Miscellaneous Categories for Writers

While logic would dictate that a work is either fact or fiction, in reality, a good deal of writing falls into special categories. As a writer, the responsibility rests on you to translate the learning and discoveries of complex fields into words that are meaningful to other professionals or accessible to the general public. With such a wide variety of fields needing writers, you can pursue your interests until you find the place that’s a comfortable fit. Following are examples of some of the most common categories you might encounter.

Marketing your writing to off-beat categories can be challenging. Some will be listed in the standard directories, but for others you’ll have to get creative to find a buyer–or buyers–for your work.

Poetry – An ever-popular kind of writing, it tends to defy classification. It is published by many kinds of magazines, specialized poetry publications, collections, and anthologies. Beware of “contests” that expect you to buy a copy of the book featuring your winning poem. Many poets self-publish or take part in local open mic events.

Memoirs – These are growing in popularity, possibly because more and more people are reaching the “golden years” and wish to leave a legacy to their children and grandchildren in the form of family history. Others have lived exciting or inspirational lives and wish to share their stories on a broader scale than just family and friends.

Screenplays & Scripts – Writing a play or a movie involves quite a different process than writing a book or short story. The emphasis falls on dialog and stage directions rather than narration and description. Even the format is quite different and more easily managed with special software. Markets for these range from your neighborhood theater to Hollywood.

Professional Fields – These are too numerous to list individually. The ones mentioned below are only a sampling of the variety. Approach companies in person, by email, or online to see what their copywriting needs are. Some specializations may have need of speech writers, or scripts for presentations, films, or slide decks. Other businesses need advertising copy, blog posts, product descriptions, newsletters, procedures manuals, and other publications.

• Academic
• Technical
• Corporate
• Scientific
• Entrepreneurial
• Medicine
• Sports

As with writers of traditional modes of fiction and non-fiction, you have your choice of freelancing or seeking full- or part-time work with a business or other organization. Writing is a field that never has to be boring.

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