Content writers are in high demand in Dallas!
Dallas actually is nothing like the city that the Ewings made famous on that iconic weekly television series, but it is larger than life and enormously exciting in a thousand different ways. Despite the city’s size and cosmopolitan vibe, it’s still neighborly. Cowboy boots go with Cadillacs, sports cars and SUVs as comfortably as with pickups, and the city’s eclectic diversity keeps it vibrant. There are huge opportunities in Dallas for writers of all kinds.
And there’s a lot to write about!
Making a Living as a Dallas Writer
According to Glassdoor, a content writer in Dallas can look forward to an average annual salary of $50,762, which is 4% above the national average. Specialized writers can expect higher earnings and an experienced content manager can anticipate earnings of about $64,000.
Technical writers can expect an average of more than $75,000 annually, with contract position salaries in excess of $100,000 not uncommon. The need for local technical writers in all fields is still growing, as Dallas attracts more high-tech and specialty firms.
Because Dallas extends approximately 50 miles in each direction, there is ample opportunity for employment in surrounding suburbs, even if the availability of suitable jobs within actual Dallas city limits might be tight. As a center for finance, insurance, health care services, aeronautics, shipping and distribution services, and a regional center for retailing, opportunity abounds for go-getters who seek jobs with advancement opportunity and benefits, as well as for freelancers and remote web writers.
An advantage of the sprawling nature of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is that there are satellite “downtowns” and business campuses in every direction, so you can enjoy a “small-town” feel with a short commute in a variety of different communities. On the downtown, because the population is so large, a car is a necessity; public transportation is limited, although Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) trains and buses can whisk residents to entertainment centers, special events, and “happening” places fairly efficiently when necessary.
Educational Opportunities for Writers to Advance in Dallas
Southern Methodist University, situated in the heart of Dallas, offers a degree program in journalism as well as a creative writing specialization through the Department of English. But SMU is not the only local institution that attracts aspiring writers and authors.
Dallas Christian University, the University of Dallas, Dallas Baptist College, the University of North Texas located in Denton only about 30 miles to the north offer various English and writing courses. The University of Texas-Arlington and the University of Texas at Dallas both offer English degree programs with a specialization in communication. Seven community colleges are popular options for live-at-home students seeking Associate degrees or older students who wish to enroll in non-credit courses. Classes that will appeal to writers are available on campus or online.
For adults, The Writer’s Path at SMU is a five-week program designed for adults who want to write, whether as a vocation, a second career or to fulfill a dream of getting published. It is open to all adults, no matter what their background or previous experience.
Writing Meet Up Groups in Dallas
W.O.R.D. — an “umbrella organization to help writers find their “tribe.”
DFW Writers’ Workshop, headquartered in Euless, approximately halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth.
Lone Star Writer’s Club, which also includes a blog that members can access and submit pieces for publication.
Dallas Chapter– Nonfiction Authors Association.
Dallas Songwriters Association; it may be a niche market, but it’s a good one!
Dallas Conferences for Writers to Consider in 2019
WordField, a unique weekend of interactive fun and learning experiences for local writers
DFWCon, scheduled June 22-23, 2019, at the Hurst Convention Center
The 2019 Writers Conference of Dallas, October 26
Workshops, Classes and More for Writers in Dallas
Writing Workshops Dallas — An independent school for writers who want to hone their talents and strengthen their skills, with a variety of seminars, as well as in-person and online classes available.
There are also a number of creative writing workshops scheduled throughout the year in Dallas and surrounding suburbs. Check Eventbrite for listings and information.
Writers’ League of Texas; Join and check the calendar for local Dallas area events.
The Best Places for Writers to Write in Dallas
No matter where you live or work in or around Dallas, you’ll probably want to seek out a quiet coffee shop near your abode, but even hen chances are you’ll have to pack up your laptop and drive to your “desk.” You can also head to your local library, where there will be other people and perhaps comfortable chairs, and sometimes even rooms where you can commiserate with fellow writers or tap into fresh ideas offered by others.
When you’re looking for inspiration and want to breathe some fresh air, head for the park-like surroundings near White Rock Lake or Turtle Creek Parkway, a shady linear park, established in 1913 along the meandering creek, or take your dog for a romp at one of the city’s dog parks while you complete a writing assignment.
If being around other people enjoying life gets your creative juices flowing, hang out at Fair Park amidst inspiring Art Deco buildings left over from the 1930s, or check out what’s happening at Klyde Warren Park, located over the free right on the fringes of the Dallas cultural district and not far from Uptown eateries and drinking establishments.
Local Companies Hiring Dallas Writers
Writers are needed now more than ever before in Dallas. As a freelance writer, whether you have a background as a journalist, creative copy writer, grant writer or technical writer, your skills are in demand with local advertising and public relations firms, not-for-profit organizations, real estate brokerage firms, banks, and medical facilities. This is the information age, and writers, editors and content strategists can almost write their own tickets in the metroplex.
Do you want to work in an office full of other creative types? Would you rather have more freedom and freelance, offering your skills when and to whom you choose on a single job basis or for a monthly or annual retainer? Or is it your dream to travel the world, but still make a living catering to the needs of a local client? All are possible if you’re based in Dallas.
The best way to find opportunity is to network with other writers, keep your LinkedIn profile current and make yourself easy to contact. You might just find yourself busier than you want to be!
Digital Marketing Agencies in Dallas
Dallas is a city long known for its creative talent in advertising and marketing, and for its friendliness to freelancers. Some great digital marketing opportunities exist with such firms as:
This is only a partial list; just keep your eyes and ears open around town, and you’ll hear of many more. And, once you find your niche, you can help other writers and content creators find their place. The need is that great!
Content Platforms
- WriterAccess is based in Boston, and that’s a long way from Dallas, but it’s a leading provider of writing services for 25,000+ customers powered by 15,000+ freelance writers, editors, content strategists and translators, and there’s always room for another Dallas-based writer. And we’re always looking to hire freelancer professionals with the skills and expertise that can help businesses grow organically—the content marketing way. Expansion to 5 countries in the next few months should open up all kinds of opportunity, so APPLY NOW!
- There are other national content marketing platforms as well, so whether you have plenty of experience or are just beginning a new career, check out platforms like Skyword or Scripted to grab a slice of the writing pie. Connect with other writers and sell your words to digital clients who just can’t wait to read what you write!
Join the Ranks of Some of the Best Writers in the World!
If you want to stay in the background as a content creator, you can do that and earn a nice paycheck by being a ghostwriter. On the other hand, if your content writing is a stepping stone to being published and going on book tours, it a great way to gain experience at stringing words together.
Either way, the Dallas area offers you great opportunity, in a city that continues to amaze and delight!
If you’re looking to hire Dallas talent, why not check out who’s available from the Dallas area and the rest of Texas right here on Writer Access.
