Getting paid to write is the ultimate dream of many aspiring writers. Are you tired of sitting on a gold mine of unexplored and unappreciated writing talent? It’s time to unearth that treasure and turn your passion into paychecks.
And no, we’re not peddling snake oil here. You really can get paid to write. Today, we will share an in-depth guide on 30 websites where you can start getting paid for writing. And we’re not talking about peanuts either – these sites will pay you $50 or more per piece.
Understanding the Freelance Writing Market
Before diving headfirst into the pool of opportunities, it’s crucial to have a firm grasp of the freelance writing market. Understanding the demand, the nature of work, and how to pitch your work effectively will go a long way in setting you up for success.
Types of Writing Jobs
Freelance writing isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of field. There’s a myriad of writing types that each require a unique blend of skills and style. For instance, blog writing needs a friendly, conversational tone, while technical writing calls for precise details and professional language. Other popular categories include SEO writing, scriptwriting, copywriting, and content writing.
Demand and Pay Scale
If you’re wondering whether there’s a market for freelance writers, rest assured, there is – and it’s a big one. Businesses, bloggers, and digital marketers are always on the lookout for fresh content and willing to pay handsomely for it.
However, the pay scale depends largely on the project’s complexity, your experience, and the client’s budget. For instance, writing an in-depth, research-intensive article will typically earn you more than a short blog post. But don’t worry, all the sites we’ll share today pay a minimum of $50 per piece.
How to Get Started and Get Paid for Writing
You might be eager to leap into the get paid to write journey, but here’s the thing: a little preparation can smooth the road ahead. So, let’s walk before we run.
Writing Portfolio
Even in the writing world, showing trumps telling. Hence, having a writing portfolio to showcase your best work is crucial. Free platforms like Medium and WordPress can be great starting points. If you don’t have any published work, write a few sample pieces in different styles and niches.
Pitching Your Work
Now that you have a portfolio, the next step is learning how to pitch your work effectively. This involves sending a brief email to potential clients, introducing yourself and explaining why you’re the perfect fit for their project. A well-written pitch can often be the difference between hearing crickets and landing a lucrative writing gig.
30+ Sites For Getting Paid to Write $50 (or More) in 2023
Now, let’s proceed with our curated list of 30 sites where you can get paid for writing.
1. Easy Essay Writer
This is an online platform dedicated to providing top-notch academic writing services to students globally. Catering to various academic levels, from high school to postgraduate, the site offers a range of services including custom essay writing, research paper assistance, thesis and dissertation help, editing, and proofreading. With a team of professional writers who are experts in their respective fields, it ensures that all written works are plagiarism-free, thoroughly researched, and delivered on time. The platform prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering round-the-clock support, competitive pricing, and a user-friendly interface for seamless order placement and tracking.
2. Listverse
Listverse pays $100 for each accepted post. They love intriguing lists of ten items, especially if they’re offbeat or novel. The good news? You don’t need to be a professional—you just need to have great English, a sense of humor, and a love for things unusual.
3. A List Apart
A List Apart pays $200 for each accepted post. They’re not first on the list because they tend to publish fewer articles, meaning you have a smaller chance of getting accepted. But they’re big on quality articles over quantity, and if you can produce a smashing piece, your effort will be well-compensated.
4. International Living
International Living pays $75 for each accepted post. They’re mostly looking for travel experiences from countries you have visited. Their audience is interested in the cost of living, real estate, and retirement in other countries. So, if you’ve got the travel bug and can write an engaging story, this one’s for you.
5. FundsforWriters
FundsforWriters pays $50 for each accepted post. They’re looking for articles on how writers can earn money, whether it’s through writing, blogging, contest grants, or self-publishing.
6. Uxbooth
Uxbooth pays $100 for each accepted post. They’re primarily focused on articles related to user experience, so if you’ve got expertise in creating delightful digital experiences, this one’s for you.
7. iWriter
iWriter provides a platform for writers of all experience levels. While their pay starts at a few dollars per 500 words, experienced writers with high ratings can earn over $50 per article.
8. TextBroker
TextBroker pays up to five cents per word, which means a 1,000-word article can earn you $50. With a large number of clients constantly needing content, there’s always work available.
9. Contently
Contently pays well but you’ll need to apply with a portfolio of published works to get approved. Once accepted, you can set your own rates, making earning more than $50 per piece possible.
10. Great Escape Publishing
Great Escape Publishing pays $50 to $200 for articles about travel, photography, or earning an income while enjoying the two. If you have unique experiences to share, this site may be for you.
11. Cracked
Cracked is known for its humorous, quirky style. They pay $50 to $200 per post. You’ll have fun writing for Cracked, and you’ll also get a nice paycheck in the process.
12. The Penny Hoarder
The Penny Hoarder looks for articles about unique job ideas, saving money, earning money, and managing money. They pay up to $75 per post.
13. Tuts+
Tuts+ is looking for in-depth tutorials and other educational content. They pay $50 to $250 per article, making it a great site for those with expertise in any field.
14. Matador Network
Matador Network pays up to $60 for each accepted post. They are looking for travel-related content. So if you have traveled extensively, why not write about it and earn some cash?
15. Smashing Magazine
Smashing Magazine is geared toward web developers and designers and pays $50 to $200 per post. If you have experience and knowledge in these areas, this site might be a good fit.
16. SitePoint
SitePoint pays $100 to $150 for each accepted post, focusing on web design, HTML, CSS, and other web development topics. Your experience in this area could certainly pay off here.
17. Metro Parent
Metro Parent pays $50 to $100 for parenting-focused posts. If you have advice to give to parents and can craft it in a friendly, helpful tone, this site might be for you.
18. Write Naked
Write Naked pays $50 to $200 per post and looks for articles about the writing life, including interviews with other authors, and writing craft tips.
19. IncomeDiary
IncomeDiary pays between $50 to $200 for articles about making money online, including SEO, affiliate sales, and traffic generation.
20. B. Michelle Pippin
B. Michelle Pippin pays $50 to $150 for business-related articles. If you have entrepreneurship, marketing, or business growth expertise, consider submitting an article.
21. The Write Life
The Write Life pays $50 per post and focuses on writing tips related to freelancing, marketing, and blogging. As a writer, you likely have some advice to share, making this a great site to consider.
22. Freedom with Writing
Freedom with Writing pays between $30 and $150 per article. They publish lists of paying publishers and writing jobs to help writers find new opportunities.
23. Bitch Media
Bitch Media seeks to provide thoughtful feminist responses to mainstream media and pop culture. They pay $50 to $200 per piece.
24. Eureka Street
Eureka Street pays up to $200 for politically and ethically engaged articles addressing the issues of the day. If you enjoy dissecting politics, this site could be a good fit.
25. The Anxiety Foundation
The Anxiety Foundation pays $50 for mental health articles. This is an excellent opportunity for writers with a background or interest in mental health.
26. SlickWP
SlickWP pays $100 for posts about WordPress and the Genesis Theme framework. If you’re a WordPress wizard, consider submitting an article.
27. Photoshop Tutorials
Photoshop Tutorials pays up to $300 for tutorials about Photoshop. A perfect site for graphic designers and Photoshop experts!
28. The Travel Writer’s Life
The Travel Writer’s Life pays up to $200 for articles about the craft and business of getting paid to travel. Travel and write—sounds like a win-win!
29. Writer’s Weekly
Writer’s Weekly pays $60 for articles about making money from writing. This site could be a great fit if you have tips about writing productivity, marketing, or freelancing.
30. Back to College
Back to College pays $55+ for articles that address older students returning to college. This site would be a good option if you have insights about adult education or distance learning.
31. Compose
Compose pays $200 and up for articles about databases and database management. Consider this platform if you’re a technical writer or database wizard.
So there you have it – 30 lucrative websites ready to pay you for your words. Remember, the world of freelance writing is vast and varied. With every no, you’re one step closer to that yes, and you might even discover a new niche.
One final note. Remember the age-old question: How many writers does it take to change a light bulb? The answer: But why did the light bulb go out? What’s its backstory? And does it feel fulfilled in its role as a light bulb? Jokes aside, best of luck on your writing journey. Now go out there, get writing, and get paid!
Avoiding Scams While Getting Paid to Write
Scammers are a common occurrence in the world of freelance writing. Be cautious of websites that ask for upfront payment or offer rates that sound too good to be true. Properly research a website before you sign up, and listen to your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
How Can I Make Money Online Writing?
Writing is one of the best ways to earn money online. Whether you’re starting a blog, pursuing freelance writing opportunities, or pitching story ideas to various online media houses, writing offers a way to earn without significant investment in infrastructure.
Options for Earning Money Writing:
- Blogging: Start your own blog and monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.
- Freelance Writing: Look for freelance opportunities on various platforms or websites.
- Pitching Ideas: Submit article ideas to online media houses and get paid if accepted.
Can a Beginner Make Money Writing?
Definitely! One of the appealing aspects of freelance writing is that you don’t need professional experience or an academic background to get paid for your writing services. Even if you’ve never had any clients before, you can make decent money relatively quickly. However, it will require effort and persistence.
My Experience:
I started on Upwork before it acquired Elance (formerly ODesk). With no relevant professional experience, I filled out my profile and started looking for projects. Six hours later, I had my first client.
While you can start making money quickly, earning substantial income usually takes time and requires moving beyond platforms like Upwork to build your own business.
Finding Writing Jobs Online and Offline
Online Opportunities:
Freelancing websites like Upwork are common starting points for new writers. These platforms allow you to bid on projects from clients worldwide. While some freelancers criticize these sites, they can be useful for gaining experience and building your portfolio.
Offline Opportunities:
- Networking: Connect with other writers and editors in your area through local writing conferences or industry events.
- Cold Calls: Research companies or publications you’d like to write for and send them an email with a pitch or introduction.
Persistence and discipline are key to getting paid to write. There are also websites that accept article submissions and pay upon acceptance, which can help you build your portfolio.
Do Freelance Websites Actually Work?
Sometimes they do, but success on these platforms often requires understanding the marketplace. These websites exist to attract businesses and individuals willing to pay for services, even if those services are low-cost or subpar.
Key Points to Consider:
- Target Market: Many clients on these platforms are looking for cheap writers.
- Quality vs. Quantity: The sites don’t necessarily prioritize finding the best writers; they need someone who can deliver the work.
Understanding these dynamics can help you better navigate and exploit these platforms to your advantage.
How Much Can You Earn Writing?
The potential earnings from writing are virtually unlimited, but it depends on your goals and effort. Setting your prices according to what you believe your work is worth is crucial, as there will always be clients who try to undervalue your services.
Factors Influencing Earnings:
- Volume of Work: The more you write, the more you can potentially earn.
- Quality of Clients: Higher-quality clients typically pay more for writing services.
- Skill Level: More experienced writers can command higher rates.
The Benefits of Entering a Writing Career
Writing offers unparalleled flexibility. As long as you have internet access, you can work from anywhere at any time that suits you. This flexibility, combined with the potential to do what you love and earn money, makes writing an attractive career option.
Advantages of a Writing Career:
- Work-Life Balance: Control over your schedule and workload.
- Unlimited Earnings Potential: No ceiling on earnings if you manage your output and pricing effectively.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is simple but profound: you can make money by writing. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a beginner, there’s a platform for your skills. Don’t expect too much from your first $50 task, but stay determined and persistent. With time and effort, your writing career can flourish.
Parting Thought: What did one writer say to another? “Don’t plagiarize; it’s paraphrasing!” Now go check out those websites and start getting paid for your words. Enjoy writing!