difference between creative writing and business writing

Business Writing Vs. Creative Writing – What You Need To Know

Those who think that business writing and creative writing are the same thing, are sorely mistaken. There is a clear difference between business writing (attempting to make an audience aware of and potentially purchase your product), and writing creatively (for the benefit of someone’s imagination or enjoyment).

While there are pieces of creative writing that may mimic business styles, rarely will you see an example of business writing that imitates creative styles so it’s important to know the differences. Perhaps a more drastic comparison cannot be made than one between business writing and creative writing .

So what are the differences?

Writing For Business:

To conjure up an image of business writing, just think about the last newspaper ad, magazine cover, Super Bowl commercial or even work proposal you looked at. All these different mediums are great examples of writing for business. Their proposal is hopefully enticing, their benefits are clearly stated and the creator intends that it will compel the viewer to say yes to something or make a purchase.

Corporate reports and finely developed marketing material pieces are other good examples of the methods of business writing. It is characterized by the use of formal wording and written in a clear and concise manner. This ensures there will be little room for reader interpretation. The writer only wants to provide facts. This formal tone allows the writer to separate themselves from the content or product allowing it to sell itself. Of course a cordial tone is still necessary to build trust and not alienate the reader.

Business writing pieces relay information as a matter-of-fact. Using a minimalist approach, the writer states what is necessary and little else. Often seen as one-dimensional, business writing dictates information and does not take into account the reader’s experience level. That is not the goal. The goal is to convince a reader to do something using the following dialogue examples:

“The report clearly states this…”
“You should really buy that…”
“Don’t do this…”
“Do this or else…”

Creative Writing:

Creative writing is the total opposite of business prose. Creative writers often reveal bits and pieces of information to build suspense and intrigue. Their goal is not to sell anything but rather to take a person on a journey far away from everything else.

Instead of being one-dimensional, it offers a two-way relationship between the writer and their audience. Even though the reader is not actually sitting by the author’s side, the writer has the reader’s thoughts and emotions in mind when putting words to paper.

Creative writing is also considered inclusive. It will envelop the reader instead of keeping them at arms-length to state facts. . The use of the writer’s vast lexicon is also a prominent characteristic of creative writing. Using words both familiar and foreign, the writer is able to be more descriptive give the reader a richer experience.

In Conclusion:

Clearly, business writing and creative writing are not the same thing. Business writing is fact based, predictable and usually includes an ask or action at the end. Creative writing, instead, offers writers the ability to use an infinite number of avenues to take their writers on a journey to literally anywhere.

Keep in mind from time to time, the two styles may overlap. The most notable example is Ernest Hemingway. Highly regarded as one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century, He was able to whisks his readers away on a grand journey while keeping the word and sentence count to a marked brevity. This hybrid style of writing demands a great deal of forethought and clarity to from the author so as to not rob the reader of the experience or details.

Of course, not just anyone can be a Hemingway. Most writers today, depending upon their occupation will choose between business and creative styles. Knowing the difference between the two styles can be an important distinction. It is a difference that any advanced writer should keep in mind when presenting their thoughts and ideas to their readers.

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Business Writing Vs Creative Writing Core Comparision

difference between creative writing and business writing

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Table of Contents

What is Writing

Writing is the way of expressing our ideas and thought on a piece of paper. Of course, nowadays writer does it by typing on a computer screen or laptop screen. So, it is the medium of communication. For the learning of any new language there are four skills that we should qualify for:

1. Listening

2. Speaking

4. Writing.

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Generally, when we are in the phase of learning our native language, we first listen to it, based on which we started to speak. Then the skill of reading is developed, based on which ultimately the fourth skill writing comes. For knowing of any particular language these skills are underlined ones. These language skills are related to each other with the way of direction of communication and the methods of communication.

Types Of Writing

There are different types of writing from informal to formal types such as:

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Upcoming Batches of Content Writing Course:-

1. Business and Marketing Writing

2. Technical and Research Writing

3. Creative Writing

4. Academic Writing

Let’s explore more and have some detailed information about Business writing and Creative writing.

About Business Writing

It is the type of writing that provides significant information to the reader. In Business writing, the main aim is to transmit information to a reader. Clear language and concise information are required in Business Writing to help the reader to understand the information written. Business writing is the foundation of any business. In this type of writing, the writer only provides the facts. Formal wording and tone are used in Business writing. And there should be to the point information about any product or services. However cordial tone is necessary to build trust and engagement of readers to the content written. Some main factors to consider in Business writing is:-

1. Information should be accurate, complete, and must be relevant to the readers.

2. From the informatory bundle, there should be an extract of only that information that is relevant and is easy to understand.

3. Must be simple to read, as highlighting the important terms with color or underline the words, using the number or bullet points, usage of a short paragraph, giving the proper heading or title.

4. Use of correct grammar is necessary as these attributes are of much importance in Business Writing.

Business writing as a Career

There is plenty of options for business writing. A business writer works for a business to write proposals, business reports, and plans. They also write the information about any particular product or services. The business writer writes the content to promote or advertise the brand of any product. It includes writing for websites, advertisements, brochures, catalogs, etc. The Business writer also works as a reporter to write stories about economics and businesses. They can work as a full-time employee in a company or can be a freelance contractor. Then there are agencies such as brand promoting companies, web agencies, design agencies, and language consultancy that give employment to both full-time and freelance writers. So, there is your choice of specializing in anything from social media to the corporate office to web editing.

Check- Henry Harvin’s technical writing course in Bangalore

Qualification for Business Writing

The qualification required for Business writing is a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or business. However, it is not mandatory. In some companies or organizations, it is required. The main pre-requisite is your interest in writing. Since overall your work or portfolio is the main thing that is asked for. And now due to the rise of self-publishing websites, there is the scope of self-publishing our writing. Although if you already qualify for a diploma, degree, etc, in any particular area, it can also be used in the field of Business writing. E.g. if you have qualifications in environmental science you can become an expert in your writing extract about the environment in newspapers, magazines, etc.

Types of Business Writing

For becoming a successful business writer there are some types of Business writing you should be familiar with. Such as E-mail writing, Business Report Writing, Memo Writing, Handbook Writing, Newsletter, Copywriting, Writing product descriptions and reviews, press release, Meeting agendas, resume and cover letter writing, Writing for the landing page of any company website, writing for responses to customer queries and complaints.

Business Writing Course

For effective business writing skill and making your content ready for the market there are the number of the institute and academy providing the required training. Developing your writing skill is an essential career move. As writing always matters, either you are composing emails, memoirs, business proposals, newsletters, making a presentation, or even making your resume stand out, good writing is the skill necessary for a successful business. Business Writing is one of the most important skills for personal and organizational success. These courses will help you to identify and communicate your writing content to the intended audience.

Also check- Henry Harvin’s Technical Writing course in Mumbai

summary some of the commonly asked questions:-

For market place reputation of any particular organization or company and to generate more revenue it is essential to write well-written business proposals, clearly written memos, effective marketing material, systematic email, report writing, etc.

There are many forms of Business Writing as: E-mails Reports Memos Letters Writing for social media Press Release Copywriting Product Description Resume Writing Training & Educational Content etc. So, it refers to any form of writing that is used within the Business environment.

It is the purposeful piece of writing that provides facts or relevant information to the reader, gives knowledge about something, and influences someone to take action.

A Business writer has the role of writing website content, press release, proposals, newsletter, and articles. They may be responsible for conducting necessary research and fact-checking data. Some business writers work for the time of regular office hours or some opt for part-time work or freelance job. Freelance writers are typically paid according to the assignment done. They have the flexibility of setting their schedule and place.

There are many online Business Writing Courses. A particular course should cover exactly what you want from it. Any of the specific skills which you want to learn from it. The business writing course which you choose should start with the basic level and then it should reach the more comprehensive approach. So some of the choices are as follows:- 1. Copy Writing Course by Henry Harvin Education. 2. Business Communication skill: Business Writing And Grammar by Udemy 3. Tips for Better Business Writing by LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) 4. American Management Association 5. High Impact Business Writing by University of California Irvine Division of Continuing Education 6. Business Writing by University of Colorado Boulder 7. Universal Class Business Course

About Creative Writing

Creative writing is that form of writing which involves the usage of narrative craft, imagination tools, character development, and the use of different figures of speeches or with various methods of poetry. So that it gives beauty to the piece of writing. In Creative writing, both fictional and non-fictional work comes under this category. Novels, short stories, biographies, poems are all types of Creative Writing. In this type of writing, you can step into the imaginary world. It is the art of expressing ideas and thoughts in imaginary ways. When you are in the field of creative writing your imagination must be inflow. Creative Writing is a form of entertainment. This form of writing we can find in T.V. serials, movies, books, poems, and other mediums.

Creative writing can be a part of professional writing as well as there are types of :

Creative Content Writing

Creative SEO Writing

Creative Blog Writing

Creative Copy Writing

Creative Script Writing

Creative Proposal Writing

Creative Writing as a career

The creative writer has plenty of opportunities available. As creative writing is almost used in every field. Creative writing is very useful in business. Be it the designing sentence for advertisement, to write a quote for the product, or even for designing brand name creative writing is used. Writers working in marketing and advertising companies create write-ups that sell products. Writing copy for marketing campaigns and ads is the job of a creative writer. They can work as a fiction writer, scriptwriter, publisher, novelist, creative writing editor, proofreader, entrepreneur, author, and many other job profiles are there which a creative writer can opt for.

Please check- Henry Harvin’s Content writing plus creative writing certification

Qualification for Creative Writing

Creative writing degree for undergraduates students in college are a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Students can also pursue a higher degree of Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Most employers of creative writer and editor have a preference of candidate who possesses the bachelor’s degree. A graduate degree in creative writing may lead to a job that requires creativity, research, writing, and communication of ideas. Having a graduate degree and master’s degree in creative writing allows the students to focus on studies in fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry. The creative writer usually starts their writing journey with short stories or poetry. The creative writing students should participate in extracurricular writing-based activities such as school or college-based literary magazines or newspapers, writing contests, publishing clubs, etc. Creative writers seeking to progress their education and want to learn and improve new writing techniques can participate in workshops or writing classes that are available online or through the organization, and there are also seminars provided by successful authors. Then there is freelance writing which is also one of the important career opportunities for creative writers. A freelance creative writer can earn a good income by submitting short stories, poems, blogs, etc., or other creative pieces to the organization that publishes both fiction and non-fiction write-ups.

Also check- Creative writing course in Hyderabad

Types Of Creative Writing

There is another form of Creative writing also, that you can find out except fiction and poetry which are the main form of creative writing. As generally writer specializes in one form or genre and becomes efficient in that. However, working with another type of writing is beneficial as it is a good way to acquire a variety of techniques in your writing. So, these are some of the types as; memoir, journals, diaries, letters, essays, poetry, song lyrics, script, storytelling, speech writing, vignettes, free writing. Then there is writing for the screen and stage, known as screenwriting that is often taught separately and comes under the category of creative writing. Experimenting with different forms is good as it prevents your work to be repeated and overladen with a specific form.

Creative Writing Course-

Creative Writing is an ability that requires strong imaginary powers to converts any particular thoughts, imagination, and memories into words. You have to open the door of your imagination for the free-flowing of your thoughts. With the help of writing skills and techniques, this ability and talent can be more enhanced. Today there are great opportunities for creative writers to make a path for themselves in the field of authors, poets, scriptwriters, etc. Writing like any other craft or art form can be taught. There is a wide range of courses available for Creative writing, but it is important to choose the one that suits you and your unique style, not just only in writing but in personality also. Any of the course which you choose should make good improvement in you as a writer, gives confidence in your writing, gives you the understanding of what type of writing you are good at, what should need more improvements and what is working in your writing way. There are many types of courses available to choose from as full-time courses, short courses, home study, night classes, residential courses, and online courses. Some courses all types of creative writing styles, some focuses more on specific genre or aspects such as short stories, books writing, etc.

Difference between Business writing versus Creative writing

There is a clear difference between Business writing and Creative writing. Business writing is a purposeful piece of writing that targets obtaining a successful business response from the reader. Whereas in Creative writing, the writer puts their imaginary ideas or thoughts into engaging words.

Differences between Business Writing and Creative Writing

1. The purpose of Business writing is to provide the facts. And to compel the reader or viewer to say yes to something for making any purchase. The formal tone is used in Business writing. It is written clearly and briefly. The purpose of Creative writing is to reveal information into bits and pieces so that there is a build-up of suspense in readers. Their purpose is not to sell anything but to take their readers into the pretend world. It is a two-way relationship between the thoughts of writer and reader. As the writer has to think in view of the reader’s thoughts and emotions in mind while writing.

2.Business writing is reality-based. And is predictable. It usually involves asking or action response at the end whereas in Creative writing there can be the occurrence of unpredictable events as it gives an infinite number of thinking approaches to the writers.

3.The goals of business writing and creative writing are different. Creative writing is meant for entertainment. And to appreciate the writer’s imagination. Business writing is to handle professional proposals or plans.

4.In Business Writing there are mainly four types of writing: Instructional Writing (E.g. user manual, specifications, memos), Informational writing (E.g. reports, financial statement, write-up of the meeting), persuasive writing( Press release, sales email, proposals), transactional writing( E-mails, official letters). Whereas Creative writing encompasses a wide array of writing types. Almost everything from poetic works to the works of fiction and nonfiction can be in the range of creative writing genres. Some of the varieties in which you can use any choice of word, phrases, and techniques are:- poetry, play, lyrics, speeches, stories, etc.

5.One more point of difference is that there are write-ups of creative writing that may imitate any of the business writing styles in their work, but there is a rare example one can find in business writing where the Creative writing style is adopted. As in Business writing, standard style and structures are adopted.

About creative writing there is the famous quote- “Creativity is the brain’s invisible muscle—that when used and exercised routinely—becomes better and stronger.” – Ashley Ormon

About business writing for successful professional deals business writer has to keep in mind that “Business has only two functions: marketing and innovation”- Milan Kundera

However, from time to time business writing styles and creative writing styles may be related to each other. Business writing seeks to share information, creative writing seeks the best way to share it. Learning the ins and out of one form of writing can open the door to another form. As writing skills are transferrable, and once it is mastered you can use them practically in any genre of writing. But knowing the difference between the two writing is an important factor. Since it is the essential aspect for the writer to know while presenting their content to their readers.

Writing skills are an important part of communication. Language is the medium of communicating our ideas or thoughts in the form of writing. The main task in writing is to present the ideas and thoughts in an organized and logical way. Writing skills has also many other advantages as it is a way of improving your communication skills, it develops your ability to think critically, it enhances your knowledge due to vast research and reading, it helps you expand your abilities, will give you flexible career options. Writing is the primary way business gets done in today’s competitive world. When writing is done well business also gets successful. Writing has become necessary in academic, professional, technical, engineering, and scientific workplaces. Good writing skill helps your business in several ways. It let you express yourself, helps you become more clear and concise in your vision. With writing skill, you can communicate clearly with others and can also create useful resources for the workplace.

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Creative Writing vs. Content Writing: What’s the Difference?

A creative content writer isn’t the same as a creative writer. Did that come as a shocker? A lot of people confuse the two fields of writing because they are often used interchangeably. Although some aspects of the two overlap, the creative writing vs. content writing debate continues.

In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of both types of writing. Moreover, we will draw the key points of differences between creative writing and content writing. It will help you choose the writing style that works best for you.

What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is a style of writing that draws inspiration from the subconscious feelings, emotions, attitudes, prejudices, and experiences of the writer. To put it simply, its scope is limitless. It can cover a variety of genres and forms, from long academic essays to Shakespearan poems.

Creative writing, as the name suggests, relies solely on the creative juices flowing in your brain. It is less about information and more about inspiration. It is also not bound by rules and techniques that govern other styles (like content writing). People often confuse creative writing with fiction. But this style of writing spans both fictional and non-fictional works as long as abundant artistic freedom is allowed.

Creative writing is also dependent on the perception of the reader, and perception can vary. For example, a certain piece of creative writing (like a poem) may mean something to you. But other people may interpret it in different ways, owing to their experiences. Creative writing uses many literary devices like metaphors, alliteration, hyperbole, etc.

Examples of Creative Writing

Creative writing can take several forms. Some of the most common examples you must have come across include the following:

● Poetry: The mesmerizing verses of John Keats or the sonnets of Shakespear are all categorized under creative writing. Poetry is one of the most titillating and thought-provoking forms of creative writing.

● Pros: It’s a written form of ordinary language, without any rhythms or rhymes. Stories, novels, or folktales may all come under prose.

● Screenplays and scripts: These are written pieces that give direction to an act on stage or screen. That’s probably how a show you are currently binge-watching was created.

What Is Content Writing?

Content writing is a style of writing that is largely characterized by information and objective. The difference between content and creative writing is that the former aims to fulfill a specific purpose or dispense crucial information to readers. Content writing is usually done on online channels nowadays.

The article that you are reading right now is a form of content writing too. Content writing is part of the marketing, PR, sales, legal, and compliance activities of businesses. Content can also be produced by individuals on personal websites or blogs.

Another difference between creative writing and content writing is structure and rules. Content writing is often governed by writing rules, SEO guidelines , and the needs of the client/business. It can not be entirely left to the perception of the readers. Information has to be accurate and in line with business objectives.

Examples of Content Writing

Content is everywhere if you look closely. Here are some of the most common examples of content writing that you might come across often:

● Blogs: Long-form pieces on websites form a major portion of online content, especially on search engines. These are informative, objective, and solution-oriented.

● Social media content: The various types of posts, Reels, Stories, carousels, and other content you see on social media are created by content writers. This content is also used to inform, engage, or market to the audience.

● Product descriptions: Written pieces specifying different characteristics of a product (whether on online marketplaces like Amazon or on product packaging) also come under content writing.

● Research papers: White papers, published studies, journal articles, and other such types of research content are also an example of content writing.

● Business documents: Proposals, decks, policy documents, mandates, legal paperwork, etc., are also written by content writers, based on certain organizational objectives.

Creative Writing vs. Content Writing: Key Differences

There are vast differences between creative writing and content writing, based on various factors. Up next, we will compare creative writing vs. content writing on several parameters.

Creative writing has varied tones based on the mood of the writer and the type of written piece. The writer has the freedom to choose a tone best suited for their work. It can be jubilant, emotional, fearful, hurtful, consolatory, hopeful, dejected, and more. The artist isn’t confined to a tone that is deemed “appropriate.”

Content writers, whether they are freelancers or working for a website content writing service , have to keep a specific brand tone in mind. Options are also often limited. Content writing pieces often have informative, serious, optimistic, and objective tones. Nowadays, content writers do add a creative touch to their tone, but the extent is governed by the client.

This is another major point of difference between creative writing and content writing. Creative writing is often done with the purpose of expressing, entertaining, and engaging. Sometimes, writers may also do it without any purpose and just as random musings. Content writing is done with a specific goal in mind. It can include marketing, sales, dispensing information, or other business-oriented purposes.

3. Artistic freedom

There is a big difference between creative writing and content writing when it comes to creative freedom. Creative writers enjoy a lot more artistic freedom as compared to content writers. They can choose the length, tone, style, form, and purpose of their written piece.

They also get the creative freedom to exaggerate, use imagery, and employ figurative expressions as they want. Content writers can be creative, but also have to follow SEO and writing guidelines. In the latter, it is important to make the content visible and more readable to the intended audience.

Creative writers adopt an imaginative, fantastical, and colorful style that may be rooted in truth or fantasy. Content writers, on the other hand, have a methodical, articulate, factual, and informative style of writing.

What’s a Better Choice for You?

The answer depends on why you want to write. Do you want to do it for the fun of it? Do you not care as much about its commercial feasibility? Do you simply want to entertain people? If yes, then creative writing is the way to go. But if you want to write to inform people, share your opinions, and help businesses reach their customers, content writing is what you should do.

There is also a huge difference between content writing and creative writing on the basis of commercial viability. Content writers can be paid upfront and sometimes higher because their content helps businesses drive revenue. Creative writers may also earn money, but it’s a long-term process and requires more effort. Finally, there’s no rule under the sun that says you can’t be both. There are many writers who write content to earn money during the day and turn into poets by evening.

That’s a wrap on creative writing vs. content writing. Remember that neither of the writing styles is superior to the other. There are differences between content and creative writing based on the intent and extent of creativity. Good writers often blur the lines between the two forms to create highly engaging content.

No, both are different styles of writing. They differ based on the purpose, intent, target audience, style, and tone of writing.

Creative writing is more imaginative, free-flowing, and unfiltered. On the other hand, content writing is objective, informative, and structured.

Study the work of creative content writers in your industry. Understand the writing process well and practice it often. Improve based on the feedback you get.

Some examples of content writing include blogs, articles, product descriptions, manuals, guides, ebooks, social media posts, research papers, etc.

Some examples of creative writing include poetry, creative essays, stories, novels, flash fiction, fan fiction, screenplays, scripts, and more.

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Major types and various styles of writing.

Suggested Pre-Reading

Building Blocks of Writing: Vocabulary, Spelling, and Grammar
Writing Process: Planning, Organizing, Writing, and Reviewing

Sections of This Topic Include

Major types of writing, various styles of writing.

Also, consider

Communications (Interpersonal)
Communications (Organizational)
Interpersonal Skills
Related Library Topics

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to Business Writing

In addition to the articles on this current page, see the following blogs which have posts related to Business Writing. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also, see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “Next” near the bottom of a post in the blog.

Library’s Communications Blog

Four Main Styles

There are four main styles of writing,:

Expository – to explain something to your reader
Descriptive – to describe key points or certain images to your reader
Persuasive – to convince or influence your reader
Narrative – to tell a story to your reader

The style that you choose depends on what you want to accomplish with your audience. Thus, before writing, it is very important that you carefully plan and organize your writing before you start the writing itself. See Planning and Organizing Your Writing

Here are more descriptions of the major styles of writing.

Understanding the 4 Writing Styles: How to Identify and Use Them
What is Writing Style? – Types & Examples
What Is a Simple Breakdown of the Four Different Writing Styles?

Other Styles of Writing

Examples of additional styles include formal vs informal, concise vs detailed, commercial vs literary, and factual vs opinioned.

Writing Styles (with Examples)
12 Different Styles of Writing and How to Write Them Well

Academic Writing

Academic writing is usually about research and theories and, thus, is written in a formal structure that is concise, orderly, and specific. If it is in regard to research, it can include specific references to other writing, as well as citations to specific pages or quotes in the other writings. Academic writing also conforms to certain style guides, including the American Psychological Association style guide .

Definition of Academic Writing
What is Academic Writing?
Academic Writing (Wikipedia)
Academic Writing Style
Why Is Academic Writing So Academic?

Business Writing

Business writing usually includes proposals, memorandums, and emails, as can also include various sales publications, such as brochures and catalogs.

4 Types of Business Writing [And When to Use Them]
87 Advanced Business Writing Tips [That Actually Work]
Improve Your Business Writing Skills (A Step-by-Step Guide)
How to Improve Your Business Writing
Business Writing Tips for Professionals
Creative Writing

Creative writing is intended to express the original thoughts of the writer. Examples are poems, plays, songs, and personal essays.

Professional vs. Creative Writing
Creative Writing 101
What is Creative Writing? – Definition, Types & Examples
Short Story Tips: 10 Ways to Improve Your Creative Writing

Scientific Writing

Scientific writing is a highly technical form of technical writing that is intended primarily for other scientists. It is very similar to academic writing and those types are sometimes used interchangeably. However, scientific writing is primarily focused on research and experimental terms, such as hypothesis, methodology, findings, and recommendations for further research. There are often numerous references and citations in scientific writing.

Scientific Writing (Wikipedia)
What is Scientific Writing?
How to Write Like a Scientist
Scientific Writing and Publishing
Scientific Writing Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Undergraduate Writing in the Biological Sciences

Technical Writing

Technical writing is usually in regard to planning, developing, providing, maintaining, and fixing technical equipment. Examples include schematics, instruction manuals, help files, and procedures.

Technical Writing (Wikipedia)
How I Broke Into Technical Writing
15 Tips to Improve Your Technical Writing
These Five Techniques Will Transform Your Technical Writing
5 Tips to Help Become a Better Technical Writer
Defining a Technical Writer
Contents of a User Guide
Tips To Get Your Document Read
13 Tips For Technical Writers
Technical Writers = Business Analysts = Usability Expert
Creating Test Plans
To Train Or Not To Train A Technical Writer
A Global Technical Writer
Steps To Become A Technical Writer
The Cloud And Mobile Tech Writing
Social Media For Technical Writers
Technical Writer’s Dilemma – Images Or Text Only?
The Technical Writer Project Manager
Build Your Technical Writing Templates
Key Words Technical Writers Need To Understand
The Flexible Technical Writer
Gamification And Technical Writing
Tables And Technical Writing
Technical Writing And Work Instructions
Getting To Know Your Technical Writing Department (Part 1)
Getting To Know Your Technical Writing Department (Part 2)
What Are Functional Specifications

For the Category of Communications (Business Writing):

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Privacy Overview

A Thousand Worlds - Author April Presnell

The real difference between professional writing & creative writing.

Are you a creative writer who dreams of making a living by writing professionally? And I don’t mean as an author -- I mean writing content for an actual job position. Is it as amazing as it sounds to spend your entire day writing at your job, then going home to work on your novel?

Well, not exactly.

Professional Writing

Pretty much everyone assumed that when I said I was pursuing an English degree that I was going to work as a teacher. Absolutely not. Teachers do amazing work, and I actually used to write about education frequently at my old job. But I wouldn’t want to be one.

There are a lot of jobs you can do with an English degree, but if you want to work with words you’re most likely to end up in marketing/communications. That’s what I do.

My first job out of college was as a Copywriter, and I pretty much did it all. I wrote copy for blogs, advertisements, social media, websites… you name it, I was the one writing it. I’m working as a Communications Manager now, and while the job is still primarily writing, it’s more focused on email marketing and magazine publication. But both jobs involve a lot of writing.

But It’s More Than Writing

When you work as a professional writer, you aren’t just sitting at your desk typing all day. To create content, there’s a lot of things you have to do before and after the writing process.

Researching information for the content you’re writing

Interviewing others to enhance your content

Writing content according to brand guidelines

Utilizing keywords in your copy

Meeting requirements such as word/character count

Fact checking names, dates, and pretty much everything else

Getting approval on copy you’ve written

Working with graphic designers to solidify layouts, photos, & more

Tracking analytics to determine how effective your copy is

Researching marketing trends and tools to stay up-to-date

I spend the majority of my time writing, but there’s also a lot of hours that go into all that other stuff. If that doesn’t appeal to you, you’re not going to enjoy a career in professional writing.

Professional Writing Topics

But hey, at least you’re writing for a living, right? That has to be more interesting than most other jobs out there. Here’s an example of the type of topics I’ve written content about in my professional career:

Digital Signage

School Supplies/School Furniture

Cardboard Boxes

Postal Uniforms

Bubble Wrap

Arts & Crafts Instructions

Product Descriptions (thousands and thousands of them)

Trends in Education

That’s just a sampling. As you can see, there’s some really cool topics in there. Digital signage, marketing, educational trends-- that can all make for some exciting content. But what about corkboards and boxes? How boring are these things to write about?

Part of your job as a professional writer is to make these seemingly dull topics interesting. That can be a challenge, and for me it’s a rewarding challenge. If that doesn’t sound very rewarding to you, writing professional copy may not be for you.

Why Creative Writing Is So Great

I doubt I have to list the benefits of creative writing to you, but I will for the sake of argument:

Ability to write whatever you want without rules

Create brand new worlds

Make characters do whatever you want

Do research on topics that interest you

Share your story with others

But creative writing is still a lot of work, just in different ways. If you’re serious about becoming a published author, you have to worry about marketing. You need to understand the publishing process. You have to do a lot of intense editing work, like I’m doing now, and you have to think about scene structure, dialogue choices, and hundreds of other little things. Sadly, creative writing isn’t always fun. Most things aren’t.

Do I Enjoy Writing Professionally?

I love it. There’s no job I would rather be doing. But if you’re only interested in the creativity of writing and only want to write what interests you, you may want to go into another field of professional work.

I still can’t believe that my job is to write for a living. There’s a lot of other things involved in it, sure, but at the end of the day my job is to write. It’s challenging, extremely gratifying work, but it isn’t for everyone, even if you love writing.

How does professional writing sound to you? I’d be happy to answer your questions!

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