Research what it takes to become a greeting card writer and how much you could earn. Learn about college courses and job details to find out if this is the career for you.
What Is a Greeting Card Writer?
A greeting card writer writes the text that is used in greeting cards. When someone has a birthday, celebrates a special occasion, or suffers a personal loss, it is common for that person to receive greeting cards from friends and family. Greeting card writers specialize in producing short sentiments that are appropriate for all occasions. They may not need a bachelor's degree, but a degree may improve their job options. They also benefit from being aware of current trends so that they can write humorous or current cards that will appeal to those who like to follow trends or share personal jokes about trending shows or topics. Like all writing professionals, greeting card writers face strong competition for jobs in their field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth for all writers and authors, including greeting card writers, will be 9% from 2020-2030.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree (optional)</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>English, creative writing, advertising, or marketing</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b></td><td>Write greeting card slogans, research greeting card trends</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> 8% growth <i>(for all writers and authors)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Average Annual Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$78,680 <i>(for all writers and authors)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfEducationDoINeedToBecomeAGreetingCardWriter">What Type of Education Do I Need to Become a Greeting Card Writer?</h3><p>If you're thinking about becoming a greeting card writer, you'll need strong creativity, good writing skills and the ability to focus on various themes and messages. Although you don't need a formal college education to do the work, degrees in English, advertising, marketing and other areas gives you a stronger skill set to be successful. If you don't have a degree and want to improve your chances of becoming a greeting card writer, you may take creative writing college courses and seminars on topics such as playwriting, essays, short stories, poetry writing and fiction writing.
</p><p>If you possess a college degree in another major, you can still pursue a career as a greeting card writer if you possess creative writing skills. Your degree could help to ensure that you can earn a living without depending on your income from writing cards.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIGetMyFootInTheDoor">How Do I Get My Foot in the Door?</h3><p>Most greeting card writers work as freelancers and independent contractors, and many work part-time. You may want to develop a portfolio of your greeting card ideas and then contact greeting card publishers to ascertain their current needs. Customize your writing samples to fit their needs. Do an online search for greeting card companies and request submission rules and guidelines. Also, seek creative internships in writing and editing offered by these companies.
</p><p>To work in the greeting card industry, you should learn as much as you can about it. Study the greeting card market and social trends. Watch current television programs to keep up with issues facing people today and read books on how to connect with readers. Another area of work you may consider is electronic gift card writing, which is growing in popularity.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIExpectToEarn">What Could I Expect to Earn?</h3><p>There are a small number of salaried positions for greeting card writers. Experienced writers are usually hired. Usually, greeting card writers receive flat-rate fees. For example, one greeting card company was paying $100 per idea used as of 2019.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Writers, authors and editors all have similarities to greeting card writers. They all need to be talented writers who understand how to put written words together effectively. They may also benefit from being aware of the latest trends and expressions that are popular so that they can appeal to their audience effectively. Editors revise written content to ensure it's error-free. Writers, authors and editors all normally need a degree in English, journalism or communications to prepare for their careers.</p>
