Orlando may be the top tourist destination in the United States, but it is also home to a thriving marketplace for writers in a variety of fields. The sheer abundance of brands, businesses and publications built around the world’s most popular theme parks make Orlando a hotspot of creative activity. This thriving hub of the hospitality industry is packed with opportunities for skilled writers with expertise in business, technology, travel and more.
Making a Living as a Writer in Orlando
A content writer in Orlando can expect to make about $45,092 on average per year, according to salary experts at Glassdoor. Writers who branch out into content management earn an average of $55,849 annually, while those with expertise in medical writing earn a little over $72,000 each year in Orlando.
Orlando continues to be a hub for creatives in all fields, and there is an ongoing demand for high quality content writing and copy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers will continue to be in demand over the next decade; expect to see a job growth rate of 8-9% during this time.
This is great news for Orlando-based writers, as employers here typically seek out professional writers for freelance, full-time and contract jobs.
The prospect of year-round warmth and the proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and other attractions continues to attract brands of all sizes to Orlando. As a result, online job boards like Glassdoor and Indeed showcase dozens of fresh writing jobs each week. Orlando is the ideal destination for the writing lifestyle, with plenty of places to write in comfort, easy access to affordable housing and some of the world’s top attractions, all in one location.
Hone your Skills with Educational Opportunities for Writers in Orlando
While Orlando is known for tourism and hospitality, the area offers a wide range of educational opportunities. Each of the major theme park brands offer internships for writers and creatives. Internships at Disney World are particularly sought after, but for those in college and with the right skill set, the experience can’t be beat.
For writers who are already working in the field – or hope to, there are some amazing conferences, classes and workshops offered year round in the Orlando area.
Workshops and Meetups for Writers in Orlando
- Since Orlando is such a popular travel destination, it is home to hundreds of workshops each year; most are conducted over weekends and run by brands all over the country. These destination workshops feature everything from creative writing to business and proposal writing and happen year-round. EventBrite is an excellent place to find Orlando Writing workshops that match your needs and interests.
- The Orange County Library regularly offers courses, discussion groups and more for writers in local branches. Access the class list here and join a class on poetry, creative writing, resume writing and more; fresh classes and opportunities are available each month.
- Orlando is home to the University of Central Florida, which offers writing classes throughout the year and specialty workshops for all ages and levels in the summer. Access the latest class list here and head back to school to add to your arsenal of writing and editing skills.
- Orlando Writer’s Meetups are ongoing and offer creative exercises, feedback, group writing opportunities and more. The Writers of Central Florida group is almost 2,000 members strong, while the Florida Writers’ Association boasts a lineup of critiques, education and more, aimed at the writing professional. Days and times vary, but there is a writing meetup for just about every genre and style available in the Orlando and Central Florida area; get the full details on MeetUp.com.
Top Conferences for Orlando Writers in 2019
Orlando’s status as a top travel destination means that local writers have some amazing opportunities when it comes to writing conferences. Writers and brands from around the world flock here to work and play – and pick up new skills. A few 2019 conferences to try include:
- Florida Writers Association Conference, October, 2019. This annual writing event features education, networking and marketing opportunities for writers. A strong focus on education and the business side of writing are the hallmarks of this popular event.
- The ANA Masters of Marketing Conference, October 2-5th, 2019, at the Rosen Shingle Creek. This don’t miss event features tools, technology and trends that content and marketing writers need to know – plus unsurpassed networking and meeting opportunities in a luxurious setting.
- Indie Bookfest, August 1-4th, 2019, at the Caribe Royal Resort. A don’t miss for indie authors in all genres, this ever-growing hotspot features book signings, industry speakers, workshops and more. Creative and fiction writers can make connections, sell books, attend workshops and meet readers in a relaxed, beachy setting.
- Grant Writers of America, May 3rd-4th, 2019 at the Crown Plaza. Brush up on your non-profit and grant writing skills and enjoy the atmosphere; the Crown Plaza is just outside Universal Studios and a short shuttle ride away from all three Sea World parks.
- Microsoft Ignite, November 4-8th, 2019, at Orange County Convention Center. Technology and technical writers won’t want to miss this annual event, hosted by and featuring Microsoft. Writers who cover this beat (or who want to) can get the inside scoop on forthcoming tech and make valuable industry connections at this monster of a conference.
Conference opportunities for niche industries abound in Orlando; hospitality, technology, marketing and other verticals all offer conventions in and around the city in 2019.
Top Places to Write in Orlando
Whether you want the peace and quiet of a downtown library or prefer your writing with a side of people-watching in the park, you’ll find a place to write in Orlando. Some local favorites include
- Epcot: Disney’s second largest theme park has plenty of tucked away nooks for writing, from a secret courtyard in France (check behind the perfumerie) to the ground floor of the Land Pavilion. Florida residents get special rates on annual passes, so if you love to people watch, each of the Disney Parks has some comfortable spots for writing.
- Orange County Library: The public library system has multiple locations around the city; most are easily accessible to public transportation and all offer free Wi-Fi, quiet, comfortable seating and skilled research librarians.
- Coffee and Tea Shops: Orlando is an international town, and while you will find Starbucks, but locals opt for Boba tea at Chibi’s, coffee and desserts with French flair at Madeleine Café (sit outside in cool weather) or sample exotic coffee blends at the laid back and comfortable Downtown Credo in the College Park area. Both Foxtail Coffee and the Drunken Monkey serve up caffeine in a variety of forms, but can get busy during the school year and tourist season.
- Coworking Spaces: With record numbers of business people arriving and departing monthly, Orlando has plenty of co-working spaces scattered around town. There are traditional and more modern coworking spots like Industrious Orlando, by Church Street Station, and the fun Credo (complete with a village of tiny houses to work in) beside I-4.
Free Wi-Fi and places to sit and study or write are abundant in Orlando. The town’s slower, laid back pace and almost overwhelming number of friendly and welcoming cafes and coffeeshops means you could write somewhere different every day and never get bored.
Local Companies Hiring Orlando Writers
Content, technical and business writers are in demand in Orlando. The city is home to a thriving marketing and creative community, so writers have plenty of places to choose from. Brands serving locals and visitors need to clearly relay their offerings and compete with an ever growing field of options, so the ability to write persuasively and an understanding of marketing makes an Orlando writer a hot commodity in town.
Content Platforms
Orlando is not home to any content platforms, but talented freelance writers and creators can find a home at one of these national brands:
- WriterAccess, that’s us! Based in Boston, WriterAccess serves over 25,000 customers and offers a talented, curated team of over 15,000 writers, content strategists, editors and more. Skilled freelance professionals with a flair for content and organic growth are always in demand, with upcoming expansions into different countries. Apply now to secure a space at a top ranked, fast paced content platform that writers simply adore. APPLY NOW!
- Skyword, This niche writing platform offers opportunities with brands including Tom’s of Maine, Lowe’s and IBM and regularly hires talented writers.
- Scripted, A connection based platform that matches writers with clients on a variety of topics and opportunities.
A Hub of Talent and Creativity
Look no further than the Man with a Mouse himself, Walt Disney, to see the kind of innovators and talents the area attracts. Orlando is home to authors, content creators, business writers and entertainment industry scribes and attracts top flight talent from around the world.
Not an Orlando resident or business owner yet? You can still hire all the best Orlando writers right here at WriterAccess!
