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Creative Writing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Indeed, writing is big in Iowa, with the Iowa Writer's Workshop being one of the nation's premier creative writing programs. Sports fans will no doubt want to attend Hawkeyes games at the University ...

Indeed, writing is big in Iowa, with the Iowa Writer's Workshop being one of the nation's premier creative writing programs. Sports fans will no doubt want to attend Hawkeyes games at the University ...

Indeed, writing is big in Iowa, with the Iowa Writer's Workshop being one of the nation's premier creative writing programs. Sports fans will no doubt want to attend Hawkeyes games at the University ...

REI Faculty

Iowa City, IA

$400K - $600K/yr

Indeed, writing is big in Iowa, with the Iowa Writer's Workshop being one of the nation's premier creative writing programs. Sports fans will no doubt want to attend Hawkeyes games at the University ...

Claude Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of Claude AI capabilities including advanced prompt engineering, long-context processing, analytical reasoning, code generation, document analysis, creative writing assistance, and ...

Claude Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of Claude AI capabilities including advanced prompt engineering, long-context processing, analytical reasoning, code generation, document analysis, creative writing assistance, and ...

Faculty Dermatology

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$340K - $420K/yr

Indeed, writing is big in Iowa, with the Iowa Writer's Workshop being one of the nation's premier creative writing programs. Sports fans will no doubt want to attend Hawkeyes games at the University ...

Faculty Dermatopathology

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$540K - $600K/yr

Indeed, writing is big in Iowa, with the Iowa Writer's Workshop being one of the nation's premier creative writing programs. Sports fans will no doubt want to attend Hawkeyes games at the University ...

REI Faculty

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$400K - $600K/yr

Indeed, writing is big in Iowa, with the Iowa Writer's Workshop being one of the nation's premier creative writing programs. Sports fans will no doubt want to attend Hawkeyes games at the University ...

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Showing results 1-20

Creative Writing information

See Iowa salary details

$37.1K

$58.4K

$85.9K

How much do creative writing jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative writing in Iowa is $58,408.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,700.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make $1000 a month freelance writing?

Creative writing as a freelance profession can generate $1000 or more per month, depending on factors such as experience, niche, client base, and workload. Successful freelancers often build a portfolio, develop strong writing skills, and use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find consistent work. Earnings vary widely, and consistent income requires ongoing effort and client management.

What is the difference between Creative Writing vs Content Writer?

AspectCreative WritingContent Writer
Primary FocusStorytelling, artistic expression, literary worksInformative, promotional, SEO-driven content
Required SkillsCreativity, narrative skills, literary techniquesResearch, SEO, clarity, marketing knowledge
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, freelance, educational settingsDigital marketing agencies, corporate websites
Common UsageNovels, poetry, scriptsBlogs, articles, product descriptions

Creative Writing and Content Writer roles overlap in writing skills but differ in purpose and style. Creative Writing emphasizes artistic storytelling, while Content Writing focuses on informative, marketing-oriented content. Both roles require strong writing abilities, but their applications and environments vary significantly.

What is creative writing?

Creative writing is a form of writing that goes beyond the bounds of professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature. Instead, it emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes or with various traditions of poetry and poetics. Creative writing includes genres such as fiction, poetry, memoir, and scripts for plays, films, or television. Its main goal is to entertain, provoke thought, or evoke emotions through originality and imagination.

How do creative writers typically collaborate with editors and other team members during the publication process?

Creative writers often work closely with editors, literary agents, and sometimes marketing teams throughout the publication process. After submitting their manuscripts, writers receive feedback and suggested revisions from editors to enhance clarity, tone, or narrative flow. Open communication and flexibility are important, as writers may go through several rounds of edits before final approval. Additionally, writers may participate in meetings or brainstorming sessions to align their work with publication goals or marketing strategies. This collaborative environment helps ensure the final product resonates with the intended audience.

Is there a demand for creative writers?

Creative writing jobs are in demand in industries such as publishing, advertising, marketing, and digital media. Employers seek skilled writers with strong storytelling, editing, and digital content creation abilities, often requiring proficiency with writing tools and platforms. The demand can vary based on industry trends and individual skill levels.

What kind of jobs can you get as a creative writer?

Creative writers can find jobs as content writers, copywriters, scriptwriters, technical writers, or authors. These roles often require strong storytelling skills, proficiency with writing tools, and the ability to meet deadlines in various industries such as advertising, publishing, media, and entertainment.

What jobs can you do with creative writing?

Creative writing skills can lead to careers such as novelist, screenwriter, copywriter, content writer, technical writer, editor, and journalist. These roles often require strong storytelling, editing, and communication skills, and may involve working independently or as part of a team in publishing, media, advertising, or entertainment industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Writer, you need strong writing skills, a solid grasp of grammar and storytelling techniques, often supported by a degree in English, creative writing, or a related field. Familiarity with word processing software, publishing platforms, and content management systems is typically important. Creativity, resilience to feedback, and effective time management are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for producing compelling content, meeting deadlines, and adapting to the evolving needs of audiences or clients.
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Writing jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Creative Writing jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Writing jobs in Iowa? For Creative Writing jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Creative Writing jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Creative Writing job openings:
Infographic showing various Creative Writing job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,408 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Assistant Creative Services Director

Assistant Creative Services Director

Hearst

Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 67 rated media


Job description

KCCI, Iowa's News Leader in Des Moines, is seeking its next Assistant Creative Services Director. This role is ideal for a passionate, strategic creative leader who can both produce compelling promotional content and guide a team in delivering high-impact work. You'll play a key role in strengthening the KCCI brand across broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms.

You'll report to Creative Services Director and collaborate closely with teams across News, Digital, Sales, and our network partners.

What You'll Do

  • Partner with the Creative Services Director to develop and execute brand strategies that drive awareness, audience connection, and daily engagement  
  • Create and oversee promotional campaigns for on-air and digital content, ensuring clarity, urgency, and brand consistency 
  • Lead, schedule, and mentor a creative team producing image, topical, proof-of-impact, and other promotional messaging 
  • Write, shoot, and edit high-quality on-air promotions with strong storytelling, production technique, and visual execution 
  • Develop targeted social campaigns that extend reach and reinforce the station's promise 
  • Manage daily on-air inventory and logs, coordinating production workflows to ensure smooth execution and on-time delivery 
  • Oversee special projects from concept through completion 
  • Represent KCCI at community events and key internal meetings 

What Success Looks Like

  • Viewers clearly understand what sets KCCI's news coverage apart 
  • Messaging is consistent across on-air, digital, and social platforms-building trust with every impression 
  • You are organized, energized, and consistently delivering high-quality, effective work 
  • Innovative tools, including AI, are thoughtfully integrated to improve efficiency and elevate creative output

What You Bring

  • 3+ years of experience in marketing, promotion, or brand management (media experience strongly preferred) 
  • At least 1 year of experience executing brand strategy across multiple platforms (broadcast, digital, social) 
  • Strong writing, storytelling, and conceptual skills 
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively and deliver results with high production standards 
  • Hands-on production expertise, including non-linear editing (Adobe Creative Suite or similar) 
  • Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, videography equipment, WideOrbit, and ENPS 
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record (required for hire) 
  • Related military experience considered

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization as diverse and varied as the audience we reach, ensuring that the content we create is more compassionate, and more representative of the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

  • Medical | Dental | Vision
  • 401(k) matching
  • Emotional Wellness Support
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • LGBTQ+ Health Services
  • Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs

Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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