So you wanna get paid to write online...
Remember the good ol' days when telling people you were a writer would instantly evoke an image of a starving artist living in a garret, surviving on a diet of stale bread, cheap wine, and unrequited dreams?
Well, times have changed, dear reader, and the internet has kindly opened up a vast cornucopia of opportunities for writers to get paid to write online. And I don't just survive, but actually thrive with their words.
So, let’s dive into this magical world of writing where you can trade cleverly constructed sentences for money, all while avoiding the dreaded "starving artist" moniker. Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of the top 10 ways to make money and getting paid to write.
#1 - Become a copywriter
Copywriting, the magical craft of turning bland product descriptions into irresistible siren songs luring customers to "add to cart." If you master this, you can pretty much write your own paycheck. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility. So, don’t get too carried away and start describing your grandma's old rocking chair as an "antique, ergonomic, vintage leisure throne."
#2 - Self-publish a book on Amazon Kindle
Who needs a traditional publishing house and their snooty rejection letters when you can self-publish on Amazon Kindle? It’s like being both the artist and the gallery owner. Just remember, the more you paint (write), the more you can sell.
#3 - Be a ghost writer
Are you comfortable with your words bearing someone else’s name? Are you okay with whispering sweet nothings into readers' ears, but having them swoon over someone else? If yes, ghostwriting could be your golden goose. And the best part? You get to walk away with cold, hard cash, while your client walks away with the warm glow of authorship.
#4 - Guest-post on high-paying sites
Ah, the old-world charm of magazines. Yes, they still exist, and they do pay for well-crafted words. It’s like playing a game of chess: you learn the moves (submission guidelines), craft your strategy (pitch), and then patiently wait for your opponent to make the next move (editor's response).
Remember, persistence is key. And if you're as persistent as a cat at a mouse hole, you might just find yourself earning a substantial income one word at a time.
#5 - Do freelance content
Every business these days needs content like a fish needs water. So, why not take a swim in this ocean of opportunity? Just remember to check the temperature before you dive in (read: ensure the payment terms are clear)!
#6 - Publish your best stuff on Medium
Medium is like that trendy club everyone wants to get into. But let's be honest, not everyone makes it to the VIP lounge. According to the cold, hard numbers, 94% of writers make less than $100 a month on Medium. But hey, if you're part of the lucky 1%, you could be raking in $5,000 or more a month. So, if you're feeling lucky, why not give it a shot?
#7 - Start an affiliate blog
If weaving stories around products and subtly convincing readers to hit "buy now" is your thing, welcome to the world of affiliate marketing. Just remember, the key word is "subtle." You don't want your blog to sound like an overzealous sales pitch.
#8 - Write for social media
Social media content writing is the new-age equivalent of composing poetry, but instead of sonnets and haikus, we have tweets and captions. If you can make your words dance within character limits, this could be a fun way to earn some bucks.
#9 - Find a paid internship
Internships, the sandbox of the writing world. If you're willing to get your hands a bit dirty (or in this case, your fingers), this can be a great stepping-stone. It's like getting paid to go to writing school. Just remember to pack your lunch (read: be ready for feedback and lots of edits)!
#10 - Get technical
If you can make complex jargon sound like a bedtime story, technical writing might be your golden ticket. It's like being a translator between engineers and the rest of the world. And as it turns out, this particular skill can fill your pockets quite nicely.
Now go and get paid to write!
So, now that we've had our laugh and given our neurons a little nudge, let's take a moment to reflect. Making money writing isn't a myth or a pipe dream. It's a reality for many, and it could be for you too.
But it requires more than just a good command over language. You need consistency, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
Start with one method, and give it your all. Read, practice, get feedback, and keep improving. Gradually, you'll see your writing, and your bank account, grow.
Remember, the world needs stories, information, and ideas. As a writer, you have the power to provide that. And while making money from it is a great goal, the value you bring as a writer goes beyond just dollars and cents.
You have the ability to inspire, inform, entertain, and touch lives with your words. And that, dear reader, is truly priceless.
So go forth, write, make money, but most importantly, make a difference.
Happy writing!