need help with blogs, emails, or social media too.

The importance of networking and learning

Networking isn’t just for big-time professionals - it’s for writers too. Join writing groups, attend workshops, or connect with others on Twitter, LinkedIn, or writing forums. You never know who might recommend you for a gig or give you helpful advice. Also, keep learning. Take free or low-cost courses on SEO, storytelling, or editing. The writing world changes fast, and staying sharp helps you stand out.

Tools That Help Authors Focus

Let’s face it - staying focused while writing can be tough. Between endless browser tabs, notifications, and the temptation to scroll through social media, it’s easy to lose your momentum. And when writing is your job - whether you're a novelist, blogger, copywriter, or content creator - distractions don’t just slow you down, they can keep you from getting your work done altogether.

That’s whereFreewrite devices come in. Designed specifically for writers, our tools offer a clean, distraction-free experience that helps you stay in the zone and just write. No apps, no notifications, no internet rabbit holes - just you and your words.

Whether you're on a deadline, working on a passion project, or just trying to build a daily writing habit, Freewrite devices can help you stay productive and creative. Let’s take a closer look at these tools, and how they can support your writing goals in any role you take on.

1. Smart Typewriter

The Smart Typewriter is an ultimate distraction-free drafting device, made for writers who want to focus on the words without getting pulled into emails or browser tabs. It’s perfect for long writing sessions where flow matters and editing can come later. With automatic backups and a tactile mechanical keyboard, this tool blends classic writing feel with modern cloud syncing.

Design & Functionality:

• E Ink display with frontlight for easy viewing day or night

• Full-size mechanical keyboard with Kailh Box Brown switches

• Durable all-aluminum body with retractable handle

• Automatic cloud syncing to services like Google Drive and Dropbox

• Long-lasting battery and offline access via USB connection

2. Alpha

The Alpha is a portable and affordable writing tool, built for writers who want to take their creativity anywhere without the weight of distractions. Whether you're typing on the train, in a café, or curled up at home, Alpha is always ready to go. It combines a comfortable backlit display, a smooth typing experience, and long battery life into one sleek package that helps you stay in your writing flow.

Design & Functionality:

• Ultra-light and portable, weighing just 1.6 lbs

• LCD screen with 5 brightness levels for any lighting condition

• Quiet mechanical keyboard with low-profile Kailh Choc V2 switches

• 100-hour battery life on a single charge

• Continuous local and cloud saving with Postbox and services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and more

3. Traveler

The Traveler is an ultra-portable writing device, built for authors who are always on the move. Whether you're traveling for work, going on a writing retreat, or just want to write outdoors, this featherlight device makes it easy to take your creativity anywhere. It offers a distraction-free experience with a smooth keyboard and a glare-free E Ink screen that’s easy on the eyes in any light.

Design & Functionality:

• Lightweight and compact - half the size of a laptop at just 1.6 lbs

• E Ink display with no glare, perfect for writing outdoors or in bright light

• Full-size scissor-switch keyboard for a smooth, tactile typing feel

• Cloud syncing with Postbox, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more

• Long battery life designed for weeks of writing on a single charge

4. Valentine Smart Typewriter

The Valentine Smart Typewriter is more than just a writing tool - it’s a bold statement for writers who want to unplug from distractions and embrace creativity with style. Inspired by the iconic 1969 Italian design, Valentine brings a retro flair to modern writing tech. It includes all the powerful features of the original Smart Typewriter, wrapped in a sleek, special edition package complete with a custom carrying case and strap.

Design & Functionality:

• Design inspired by vintage 1969 aesthetics

• E Ink screen and mechanical keyboard with box brown switches for premium writing feel

• Distraction-free interface with cloud syncing and offline backup

• Long-lasting battery life for extended writing sessions

• Comes with a water-resistant case and branded strap for stylish portability

5. Hemingwrite Signature Edition

The Hemingwrite Signature Edition is a tribute to legendary author Ernest Hemingway and the spirit of pure, focused writing. Crafted from hand-polished aluminum with green keycaps and engraved with Hemingway’s authentic signature, this special edition Freewrite is both a collector’s piece and a powerful tool for serious writers. It offers all the core features of the Smart Typewriter, wrapped in vintage style and literary legacy.

Design & Functionality:

• Premium aluminum body with green keycaps and laser-engraved Hemingway signature

• E Ink screen and mechanical keyboard designed for distraction-free drafting

• Includes a luxury leather attaché case for stylish protection and portability

• Cloud and offline syncing for saving work anytime, anywhere

• Supports 60+ languages and alternative keyboard layouts for global writers

6. Alpha Cosmic Edition

The Alpha Cosmic Edition is a creative twist on Freewrite’s  lightweight drafting tool, designed for writers who want inspiration and portability in one stellar package. With a terrazzo-speckled hull and warm backlight, it’s built for late-night sessions, mountain retreats, and spontaneous writing sprints. This special edition comes with an exclusive felt sleeve to protect your device wherever your imagination takes you.

Design & Functionality:

• Unique terrazzo-style body with warm backlit display for day or night writing

• Lightweight (1.6 lbs) and compact for on-the-go creativity

• Includes exclusive felt sleeve with leather trim and constellation-inspired stitching

• 100-hour battery life and cloud syncing to Google Drive, Dropbox, and more

• No distractions: no apps, no notifications, just you and the words

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, being a writer opens a lot more doors than most people realize. Whether you’re crafting ad copy, telling stories on a blog, or helping a nonprofit secure funding, your words can have a real impact.

So don’t limit yourself to one idea of what it means to be an author. There are so many paths out there - and many of them can be just as rewarding, creative, and meaningful as publishing a novel. Explore, experiment, and keep writing. Your voice matters, and there's a place for it.