Writing Jobs: 21 Great Places To Find Work That Pays (2024)

Finding a writing job is tough if you don’t know where to look. Discover your best options.

Well, good news. If you want to get paid to write, you have more opportunities than ever. The days of the starving artist are over thanks to:

  • Blogging
  • Content marketing
  • Copywriting
  • Freelance writing online
  • Self-publishing

Today you can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month income from expressing your creative ideas, telling stories and sharing your expertise through the written word.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article: I’ve listed 21 websites, services and platforms that offer writing jobs for all types of writers. Each section includes:

  • An analysis of the website
  • What kinds of jobs they offer
  • Pay rates
  • Pros
  • Cons

Keep in mind some sites offer other types of writer jobs than what I’ve included in this guide. Rates also vary widely depending on your niche, location and time of year. Writing is a diverse career that offers many different ways to earn money. Let’s get started.

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Where Can You Find Writing Jobs That Pay?

Praise be for the internet. Now you can write from anywhere and get paid for your hard work. Be it Miami, Seattle or Dublin, online writing jobs that pay well are available without any geographic restrictions. However, smart writers know where to look.

You could write for content mills–a site or service that churns out cheap articles for other websites–but those don’t pay much.

Instead, set up job alerts on popular writing sites (I’ll give you all the details below.) and stay up-to-date on the best writing gigs available.

1. ProBlogger

ProBlogger is one of the best job boards for bloggers. It’s a great place to find copywriting jobs and a fantastic way to recruit freelancers.

The site includes several resources that bloggers can use to improve their blogs and attracts some of the best writers and authors from around the world.

The job boards attract some of the highest paying and some most prestigious writing opportunities and editing jobs. Many top bloggers I know advertise here looking for part-time and full-time writers.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Blog post and content writers
  • Copywriters
  • Ghostwriters
  • Editors and proofreaders
  • Journalists
  • Researchers
  • Content marketers
  • Social media managers
  • SEO consultants

Pay

Similar to Upwork, the rates of ProBlogger jobs are based on the work. Determine your price ahead of time based on average time and effort needed and make that clear to the job advertiser. Note: This job board will help you find prospects. It’s up to you to make sure they’re the right fit and meet your income requirements.

Pros
  • One of the leading marketplaces for blogging jobs over the past 10 years
  • No sign-up process or profile creation needed
  • Job advertisers required to pay at least $70, a fee that weeds out bottom feeders
Cons
  • Only five or so leads every day
  • Difficult to earn full-time income right away
  • Site doesn’t screen jobs

2. Upwork

Upwork, previously known as oDesk, is a one-stop solution for all kinds of writer jobs.

BloggingPro is a free job site that classifies jobs according to type—freelance, internship, contract, part-time or temporary. Simply browse for work using these categories.

Known for freelance jobs, Upwork makes it easy and cost-effective to find, hire and work with the best professionals around the world.

Whether you are looking for creative writing jobs, greeting card writing gigs or medical writing projects, this is a good platform to start. I’ve used Upwork to source a video editor, podcast editor, designer, bookkeeper and more.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Developers
  • Marketers
  • Researchers
  • Web design
  • SEO
  • Social media marketing
  • Content writing
  • Information security
  • Freelance writing
  • Designers

Pay

Pay rates on Upwork vary, as nearly all listings in the job search are freelance. Potential workers define their payment rate (or bid) in their proposals.

Upwork charges a small fee depending on your account type. This starts at 20% for the first $500 billed and drops to 5% for lifetime billing once you exceed $10,000.

Novice freelancers might find it hard to make good money at first because of the complicated bidding system.

You’ll also need to take on some low-paying work at first until you’ve built a reputable Upwork profile.

Fortunately, you can take expert skill tests for freelancers. Once you pass the criteria, you can display it on your profile and show your expertise to clients.

Pros
  • Long-term contracts
  • Opportunity to earn bonuses
  • Ability to build long-term relationships with clients
  • Return and referral clients
  • Free to join
Cons
  • A lot of spam jobs
  • 20% commission for the first $500 billed with a client (higher than other platforms)
  • Low-paying jobs
  • A lot of competition
  • Takes time to build a profile that stands out on Upwork

3. BloggingPro

The BloggingPro job board caters mostly to bloggers. Online freelancers can find the latest jobs offered, like blogging, content writing, creative writing, journalism or working as a content strategist. BloggingPro is a free job site that classifies jobs according to type—freelance, internship, contract, part-time or temporary. Simply browse for work using these categories.

YouTube video
Watch the Become a Writer Today video on submission tools for writers.

Once you find a job you like, send an application. Most employers require a resume and previous work as a reference.

On that last point, no matter where you look for work as a writer, it’s a good idea to start your own site and capture client testimonials.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Blogging
  • Freelance writing
  • Content strategy
  • Editing
  • Copywriting
  • Journalism

Pay

BloggingPro recommends that employers pay a minimum of $15 per hour or 500 words; however, rates on the site vary like on most other writing job boards.

Pros
  • BloggingPro job board updated daily
  • Job searching done for you
  • Free for job seekers
Cons
  • BloggingPro charges $30 for 30 days to those looking to hire writers.
  • Writer job descriptions do not indicate compensation.

4. iWriter

iWriter is an easy-to-use place to find online writing jobs.

To start, sign in and take a short writing test. Once you pass the test, you can pick articles and start writing.

As you receive positive reviews, your writer level increases and makes you more desirable to those hiring.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Articles
  • Article rewrites
  • Product descriptions
  • Blog posts
  • Ebooks

Pay

Writers receive 65% of the price of each article from the general writing queue. The actual dollar amounts vary based on your writer “level,” i.e., standard, premium, elite or elite plus) and the length of the article.

For example, an experienced writer can earn $80 for a 500-word article.

Writers get paid via PayPal and must have a valid PayPal account. Unfortunately, that means some additional fees and a lousy exchange rate.

Building trust by consistently delivering high-quality work will result in the highest pay on iWriter.

Job advertisers can send you special requests once you have established yourself. Moreover, writers receive 70% of the article cost for these special requests.

Pros
  • Large variety of writing niches
  • Freedom to choose how much you want to write each day
  • Ability to earn up to $80 per 500 words once established
  • Opportunity to build a client base and receive special requests
Cons
  • Can write only basic articles when starting on iWriter
  • Pay discussed above requires elite writer status on iWriter

5. Freelance Writing Jobs

Freelance Writing Jobs, also known as Freelance Writing Gigs, helps writers and authors find jobs that pay well.

The site hand-picks work from job sites, classified ads and company websites i.e. more than just remote writing jobs. They include positions that might not directly involve writing but are still writer- and editor- related.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Remote writing
  • Short story writing
  • Freelance copywriting
  • Blogging
  • Content writing
  • Journalism
  • Editing and proofreading
  • Paid internships

Pay

The job ads on this site don’t include compensation rates. You negotiate compensation with the person/company that hires you or you learn the payment rate after they hire you.

Pros
  • Jobs updated Monday through Friday
  • Multiple posts about job sightings and helpful freelance writing articles
  • Site doesn’t accept low-paying jobs
Cons
  • Doesn’t include rates in job postings
  • Job seekers limited to the jobs the blog chooses to feature

6. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a career site geared toward people looking for flexibility in a job. They focus on work-at-home, part-time and freelance jobs. FlexJobs promises that each job they list is flexible and scam-free.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Copywriter
  • Content manager
  • Managing editor
  • Blogger
  • Reporter
  • Columnist
  • News writer
  • Technical writer
  • Journalist

Pay

Wages vary based on word counts, kind of work, level of expertise and the advertiser. Anyone who wants a job with some flexibility such as telecommuting, freelance or flexitime jobs should use FlexJobs. If you are searching specifically for telecommuting jobs, check out Virtual Vocations.

Pros
  • One of the most accredited resources for job seekers
  • Scam screening
  • No advertisements
  • More than 50 categories and subcategories
  • Offers a money-back guarantee
  • A 10-year track record of providing freelance jobs
Cons
  • Membership costs $14.95 per month (There are also options for yearly or 3-month memberships and coupon codes are regularly available.)
  • Some writing jobs not exclusive to FlexJobs.

7. Freelance Writers Den

The Freelance Writers Den is a well-known community for part-time and full-time freelance writers. It claims more than 1,400 members and is run by well-known blogger Carol Tice, for whom I’ve written guest blog posts.

This membership-based website and community is dedicated to helping good writers make more money. You can get help from other motivated freelance writers from around the world on the Den’s 24/7 forums, saving you time and helping you achieve your writing goals.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Freelance writing
  • Health writing
  • Technical writing
  • Creative writing
  • Content marketing
  • Copywriting

Pay

This website doesn’t indicate publicly the average pay you can earn. You can get paid per hour, per month or per project.

I found one listing that offered $40 per hour and another that offered up to $1,000 per month. The Den job board is known as the “junk-free job board,” in that it doesn’t accept any jobs below $50 per blog post or $100 per article.

Pros
  • Provides more than 300 hours of mini-courses on different aspects of freelance writing
  • Offers access to an informative forum where members can discuss boot camp material and ask for advice about freelance writing
  • Includes collection of useful resources
  • Features only jobs paying decent rates
  • Posts one live event and one prerecorded podcast monthly that features experts discussing topics related to freelance writing
  • Contains a collection of all of the Freelance Writers Den’s podcasts and webinars
Cons
  • Most job ads cater to U.S. writers and authors.
  • Membership in Freelance Writers Den costs $25/month.
  • Membership opens twice per year rather than whenever you want. (Get on the waiting list to be notified if a seat opens up sooner.)

8. Freelancer

Freelancer is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace, determined by the total number of jobs and users.

Freelancer is a job board that offers different types of job listings and work opportunities. If you’re a copywriter, editor, grant writer, content strategist or creative writer, you’re sure to find a suitable writing job. You can get work in three easy steps:

  1. Browse jobs matching your niche and skills
  2. Apply for the job
  3. Get hired

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Freelance writing
  • Editing
  • Copywriting
  • Technical writing
  • Newsletters
  • Content strategy
  • Grant writing
  • Resume writing

Pay

You’ll define your payment rate (which is your bid) in your proposal.

Pros
  • Flexible hours
  • Lots of writing job offers
  • Organized tech support
  • Regularly refreshed writing opportunities available
  • Free sign-up
Cons
  • Withdrawing money takes a while (14 days to receive your payment after the withdrawal request).
  • Offers are not sorted according to the area of expertise, though there is a keyword search.

9. Craigslist

There’s more to Craigslist than buying and selling. It’s also a popular place for people to find job openings at businesses in their area. It’s a good source of freelance writing and editing jobs.

If you’re searching for a more permanent writing opportunity or even a part-time job, Craigslist offers a variety of permanent positions, including staff writer, content lead and SEO specialist.

Search for writing jobs under the “Writing/Editing” category of the job listings. Unfortunately, you’ll have to browse through each city’s listings first.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Freelance writing
  • Technical writing
  • Creative writing
  • Editing
  • Copywriting
  • SEO
  • Blogging
  • Column writing
  • Magazine work
  • E-commerce
  • Guest post writing

Pay

Rates vary based on jobs and employers

Pros
  • Established classified ads site
  • Good source of freelance jobs
  • Classifieds for specific cities and metro areas
  • Variety of jobs in many niches
  • Free
Cons
  • Employers can post jobs anonymously, so you don’t know who is hiring.
  • Writing jobs are not verified.
  • You need to browse each city first to look for a specific job.
  • Listings are very general, meaning it takes time to find a good part time job.

10. Constant Content

Constant Content is one of the largest and most established marketplaces for ready-made content.

Essentially, this content marketing service connects top writers with large companies like Uber, Walgreens and eBay.

Constant Content helps writers and authors feature and sell their work, while editors and proofreaders on the site give detailed feedback and support to writers.

However, like many premium writing job sites, acceptance criteria are stringent.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Freelance writing  
  • Custom content writing service
  • Press releases

Pay

Set your price. Their top writers earn thousands of dollars per year.

Pros
  • Established platform
  • Flexible schedule and workload
  • Can build long-term relationships with clients
  • Ability to work alone, on a team or in an expert group
Cons
  • Every content writer must pass a quiz and provide a  writing sample.
  • Only a fraction of applicants is accepted.
  • Constant Content takes a commission from your client free.

11. Writers Work

Writers Work connects writers with companies that need an expert in the written word. It’s an all-in-one platform for landing paid writing gigs. They’ll offer career training, writing tools, an online portfolio, portfolio assessment, and more.

Writers Work positions include part-time, full-time, and contract positions that are remote gigs or freelance projects. The site provides training through videos, courses, and live support.

Writers Work minimizes time spent searching for jobs by curating writing job listings from many sources. If you want to learn more about using this service to finding writing jobs, read our Writers Work review.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • General content
  • Blogging
  • Copywriting
  • Social media posts

Pay

Freelance writers can earn from $20-$65/hour. Payment varies depending on skill level and average time spent on each job. 

Pros
  • Distraction-free text editor with readability functions
  • A variety of places to pitch writing work
  • Effective training videos
  • Easy to navigate
Cons
  • Membership requires one-time fee of $47.
  • You can’t filter older opportunities.
  • The goals feature needs far more options.

12. WriterAccess

WriterAccess is an award-winning online marketplace connecting thousands of customers, writers, copy editors, proofreaders, and translators.

Their platform makes it easy for companies and agencies to find good writers and translators in any industry.

I often use Writer’s Access to hire other people who have a skillset like copywriting or understand a particular niche.

A platform like Writers Access is good if you have expert knowledge in specific areas like healthcare, the law, security, and so on.

To stand out on Writers Access, it’s a good idea to upload a writing sample for your profile. You may also want to identify your niche (e.g. healthcare, personal finance, etc.) and specialisms (e.g. copywriting).

Many editors and owners of popular B2B websites and blogs use Writers Access to hire writers for short-term gigs e.g. Write 1,000 words about the latest healthcare trends in XX.

If you want to stand out from the pool of writers on Writer Access, I’d recommend honing your SEO skills. The job listings are varied and even include poetry submissions.

Services include everything from public relations tasks to editing jobs.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Writing
  • Whitepapers
  • Translating
  • Product descriptions
  • Editing
  • Blogging
  • Press releases
  • Content strategy
  • Website copy

Pay

You are paid based on your rankings and ratings.

Ratings are determined by the number of stars your writing skills earn, proficiency, and years of experience. Your star rating sets the per-word payment you’ll receive. Writers get 70% of the order price.

Ranking System

The ranking or rating system pays in accordance with ability. Currently, the levels and their minimum per-word pay are as follows:

  • The most basic payment level offers 2.8 cents per word.
  • The most advanced payment level offers $1.40 per word or $105 per hour.

The higher your star level, the more you’re paid for writing projects, ranging from 1.4 cents to more than 7 cents per word.

However, if you are an elite writer who is part of the Pro Marketplace tier, you negotiate a price leveraging your certifications, awards, and verified pay rates.

Pros
  • Free
  • Can match your writing skills and interests with brands and agencies
  • A higher star rating yields a higher expected rate per word
Cons
  • Most communication occurs between client and writer.
  • In many cases, writers compete for articles.
  • Entry-level writers rarely get to choose which articles to write.
  • New writers may find the payment system complex.

13. Scripted

Scripted is an online marketplace that connects companies with freelance writers who can fulfill different writing gigs like blogs, articles, and even bulk social media posts.

On Scripted, you write as a ghostwriter for clients who need fresh content. Your name will not be published on what you create, and all rights to the content belong to the client when they accept the article.

Scripted considers writers in the U.S. and other countries, including Canada, Australia and in Europe.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Freelance writing
  • Publishing
  • Digital Marketing
  • Consumer reports
  • Social media posts
  • Blogging

Pay

How much you earn varies according to the type of content, article length, and topic. You can set your own prices. Some assignments pay about $20 apiece, while other writers claim they’ve earned four figures a month.

Writers are automatically paid five days after their work is accepted. They can also qualify for partial payment on any rejected assignment.

Pros
  • Opportunity for clients to “favorite” your writing, which gives you first dibs on assignments from those clients
  • More than 158 writing niches to choose from
  • Quick payments
Cons
  • Work isn’t often available.
  • Writers must pass tests to gain acceptance on the site.
  • Reviews are mixed

14. Mediabistro

Mediabistro is a well-known freelance writing job board and career destination for savvy media professionals.

This site will be of help if you’re searching for new online writing opportunities or want to improve your skills. The job search board is primarily for finding work in media in the U.S. They also offer freelance work and remote jobs from time to time.

Mediabistro serves as a network to connect you with other media professionals.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Freelance writing
  • Graphic design
  • Journalism
  • Copywriting
  • Digital Production

Pay

Rates vary, however, these are a few of their recent writer job descriptions:

  • Freelance research analyst – remote – $15–18 per hour
  • Copywriters/Researchers for magazine database – $100+ per post
  • Freelance Fiction Writer – $50 per 1,500 words

Note:  Premium members gain access to full-length articles that provide advice for newbie freelance writers. You’ll also learn how to make a compelling pitch and format content properly.

Pros
  • Easy-to-navigate website
  • Free basic offering
Cons
  • Lots of opportunities to sort through. You’ll need a good idea of what you want.

15. All Freelance Writing

All Freelance Writing has helped freelance writers build their writing careers since 2006.

It’s a job board for novice writers who are looking for new writing gigs.

The site displays pay rates upfront, so you know what to expect before even deciding to write a cover letter. All Freelance Writing includes a writer’s market or jobs board for print jobs and writing opportunities.

It also offers a collection of resources and tips for advancing your professional writing career. All Freelance Writing is an excellent site for mastering the business side of freelancing.

The job listings are varied and even include poetry submissions.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Ghostwriting
  • Guest posts
  • Blog writing
  • Web content
  • Copywriting
  • Prose/Poetry
  • Business writing
  • Healthcare or medical writing
  • Magazine writing
  • Journalism

Pay

Rates vary. The site categorizes between low pay and pro-rate. Some of the advertised writing jobs go up to $500 or more. Here is how jobs are categorized:

  • Very low: $1–35 e.g. for a 400-word blog post
  • Low: $25–$50
  • Semi-pro: $50–$100
  • Pro: $250–$500+
Pros
  • Free service for job seekers
  • Includes only freelance writing jobs and rate information
Cons
  • Limited number of writing jobs
  • Smaller jobs board than other sites in this guide

16. Online Writing Jobs

Online Writing Jobs, previously known as QualityGal.com, is a free website for U.S. freelance writers. It offers writing opportunities for those at any skill level, including entry-level writers.

You will need to know SEO (search engine optimization) to work on this site, as the clients usually want to increase website visits.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • SEO content writers
  • Bloggers
  • Copywriters

Pay

Pay for most articles ranges between $10 and $50. Several factors can influence your remuneration, including your authority within given writing niches.

Pros
  • Free
  • Writers paid weekly
  • Helpful resources available to writers
Cons
  • Low pay
  • Available to U.S. freelance writers only

17. Writerbay.com

WriterBay.com is a supplier of freelance writing jobs. They’re looking for writers who are proficient in their respective fields and who can deliver high-quality articles or papers on time.

There are 4 simple steps to join:

  1. Fill out the application form.
  2. Pass a test that will assess your grammar and formatting skills.
  3. Write from a brief prompt and upload a sample essay.
  4. Find and scan your higher education certificate for uploading to their site.

Other than writing skills and a strong desire to make money, all you need to begin working with them is an internet connection..

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Freelance writing jobs, both academic and non-academic

Pay

Though the site does not indicate specific rates, WriterBay.com lists the top ten writers’ profits for the past 30 days. At the time of this writing, the highest listing was $6,563.

Pros
  • No registration fees and free lifetime membership
  • Competitive rates
  • Wide variety of exciting projects and assignments
  • Room for personal growth
  • 24/7 writer support team
Cons
  • Freelance work can be demanding and often lacks a reasonable time frame.
  • Writerbay.com seems to prefer writers who are always online on their system.
  • Your level of education should be a bachelor’s degree or above.

18. American Writers and Artists, Inc. (AWAI)

American Writers and Artists, Inc., teaches nonfiction writers how to earn thousands of dollars through copywriting (writing words that sell products or services).

This type of writing gig is quite profitable. For example, a B2B company may hire a copywriter to produce copy for a series of landing pages. Instead of getting paid per word, the copywriter may receive a commission based on the number of conversions that the landing page generates.

They’re one of the more established providers of writing training in the industry today. They also teach content marketing and direct response. One of their courses even specializes in teaching writers how to work at home and earn a living.

AWAI offers a “ten thousand” challenge that allows you to build your portfolio (and earn some decent cash) before you finish the program. I’ve taken some AWAI copywriting courses, and their materials are first-rate.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Copywriting
  • Direct response writing
  • Press releases
  • Blogging
  • Banner ads and text ads
  • E-books

Pay

Rates vary, however, AWAI provides a free pricing guide to the work their website offers. Here are some of the examples from the guide:

  • Home Page Content: SEO and Sales-conversion Copywriting: $1,500–$3,000
  • Product Page Update: SEO and Sales-conversion Copy: $50–$100 per page
  • Article of 1,200–2,000 words with SEO: $250–$500
  • E-book: $2,000–$7,000
  • E-newsletter/E-zine: $800 – $1,500
Pros
  • Pays well
  • Lots of online writing opportunities for freelance work
  • Translates to other types of writing, e.g., blogging
Cons
  • AWAI requires a joining fee. Their basic copywriting programme costs $497.
  • Copywriting and direct response writing require specific skills and training.
  • Building a name for yourself and acquiring high-profile clients takes time.

19. Listverse

Listverse is a popular site featuring list articles. It will pay you $100 for writing a 10-item “listicle.” Typically, you’ll need excellent English, knowledge of pop culture, and a sense of humor.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Writing list posts or listicles

Pay

$100 per approved listicle

Pros
  • Listicles are fast to write
Cons
  • Relatively modest pay
  • Supports only Paypal, so you’ll face fees
  • They might reject your listicle

20. Medium

Medium places much of its content behind a paywall for premium readers. They allocate some of this fee toward paying writers who are part of the partner program based on the post’s member rating.

The Medium partner program enables any member of Medium to get paid for writing stories for members each month. I’m a member and receive more or less than one hundred dollars each month depending on what I wrote.

That doesn’t sound like much, but I don’t focus too much on this platform.

I’m also in a Medium group and members in that group receive five figures a month from writing on Medium. They usually cover topics like entrepreneurship or personal development and work from home.

You can write about whatever you like in Medium. The trick is finding an audience who will read it!

You don’t need to worry too much writing long-winded writing to get paid by Medium. The platform is less about landing a writing gig and more about attracting traffic and readers to your published articles. Because anyone can press publish.

That said, top Medium writers publish on publications. If you want to write for those, build a relationship with the editor on Medium, or look for submission guidelines.

Medium copy editors and proofreaders will work with top writers on their stories and even promote them.

Types of Writing Jobs Offered

  • Self-help advice
  • Entrepreneurship advice
  • Blogging

Pay

Here’s an update from the Medium partner program team for June 2019:

  • 55% of writers who wrote at least one story earned something.
  • 7.8% of active writers made more than $100 in a month.
  • $13,577.33 was the most collected by a writer for June, and $3,913.74 was the most received for a single story at the time of writing.
Pros
  • Great for building a name for yourself
  • Easy to use
  • Contains a built-in readership
  • Relatively easy to earn a modest amount each month (approximately one hundred dollars)
Cons
  • Only top Medium writers earn four- or five-figures a month.
  • You might not get any feedback on your work if people don’t read it.
  • Medium, like any social media network, takes a few months to master.

21. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a relatively useful social media network for writers and editors looking for work.

Firstly, if you’re a freelance writer, you can reach out to your connections and pitch them relevant ideas. You’ll need a LinkedIn premium membership to get the most out of this InMail service.

Secondly, many LinkedIn users share updates when their company has a vacancy. So it’s worth checking your feeds for updates once or twice a week if you’re looking for part-time or full-time work.

Finally, reputable companies all have dedicated pages on LinkedIn. These pages feature high-quality vacancies and will appear in your feed provided you’ve set your interests accordingly. These vacancies cover a range of disciplines from copywriting to content marketing.

Pros
  • High-quality writing jobs and vacancies from reputable companies.
  • Up-to-date

Cons
  • Competition is high.
  • You will probably have to go through a standard recruitment process with an HR team or interviewer.
  • Not specific to just writing

How Much Can Writers Get Paid?

Table of freelance writing services
Writing jobs websites and their fees

Rates for writers vary depending on what you write and where you sell your work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), writers and editors in America earn up to $98,840 per year.

I asked my editor about this salary and she said it sounded too high. Salary reports for writers vary a lot. Therefore, here are five more sources that provide detailed data regarding how much writers are paid for their work.

Salaries and Rates for Writers

Like most online jobs, these rates and salaries vary by time of year, location, and industry.

I’ve captured the rates at the time of writing this article (August 2019). If you’d like me to update a figure, leave a comment below.

1. Glassdoor

According to Glassdoor, freelance writers earn an average of €48,252 per year in the United States. You can earn more if you specialize in an area like copywriting or content writing. Source

2. PayScale

A freelance writer can expect to earn $21.59 per hour, excluding commissions and bonus sharing. They can also expect an average salary of $40,148 depending on their industry and experience.

My takeaway?

This industry rate is on the low-side and covers too many specialisms.

Freelance copywriters, for example, regularly earn over six figures.

(Just take any of the AWAI courses!)

You can also earn a lot more by providing additional services like SEO, consulting, or even coaching.

Alternatively, consider turning your work into a book or course that you sell for a higher price-point. Source

3. Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)

Similar to PayScale, the EFA provides salary data for subcategories of writing.

Here is the data from their 2019 report: Source

  • Fiction
    • $40–50/hour; 20–25 cents/word
  • Ghostwriting
    • $50–60/hour; 26–50cents/word
  • Grants/Proposals/Sales/PR
    • $50–60/hour; 30–95cents/word
  • Journalism
    • $40–50/hour; 26–50cents/word
  • Medical/Health Care
    • $60–70/hour; 80–95cents/word
  • Non-specified
    • $40–100/hour; 20cents–$2/word
  • Technical/Trade
    • $50–60/hour; 45–55cents/word

4. The Irish Times

Much of the data provided above concerns, American writers and authors.

However, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco aren’t the only hubs for earning money as a writer. Just ask me. I’m an Irish writer!

The Irish Times says many new authors struggle to sell more than 100 copies of their book in a single year and earn less than $500.

However, writers can earn more money by investing in a good book and advertising their books. Amazon pays writers as follows:

  • Books sold for $2.98 or under 35% of the price
  • Books sold for $2.99 to $9.99: up to 70% of the price

If a writer sells a thousand copies of a book for $9.99 in year one, they can earn up to $7,000 for one book. If a writer self-publishes multiple versions of their book (Kindle, print, large print, audio, etc.), this is achievable.

5. The Society of Authors

In a 2015 survey of 317 writers, the Society of Authors found average earnings for British authors are £12,500, or $15,000, per year.

The report states, “This figure is just 55% of average earnings in the U.K., coming in below the minimum wage for a full-time job at £18,000 and well below the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s minimum income standard of £17,100.”

That’s a social policy research and development charity in the U.K. Source

How I Earn an Income From Writing

I’ve always loved to write, so after graduation from secondary or high school, I trained as a journalist between 2000 and 2004.

I worked as a print, news, and technology journalist for Irish newspapers and radio stations. I earned an income from writing in the traditional sense—getting paid by an employer for my work.

During the recession in 2008, many freelance journalists were let go, and some prominent Irish media publications went out of business, including a few I worked for.

I worked in social care (or in a residential care facility) for a few years, and I wrote mostly fiction as a hobby. I entered my stories into writing competitions that paid winners a small amount, but I didn’t have much luck.

So while out of work, I decided to start a blog about technology, thinking I could start the Irish version of popular US technology and productivity blog Lifehacker. 

I called it WorkReadPlay, which was a terrible name for a site.

Eventually, I realized I’m more interested in topics like creativity, writing, and productivity. So in 2014, I relaunched my site as Become a Writer Today.

After I relaunched my site, I wrote articles that no one read. Wondering how I could find readers, I started reading articles and then taking courses in blogging.

I also worked with the owner of a successful site who later became a mentor, Jon Morrow of Smart Blogger. His articles and courses laid out the path to earning a living from writing online.

After I’d found some readers, I faced extra costs like website hosting and my email service provider.

Next, I wondered how I could pay for these. So I studied how other online writers earn an income from their work on my own time.

Today, I earn money from writing through self-publishing books, freelance writing and creating courses.

I also earn money as a copywriter and content marketer in the B2B industry. I spend about 10-15 hours a week on freelance writing activities.

I earn money from recommending courses, software, and services that writers on my email list find beneficial. I

In some cases, I review these services for writers, and in other cases, I simply explain how I use them in my business via a video, email, or article.

I’ve taken dozens of courses in online business, entrepreneurship, and self-publishing.

They all recommend variations of the same business model: Figure out your ideal audience, create content that helps your audience then create or recommend relevant products, services or even books.

What To Do With Your Writing Income

Invest in your education as a writer.

When you start earning an income from writing, my best tip is to set aside a small amount for learning each month.

At first, that might simply be a budget for buying business books. As your income grows, set aside a larger budget for taking online writing classes or MasterClasses online classes that help improve your craft.

The first time I spent a thousand plus dollars on an online course, I worried that I was being scammed and giving my money to a random person on the internet.

That person later became my mentor and taught me a lot about online business, over the course of five years.

Almost every course I have taken paid dividends directly in revenue or indirectly in soft skills.

I also recommend gaining expertise in areas like content marketing and diversifying your writing skillset.

Diversify Your Writing Income

Your path to getting paid to write might look different than mine, but most successful online writers earn more by diversifying their income streams.

Most successful nonfiction authors, for example, earn more money by offering additional services like courses or consulting.

Getting paid to write is easier than ever once you figure out your niche and who your ideal reader is. Lots of new jobs come online every day for writers. The question is do you have the right skill set?

Your niche could be creative writing jobs, greeting card writing, writing jobs for beginners, targeted ads, technical writing, content marketing, or academic writing. More writing jobs are online now than ever. You just have to know where to look.

Writing Jobs FAQ

How do I turn my writing into a career?

Combine your ability to write about a particular topic with a secondary skill set. For example, learning the basics of SEO means you can write articles that rank in search on Google. Companies will hire your for this combination of unique skills.

What jobs are in creative writing?

Consider studying content marketing. This type of work combines creative thinking and ideas with traditional writing and marketing. Content marketers are also in high demand as the internet thrives on content.

Is writing a good career choice?

Writing is a fantastic career choice. Thanks to the internet, writers have more opportunities than ever today. Even if you don’t earn a full-time living from writing, the ability to think clearly by writing is a secondary skill set useful for most professions.

What jobs can you do as a writer?

Traditional writing jobs include working as a journalist, magazine writer or editor. Some better options today include freelance writing, working as a digital copywriter or content marketing. Employers are looking for writers with skillsets in all of these areas as the internet thrives in content. You could also write and self-publish a book or start a blog.

What writing jobs are in demand?

Writing is a universal skill that can be useful in almost all careers. However, if you are looking for a job where writing is a central element of your daily tasks, then there are many jobs out there for you right now. They include the likes of online content, as well as technical writing jobs, not forgetting all the work currently available within both the marketing and communications industries.

What jobs require a lot of writing?

If you love writing, then you should know that these are just some of the jobs that require a lot of writing: communications executive, marketing executive, technical writer, PR executive, copywriter, and researcher. 

What writing jobs pay the most?

You can make excellent money working as a content marketing manager, with the average salary of this role about $70k per year. However, if you want to become a millionaire, you may need to succeed in your creative writing pursuits and have a lot of luck too!

What jobs can you get with a Ph.D. in Creative Writing

Your Ph.D. in Creative Writing could help you get a job as a reporter, copywriter, editor or within marketing. In fact, your PhD could help you in any job hunting scenario, as it proves that you have an ability to work independently and creatively and shows you are a hard worker. 

What are entry-level writing jobs?

Entry-level writing jobs include junior copywriter, junior reporter, proofreader, and content executive. That is not an exhaustive list. New writing jobs emerge as the tools and platforms for writers evolve. For example, the title of e-commerce copywriter didn’t exist in the early 2000s.

What 4 jobs in writing did Edgar Allan Poe have?

Edgar Allan Poe was a short-story writer, a poet, a critic, and an editor. He was born on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts and died on October 7, 1849. Poe is famous for his macabre storytelling.  

Where can I find high-paying content-writing clients?

To find high-paying content writing clients, consider utilizing freelance marketplaces (Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr), job boards, and cold-pitching to businesses in your niche. Networking at industry events and leveraging referrals from satisfied clients can also help you connect with high-paying clients. Additionally, use social media platforms to showcase your writing skills and attract potential clients.

How can I get paid for writing with no experience?

To get paid for writing with no experience, consider writing for content mills, guest blogging for established blogs, pitching articles to websites and magazines, offering your services to local businesses and non-profits, and starting your own blog. These opportunities can help you gain experience, build a portfolio, and eventually attract paid writing gigs.

What type of freelance writing pays the most?

The type of freelance writing that pays the most varies depending on several factors, such as the writer’s experience, expertise, and the demand for their services. Some of the highest-paying freelance writing jobs include: 1. Copywriting for businesses
2. Technical writing for software, engineering, or medical industries
3. Grant writing for non-profit organizations
4. Ghostwriting for books, speeches, and articles
5. Content creation for high-traffic websites or blogs
6. Scriptwriting for television shows or movies.

Is there a high demand for writers?

Yes, there is a high demand for writers in various industries and sectors. With the rise of digital content, businesses and organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of quality written communication to engage their audiences, drive traffic to their websites, and promote their products or services. Here are a few reasons why there is a high demand for writers:
Content Marketing
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Digital Media and Publishing
E-commerce and Product Descriptions
Copywriting and Advertising
Technical Writing
Freelance Opportunities

Need Help Getting Paid To Write?

Do you want an intensive course in non-fiction writing for fun or profit, plus the help you need to succeed as a blogger, freelance writer or non-fiction author? The Savvy Non-Fiction Writers Club will help you get paid to write fast. It’s the only resource you need if you want to become more prolific, earn more money or make an impact.

Resources

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Author

  • Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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