Do you want to start a career or side hustle in writing but don’t know where to begin?
Many dream of making money by publishing their stories, writing for the top magazines, or getting into freelance writing.
But only the talented ones usually make the cut and earn thousands of dollars yearly.
Fortunately, the writing field now offers plenty of opportunities across industries, thanks to increased online content.
Whether you plan to become a full-time writer for a company or a freelance writer to earn extra money, this guide will provide details on how to get paid as a writer, from the best platforms to the steps you need to take to start your writing career.
How to Get Paid As a Writer (Overview)
We’ve included an overview of our top picks below. For detailed information on each pick, scroll down.
Apps That Pay Writers
Where to Get Paid as a Writer
Websites That Pay You for Writing
Check out the following websites for making money online through writing:
1. Contena
Contena provides an online job site and resource exclusively for writing professionals.
A beginner or seasoned freelance writer can find courses to kickstart or improve their writing and get hired by
You can get paid to write tech news, brand stories, medical-related articles, e-books, and more through the platform.
However, members must pay $997 yearly or $83 monthly to access the courses and tools and find companies hiring remote writers.
Contena works best for beginner writers as the platform offers free training.
2. Listverse
Make money writing listicles with Listverse. The platform accepts articles from beginner and experienced writers globally as long as it’s written in English fluently.
When submitting an article, it must have at least ten items on the list, one or two paragraphs per item, links to reputable sources, and an interesting topic.
Listverse usually prefers offbeat and novel topics, like mysteries, misconceptions, and unusual general knowledge.
They pay $100 via PayPal for every article that they publish.
3. HubPages
HubPages provides a platform for writers to publish articles on topics they love.
It also makes writing online and getting published easier with its tools and resources.
With over 35 million people exploring the platform, writers gain exposure to readers, allowing them to build their brand and online following.
Also, the platform enables its members to earn passive income from publishing articles. Regular points range from $50 to $100 monthly.
However, remember that HubPages primarily work as a community for writers and readers, not a get-rich-quick scheme.
Consider joining if you don’t mind making a small side income monthly.
4. Upwork
Upwork connects freelancers to businesses and projects.
This popular online job marketplace can help you find opportunities and get paid to write articles, scripts, stories, and more.
While this platform accepts beginners, seasoned writers have better chances of landing a project.
Earnings depend on your and the client’s set rate. For reference, content writers earn $15 to $40 hourly on Upwork.
Check their job board to get a better gist of the project rates offered on the platform.
What Apps Pay Writers?
You can also find writing opportunities on your smartphone. Check out these apps that pay you to write:
1. Medium
Medium offers an open platform where writers can publish insightful stories and share them with global readers.
You can download the Medium app via Google Play and the App Store or access it with a browser.
Based on the top tags in 2022, users usually write articles about business, blockchain, health, and life lessons, among many others.
Writers on Medium earn either by member reading time or via referred memberships.
Generally, around 94% of writers on the platform earn under $100, while under one percent make around $5,000 to $30,000 monthly.
Note that you need at least 100 followers to get paid and publish at least once every six months to earn on Medium.
2. NewsBreak
NewsBreak prides itself as the number one local news app in the U.S., with over 45 million users. The platform thrives in stories published by local contributors.
Contributors earn through the number of page views, referral bonuses, and app downloads.
However, to qualify for monetization, they must meet specific minimum requirements, such as having at least 100 followers and ten articles.
Nonetheless, it’s a great way for beginners to start writing online, get exposure, and earn a side income.
3. Constant Content
Constant Content provides writers with a marketplace to connect with clients globally.
You can make money writing a blog post, product description, e-book, press release, and more.
However, unlike other platforms, Constant Content has a team of editors checking your content before submitting them to the marketplace.
As a result, you increase your chances of landing a project.
For pricing, you set your price for catalog content. Then, you receive 65% of the price for articles you sell. Most articles have a rate of 10 cents per word.
How Much Money Can You Make as a Writer?
A writer’s income depends on many factors, including skills, experience, industry, and location.
According to Indeed, a content writer in the U.S. makes an average of $19.75 hourly or $4,004 monthly.
Meanwhile, a technical writer earns more, with an average income of $36.43 hourly or $4,432 monthly.
Overall, your salary depends on you and your preferred writing career or side hustle.
How Much Do Beginner Writers Make a Year?
According to ZipRecruiter, an entry-level content writer earns an average yearly salary of $76,194 in the U.S.
However, this varies depending on the writer’s niche. For example, an entry-level creative writer receives an average of $55,234 yearly.
Meanwhile, a beginner technical writer receives an average salary of $80,647 yearly.
How Much Do Beginner Script Writers Get Paid?
You can make money writing scripts and earn $23 per hour or $46,870 per year for beginner scriptwriters.
Meanwhile, entry-level script writers for television earn around $27 per hour or $55,234 per year in the U.S.
Incomes vary in the industry you’ll work in.
What You’ll Need to Get Paid as a Writer
Before you can make money writing, prepare the following tools, software, and skills to equip yourself in your writing journey:
- Internet-enabled device: Prepare a computer, laptop, or tablet with a decent Internet connection to help you find clients, communicate with them, research topics, and write content.
- Good writing skills: Know the basics of writing and storytelling beforehand to increase your chances of getting accepted and thriving in this field.
- Reading comprehension: Reading and writing go hand-in-hand as you need to learn about the topics you’ll write. Excellent reading comprehension will help you study and understand a subject better and faster.
- Creativity: Have a creative mind to create original content and make your writing stand out from the rest.
- Writing samples: Prepare a few writing samples for potential clients when asked.
- Grammar and plagiarism checker: Invest in a comprehensive grammar and plagiarism checker like Grammarly and Hemingway App.
- Secure payment channel: Don’t forget to set up a payment channel like PayPal or Payoneer to receive your payments.
Where to Get Paid as a Writer
From freelance writing to writing full-time, consider signing up to the following websites and platforms to make a career or side hustle in writing.
1. WordPress
Make money blogging by starting your blog website using a platform like WordPress. WordPress offers a free platform to create a website and publish a blog post.
Users on the platform make money by monetizing their blogs via ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and more.
How Much You Can Make
The overall income for blogging depends on the type and number of earning methods you incorporate.
For example, you can earn ad revenue whenever a user clicks an ad on your blog post.
However, a click usually costs less than $1. Thousands of viewers must be willing to click the ad to earn a lot.
You can also earn money when creating content for products or companies. Writers make between $250 and $750 per article for sponsored content.
What Makes This Option Great
Blogging offers many earning opportunities, including placing display ads and becoming an affiliate marketer.
You can also get paid to accept guest posts on your blog page.
Besides this, you can also use your blog to write e-books or online courses and earn passive income from selling them on your website.
This platform offers various themes and plugins to customize your work.
Overall, blogging provides one of the most convenient ways to start freelance writing since it exposes your work immediately to your target audience.
- Fees/Commission: Paid plan for hosting starts at $2.95
- Payment Methods: PayPal, Stripe
2. Forbes
Get paid as a writer by becoming a contributor for Forbes.
This popular online and print magazine publish content on lifestyle, technology, business, personal finance, and more.
The website also publishes personal essays or opinions on arts, culture, and politics.
How Much You Can Make
According to Glassdoor, full-time writers at Forbes have a yearly salary range from $55,000 to $99,000.
Meanwhile, they pay writers $250 for writing at least five article contributions monthly.
What Makes This Option Great
Whether you apply as a full-time writer or contributor, publishing your article in Forbes pays well.
Plus, seeing your name published in a well-known publication makes you seem like a professional writer.
It’ll expand your audience, expose you to new readers, and catch the eye of other publishers.
Overall, working for or guest posting on Forbes will boost your resume and help build your brand as a writer.
- Fees/Commission: None
- Payment Methods: Undisclosed
3. BuzzFeed
Become a blogger or contributor at BuzzFeed and get paid to write articles on pop culture, LGBTQ+, lifestyle, K-Pop, beauty, personal stories, and more!
To pitch your piece, you must send the title of your article with a short description of its topic and key points to their email [email protected].
New writers should also include samples of previous works.
How Much You Can Make
A contributing content writer for BuzzFeed can earn from $150 to $10,000 if it reaches a certain number of views, starting at 150,000 views.
However, according to BuzzFeed, rates depend on the amount of research, topic expertise, and turn-around time.
Meanwhile, full-time writers at BuzzFeed earn between $68,000 to $123,000 yearly, according to Glassdoor.
What Makes This Option Great
If you prefer writing casual or playful articles about pop culture and lifestyle, consider writing for BuzzFeed.
Plus, the website receives millions of website visits monthly from users worldwide. Getting your name published on the site boosts your reputation as a writer.
Lastly, they offer decent compensation for contributors.
- Fees/Commission: None
- Payment Methods: Undisclosed
4. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing allows talented writers to self-publish and sell books online.
Get paid to write fiction and non-fiction books without the hassles of undergoing the publishing process.
Overall, this platform makes freelance writing easy and accessible for aspiring authors.
How Much You Can Make
The platform allows you to set your price list. With this price list, Amazon calculates the amount you gain for royalties.
Generally, you get a royalty rate of 60% for paperbacks and hardbacks. Meanwhile, you may choose between a 35% or 70% royalty rate for e-book sales.
Note that the platform automatically deducts the costs of delivery and printing from the royalties made on each sale.
What Makes This Option Great
With Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, you can make money writing and publishing stories without needing cold-pitching companies or hiring an agent.
After publishing your book, it appears on Amazon Stores globally within days. You also have the choice to publish stories as e-books, paperbacks, and hardcovers for free.
Also, you can earn up to 70% royalty on sales from customers in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Germany, Japan, Australia, and more.
Ultimately, you control your content and pricing since you have no agent or publisher.
- Fees/Commission: Free
- Payment Methods: Direct Deposit, Wire Transfer, and Check
5. Poetry Foundation
Make money selling poems online by submitting poetry to the Poetry Foundation.
The Poetry Foundation publishes Poetry Magazine, the oldest monthly independent magazine for poems in the English-speaking world.
The magazine aims to print the best poetry written today, regardless of its genre, style, and approach.
Consider submitting poetry to this organization to get paid for your creative writing skills and unleash your creative freedom.
How Much You Can Make
The organization pays $10 per line, with an honorarium of $300 per poem.
Visual, audio, and video poems receive $300 per poem. If the piece has multiple formats, they pay for each format.
Meanwhile, submitting prose gets $150 per published page.
What Makes This Option Great
Unleash your creative freedom by writing poems and getting paid to publish them.
Despite being published, the Poetry Foundation enables non-exclusive reprint rights, allowing you to reprint your work after it appears in the magazine.
Overall, the organization pays well for the poems, making it a lucrative side income for creative writers.
- Fees/Commission: None
- Payment Methods: ACH, Wire Transfer, Check, and JPay
6. Cultured Vultures
If you can get paid to play games, you can also make money to write them. Cultured Vultures offers inexperienced writers a chance to get published aside from their blogs.
The website accepts writing reviews or articles about video games, wrestling, music, movies, and TV.
The submission guidelines generally include your name, a bit about yourself, availability to contribute, your pitch or submission, and the type of articles you want to write.
How Much You Can Make
According to the Culture Vultures website, they pay £5 for every published article. They also pay £2 for every 200-page view.
As a result, you can earn up to £7 or more depending on the page views.
Note that you won’t make much money on the platform, especially if you don’t contribute often. However, it’s an ideal side gig, especially for students.
What Makes This Option Great
Despite being published on the website, Cultured Vultures does not own your work. You get the full copyright since it’s your original work.
If you stop contributing to the platform, you may ask them to remove your work on the website.
After removing your content at Cultured Vultures, you may publish it on another website or publication.
- Fees/Commission: Small fee for international payments.
- Payment Methods: PayPal
7. TuneCore
If you want to become a songwriter, you can make money writing song lyrics using TuneCore.
TuneCore lets you distribute and sell your music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok, and Tencent. Sign up for free to upload and sell your songs online.
Also, they offer paid plans starting at $14.99 yearly to get more features and perks, such as scheduling your release date and having unlimited releases to all digital stores.
How Much You Can Make
MediaNet, TuneCore’s service partner, pays artists in the U.S. $0.70 for every song sold on MediaNet and $7 for albums sold on MediaNet.
This service provider also pays artists 40% of subscription revenue. It means artists get paid every time a subscriber streams their song.
MediaNet pays $0.01 per stream. As a result, having 20,000 subscriptions for the month results in a revenue of $200.
What Makes This Option Great
Get paid to write songs, and protect yourself from others stealing your lyrics or composition.
Ultimately, TuneCore allows you to generate income through royalties. Plus, you keep 100% of your music rights.
- Fees/Commission: Paid plan starts at $14.99 yearly
- Payment Methods: Payoneer
8. Fiverr
Fiverr connects writers to various businesses globally.
Their job board includes many freelance jobs for beginners and professionals, from video script to technical writing.
You can also write articles regarding lifestyle, business, and tech, depending on the niche and services you want to offer.
How Much You Can Make
Fiverr lets users set their rates. Writers on Fiverr generally charge between $10 and $70 per task or hour.
What Makes This Option Great
Fiverr offers a good starting point for a beginner freelance writer who wants to get paid for short-term or part-time writing projects.
Also, the platform has been the largest marketplace for creatives for many years, making it a trusted site for all freelancers.
Fiverr also provides Fiverr Academy, a resource to help freelancers discover different gigs and get tips for growing their freelance businesses.
- Fees/Commission: 5.5% Service Fee, 20% Commission Fee
- Payment Methods: Fiverr Revenue Card, PayPal, Payoneer, Bank Transfer, and Direct Deposit.
9. Freelancer.com
Like Upwork and Fiverr, Freelancer.com offers another online marketplace for professionals to find and connect with clients.
The platform offers various freelance writing gigs, from content marketing to resume writing.
Their job board also includes opportunities to become a freelance copywriter, legal writer, press release writer, and Wikipedia writer.
How Much You Can Make
Freelance writing on the platform can help you earn from $4 to $40 per hour based on the rates of freelance content writers on Freelancer.
Meanwhile, writing jobs have bids from $40 to over $1,000, depending on the task.
What Makes This Option Great
Get paid to write various types of writing work. Freelancers on the platform can also set their rates, choose their writing services, and bid on a project’s fee.
According to user reviews, the platform makes it easy to communicate with clients, and Freelancer.com helps resolve issues between talents and clients.
- Fees/Commission: 10% or $5 Project Fee
- Payment Methods: ACH, PayPal, Direct Transfer
Why You Should Consider Getting Paid as a Writer
Writing jobs offer various perks, making them a popular career and side hustle. Check out some of the benefits of making money as a writer:
- Work anywhere: Most companies hire freelance writers who work remotely with no fixed schedule. As a result, you can work at home, in a cafe, near the beach, and anywhere with a stable Internet connection.
- Manage your time: Many writers, especially freelancers, have the flexibility to work on their preferred days and hours. They can work during their most creative hours and have time to be with family and friends.
- Earn decent money: Many consider writing a good side hustle since you earn a lucrative income. If you write well, you can earn a higher rate and make a living writing.
- Write what you want: Make money writing something you enjoy! Those who love writing turn their passion into profit, resulting in a fulfilling career or side hustle.
Problems With Getting Paid as a Writer
Getting writing jobs also comes with challenges. Consider the following before entering this field:
- Expect tons of rejections: Whether applying as a content writer or pitching your story to a publisher, expect to hear back from only a few of them. Many companies offer opportunities for writers, but not everyone will accept you, especially if you’re inexperienced.
- Receive unstable projects: If you’re a freelance writer, you’ll likely encounter projects that only last a few months or weeks. It means you’ll need to find a new project or client every time you finish or leave one.
- Handle finances: Freelance writers must pay their taxes, insurance, and other expenses since they don’t work directly under a company.
- Get a low starting rate: Unless skilled, beginner writers receive a low starting rate, which may not be enough for some. It takes some time and experience to earn more money.
How To Get Paid as a Writer: Step-By-Step Instructions
Getting paid as a writer involves many steps, depending on your niche. You can make money writing online or in print. You can also work for businesses or publishers.
For a step-by-step guide on how to become a freelance writer, follow these general steps:
Step 1: Select an Industry and Platform
Do you want to work for a company, book publisher, magazine, or TV production? Writers have many options since they can get paid to write articles, books, scripts, and more.
After choosing an industry, look for companies or publishers you can submit an application or pitch your story. You may also look at an online job board for companies hiring writers.
If you prefer to be a freelance writer, consider looking at freelance-specific websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
You may also use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and companies and market your writing services.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Try applying for the role or project after looking for companies and available positions.
Companies, publishers, and potential clients often ask for your past works or writing samples with specific guidelines.
Before submitting any content, read the submission guidelines carefully to avoid missing out on requirements.
Also, ensure that your writing samples showcase your writing skills and make you stand out from other writers.
Once you’re confident with your work, submit your form and samples, and wait for the company or client to contact you.
If you pass the initial screening, you’ll undergo the company’s hiring process until you get hired.
Step 3: Sign a Contract
Before you can get paid to write, sign a contract first. Note that some clients don’t have contracts for freelance writers.
Unless you trust the client or platform, always ask for a contract. It’ll protect you if your client doesn’t pay.
Review the contract carefully, and discuss payment details like rate, frequency, and payment method.
Some companies pay monthly, others weekly or bi-weekly, and a few pay writers after every approved submission.
The contract should also state the types of tasks, the number of articles to produce, and other requirements expected from you as a writer.
Step 4: Write Content
After signing a contract, you can start writing content according to your client’s assigned topic, target audience, and guidelines.Â
Before writing an assigned topic, read and learn more about it through research. Writers must have a strong understanding of their subject to write clearly and effectively.
If you can choose your topic, learn which subjects your client prefers by checking previously published works.
Depending on your client’s process, some may need you to submit a blurb, synopsis, or outline for approval.
When you already have an approved topic and a better understanding of your topic, you can now write your content or story according to your company’s or client’s guidelines.
Step 5: Edit and Proofread Before Submitting
One of the most crucial practices in writing jobs includes editing and proofreading.
Editing involves changing sentence structures, phrasing, flow, and word choices to deliver your meaning clearly and concisely.
Meanwhile, proofreading involves finding and correcting mistakes in grammar, spelling, and consistency.
After writing and before submitting content, always edit and proofread to polish your piece and avoid getting revisions.
Overall, always ensure you write helpful content for your target audience and apply your client’s specifications.
Step 6: Make Revisions
You may receive revision requests on your work if you have a copyeditor or managing editor. An editor ensures that your content has zero errors before publishing.
Editors usually have specific revisions. You only need to change your content according to these requests.
Most editors make minor edits related to grammar and spelling. However, writers must address concerns about the content’s information, conciseness, and clarity.
Step 7: Re-submit and Repeat
After editing your work based on the client or editor’s revisions, it’s time to re-submit your content and hope it doesn’t come back again.
After completing the assigned tasks, you should receive your payment on your agreed date in the contract. You’ll then receive new writing assignments.
Overall, the secrets to getting continuous work include always submitting quality content and maintaining a good relationship with your client or company.
Things to Consider When Getting Paid as a Writer
Before committing yourself to freelance writing jobs, be aware of and consider the following factors:
Choose a Writing Niche
Consider what industries, topics, and writing services you’d like to specialize in.
Although you can become a generalist, finding a niche will help you stand out and find better, high-paying jobs.
Some factors to consider include choosing between print or online writing, focusing on a specific type of writing like business, creative, or technical writing, and thinking of other writing services you can offer, such as copywriting and email writing.
If you want to venture into publishing, you must also develop your unique writing style or storytelling.
If you don’t know what niche to master, look at online job boards to see what opportunities you can try.
Invest in Classes
Whether a beginner or a seasoned writer, continue improving your writing skills to make money. Invest in getting in degree in writing or taking up online courses.
Some of the best platforms for online classes include Coursera, Udemy, and MasterClass. You can find various writing courses, from creative to business writing.
If you don’t have the means to take a course, these platforms also offer free courses without certificates.
You can also find tons of free information and tips to improve your writing through YouTube videos, articles, and other content online.
Overall, don’t stop at what you know, and explore other writing styles or topics.
Be Careful of Scams
Unfortunately, some individuals or businesses take advantage of freelance writers by scamming them into giving money, getting their personal information, or not paying them for their service.
When looking for potential clients and projects, get to know the recruiter or client and ask various questions about the project and the company.
Also, do a quick Google search to learn more about the company to see if they’re legit. And if possible, contact the company to verify if the person you’re talking to actually works there.
Overall, trust your gut. If something feels off at any point in the hiring process, take it as your sign to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Get Paid for Writing With No Experience?
Many companies accept beginners as long as they show promising writing skills and a willingness to learn.
Build a portfolio of writing samples by compiling previously written content. It also helps to network with other freelancers to find opportunities, learn more about writing, and improve your skills.
Is Freelance Writing Easy?
Freelance writing takes hard work, strong communication skills, and good time management to thrive in this field.
Remember that you also communicate with your client, handle your taxes, and market yourself to potential clients. And if you handle multiple clients, you must juggle your time productively to submit quality content.
Similar Ways to Get Paid
If you don’t want to get paid to write, consider the following options instead:
- How to Get Paid on YouTube: Discover how to make money on YouTube by becoming a YouTube Partner and more.
- How to Get Paid on Twitch: Tap into the world of live streaming, and learn to make money on Twitch through donations, brand deals, and ads, among others.
- How to Get Paid on Facebook Marketplace: Maximize the power of Meta, formerly Facebook, to sell new or secondhand items to millions of users worldwide.
Wrapping Up
If you want to explore writing as a career or side hustle, you can find plenty of opportunities to make money, from freelance writing to scriptwriting.
Writing offers one of the most flexible and lucrative jobs, especially for freelancers.
However, remember you must hustle, improve your skills, and make good connections to find the best projects and clients.
Overall, it’s a field anyone can enter and succeed in if they learn about writing and practice it daily.
What do you think about writing as a job? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
If this helped you, don’t hesitate to share it with others who want to start writing and earning money!