| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree (optional) |
| Education Field of Study | English, creative writing, advertising, or marketing |
| Key Responsibilities | Write greeting card slogans, research greeting card trends |
| Job Growth (2020-2030) | 8% growth (for all writers and authors)* |
| Average Annual Salary (2020) | $78,680 (for all writers and authors)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Type of Education Do I Need to Become a Greeting Card Writer?
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.
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.
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.
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.
What Could I Expect to Earn?
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.
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.
