When it comes to literature, Boston enjoys a long and storied history (no pun intended). It’s considered by many, for instance, to be the birthplace of transcendentalism, a philosophical movement of the mid-1800s championed by acclaimed writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau (of Walden Pond allure). The city was also home to the likes of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, Sylvia Plath, and Robert Frost.
Quite the impressive list of literary residents, right?
Even today, the Hub remains an important place, both geographically and intellectually, for the American writing culture. This is likely in part due to Boston’s physical accessibility (especially to and from neighboring suburbs), which makes it a desirable place for writers to both work and network. Plus, the city is a metropolitan boon for established and fledgling companies in need of professional content creators across a wide range of digital and print mediums.
Additionally, Boston is known for its academic presence, accounting for over 34% of Massachusett’s college enrollment despite totaling only 10% of the state’s overall population. And with over 35 universities and colleges, Beantown is truly no stranger to the relentless influx of young and engaged thinkers and creatives.
So whether you’re a brand looking to hire Boston writers, or a Boston-area writer hoping to connect with a local company, you’ve truly picked a great city to be in.
What’s New & Happening in the Boston Writing Scene
Mark your calenders. These upcoming events are great networking and continuing education opportunities for both independent writers and companies looking to hire Boston writers:
- The 4th Annual Content Marketing Conference, May 2nd-4th, 2018 at the Boston Waterfront Westin: learn the tools, tactics, and technology to help leverage your brand’s content, provide high quality and valuable information to your audience, and “turn browsers into buyers,” among other marketing perks
- Boston Writers’ Meetup, ongoing: from the popular website meetup.com, which brings together thousands of like-minded, like-hearted people in cities all over the world, this Boston writing community gathers weekly for workshops, creative exercises, and group writing time
Am Writing: The Best Places for Writers in Boston
This city is seriously teeming with places to flex your creative muscles. For an informal and inspiring writing session that will place you elbow-to-elbow with other creators, check out these popular (and peaceful) spots around town:
Of course, your favorite local café is always a good bet, too. Any local Starbucks will suffice, but literary Bostonians are also fans of Caffè Nero in Jamaica Plain, Thinking Cup in the North End, Render Coffee in the South End, and Crema Cafe in Harvard Square.
You may also want to check out some of these formal community groups, many of which offer free events and classes:
- The Writers’ Room of Boston: a nonprofit organization providing a “secure, affordable work space and an engaged community to emerging and established writers in downtown Boston”
- GrubStreet: from their website, this is “a nonprofit creative writing center dedicated to nurturing writers and connecting readers with the wealth of writing talent in the Boston area”
- Boston Athenaeum: a members-only independent library and art and culture museum
Local Companies Looking to Hire Boston Writers
Are you a freelance writer or copywriter with experience? Looking for a way to start monetizing your content creation? These local companies hope to hire local Boston writers like you:
- WriterAccess: a fast-growing content marketing platform looking for writing and editing talent
- Brafton: a full-service content marketing agency currently looking for local, remote, and freelance content writers
Are you a Bostonian freelancer with a favorite local writing haunt? Let us know about it in the comments below.
Sara M has been writing for over two decades and became a published author for the first time at age fourteen. Her work has been featured in a variety of mediums including newspapers, journals, digital magazines, poetry anthologies, and blogs. In 2005 she entered Boston University where she would go on to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy with honors. While in graduate school, Sara served as a tutor and group study leader, writing sample tests and study guides for graduate-level classes. The rigorous nature of a doctoral candidacy proved to be highly valuable to Sara as a way to hone her research skills and writing efficiency. After earning her degree, Sara began working part-time as a Doctor of Physical Therapy while also pursuing her childhood dream of being a writer.
