Teaching for Writers

The opportunities offered by independent publishing have made being a writer more popular than ever. These new writers are looking for courses and teachers to give them a head start in their chosen career. Many experienced writers leverage their talent by teaching.

Adult Education Programs

Many people have their first experience of creative writing education in an adult education program. Consider offering your services to local libraries or community centers, where there is often a demand for creative writing instruction.

Whether you volunteer your services or you would like remuneration for your time is up to you, of course, but you should be able to find both kinds of opportunities.

Colleges and Universities

While creative writing courses were once the province of adult education classes in community centers, creative writing is now found in colleges and universities around the world.

If you have the right qualifications, or are willing to gain them, you might find a pleasurable and lucrative profession working in a creative writing department of an educational institution. Many writers give talks or hold short courses as guests or visitors to an educational establishment.

Conferences

If you don’t fancy being a lecturer at a university or college, there are many opportunities for passing on your knowledge at writing conferences.

Consider approaching writing conferences, which often provide workshops for writers, which they can book in advance or on the day. Places on workshops for writers are also frequently given as prizes.

Private Seminars

Authors sometimes give private seminars to help up and coming authors, or to help established authors master some aspect of the craft.

In this scenario, you could set yourself up as a mentor. Mentors provide more than instruction. They also serve as role models and inspiration for those who would follow their example.

Crash Courses

In addition to this, it’s easy enough to post an advert and run your own writing course. A one-day writing course or a weekend crash course can be very successful, as writers are keen to attain knowledge quickly.

Most authors have one or two areas in which they excel. Consider focusing on these aspects of your writing and creating a course around them, so that you can offer not only your experience, but your specific expertise.

There are many ways to pass on your knowledge as a writer turned teacher. It’s never been a better time to do so.

Check out the opportunities in your area and further afield. You may find yourself enjoying a rewarding, new sideline.