How to Make Money Online as a Writer

I have always believed that writing is one of the most powerful skills anyone can have. And today, more than ever, it is one of the most profitable.

When I first started freelancing in 2020 as a writer, I had no idea just how many ways there were to make money online with words.

Over the years, I have explored several writing opportunities, some that worked well, some that didn’t fit me, and others that turned out to be surprisingly lucrative.

Beyond my own experience, I have also seen fellow writers carve out incredible careers online. Some have built thriving freelance businesses, others have launched digital products, and many have turned their passion for words into multiple income streams.

That’s the beauty of writing as it is a skill that can open doors in so many different ways.

If you have ever wondered how to make money online as a writer, you are in the right place. Whether you are a seasoned writer looking to diversify your income or a beginner wondering where to start, this list will give you plenty of ideas.

I will break down 15 proven ways to turn your writing skills into a steady income. No matter your experience, there’s an opportunity for you.

Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is still one of the most reliable ways to earn as a writer. It gives you the freedom to choose your projects, set your rates, and work with clients worldwide.

In my years as a freelance writer, I have written everything from blog posts to ghostwritten content, and I know writers making a full-time income from freelancing. 

The key to succeeding here is to find your niche, build a solid portfolio, and learn how to market yourself. Here are profitable freelance writing niches. 

Related: High-Paying Freelance Gigs Everyone Should Know

Blog Writing

Blog writing is one of the most in-demand freelance writing niches, and for good reason. Businesses, websites, and entrepreneurs constantly need fresh, engaging content to attract and retain their audience.

If you enjoy researching topics, sharing insights, and writing in a conversational yet informative way, just like I am doing with this blog post, this could be a great fit for you.

As a blog writer, you will typically create content for:

• Business websites: Many companies use blogs to educate customers, boost their SEO, and drive traffic. For example, a fitness brand might need blog posts on “Best Morning Workouts for Weight Loss” or “How to Stay Motivated to Exercise.”
• Entrepreneurs & personal brands: Many business owners and influencers want to maintain a blog but don’t have time to write. You could be hired to write blog posts on topics like personal finance, mindset, or productivity.
• Niche websites & blogs: Some bloggers make money through ads and affiliate marketing but need writers to produce content. You might write product roundups like “10 Best Kitchen Gadgets for Home Cooks” or informational articles like “How to Start a Budget-Friendly Garden.”

To succeed, you will need to match the blog’s tone and style, understand SEO (so your content ranks in search engines), and deliver engaging well-structured posts. 

Businesses often pay per article or word count, with rates varying from $50 to $500+ per post, depending on experience and industry.

Copywriting

Copywriting is one of the most profitable freelance writing niches because it directly impacts a business’s revenue. Unlike blog writing, which focuses on educating or entertaining, copywriting is all about persuasion i.e. crafting words that make people take action. 

This could mean buying a product, signing up for a service, or even clicking a link. Every business needs persuasive writing to attract customers, which is why skilled copywriters are always in demand.

Some of the most popular copywriting niches include:

•  Sales Page Copywriting

This involves writing long-form or short-form sales pages that convince readers to buy a product or service. 

Think of the landing pages you see when signing up for a course, downloading an eBook, or buying software. A well-written sales page highlights the benefits, addresses pain points, and persuades potential buyers to take action.

• Email Copywriting

Email marketing is a goldmine for businesses, and they need copywriters to craft emails that engage and convert. This could include welcome sequences, promotional emails, abandoned cart emails, or newsletter content. For example, an e-commerce brand might hire you to write a series of emails that nurture leads and encourage them to make a purchase.

• Ad Copywriting

Social media ads, Google ads, and banner ads all require compelling, concise writing. This type of copywriting focuses on grabbing attention fast and convincing users to take action with just a few words. 

• Product Description

E-commerce businesses need persuasive yet informative product descriptions to boost sales. Instead of just listing features, a copywriter makes the product appealing by focusing on how it benefits the customer.

• Website Copywriting

Every business needs a well-written website to convert visitors into customers. This includes home pages, service pages, and “About Us” pages. Website copy should be clear, engaging, and aligned with the brand’s voice.

To succeed in copywriting, you must understand consumer psychology, master persuasive techniques, and write with clarity and impact. Rates for copywriting can be significantly higher than blog writing, often ranging from $100 to $1,500+ per project, depending on the niche and client.

Technical Writing

Technical writing is one of the most structured and high-paying freelance writing niches, perfect for those who enjoy explaining complex topics in a clear, concise way. 

I worked as a technical writer for two years before transitioning to blogging full-time, and during that time, I wrote software documentation, API documentation, product release notes, technical guides and even technical blog posts.

This niche requires precision, research skills, and a great ability to break down technical information for different audiences. 

Technical writing involves creating instructional content that helps users understand and use products, software, or systems effectively. 

Businesses in industries like software, engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing all rely on technical writers to produce accurate and user-friendly documentation.

Popular types of technical writing include

• Software Documentation
  This includes user manuals, installation guides, and troubleshooting documents for software applications. For example, if a company releases a new project management tool, it needs a detailed guide on how users can navigate its features.
• API Documentation
  Many tech companies need well-structured documentation explaining how developers can integrate with their APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). This type of writing requires some understanding of programming languages like JSON, XML, or Python.
• Product Manuals & User Guides
  Whether it’s a piece of medical equipment, an engineering tool, or a consumer gadget, companies need instructional materials that explain how their products work. A freelance technical writer might create a step-by-step manual for a smart home device or industrial machinery.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  Companies need SOPs to outline internal processes for employees. For instance, a cybersecurity firm may require a step-by-step guide for handling data breaches.
• Technical Blog Posts & White Papers
  Some companies use blog content to educate their audience on industry trends and technical concepts. For example, a cybersecurity company may need a technical writer to explain “How Multi-Factor Authentication Works.”

Technical writing is a fantastic niche if you enjoy structure and clarity. It often pays well, with freelance rates ranging from $50 to $150 per hour or $500 to $5,000 per project, depending on complexity.

Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting is one of the most lucrative freelance writing niches because it allows busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and influencers to share their ideas without actually writing the content themselves. 

As a ghostwriter, you write books, articles, speeches, or even social media posts on behalf of someone else, and they take full credit for the work. 

This type of writing requires adaptability as you must capture your client’s voice, tone, and personality to create content that feels authentic to them.

Some popular types of ghostwriting include:

• Book Ghostwriting: Many authors, especially business leaders and celebrities, hire ghostwriters to write their books. This can include autobiographies, business books, or self-help guides. These projects pay well but require months of collaboration.
  
• Article & Blog Ghostwriting: Some professionals, like CEOs and industry experts, need thought leadership articles but don’t have time to write them. Ghostwriters craft engaging, informative blog posts under their names.
  
• LinkedIn Ghostwriting: One of the fastest-growing (and well-paid) ghostwriting niches is LinkedIn ghostwriting. Founders and executives want to build their personal brands on LinkedIn, but they lack time or writing skills. Ghostwriters take their ideas and transform them into engaging posts that spark conversation and attract business opportunities.
  
• Speech & Email Ghostwriting: Executives, politicians, and influencers often need speeches and emails that sound natural and persuasive.

Ghostwriting is a great niche if you enjoy writing in different voices and don’t mind not getting credit. It’s highly profitable, with LinkedIn ghostwriters making $1,000–$5,000 per month per client, while book ghostwriters can earn tens of thousands per project.

SEO Content Writing

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) content writing is all about creating articles that rank well on Google and drive organic traffic to a website. Businesses, bloggers, and online brands need SEO writers to craft keyword-optimized content that attracts visitors and improves their online visibility.

To succeed in this niche, you need to understand on-page SEO, which includes:

• Keyword Research: Finding the right keywords people are searching for (e.g., “best budgeting apps for beginners”).
• Content Optimization: Naturally incorporating keywords in the title, headings, meta description, and throughout the article.
• User Intent & Readability: Writing content that answers search queries while being engaging and easy to read.
• Internal & External Linking: Linking to relevant content within the site and authoritative sources outside it.

SEO writers create blog posts, product descriptions, and even long-form guides. For example, an SEO writer might write a post titled “10 Best Side Hustles for Beginners”, structured with proper headings, optimized for a keyword like “best side hustles,” and formatted for search engines.

This niche offers steady work since businesses always need content that ranks. Freelance SEO writers can earn between $0.05 to $0.30 per word, with experienced writers making $500+ per optimized article.

Publishing and Self-Publishing

Publishing and self-publishing are great ways for you to earn money as a writer by turning your knowledge, stories, or expertise into books. 

While traditional publishing involves working with a publishing house, self-publishing allows you as a writer to release books independently and earn money. Many writers make passive income by selling eBooks, print books, or audiobooks.

With the right strategy, self-published authors can earn thousands per month from book sales, royalties, and related opportunities.

In this section, we will explore how to make money as a writer by self-publishing. 

Write and Sell Ebooks

Writing and selling eBooks is one of the most accessible and profitable ways for writers to earn money through self-publishing. Unlike traditional publishing, where you need approval from a publishing house, self-publishing allows you to create, price, and distribute your book independently.

Writers can publish eBooks on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Apple Books, Kobo, and Gumroad. These platforms make it easy to upload and sell digital books to a global audience. You can write how-to guides, fiction, business books, self-improvement content, or niche-specific books just anything that provides value to readers.

To succeed, your eBook needs to have:

• A clear, in-demand topic: Write on topics that solve a problem, share expertise, or entertain readers.
• Well-structured content: Break your book into clear chapters with engaging writing.
• An eye-catching cover and strong title: First impressions matter for eBook sales.
• Effective marketing: Promote your book on social media, blogs, or through email lists.

eBooks generate passive income because once published, they can sell repeatedly with little extra effort. Many self-published authors earn anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per month by selling eBooks alone.

Self-Publish Print Books

Self-publishing print books allow you as a writer to sell physical copies without needing a traditional publisher. Courtesy platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark, authors can print books on demand, meaning there’s no need to invest in bulk printing or handle shipping.

You start by writing and formatting your book, then upload it to a self-publishing platform and set your price. When a customer places an order, the platform prints and ships the book on your behalf, deducting printing costs from your royalties. This approach allows you to sell books without upfront printing expenses, making it a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.

Self-published print books can be paperbacks or hardcovers and cover any genre like fiction, self-help, business, cookbooks, journals, or workbooks. Print books often feel more premium than eBooks, making them ideal for readers who prefer physical copies.

If you want your print books to stand out and succeed in the market, ensure to have:

• A professional book cover and layout: First impressions matter.
• Proper formatting for print: Print books require different formatting than eBooks.
• Strategic pricing: Factor in printing costs while keeping your book competitive.

Many self-published authors sell print books alongside eBooks to maximize income. With effective marketing, print books can generate passive income while establishing your credibility as an author.

Write Short Stories or Poetry for Profit

Selling short stories or poetry is a great way to earn money while expressing your creativity. Unlike full-length novels, short stories and poetry collections are quicker to write and easier to publish, making them an excellent option for writers who prefer concise, impactful storytelling.

There are several ways to monetize this type of writing. Self-publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Apple Books, or platforms like Gumroad allows writers to sell short story collections or poetry books directly to readers. 

Many successful writers package themed short stories or poetry such as romance, horror, or motivational poetry into marketable eBooks and print books.

Another option is submitting individual pieces to literary magazines, anthologies, and online platforms that pay for high-quality short stories or poetry. 

Websites like The New Yorker, The Sun, and Poetry Foundation offer competitive payouts for exceptional work. Some digital platforms, like Medium, also pay writers based on engagement.

For those who enjoy serialized storytelling, Patreon and Substack allow writers to build a paying audience by releasing new stories or poems regularly. Writers can also enter short story or poetry contests, which often offer cash prizes and publication opportunities.

When you utilize a good strategy, with whatever approach you choose whether self-publishing, submitting to publications, or leveraging subscription platforms you can turn your passion for storytelling or poetry into a profitable income stream.

Content & Media Writing

Content and media writing involves creating engaging articles, scripts, and reports for digital platforms, news outlets, and media companies. Writers in this field produce web content, news pieces, video scripts, and social media posts. This niche offers opportunities in journalism, branded content, and digital storytelling for businesses and media organizations.

Write for Online Magazines

Many online magazines pay writers for well-researched, high-quality articles in various niches. Instead of writing for a personal blog, writers can pitch ideas to established digital publications that have a large readership and a budget for freelance contributors.

To get started, identify magazines that match your expertise, whether it’s personal finance, travel, health, business, or culture. Most publications have submission guidelines on their websites, detailing the type of content they accept, word count, and pay rates. A strong pitch should include a compelling topic, a brief outline, and why the writer is the right fit for the piece.

Many magazines pay per article, with rates ranging from $50 to $1,000+ depending on the publication and the article length. Some even offer recurring opportunities for skilled writers.

Here are popular online magazines that accept freelance submissions:

• The New York Times (Modern Love): Personal essays about relationships and love.
• The Sun Magazine: Essays, short stories, and poetry.
• Writer’s Digest: Writing advice and industry trends.
• Longreads: In-depth, well-researched narratives.
• Travel + Leisure: Travel stories and destination guides.

Writing for online magazines is a great way to gain credibility, expand your portfolio, and earn well while reaching a broad audience.

Scriptwriting

Scriptwriting is a high-demand freelance writing niche where writers craft engaging, well-structured scripts for YouTube videos, podcasts, advertisements, films, and online courses. 

With the explosion of video content, scriptwriters play a key role in ensuring that spoken words are clear, compelling, and well-researched to captivate audiences.

One of the most accessible areas of scriptwriting is YouTube scriptwriting. Many content creators, especially those running educational, storytelling, or business-focused channels, hire freelance scriptwriters to create structured, engaging scripts.

A well-written script helps retain viewer attention, boost watch time, and improve video performance. 

Podcasts also rely on scriptwriters to create episode outlines, interview questions, and narration scripts to keep conversations engaging and on track. 

Brands use ad scripts for commercials, while filmmakers and content creators hire scriptwriters for short films, explainer videos, and even TikTok/Reel content.

To excel in scriptwriting, you need great storytelling sills, a great understanding of your audience and a concise, engaging structure for writing. 

Freelance scriptwriters can earn between $50 to $500+ per script, depending on length and niche.

Newsletter Writing

Newsletter writing has become a profitable way for writers to build an audience and generate income. By creating valuable, niche-specific content and sharing it regularly with subscribers, writers can grow a loyal following and earn money through paid subscriptions.

Platforms like Substack make it easy for writers to launch and manage newsletters, allowing them to directly connect with readers. Writers can monetize their newsletters by offering a free version with basic content and a paid version with exclusive, premium content. Subscribers pay a recurring fee to access the higher-quality material.

To succeed in newsletter writing, the key is delivering consistent, high-value content. This could be in-depth industry analysis, personal finance tips, creative writing, or curated news, your newsletter should resonate with a specific audience. 

Building a niche, such as parenting advice, career growth, personal finance, or healthy living, will help attract readers who are willing to pay for your insights.

Some writers also use newsletters to promote affiliate products, sponsored content, or digital products such as eBooks, courses, or consulting services, diversifying their revenue streams.

With consistent effort, a well-written newsletter can create steady passive income, and successful writers can earn anywhere from $100 to $10,000+ per month depending on their audience size and subscription rates.

Other Writing Opportunites

Here are other writing niches to explore if you want to earn money online from writing.

Grant Writing

Grant writing is a specialized freelance writing niche where writers craft compelling proposals to help nonprofits, businesses, and research institutions secure funding. 

Many organizations rely on grants from government agencies, private foundations, and corporations to fund their programs, and they need skilled grant writers to present their cases persuasively.

A successful grant proposal outlines the organization’s mission, project goals, budget, and expected impact in a way that convinces funders to invest. Strong research, attention to detail, and persuasive writing are essential in this field.

Freelance grant writers make money by offering one-time proposal writing services, ongoing grant research, or consulting. 

You can typically charge per project (ranging from $500 to $5,000+ per grant) or work on a retainer for nonprofits needing continuous funding support. Some grant writers also earn a percentage of the secured grant, though this is less common.

Resume and Cover Letter Writing

Resume and cover letter writing is a profitable niche where writers help job seekers craft compelling applications that stand out to recruiters. 

Several professionals struggle with writing resumes that showcase their skills effectively, making this a valuable service.

As a freelance resume writer, your job involves analyzing job descriptions, highlighting key achievements, and formatting resumes for readability. A well-written resume is often the difference between landing an interview or getting overlooked. 

Cover letters are equally important, as they provide a personalized pitch explaining why a candidate is the right fit for a role.

Writers in this niche can offer individual resume packages, cover letter writing, and LinkedIn profile optimization to improve job seekers’ online presence. LinkedIn optimization involves writing engaging summaries, keyword-rich descriptions, and highlighting skills strategically to attract recruiters.

There are multiple ways to earn in this niche:

• You can charge per project (e.g., $100–$500+ per resume package).
• Offer bundled services (resume + cover letter + LinkedIn profile for a higher fee).
• Provide ongoing career coaching or job application support.

 Transcription & Captioning

Transcription and captioning are great ways for writers to earn money by converting audio or video content into written text. 

This niche is in demand for podcasts, interviews, webinars, YouTube videos, and even court proceedings. Businesses, content creators, and legal professionals need accurate transcripts for documentation, accessibility, or SEO purposes.

Transcription involves listening to audio recordings and typing out the spoken words accurately. Some projects require verbatim transcription (including filler words and pauses), while others need clean transcription (removing unnecessary words for better readability). Specialized fields like legal and medical transcription pay more due to their complexity.

Captioning involves creating subtitles for videos, often with time stamps to sync with the spoken words. This service helps improve video accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing audience and increases engagement for social media and YouTube content.

Create an Online Writing Course

Creating an online writing course is a fantastic way for experienced writers to monetize their expertise while helping others improve their skills. 

Instead of working one-on-one with clients, a course allows writers to teach at scale, earning passive income as students enrol over time.

This niche is best suited for established writers who have mastered their craft and want to guide others.

As a writer, you can create courses on freelance writing, copywriting, SEO content writing, grant writing, resume writing, and more essentially any writing skill that has earning potential.

For example, if you are a freelance writer earning six figures, you could create a course on how to land high-paying clients, while a technical writer could teach beginners how to break into the industry.

Courses can be hosted on platforms like Teachable, Udemy, or Podia, where students pay a one-time fee or a subscription to access lessons. You can structure your courses with video lessons (explaining concepts and providing demonstrations), downloadable resources (templates, worksheets, pitch examples) and assignments & quizzes (to help students apply what they learn).

To attract students, you should focus on building an audience first through a blog, newsletter, YouTube, or social media before launching your course. You can also offer free mini-courses as a teaser to gain trust.