Make money writing: A getting started guide to boosting revenue in 2024

So, you want to make money writing, huh? Great!

Writing is a time-honored profession that can, at times, feel a bit stodgy. But don’t let that fool you. It’s a craft that’s constantly evolving, and it’s as relevant today as it was when the first scribes started inking their thoughts onto papyrus.

Writing isn’t just about putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). It’s about communicating ideas, stirring emotions, and sometimes, making a sale.

And the best part? You can make a pretty penny doing what you love.

But how, you ask? That’s what we’re going to discuss today. We’re diving deep into the nitty-gritty of making money from writing in 2024 so you can make informed decisions about your career path.

Let’s get to it.

Writing in the age of AI

Hold onto your hats, folks, because we’re living in the future. Artificial intelligence is no longer the stuff of science fiction—it’s here, and it’s changing the game in every field, including writing.

Now, before you start picturing robots hunched over typewriters, let’s clear something up. While AI may threaten some jobs, it stands to make working easier for most people.

For many it can serve as a personal assistant, helping you with research, editing, and even generating ideas.

AI can help you write faster, better, and more efficiently. It can help you spot mistakes, suggest improvements, and even predict what your audience wants to read.

While some may think they can generate full articles using ChatGPT and publish them as is, that’s just not the case. A human touch is still required to make content accurate and effective, and to ensure it actually resonates with your target audience.

AI is a powerful tool, yes, but it’s just that—a tool. It can’t replace the creativity, passion, and unique voice that you bring to your writing.

Next up, we’ll delve into the various ways you can monetize your writing skills.

How to make money by providing writing services

1. Be a freelance writer for other blogs

2. Be a full-time writer for a company

3. Magazine writing

4. Copywriting for businesses via sales copy

5. Ghostwrite for other businesses or writers

6. Write scripts for YouTube videos

7. Becoming a journalist

8. Be a technical writer

Now, let’s explore various ways you can make money by offering writing services. For each method, we’ll discuss what it entails, the pros and cons, the potential earnings, and the skills required.

One important thing to note is that most of the data included here is for US and Europe-based citizens and companies. The earning potential will be completely different for those in Asian and African countries.

With that said, let’s dive in!

1. Be a freelance writer for other blogs

Freelance writing for blogs is a flexible and exciting way to earn money. You can write about a variety of topics, depending on your interests and the needs of the blog.

While selecting a niche can help you establish yourself within an industry, you can remain a generalist, too.

Pros

You have the freedom to choose your own projects and work from anywhere. Plus, you can set your own rates and pursue topics that genuinely interest you.

Cons

Finding consistent work can be challenging, especially when starting out. You also have to handle your own taxes.

Earning potential

The earning potential varies widely. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a freelance writer is $60,985 per year.

However, keep in mind that this can fluctuate based on experience, niche, and the number of clients. Likewise, per-word rates can range from $.07 to $.30, with 21% of freelancers charging per word.

The most popular rate for a 1500-word blog post is $250 – $399, and 34% of freelancers charge less than $.20 per word.

Skills required

Excellent writing skills, research abilities, SEO knowledge, and the ability to meet deadlines.

2. Be a full-time writer for a company

Working as a full-time writer for a company means you’re an employee with a steady paycheck and benefits. You could be writing blog posts, articles, reports, or any other content the company needs.

Pros

Regular income, benefits, and the opportunity to focus on writing without worrying about finding clients.

Cons

Less flexibility in terms of working hours and topics. You might also have less creative control over your work.

Earning potential

The salary for full-time writers varies based on the company and the industry. The average salary is $59,424, with the range typically falling between $50,265 and $69,957​ according to Salary.com.

Skills required

Strong writing and editing skills, ability to adhere to a company’s style guide, and understanding of the company’s audience.

3. Magazine writing

Online magazines often pay writers for articles. This could be a great opportunity if you enjoy writing longer, more researched pieces.

Pros

The opportunity to write in-depth articles on topics you’re passionate about. Plus, seeing your name in a popular magazine can be a thrill!

Cons

The submission process can be competitive and time-consuming. There’s also often a long wait between when you submit an article and when it gets published.

Earning potential

Many online magazines pay per article. The rate can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the magazine and the length and complexity of the article.

The average annual pay for a magazine writer in the United States is $72,487​, according to ZipRecruiter.

Skills required

Strong research and writing skills, ability to write engaging and accurate content, and understanding of the magazine’s style and audience.

4. Copywriting for businesses via sales copy

Copywriting involves writing persuasive content to promote a product, service, or idea. This could be website copy, advertising copy, product descriptions, email newsletters, or social media posts.

Pros

High demand for this skill, as businesses always need compelling copy to sell their products or services.

Cons

Can be challenging to write persuasively and creatively within the constraints of a brand voice. It also requires a good understanding of marketing principles.

Earning potential

Copywriters can earn a decent income, with the average base salary in the US sitting at $54,797, according to PayScale.

Even so, earning potential is often higher than that, with annual salary estimates on open job listings at Glassdoor averaging in the $90,657 range.

Skills required

Excellent writing skills, creativity, understanding of marketing and sales principles, and the ability to write in different brand voices.

5. Ghostwrite for other businesses or writers

Ghostwriting involves writing content that will be credited to someone else. This could be for books, articles, speeches, or any other type of content.

Pros

You can work on a variety of projects and often charge a higher rate because you’re not receiving credit for your work.

Cons

You don’t get recognition for your work, which can make it harder to build a portfolio.

Earning potential

Ghostwriters can earn a significant income, especially for larger projects like books. According to the Editorial Freelancers Association, rates range between $56 and $125 per hour.

Skills required

Excellent writing skills, ability to mimic other people’s style and voice, discretion, and reliability.

6. Write scripts for YouTube videos

With the rise of YouTube, there’s a growing demand for scriptwriters who can create engaging content for videos.

Pros

It’s a growing field with a lot of potential for creative storytelling. Plus, you might get to work on fun and interesting projects.

Cons

It requires a different set of skills than traditional writing, including understanding visual storytelling and timing.

Earning potential

The pay varies widely depending on the length and complexity of the script, as well as the client’s budget. Some script writers charge per minute of video, while others charge per word or per project.

The average annual pay for a YouTube script writer in the United States is $46,870, according to ZipRecruiter, with some seeing annual salaries as high as $84,500

Skills required

Strong writing skills, understanding of visual storytelling, ability to write engaging and concise content, and knowledge of the YouTube platform.

7. Becoming a journalist

Journalism involves researching and writing news stories for newspapers, magazines, or online publications.

Pros

It’s a respected profession that allows you to inform the public and sometimes cover important events in real-time.

Cons

It can be stressful and demanding, with tight deadlines and sometimes unpredictable hours. It can also be challenging to break into the field.

Earning potential

According to Glassdoor, the median annual wage for reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts was $56,732 in May 2024.

But earning potential can be much higher, with many positions offering a salary above $90,000.

Skills required

Strong writing and research skills, ability to work under pressure, ethical judgment, and often a degree in journalism or related field.

8. Be a technical writer

Technical writers create content that explains complex information in a clear and concise way. This could be user manuals, how-to guides, and other technical documentation.

Pros

It’s a high paying field with a steady demand for skilled writers. Demand is high, especially for experienced writers.

Cons

The work can be complex and requires a good understanding of technical concepts. It might not be as creative as other types of writing.

Earning potential

The average Technical Writer salary in the United States is $61,696, but the range typically falls between $54,945 and $68,512, according to Salary.com.

Skills required

Excellent writing skills, ability to understand and explain complex information, attention to detail, and often knowledge in a specific technical field.

In the next section, we’ll explore how to make money writing your own content rather than working for someone else.

How to make money writing by building a brand

Building a brand around your writing can be a lucrative way to earn money. This approach involves creating a unique identity and reputation that resonates with your audience.

It’s about becoming a thought leader in your niche, someone people turn to for insights, advice, and stories.

A few ways to make money with your writing through building a brand include:

1. Creating a blog and monetize it

2. Creating a content-based membership website

3. Create online courses

4. Write ebooks and sell them on Amazon

5. Write for Medium

6. Write book reviews

Let’s explore some ways you can build your writing brand and monetize it.

1. Creating a blog and monetize it

Starting a blog is one of the most common ways writers build a brand. It’s a platform where you can showcase your writing style, share your thoughts, and engage with your audience.

Once you’ve built a substantial following, there are several ways to monetize your blog:

Advertising

Display ads on your blog using services like Google AdSense.

Affiliate marketing

Promote products or services related to your blog’s content and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link. You could earn at least $1,000 per month through Amazon affiliate ads, depending on the product you’re promoting.

For example, promoting high-priced items like electronics could lead to significant earnings per transaction​.

According to PayScale, the average income for affiliate marketers is actually $54,123 per year.

Sponsored content

Write posts sponsored by companies looking to reach your audience. Depending on the size and reach of your blog, you could earn between $50 and $1,000 per sponsored post​, according to Millennial Money.

Selling products or services

Sell your own products or services, like ebooks, courses, or consulting services.

Blogging isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires consistent effort, quality content, and effective marketing to attract and retain a loyal audience.

2. Creating a content-based membership website

Creating a content-based membership website can be a successful way to generate income, especially if you have an established online presence or community.

The earning potential can vary widely based on several factors such as the type of content, the pricing model, the size of your audience, and more.

For example, on platforms like Patreon, creators and influencers with reward tiers valued at $2, $5, and $10 can make up to $1,000 per month depending on their following.

When it comes to creating your own membership site, there are you can consider, each with different revenue potential.

For instance, your content might be centered around remedying a problem. Or you might create a community-centered approach where your content encourages interaction from members. Reviewing a variety of membership site ideas is a good strategy.

No matter the type of membership site you create, it can be adapted based on different variables such as content type, drip access, term-based access, and tier-level access.

These choices can significantly impact the earning potential of your membership site.

Despite these different models and variables, it is clear that membership sites can work in a huge range of niches and are a great way to leverage your time to create income​​.

If this approach appeals to you, it’s a good idea to use SureMembers as the foundation for your membership site.

And when combined with WooCommerce or SureCart, it allows you to quickly and easily create a membership site, set up pricing plans, manage content delivery, and more.

With SureMembers, you can easily create a profitable membership site that will generate the income you’ve always dreamed of​.

3. Create online courses

If you’re an expert in a particular field, creating and selling online courses can be a lucrative way to monetize your knowledge.

The income potential for selling online courses is significant. According to Fortune Business Insights, the eLearning market is expected to reach $319 billion by 2029.

Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare make it easy to create courses on a wide range of topics.

You can also host your courses on your own website if you prefer to have more control over the pricing and marketing. Should you choose to sell courses on your own website, SureMembers can assist with this as well.

With SureMembers, you can set up subscription-based access to your course content, create drip content for students, collect payments from customers, and more.

You can even set up multiple pricing tiers for your courses, so you can maximize your earning potential.

No matter which approach you choose to monetize your knowledge, the upside potential is there and can be a great way to generate income from your existing knowledge.

4. Write ebooks and sell them on Amazon

If you have a knack for storytelling or expertise in a particular field, writing an ebook can be a profitable venture.

Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform has made it incredibly easy for writers to publish their own ebooks and reach millions of readers worldwide.

But remember, your earnings will depend on factors like the price of your ebook, the number of books you sell, and the royalties you receive from Amazon.

Alternatively, you could create your own website from which to sell your eBook, which gives you much more control over marketing, distribution, and most other aspects of the sales process.

5. Write for Medium

Medium is an online publishing platform where you can write about almost any topic.

You can make money on Medium by joining the Medium Partner Program and earning money based on how much member engagement your articles receive.

While the earning potential on Medium can vary widely, there is the potential for $3,000 – $10,000 per month. However, this is more likely for top writers in popular niches​​.

However, keep in mind that only a small percentage of writers earn a substantial income on Medium. Success on this platform requires writing high-quality content that resonates with their particular membership base.

6. Write book reviews

If you love reading and have a knack for analyzing and critiquing books, writing book reviews can be a profitable side hustle.

You can start a book review blog, post reviews on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads, or be hired by publications that pay for book reviews.

The income from writing book reviews can vary widely. Much depends on the platform you use, the number of reviews you write, and any additional compensation you might receive from affiliate marketing or sponsored posts.

Building a brand around your writing isn’t easy, and it won’t happen overnight. It requires consistent effort, quality content, and a strategic approach to marketing and monetization.

But with patience and persistence, you can build a successful writing brand that not only earns you money but also allows you to share your passion for writing with the world.

How to market your writing skills

So, you’ve got a writing plan, but how do you get your work in front of the right people? How do you convince potential clients or publishers that you’re the writer they’re looking for?

That’s where your marketing skills will come in handy.

Here are some strategies to help you effectively market your writing skills.

1. Build a portfolio

2. Network with other writers and industry professionals

3. Use social media and other digital marketing strategies

Now let’s explore these in more detail.

1. Build a portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your best work. It’s a way to showcase your writing skills, your versatility, and your unique voice.

If you’re a freelance writer, a strong portfolio is essential for attracting clients. If you’re looking to publish a book, a portfolio can help you catch the attention of agents or publishers.

Your portfolio should include samples of the kind of work you want to be hired or published for.

For example, if you want to write blog posts, include some of your best blog posts in your portfolio. If you want to write novels, include excerpts from your novels or short stories.

You can build your own website. And with portfolio templates anyone can easily create a portfolio website with minimal effort.

2. Network with other writers and industry professionals

Networking is a powerful tool for marketing your writing skills. By building relationships with other writers and industry professionals, you can learn about opportunities, get advice and feedback, and gain visibility in your field.

There are many ways to network as a writer. You can join writing groups or associations, attend writing conferences or workshops, or participate in online writing communities.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to writers you admire or professionals in the industry. Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships, not just asking for favors.

3. Use social media and other digital marketing strategies

Social media is a powerful tool for marketing your writing. You can use platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram to share your work, engage with your audience, and connect with other writers and industry professionals.

But don’t stop at social media. Consider other digital marketing strategies like email newsletters, blogging, or SEO.

You could also consider paid advertising, like social media ads or Google Ads, to reach a larger audience.

Marketing your writing skills isn’t about bragging or being pushy. It’s about communicating your value as a writer, building relationships, and making it easy for the right people to find you.

How to improve your writing skills

Writing is a craft, and like any craft, it requires practice and dedication to improve. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to refine your style or a newbie just starting out, there’s always room for growth.

Here are some strategies to help you hone your writing skills and become a better writer.

Practice

The old adage “practice makes perfect” is as true for writing as it is for anything else. The more you write, the better you’ll get.

So, make writing a regular habit.

Whether it’s daily journaling, blogging, or working on a novel, consistent writing practice will help you improve your skills, find your voice, and become more comfortable with different writing styles.

Take writing classes or workshops

Investing in your education as a writer can be incredibly beneficial. Writing classes or workshops can provide you with valuable feedback, introduce you to new techniques and styles, and help you understand the nuances of good writing.

Look for classes at your local community college, online platforms like Coursera or MasterClass. Or maybe try writing workshops in your community so you can network at the same time.

Read widely and learn from other writers

One of the best ways to improve your writing is to read—a lot. Reading exposes you to different writing styles, voices, and genres. It also helps you understand how different writers approach storytelling and language.

Pay attention to what you like and don’t like about the books you read. Try to incorporate the techniques you admire into your own writing.

Get feedback on your writing

Feedback is a crucial part of the writing process. It can help you see your work from a different perspective, identify any weaknesses in your writing, and come up with ways to improve.

Don’t be afraid to share your work with others and ask for their feedback. This could be a writing group, a trusted friend, or a mentor. Remember, constructive criticism is a tool for growth, not a personal attack.

Never stop learning or developing

Writing is a journey, not a destination. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a writing technique, a genre convention, or a grammar rule.

You can:

• Stay curious and open-minded
• Attend writing workshops
• Read craft books
• Listen to writing podcasts
• Join a writing community

The more you learn, the more tools you’ll have in your writer’s toolbox.

Improving your writing skills takes time and effort, but the payoff is worth it.

Not only will it help you become a better writer, but it can also open up new opportunities for you to make money from your writing.

Get paid for writing with one of these methods

And there you have it! A comprehensive guide to making money from writing in 2024.

Whether you’re a professional or a brand new writer, there’s a method out there that can turn your passion for writing into a profitable venture.

From providing writing services to building your own brand, from improving your writing skills to marketing them effectively, we’ve covered a lot of ground.

But remember, the most important thing is to find a method that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals.

Maybe you’re drawn to the flexibility of freelance writing. Perhaps the creative challenge of copywriting excites you.

Or maybe you’re ready to share your expertise through an ebook or an online course — bolstered by creating a membership website. .

Whichever path you choose, remember that success in writing—like any profession—comes from dedication, continuous learning, and a bit of patience. Good luck!