how to start writing essays for money

Get Paid to Write: 13 Sites That Pay Up to $450 per Article

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Paid freelance writing is a lucrative way to get paid to write from home. You don’t need a degree or even the most eloquent prose to have a lucrative side hustle as a freelance writer.

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When I started a blog four years ago, I had no idea I could get paid to write about anything. Fast forward three years. Now I get paid to write about things I love, and I make a full-time living doing it.

Freelance writing can be a great way to make money from home. But with any business, there’s a steep learning curve. You have to know what editors want, where to find jobs that are legitimate, and what to charge as you progress.

A Look at the Best Freelance Writing Websites

When you’re building your writing portfolio, there are some freelance writing sites that stand out for offering legitimate jobs and paying writers a living wage. They’re the best freelance writing websites for beginners.

Upwork is a freelancer marketplace and go-to source for business owners looking for all kinds of digital services. You can find hundreds of paid writing jobs in dozens of subjects.

One of the benefits of using Upwork is that you won’t have to chase down payment from clients. All invoices and payments happen through Upwork, and you’re guaranteed payment for the work you do.

The downside is that Upwork charges a 20% fee on your first $500 earned with each client, 10% up to $10,000, and 5% beyond that. It’s a good place to get started, but you won’t want to use it for long.

Known for offering services starting at $5, Fiverr is a marketplace for freelancers to showcase their services to prospective clients. You create a profile, list a “gig,” and then it becomes available to a global audience.

All communication and payments are processed through Fiverr, but it also charges a steep 20% fee on all earnings. If you’re nervous about reaching out to clients yourself, Fiverr can be a good platform where they come to you.

But you’ll have to do something to make yourself stand out in a sea of other writers. That’s where specializing in one subject matter can be your strength.

3. Textbroker

Textbroker only offers content and writing services on its platform. Writers who sign up with Textbroker will find many resources on how to improve their writing, including editors to review articles, writing tutorials, and videos on how to get the most out of Textbroker.

Earnings per word depend on your quality level. You can earn from $0.07 per word up to $0.50. You choose from thousands of orders available based on your quality level, and there are no additional fees. Textbroker also offers milestone and quarterly bonuses when you achieve different word counts.

Writers, designers, videographers, and other creatives can all find jobs on Skyword . Skyword is a marketplace where you can find jobs and be found by clients. It works with both small and high-profile clients and is a great way to make the jump from lower-paying job sites.

You can’t just sign up for Skyword clients. Fill out a profile and wait until you’re hand-selected for jobs, meaning your profile can sit in Skyword for a long time before you’re submitted to clients or able to view job opportunities. You can increase your chances of being picked by editors by keeping your social media relevant and updated.

5. ClearVoice

ClearVoice connects qualified writers with job opportunities based on the writer’s CV or ClearVoice portfolio. Once you complete your CV, you’ll be able to join ClearVoice’s Talent Network and have your CV sent to prospective clients.

Writers are then handpicked for opportunities based on their CV, so there’s an incentive to create one that stands out. You set your own rates and are paid via PayPal upon assignment approval, so you get the security of going through a marketplace without the fees typically associated with them.

6. Contently

Contently is an online writing agency that connects freelance writers with businesses. Many writers use the site for its free portfolio service, but Contently editors use these portfolios to handpick freelancers for clients.

Many high-profile websites and companies use Contently to source writers, so the jobs pay well. These jobs tend to go to the most experienced candidates, and it can take years for an editor at Contently to refer you to a client. But if you’re patient, Contently can offer lucrative writing opportunities.

Another place experienced freelance writers can find high-paying jobs is on nDash . nDash is a content platform where writers can create a profile and pitch ideas for blogs, articles, and whitepapers to prospective clients.

nDash claims the average writing assignment on its platform pays between $175 to $450. Once an assignment is approved, payment is deposited directly into the writer’s bank account within two to three business days.

It’s a relatively new site so not as many companies are using it, but writers have reported that if you’re willing to pitch more, you’ll make a decent income.

8. SmartBug

SmartBug is a content marketing company specializing in B2B (business to business) marketing and copywriting. Its writers produce content for the web, social media, email, sales pages, and more.

This is a great site for writers who aren’t beginners but may not have the experience or portfolio to compete for jobs with other top writers. There’s no direct way to apply, but you can fill out a general interest application on the website.

9. NewsCred

NewsCred is a community for experienced freelance content creators. In-house editors pair creators with customer programs, but you can also view freelance positions on the platform. Then NewsCred’s editorial team serves as your managing editor for all client work.

You can find high-profile Fortune 500 companies from a variety of industries using NewsCred, the most popular being tech, healthcare, and financial services. There’s currently no button to apply on NewsCred’s website, but you can contact the company via the contact form on its website.

10. The Writer Finder

Growth Machine is an SEO-focused content marketing company with a freelance writing platform called The Writer Finder . Growth Machine works with a variety of clients in AI, travel, wellness, dogs, weddings, and more.

What sets The Writer Finder apart is the Slack group for freelance writers. It lets you communicate with other freelance writers on the team. Rates are competitive, and you’ll also have the chance to learn sought-after SEO skills.

Related: 51 Freelance Jobs Websites with the Best Remote Work Opportunities

Apply for Assignments on the Best Freelance Writing Job Boards

Job boards are easy places for companies to post their jobs. The job board doesn’t vet freelancers, handle payments, or make promises on behalf of clients.

There are some things to be aware of when applying and taking a job from a job board. Because the service is free for writers, you’re competing against thousands of other bloggers for a limited number of jobs.

Job boards are also notorious for phishing scams. “Clients” may ask you to download a zip file of their payment terms or writing guidelines and ask you to invoice them via PayPal. The zip file is actually a keystroke logger allowing them to steal your PayPal credentials. Be careful when applying to jobs on these boards.

11. ProBlogger

The ProBlogger job board is updated daily with blogging and article writing jobs across all subjects.

Businesses have to pay ProBlogger to post their job ad, meaning the writer isn’t paid through ProBlogger. They don’t charge the writer any fees for joining or getting paid.

Another job board filled with many freelance writing opportunities is Indeed . You can find full-time, part-time, and freelance remote writing jobs across all subjects, and because of the vastness of the board, competition isn’t as high compared to others.

You can sign up for job alerts based on your searches. Simply enter your email address and activate emails to see them as soon as they hit the website.

13. MediaBistro

Journalists and anyone else in media will find MediaBistro helpful for finding jobs in the industry. If you’re looking for paid writing jobs in marketing, advertising, television, or news, you can find hundreds of jobs from recognizable names on MediaBistro’s job board.

There are entry-level positions listed, but your best move is to get enough writing experience to make a professional-looking resume before you start applying for jobs on this site.

How to Get Paid to Write (Step by Step) 

Before you apply to get paid for writing, there are a few things you should do to make yourself stand out to potential clients.

1. Choose What to Write About

When you’re writing for money, you might think that only writing about a couple of topics limits your options, but it actually expands them. Sites and companies that pay well don’t want freelancers who write about anything, they want experts in their field. When you stick to a single niche and become known for it, you’ll become a sought-after writer.

Choosing one topic also allows you to scale your business faster. You learn your subject thoroughly, research less, work faster, and can take on more clients. All this leads to being able to earn a higher hourly rate for your work. The key is to pick a profitable niche.

2. Create a Portfolio

There are several ways to create a portfolio. The first is with a blog. Every new writer should have a blog, especially if you don’t have many clips to show potential clients.

Once you choose your niche, write five to ten blog posts on various topics within it. This shows potential clients your writing style, expertise, and gives them a place to contact you.

You can also make money with a blog . One way is to find products and services related to your niche that you like using and see if they have an affiliate program. Then every time someone makes a purchase through your affiliate link, you’ll earn a small commission.

3. Create Profiles on Multiple Sites

Once you’ve written a few articles for other sites or publications, you can create profiles and portfolios on multiple professional freelance writing sites. Clippings.me is a portfolio site for journalists, Contently is used by many web-based content writers, and LinkedIn is a go-to place for businesses looking for expert writers.

Having a presence on a few different sites makes it easier for clients to find you and your work. They may also learn personal facts about you that give you an edge over other writers so don’t underestimate including things like your alma mater, pets, and hobbies.

4. Post on Social Media

Building a social media presence around your niche can also put you ahead for freelance writing jobs. Twitter is most popular for journalists and print publications while Instagram is becoming a popular place for e-commerce businesses to find writers.

You don’t have to make another social media account just for your writing. Post facts, breaking news, advice, and stories related to your niche and tag them with relevant hashtags. It’ll help brands find you, and it can further reinforce to potential clients that you’re knowledgeable and stay current about the topics you write about.

Related: How to Become a Social Media Manager

5. Accept Smaller Jobs While Building Your Reputation

While you’re building your portfolio and expertise in your niche, you’ll have to be willing to accept lower-paid writing jobs. Think of them as practice that you’re getting paid to do. The more organizations, editors, and platforms you work with now, the more you’ll be able to impress high-paying clients in the future.

You can also pitch websites to guest post. You won’t get paid to write guest posts, but you may be able to add links to your blog posts in your article. This will help your posts rank higher in Google, and potential clients may be able to find you through simple Google searches.

Related: How to Get Paid to Write Reviews

 6. Learn to Network

You can start freelance writing on your own, but if you want to build a business and make a living writing, you need a network of other writers. Your network should be filled with writers and editors in your niche who are a little ahead of you and a little behind you in the journey.

Your network can also help you find sources for stories, give you feedback on pitches, advise you on rates to charge, and help you to feel like you’re not alone in this often isolating industry.

Related: How to Make More Money as a Freelance Writer

Resources on How to Get Paid as a Writer

When you’re running your freelance writing business, you’ll want to have some resources to make it easier to write and get paid.

Freelance Writer’s Den

Started by veteran freelance writer Carol Tice, the Freelance Writer’s Den is a membership site just for freelance writers. You have access to over 300 hours of freelance writing education including eCourses, webinars, and podcasts.

There’s also a forum for networking with other writers and a job board with new writing jobs posted every Monday and Thursday, all with a minimum rate of $50 per article.

Membership for the Freelance Writer’s Den only opens twice a year. If you’re interested in joining, sign up for the waitlist to be notified.

Get Paid to Write for Blogs (Course)

This is a course geared towards new freelance writers that was created by Cat Alford (who, coincidentally, has been a freelance writer on DollarSprout in the past).

The course features eight video modules covering beginner-level lessons, including how to create a portfolio that will attract high-value clients. The course also covers everything you need to know about running the business side of things. 

Related: The Best Online Writing Courses for New Freelance Writers

Getting Paid to Write is Possible

You can get paid to write in any field at any level. Like any business, it’s difficult to get started.

However, if you work your way through the many content marketing agencies and job boards, you’ll be able to find steady work and grow your business.

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• Write Personal Essays and Get Paid: 16 Markets for Freelancers

1. The Alpinist

2. brain, child , 3. the bold italic, 4. bugle magazine, 5. buzzfeed, 6. christian science monitor: home forum, 7. dame magazine, 8. the establishment, 9. extra crispy, 10. motherwell , 11. narratively, 12. new york times – modern love, 13. the penny hoarder, 15. the smart set, 16. vox first person, get paid to write personal essays: what you need to know.

It’s the romantic version of being a freelance writer.

Take a vacation, and write about your adventures. Survive your toddler’s terrible-twos and share your advice. Dabble in online dating and tell others the good, the bad, and the ugly about your experience.

Sounds pretty good, right?

If you have a unique perspective, experience, thoughts, or advice from your side of the fence, you can get paid to write personal essays…in just about any niche.

But you need to know where to look when learning how to make money writing , and how to pitch an editor when you do. Note: There are still plenty of opportunities to write personal essays, but not all are well-paying assignments.

Want to find freelance writing jobs ? Check out these 16 markets for places to get paid to write personal essays:

Are you an experienced mountain climber or new to the sport? Are you on a mission to bag as many peaks around the world as possible? Know a climbing destination every serious adventurer needs to visit? The Alpinist wants to hear from you. Pitch an idea for a personal essay to Senior Editor Katie Ives for The Climbing Life or Off Belay.

Rate: Pays $0.25/word for 250 to 500-word essays.

When writer Penne Richards lost her daughter in a car accident, she struggled to deal with the loss.  Writing about the difficult experience for Brain, Child , proved to be a powerful way to help her grieve. Not every essay in this magazine covers such heavy-hitting topics. But it is a place where you can write long-form essays on a wide range of subjects and topics. Send your pitch to editor and publisher Marcelle Soviero .

Rate: Pays $300 for 1,500 to 4,500-word essays.

Live in San Francisco, or have a connection to The City By the Bay that’s changed the way you see the world? The Bold Italic Editor-in-Chief Keith Spencer  wants to hear from you. This online magazine has published personal essays on the gig economy, online dating, mental illness, and many other topics with a San Francisco angle.

Rate: $50 per essay

If you want to write personal essays about elk hunting, land-use issues, conservation, wildlife management and exploring the Rocky Mountains, pitch an idea Bugle Magazine  Assistant Editor Kasey Rahn . Here’s the catch, the section where you’re most likely to land an assignment is for the “Women in Outdoors” column. Submit a pitch or send a personal essay on spec for review.

Rate: Pays $0.20/word for 1,000 to 3,000-word essays.

Looking to score some serious exposure? Write a personal essay for the popular site Buzzfeed, which gets an estimated 168 million unique visitors per month. Pick a topic and tell readers about what you know, what you’ve learned, or share your point of view. “Whatever that experience is, it should offer insight into an ongoing and relevant cultural conversation for readers,” says BuzzFeed Editor Rachel Sanders.

Rate: Pays an estimated $0.13 to $0.27 per word.

Mark Sappenfield was promoted to editor at The   Christian Science Monitor earlier this year, after a decade of writing for this well-known publication. He says “The Home Forum” section is the best place to pitch personal essays, which can cover a wide range of topics.  Current interests for essay topics include travel, parenting, home, family, gardening, neighborhood, and community. Submit completed essays for consideration.

Rate:  Pays $75 to $150 for 400 to 800-word essays.

This edgy women’s magazine likes to push the envelope with witty, irreverent, and provocative content, which includes personal essays. “ Our objective is to move the conversation forward around trending and topical subjects most relevant to women-that is, when we’re not starting the conversation,” says Dame Magazine Editor  Kera Bolonik . Query first, before submitting a completed essay.

Rate:  Pays an estimated $0.13/word.

This online magazine run by women has a lot in common with  Dame Magazine . It’s edgy, quirky, and was created to provide a place for people to share their ideas. Need a dose of inspiration? Check out the recent essay written by Rachel McCarthy James: Can you make Donald Trump resign from your nightmares?  Have an essay idea? Reach out to The Establishment Editor Nikki Gloudeman.

Rate:  Pays $125 per 800 to 1,500-word essays.

Your mother always told you not to skip breakfast. This is why: You can get paid to write about it. Extra Crispy is all about what people eat for breakfast. Recipes are a must, along with the story that goes with them. But it has to be smart, fun, weird, or have a fresh angle on the typical breakfast, says Extra Crispy Editor Ryan Grim.

Rate: Pays an estimated $0.47/word for 800 to 1,000-word essays.

Not everybody experiences parenting the same way. And not everybody has the same opinions on raising kids. And that’s why Randi Olin and Lauren Apfel created Motherwell magazine. “We’re looking for evocative first-person narratives that have a unique focus, or take a novel angle, on a slice of the parenting experience,” says Olin. Submit completed essays up to 1,200 words for consideration.

Rate:  Pays $50 for up to 1,200-word essays.

If you want to get paid to write a personal essay for Narratively, you need to have a story to tell that offers readers a glimpse into whatever makes your life different, interesting, or even abnormal. Like lawyer Amy Bond’s recent essay, “ Twitter trolls outed my porn star past. So I embraced it. ” Be sure your essay includes a “takeaway” or lesson for readers. Submit a pitch or completed essay for consideration.

Rate: Pays $200-300 for 2,000 – 2,500-word essays.

Think writing for  The New York Times is out of reach? Think again. You don’t have to be an established writer to land an assignment to write for the Modern Love column. You just need to have something fresh to say about relationships, marriage, dating, and parenthood. For more on how to break into this market, check out the advice from Modern Love editor Daniel Jones .

Rate:  Pays $300 per 1,500 to 1,700 word essays.

This frugal-living, money-saving website covers a wide range of topics meant to provide people with practice ways to earn and save money. Pitch an idea to The Penny Hoarder Editor Alexis Grant  and find an angle for an evergreen topic.

Rate: Pays an estimated $0.08/word for 700 to 900 word essays. Negotiable.

Working on the next great American novel? Writing a non-fiction book? Or wondering where you can publish poetry? There aren’t a lot of markets for this type of essay writing. But Slice magazine, created by Maria Gagliano and Celia Johnson , happens to be one of them.  “We’re looking for anyone with a fresh voice and a compelling story to share-basically any work that really knocks our socks off,” says Gagliano.  “We simply look for works by writers who promise to become tomorrow’s literary legends.”

Rate: Pays $250 for essays up to 5,000 words.

Magazines were a different breed in the early 1900s when H.L. Mencken and George Nathan published the literary magazine  The Smart Set. And while the magazine folded in 1930, it’s literary focus on covering culture, arts, science, and world affairs wasn’t forgotten. The magazine was reincarnated at Drexel University in Pennsylvania and publishes personal essays on a wide range of topics.

Rate:  Pays an estimated $0.07/word for 1,000 to 3,000-word essays.

If you have a great story to tell that helps explain an important issue, Vox First Person Editor Eleanor Barkhorn wants to hear from you.  This online magazine wants  thoughtful, in-depth, provocative and personal narratives on politics, culture, science, health, and world views with a fresh perspective.

Rate: Pays an estimated $0.19 to $0.41/word for 1,200 to 3,000-word essays.

Every publication is going to have slightly different guidelines for writing personal essays.

For magazines , a nalyze your favorite pub, and you’ll likely find a personal essay among the pages. Study those. Then check Writers Market for submission guidelines (which usually requires submitting a completed essay instead of a pitch).

For blogs and other outlets , study examples of past essays, and read the guidelines, which you can usually find online. While most editors want a complete draft of a personal essay, instead of a pitch, that’s not the case for every publication.

Obviously personal essays are going to focus on something from your own life experience. But you need to find a way to bring it back to the reader, make it relevant to their own life, and give them some kind of take-away message.

Keep that in mind, and you’ll be able to land gigs and get paid to write personal essays.

Know of other markets to get paid to write personal essays?

Erica Verrillo writes about the business of freelance writing on her blog. She is also the author of the “Phoenix Rising” trilogy novels and “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Treatment Guide.”

Note: It came to our attention after publication that some content in this post had been previously published. We have double-checked and confirmed that the information is still current.

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Writing Essays for Money: A Guide for Aspiring Freelance Writers

Table of Contents

Are you looking to make money from your writing skills? One of the most popular—and increasingly in-demand—ways to do so is by writing essays for money. With online writing services on the rise and more students and professionals turning to them for help with their work, there has never been a better time to become a freelance essay writer. But before you jump into this career path, it’s important to understand what it entails—including the challenges and ethical considerations. 

The Essay Writing Market: An Overview 

The essay writing market is a unique and ever-growing sector. As students, professors, and professionals alike become increasingly aware of the range of online services, so does the demand for these services.

In this section, we’ll look at the different types of online writing services, discuss the demand for academic writing services, outline the demographics of people who use these services, and explain the factors that drive the demand for essay writing services. 

Types of Writing Services Available Online 

There are many different varieties of online essay-writing services available today. These include custom essay writing services (where a customer can provide specific instructions and have a paper written specifically to their needs), editing/proofreading services (for those who need help with formatting or spelling/grammatical errors in an existing document), research paper writing services (which provide essays based on individual research topics), copywriting or rewriting services (where customers can submit existing documents which will then be rewritten for them), and resume/CV writing service (which provide job seekers with tailored resumes or CVs). 

Demand for Academic Writing Services 

The demand for academic writing has grown considerably over the past decade as students have become more aware of the availability of such services. This is especially true among college students seeking assistance with their coursework.

In addition to students, there is also growing demand from professionals looking to outsource their written assignments due to lack of time or expertise. As a result, this market has seen exponential growth over recent years. 

Demographics of People Who Use These Services 

The demographic makeup of those using essay writing services is quite varied. On one hand, you have college and university students who turn to these companies when they need help with their coursework; on the other hand, there are also professionals from all walks of life who are looking to outsource their written assignments due to a lack of time or expertise.

Most customers tend to be from countries where English is not their first language; however, there has been an increasing number of US-based customers over recent years. 

Factors that Drive Demand for Essay Writing Services 

One major factor driving demand for these types of essay-writing services is convenience – customers can easily find what they need without having to do all the work themselves.

Additionally, many customers feel more comfortable entrusting their assignment with a company than tackling it alone due to a lack of knowledge or experience in certain subject areas. Finally, affordability plays an important role in this market – customers want quality work but at affordable prices, which many companies are able to offer them through competitive pricing models and discounts. 

With so many different types available, ranging from custom essay writing to resume/CV service providers, it’s easy to see why this industry continues to expand each year as more people realize just how convenient it can be when they need help with written assignments!

Writing Essays for Money: A Path to Both Flexibility and Financial Security 

Are you looking for a way to make money that provides you with both flexibility and financial security? Writing essays for money may be the perfect job opportunity for you. This blog post will explore the pros of writing essays for money and how it can help you reach your career goals. 

Flexibility in Work Schedule 

One of the biggest advantages of writing essays for money is that it allows you to work when and where it’s convenient. Since you’re working remotely, there’s no need to worry about commuting or taking time off from a traditional job.

You can write essays whenever it suits your schedule, whether early in the morning, late at night, or even on weekends. Plus, being able to work from anywhere means that you don’t have to be tied down to one location; if you want to take a vacation or travel for any other reason, all you have to do is pack up your laptop and go! 

Ability to Earn a High Income 

Another great advantage of writing essays for money is that it allows you to earn a very good income. Depending on how much experience and expertise you bring to the table and how much demand there is in your chosen field, you can significantly increase your earning potential.

Plus, since most projects are paid per word or page written (or sometimes both), it is easy to track your income and ensure that you’re getting paid what you deserve. 

Opportunities for Professional Growth 

Finally, writing essays for money can also provide great professional growth opportunities. As an essay writer, you will be expanding your knowledge base through research and practice and working with new clients from various backgrounds who might have different perspectives on certain topics.

You’ll also get exposure to different writing styles, which can help improve the quality of your own work over time. And if the client has requested revisions on their project, this is another chance for you to hone your skills while still getting paid!  

By taking advantage of this unique job opportunity now, you will be able to open up new doors professionally and financially secure yourself in the process. Thanks so much for reading!

Making Money Writing Essays: The Pros and Cons 

Making money by writing essays sounds like a great way to earn an income. It can be an enjoyable, flexible job with the potential for a good return on your investment. But is it really worth it? Let’s look at the pros and cons of writing essays for money so that you can decide whether this type of work is right for you. 

Unclear Ethical Considerations 

When you write essays for money, you must consider whether this type of work is ethically sound. It can be difficult to decide whether or not you are doing something wrong by helping someone else cheat their way through school.

At the same time, some argue that if students are willing to pay for essays, why should they be prevented from doing so? Ultimately, it’s up to each writer to decide if they are comfortable writing essays for money. 

Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty 

One of the most serious issues associated with writing essays for money is the potential for plagiarism and academic dishonesty. When students turn in work that isn’t their own, they lie about their capabilities and cheat themselves out of learning experiences.

This can lead to serious consequences such as expulsion or loss of scholarship opportunities. As a writer, it’s important to ensure that all papers are written from scratch to avoid potential plagiarism or dishonesty problems. 

Pressure To Meet Tight Deadlines & Produce High-Quality Work 

Another drawback of writing essays for money is the pressure writers face when it comes to meeting tight deadlines and producing high-quality work on short notice. While some writers may thrive under such intense conditions, others may find them overwhelming and stressful.

If deadlines and high-pressure situations aren’t something you feel you can handle consistently, then this type of work may not be right for you. 

Possibility Of Dealing With Difficult Clients

Although there are many benefits associated with working as an essay writer, there is also the possibility that some clients may be difficult or unresponsive when it comes time to pay up or provide feedback on a project.

In these cases, it pays to take proactive measures such as setting clear expectations upfront to avoid any misunderstandings. Additionally, having a strong contract in place can help protect both parties in case something goes wrong during the course of a project.                  

Ultimately, only you can decide if this type of work suits your lifestyle; however, understanding both sides will help inform your decision-making process before committing one way or another!

How to Write Essays for Money with Confidence 

Writing essays for money can be a rewarding and lucrative way to make a living. When you take on the challenge of writing essays for money, you take on the responsibility of delivering quality work that will satisfy your client’s needs. You should keep certain best practices in mind to ensure success in this endeavor. Let’s explore four key areas for success in writing essays for money. 

Ethical Considerations and Avoiding Plagiarism 

As a writer being paid to write essays, you must understand how important ethics are in any professional venture. As a paid writer, your job is to write words and create original ideas and content that reflects your client’s unique perspective.

You must avoid plagiarizing other people’s work at all costs, even if it means taking extra time or research to gather the information needed to complete an essay assignment. Not only is plagiarism illegal and unethical, but it can also ruin your reputation as a writer if discovered by your clients! 

Time Management and Staying Organized 

Time management skills are essential when writing essays for money because oftentimes, deadlines must be met quickly and efficiently.

That said, good time management skills should never come at the expense of quality work. So you must have systems that help you stay organized and plan ahead for any potential roadblocks or problems you may face while completing projects on time.

One great way to do this is by creating lists of tasks that need completing and breaking them down into smaller chunks so they can be completed quickly without sacrificing quality or accuracy. 

Maintaining Quality While Meeting Tight Deadlines 

When writing essays for money, meeting tight deadlines while still creating quality work can seem daunting; however, there are ways around this problem!

By researching topics thoroughly before beginning an essay assignment – such as gathering facts, relevant quotes, or statistics –you will save time during the actual writing process since much of the material will already be gathered beforehand.

Additionally, having someone else proofread your work before submitting it can also help catch errors or typos before they become issues with your client! Lastly, always make sure to double-check all sources cited within the essay against the original source material (if available), so accuracy remains paramount throughout the entire project from start to finish.  

Building a Positive Relationship With Clients 

Writing essays for money requires more than technical know-how; it also requires maintaining positive relationships with clients over time so they can trust your abilities as a reliable writer who consistently produces high-quality work.

To build strong working relationships with clients over time, stay communicative throughout each project—from initial contact through completion—and provide regular updates whenever necessary so everyone stays on track toward meeting deadlines without sacrificing the quality of output in the process.

Additionally, having open lines of communication allows both parties involved in an essay assignment to discuss any revisions or changes needed before submitting final drafts, which helps ensure total satisfaction with each project! 

Where to Write Essays to Make Money

Writing essays for money is a great way to make extra income. Many websites offer freelance writing services where you can write essays and other types of content for clients who need them. You can also find opportunities to write essays for money on job boards and freelance marketplaces. Before taking on any project, it is important to research the client and make sure they are legitimate.

Are you looking for places to sell essays?

Here are 10 great options:

• Fiverr : Fiverr is a great platform for freelancers to offer their services, including essay writing.
• Upwork : Upwork is another popular freelance platform where you can find clients who need essays written.
• Guru : Guru is a freelance marketplace that connects businesses with professionals, including those who write essays.
• Freelancer : Freelancer is an online job board that allows freelancers to bid on jobs, including essay writing projects.
• PeoplePerHour : PeoplePerHour is a website where freelancers can find work, including essay writing jobs.
• iWriter : iWriter is a content creation platform that allows writers to create and sell essays online.
• Textbroker : Textbroker is an online marketplace for writers to create and sell content, including essays and other academic papers
• EssayShark : EssayShark is an online platform where students can get help with their essays from professional writers
• StudySolver : StudySolver offers students the opportunity to get help with their essays from experienced writers
• WritersDepartment : WritersDepartment provides freelance writers with the opportunity to write and sell essays online

Finding legitimate freelance essay writing jobs can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of websites that offer opportunities for writers to find work and make money.

The future of the market for online writing services is looking bright. With more businesses and individuals turning to the internet for their content needs, the demand for quality writers will only increase. As technology continues to advance, so will the opportunities available to freelance writers willing to put in the time and effort necessary to create high-quality essays for money.

Therefore, if you want to make some extra cash with your writing skills, consider joining the growing market of freelance essay writers who are seeing success and making money through their work!

What Does It Mean To Take Inspired Action?

Is writing for a living possible exploring the reality.

When it comes to writing, Willow Tenny is a true pro. She has a wealth of experience in SEO copywriting and creative writing, and she knows exactly what it takes to produce quality content. On her blog, Willow Writes, Willow shares top writing strategies with both beginners and experienced writers.

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29 easy ways to make money writing online in 2023

Good news: there are a LOT of different options when it comes to paid online writing. No matter your interests or areas of expertise, if you’re ready to bring in some extra cash, opportunities are waiting for you.

Whether you want to write an occasional article for extra spending money or dedicate your free time to running a blog so you can one day quit your day job and become a freelance writer for hire , we’ll show you 30 easy ways to make money writing online in 2023 and everything you need to know to get paid for your writing skills.

1. Start a blog

Blogging is a tried-and-true method for writers to make money online. You may be wondering if it’s still possible for new bloggers to make money with all the established blogs already online, and the answer is YES.

Blogging requires dedication and consistency, and it will also take some time for your blog to gain momentum before you see much income, but it is absolutely possible.

The first step to starting a blog is picking your niche. This is the topic you’ll write about. It’s good to get specific here; there are many blogs on the internet, so if you can provide a unique perspective, your readers are more likely to stick around.

Next, you’ll need to pick your domain, design your blog, and get it all set up. There are a ton of great resources out there to help you with this (just remember you get what you pay for: while there are free blog hosting sites and free templates, top bloggers agree that you’ll need to spend a little money upfront if you want to make money writing in the long run).

Once you’ve got your blog established, remember to post regularly, promote your posts on social media, and engage with your readers. No blog has ever been an overnight success, but you can make good money from blogging with a little time and consistency.

2. Create blog posts (for others)

If you’re not quite ready to start your own blog, you can always dip your toes in the water by guest blogging. Many bloggers hire other bloggers to create content, and a lot of companies will hire freelance writers to contribute to the blog section of their website.

If you decide to go this route, make sure to do your research beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the blog you’re writing for, so you can match the tone and blend in with the existing content.

Bloggers who publish daily get 57% better results than those who publish multiple times per week. - Semrush

3. Establish a niche website

If you have an interest or expertise in a particular niche, you can start a website dedicated to it. This gives you all the creative control of running your own blog without the pressure of regular posting. (Although you will need to update your website regularly to keep it fresh and make sure it reaches full potential.)

4. Self-Publish a book

There are self-publishing options for every type of book, from short instructional guides to romance novels to nonfiction tomes. If you’ve written a book and you’re unsure what your next step should be, why not consider self-publishing?

Publishing your own book is an incredibly rewarding experience, as you have control over every step of the process. This can be a double-edged sword, however. After starting down the path to self-publication, many authors realize that while they love writing, they don’t love obsessing over font and margin options or negotiating with cover artists.

And even if you use a free service, such as Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing , you’ll need to spend money on editing, cover design, marketing, and advertising.

The hope is that you would make that money back from your book sales, but there are no guarantees. But if you play your cards right, it’s possible to turn a profit from your self-published book.

5. Create affiliate content

Ever notice how almost every food blogger includes Amazon links to their favorite ingredients and cookware? Or maybe you found an article on Pinterest listing an outdoor enthusiast’s essential camping gear.

These are both examples of affiliate content, where you (the affiliate) partner with a company to drive traffic to their website and earn commissions on any resulting sales. Affiliate marketing content is an excellent way to generate passive income on your blog or website.

It takes a little strategizing, but once you develop a plan and implement your affiliate content, you can make money while you sleep .

6. Write scripts for video creators

If you understand scriptwriting’s technicalities, you can bring in money by partnering with a video creator. It’s pretty common for video creators to have great screen presence—but not-so-great writing skills, so there are plenty of gigs to be had in this field.

Video content is exploding in popularity, so now is a great time to get your foot in the door and add some script-writing experience to your resume. These gigs are often posted on job boards , and you can also take the initiative and reach out to some content creators whose work you enjoy to see if they could use a hand with scriptwriting.

"60% of businesses use video as a marketing tool." - Biteable

7. Write show notes for podcasts

Show notes are a written online resource for podcast listeners that accompany each episode of a podcast. Every podcast approaches show notes a little differently, but typically, they are brief, easy-to-scan episode summaries that often include additional relevant resources. You can find work writing show notes on job boards, or send cold pitches out to podcasters you would like to work with as a freelance writer.

8. Create written content for social media

Large companies typically have a marketer (or a team of them) dedicated to keeping their social media running smoothly. But smaller businesses often can’t hire a full-time employee to manage their social media presence. Freelancers are the ideal solution, and are a win-win for everyone.

Think about your favorite local ice cream parlor, gift shop, or espresso stand, and do a little digging into their social media presence. If you notice that they haven’t posted anything in months or that they struggle with creating high-quality, engaging content, then you just found an excellent opportunity to pitch your writing services.

There’s no need to bash them or focus too much on their social media mistakes , but you can start a polite and friendly conversation where you mention that you noticed room for improvement. Try to emphasize what they stand to gain from working with you and how much potential you see in their social media presence.

Before you pitch your social media writing services, make sure you do your research on fair pricing and know which services you want to offer at what rates. If a business owner shows interest in working with you, the last thing you want to do is keep them waiting while you iron out details you could already have had in place.

9. Produce content for local businesses

While you’re talking to small, local business owners about their social media content, don’t forget the other services you can provide as well.

Maybe a local business could use your help with the occasional blog post, copy for their website, or informational materials like brochures and pamphlets. If you need a list of local businesses, consider joining your local chamber of commerce. Their events can be an effective way to network with other local business owners.

10. Submit magazine articles

Do you have a juicy story from your personal life that your friends love hearing over and over again, or a political perspective that incites the “mind-blown” emoji from every person you share it with? Write it down and turn it into a magazine article to make money.

The magazine industry may not be as prominent as it once was, but it is still going strong , and plenty of freelance writers are getting paid to write magazine articles. Some magazines pay upwards of $500 per article.

Do a little research to find the magazines that would be the best fit for your article, and make sure they haven’t published anything too similar in the recent past.

This is also a good time to find the magazine’s submission guidelines—make sure you follow their instructions carefully, so you have a better chance of getting accepted.

11. Create an information product

If you’re an expert at something, you can monetize that knowledge by creating and selling informational products. This can be an ebook, a video, a short PDF, or any electronic format sharing your insights. Don’t be afraid to get creative here!

Online information products are an excellent way to generate revenue because there are little to no overhead costs involved. You don’t need to worry about packing and shipping a physical product, nor do you need to be involved in the transactions once you handle the initial logistics of making your product available.

The most important thing is to make sure you’re providing a high-quality product with valuable tips and tricks that your customers won’t be able to find elsewhere. If your customers love what they learn from you, they’re much more likely to pay for other products you offer and recommend your business to their friends.

12. Ghostwrite online content

Want to know a secret?

When you see a byline on an online article or blog post, there’s a pretty good chance that the named author didn’t actually write that content. Ghostwriting is not just for celebrity autobiographies; a lot of blogs and websites hire ghostwriters, too.

If you’re okay with taking home the paycheck but not seeing your name on the byline, seek out ghostwriting gigs. These jobs often command rates of 30% to 50% more than bylined work because they aren’t pieces you can add to your portfolio or claim responsibility for.

13. Write video game guidebooks

Streaming your gameplay isn’t the only way for gamers to make money online. If you know a video game inside and out, consider writing a guidebook for it and selling it as a PDF.

If you don’t want to handle the logistics of selling your own product, you can always write freelance articles and guides for video game websites and magazines.

"In 2019, the gaming industry has generated total revenue of $151.9 billion." - Review42

14. Create destination guides

Whether you love to travel or are the go-to person for the best spots to visit in your hometown, you can turn your knowledge into a profitable destination guide. This can be an extensive information product that you sell on your blog or website, or you can pitch it to a travel magazine or blog accepting these types of publications.

15. Write poetry

Poetry may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about making money writing online, but it’s possible to turn a profit off of your poems. There are several places you can submit your poetry online for publication, and if your piece is selected, you’ll get a paycheck on top of bragging rights. Here are some of the top-paying online poetry publishers:

• The Sun Magazine : Pays $100-$250
• Poetry Foundation : Pays $300+
• Boulevard Magazine : Pays $50-$250
• Crazyhorse : Pays $20-$200
• EPOCH : Pays a minimum of $50 per poem

16. Transcribe documents

Transcribing is flexible work that can pay very well once you have some quality pieces in your portfolio. High-paying transcription jobs often require experience, special equipment, and specialized medical or legal knowledge.

But don’t let that discourage you if you think you’d enjoy the work. You can quickly get your foot in the door by taking on a few simple, lower-paying gigs. Check out these reputable transcribing sites to learn more:

• TranscribeMe

17. Write personal essays

If you have interesting life stories, the world wants to hear them. Lots of websites pay you for the right to publish your personal essays. Further below, you’ll find some publications to pitch.

You could also turn your essays into a blog or website, although you should be very strategic if you decide to go this route; blogs dedicated to niches tend to perform exceptionally well, while personal perspective blogs do not.

18. Create greeting card sayings

Someone has to write the sayings and poems on greeting cards. Frequently, that someone is a freelance writer. If you think you have what it takes to create a best-selling greeting card, these companies that pay for greeting card verse submissions:

• Oatmeal Studios
• Blue Mountain Arts

19. Write product descriptions

Some companies pay quite well to ensure that the product descriptions on their websites are clear and informative. Look for these gigs on job boards or pitch the company yourself. There are even websites you can join, such as Crowd Content , that pay you to write product descriptions for their clients. You can also find possible clients for this on sites like Upwork .

20. Start copywriting

Copywriting can refer to any writing that is specifically used for promotion and marketing. This can include content on websites, video scripts, blog posts, emails—you name it.

Businesses use copy to promote a product or service and drive the reader to action. Some companies hire freelance copywriters, some hire copywriters from marketing agencies that work with multiple companies, and some have staff copywriters. You can find copywriting work on job boards of all kinds, including Indeed and Zip Recruiter.

21. Create email sequences

An email sequence is a series of automated emails sent from a business to its clients at different sales cycle stages. Companies also send out email sequences when someone takes a specific action (or lack of action), such as clicking a link in an email or leaving an e-commerce site with items still in the shopping cart.

If you have a strong understanding of email marketing tactics, you can work with any company to create or improve their email sequences. Since more companies are getting into email marketing , there is plenty of opportunities to make money writing here.

Nearly 90% of marketers use email marketing to distribute content organically. - Content Marketing Institute

22. Write technical manuals

Technical writing is a lucrative field because it requires extensive knowledge of the industry you’re writing for. Technical writers need to know how to take complex information and break it down into simple, easy-to-understand messages.

23. Post on a revenue sharing site

Revenue sharing sites host your content and give you a percentage of the ad revenue generated from the page in exchange. This can be a great way to gain experience writing online , since you don’t have to worry about setting up your own website or driving traffic—although you should do everything you can to market your work and encourage people to read your work on revenue sharing sites.

Here are some examples of revenue sharing sites where you can get paid to write articles:

24. Enter a writing contest

Keep an eye out for writing contests, and throw your hat in the ring when you can. This one is a bit of a gamble because only the winners get paid, but it could well be worthwhile.

Some contests pay their winners surprisingly well, and winning can also be a great way to gain exposure as a writer. So if you have the time, why not give it a shot?

Here are a few reputable contests to get you started:

• Reedsy lists over 100 writing contests
• Biopage’s Storytelling Contest pays $100 to $300 for winning short stories.

25. Write resumes

If you have a knack for creating effective resumes, you can find freelance work writing resumes for job hunters. Check job boards for resume writing gigs, and spread the word through social media that you are accepting clients for resume makeovers.

As a similar way to get paid to write, you can also specialize in LinkedIn profiles. Many professionals are willing to pay for an optimized profile that can help them land work.

26. Write and sell songs

Do you love writing music? You can sell your songwriting services online with the help of these websites:

• Nashville Songwriters Association

27. Review books

Calling all readers! Did you know you can get paid to review books? If you can read quickly and write engaging, objective reviews, this could be an excellent way to earn some extra money.

Here are some companies that accept applications for book reviewers:

• Reedsy Discovery
• Online Book Club

28. Do SEO writing

SEO writers are some of the best-paid freelance writers because they provide the most value to their clients. These specialized writers know plenty of SEO tips, including researching keywords and integrating them into websites to make them rank higher in search results.

Semrush lists seven SEO Certification courses that you can take if you want to learn more about SEO, some of which are free.

29. Write sponsored content

If you have a blog, writing sponsored content is a no-brainer. Simply put, sponsored content is anything that a company pays you to write and publish on your blog.

There are tons of options for companies you can work with, and some creative ways to write sponsored content that doesn’t feel like advertising. Check out these trusted sponsored post networks you can join to find paid blogging opportunities:

• Blog Meets Brand

How can you find paid writing opportunities online?

There are several ways to find legitimate opportunities to make money writing online. The links provided in the above examples are an excellent start, and we have even more ideas for you below.

Cold pitching companies you want to work for

As a freelance writer, one of the most critical skills for you to develop is learning how to cold pitch your services. This is where you send unsolicited emails to companies or individuals to offer your writing services.

Since the people you’re approaching didn’t ask for your help, it’s normal to get many nos. But there’s also a chance that the business does need your services, and you’ll never know unless you ask.

Searching online job boards

Online job boards are a great resource for finding any work, freelance writing gigs included. Here are a few of our favorite reputable job boards. You’ll find some free ones and others that you’ll need to pay to access:

• Freelancing Females
• Freelance Writers Den
• Blogging Pro

Pitching bloggers who accept guest posts

When you’re looking at blogs, take note of the ones that include guest blogging articles. Use your cold pitching skills and email the author to offer your guest writing services.

Bloggers are typically very busy people, and they’re often grateful for the opportunity to outsource some of their work. Not all bloggers can afford to pay their guest bloggers, so it’s up to you if you want to accept free work or not.

Sometimes the new connection and link to a published article that you can add to your portfolio are worth it, but only you can decide.

Searching on social media

It’s becoming more common for companies to turn to social media to find writers to hire. The next time you’re scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, take a moment to check out these hashtags:

• #needwriters
• #hiringwriters
• #writerswanted
• #writersneeded
• #bloggerswanted

Then read through the listings and see what catches your interest. You can often find opportunities in a variety of niches this way.

Submitting queries to publications

If there’s a magazine or website you love, check and see if they accept submissions from freelance writers. See further below for tips on finding a publication to pitch.

Networking with other freelance writers

Keeping in touch with your writer acquaintances is always a good idea. Don’t be afraid to mention that you’re always looking for new writing jobs—the next time they get an offer that they’re too busy for, they may just pass your name along.

You can connect with other writers on social media or at in-person events. Work on keeping your working relationship positive, and you never know when you’ll see a referral coming your way.

Pro tip:Search for freelance writer groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social platforms.

Posting on social media

If you don’t already have social media accounts strictly dedicated to your writing business, don’t waste any time in getting them established. Social media is a fantastic resource to find paid writing opportunities; the occasional post announcing that you’re accepting new clients can do wonders for your business. Don’t forget to encourage your followers to share your posts. Someone in your network may know someone who is searching for a writer.

Creating a website to share your services

Setting up a website to help advertise your writing services is a great way to appear more professional to prospective clients. You can share a link to your website whenever you apply for a gig or cold pitch your services.

Here are some essential elements to include:

• Your resume
• A professional photo of yourself
• Links to any published writings of your own
• Sample articles
• A list of services you provide
• Testimonials from past clients
• Your contact information or even a contact form so potential clients can email you directly from your site

Searching on Craigslist in major cities

Craigslist often has paid writing opportunities, so don’t overlook this resource. Remember to search other locations outside of your own city, too. Check the listings for major metropolitan areas, where people post the majority of jobs. Here are five cities you should check regularly:

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco

Another tip to help you find assignments on this website - writing jobs on Craigslist are sometimes posted under “Gigs” and sometimes under “Jobs,” so be sure to check both sections.

Asking past freelance writing clients if they have more work for you

As mentioned earlier, networking is essential. Keeping in touch with your past clients is equally important. There’s no need to hound them, but don’t be afraid to check in periodically and see if there’s anything else they need help with.

Where can you submit your writing online for money?

When deciding where to submit your writing, you want to make sure that the publication will pay its authors and that it fits well with your preferred writing style. Here are a few possibilities for you to check out, organized by niche.

If you prefer writing personal essays, you’re in luck. Here are five sites that might pay you for your essays:

The Bold Italic

Can you write a personal essay about the spirit of San Francisco that will make readers laugh or cry? If yes, submit it to The Bold Italic . The editors will review it and make a decision. If it’s published, you’ll get $50.

Buzzfeed Reader

If you want your personal essay to be read by the masses, you’ve got to pitch the editors over at Buzzfeed Reader . It pays competitive rates for essays about nearly any fresh idea.

The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco pays for dynamic personal essays written by blind or visually impaired writers. It will occasionally publish pieces written by writers outside of this category. The editors enjoy working collaboratively with you on the piece, and pay $100 upon publication.

If you can write a unique personal essay with a strong voice, the editors at Dame want you to send a pitch. A published essay will earn you about $150, though you’ll finalize payment details throughout the submission process.

Business, career, and finance

The penny hoarder.

This popular website is a great place to pitch if you have a laid-back writing style and unique tips about earning or saving money. The Penny Hoarder gives detailed pitch directions and provides a form you can fill out, making the whole process as simple as possible. If your pitch is accepted, an editor will discuss payment with you at that time.

Doctor of Credit

Do you have a strong understanding of consumer credit law? Have you found a unique credit card from a small issuer? Doctor of Credit is a great blog that may publish a guest post if you have niche financial knowledge to share. They pay $50 per post.

Income Diary

This website is all about making money online, from blog design to content creation to entrepreneurship and a success mindset. Income Diary pays up to $200 for an article on these topics.

Freelance Mom

If you know how to balance being your own boss and being an awesome mom, Freelance Mom wants to hear from you. You can earn between $75 and $100 on articles between 900 to 1,500 words.

Family and parenting

Pregnant chicken.

This fun and informative website features pregnancy tips and stories about pregnancy, childbirth, and being a new parent. Pregnant Chicken pays $100 per post.

Zift publishes articles relating to parenting in a technology-driven world. If you have an evergreen, original article about managing kids and screen time, you could earn $100 for it.

Your Teen Media

If you’ve raised teenagers and seen it all, you can get paid to write by Teen Media , a trusted editorial source for readers seeking information about raising teenagers. Payment rates are not listed on their websites, but you can discuss this with the editor if your pitch gets accepted.

Go World Travel

This is a great place to pitch if you’re a new writer. Go World Travel publishes contributions from first-time writers and experts alike. If you can tell a captivating, descriptive story about your travels, you can earn $30 to $40 per article.

Matador Network

You’ll need to set up a profile with Matador Network to respond to their calls for submissions. Once you do, you can earn $40 or more for short commissioned travel articles.

GoNOMAD is a resource for “honest, accurate, well-written and detailed articles and destination guides that speak to an educated, curious, and well-traveled audience.” They pay $25 for stories between 1700 to 2200 words long.

Extra Crispy

Extra Crispy is all about breakfast, and they are looking for opinion pieces, stories, essays, recipes, etc. This is the perfect place to pitch if the most important meal of the day also happens to be your favorite. It doesn’t list payment terms on its website, so you’ll need to work that out with the editor if your pitch is accepted.

Taste of Home

This family-favorite publication publishes recipes from home cooks. You can sign into their website to see what types of recipes they are currently looking for. Taste of Home discusses payment rates upon acceptance.

If you have a unique perspective on food culture, try pitching Eater . They cover a wide range of food-related topics, so take a look and see if you can come up with an idea they might love! Payment terms are not listed on their website.

Digital Ocean

DigitalOcean is looking for talented authors to create technical tutorials and articles about software development. In addition to a personal payout (typically $300), you’ll also get to select a tech-focused charity to receive a donation from DigitalOcean.

If you can create original content to add to Linode’s library of technical guides and tutorials, you can earn $300. They currently are focusing on adding articles about Kubernetes, Linux essentials, and databases, so if you send a pitch about one of those topics, you’re more likely to be accepted.

Do you consider yourself a WordPress expert? If yes, consider pitching WPHUB . Depending on your article’s topic and length, they pay between $10 to $200 for content about web design trends, exploring useful plugins for developers, coding best practices, and other WordPress-related topics.

How to send a pitch for an online writing gig

Whether you're trying to send a submission to a specific blog or applying for a gig you found on a job board, you’ll need to send a pitch if you want to get paid to write.

If you’re wondering what a pitch is, it’s a written correspondence in which you explain to an editor or publisher an idea you have for an article, blog post, story, etc., and ask them to consider hiring you to execute your idea.

While you want your pitch to have your voice and not sound like you copied and pasted it, there are a few essential pieces to include. Here’s what every pitch needs:

• The editor’s name. Addressing your pitch to the right person will show that you did your homework. On this note, also make sure you send it to the correct email address.
• Details about your idea. No need to send the entire finished piece (unless it’s asked for). However, you need to make it clear what your story is about and why you’re the best person for the job.
• A brief bio. The editor doesn’t have time to read your life story, but you should introduce them to you and share any relevant experience you may have.
• A link to your portfolio. This gives the editor the chance to get a feel for your writing abilities and style. If you write in a wide range of styles, it’s a good idea to only link to the ones that best match the publication you’re pitching to.

It’s natural to feel a little nervous when submitting a pitch, especially for new writers. Whatever you do, don’t let your fear of rejection or imposter syndrome stop you from sending a pitch. Manage your expectations, and know going into it that you will receive a lot more nos than yeses.

That’s true for even the most talented writers, though, so don’t take it personally. Keep at it, and eventually, your pitch will reach the person who’s ready to work with you.

5 tips for successful pitching as a freelance writer

To improve your acceptance rate, here are five tips to help you send a better pitch:

1. Follow directions

If you are replying to a job listing or submitting to an established publication, make sure you carefully follow any guidelines they provide. If the publisher thinks that you can’t follow simple instructions such as giving your email the proper subject line or saving your resume in the specified format, they probably won’t be very eager to work with you.

2. Pitch for topics you’re comfortable writing about

When you’re first getting started, It’s tempting to pitch for any and all gigs you can find. But it’s highly encouraged that you pitch selectively.

You don’t need to stick to just one niche, but if you pitch topics you’re genuinely excited about, your passion and expertise will show, it’ll take you less time, and your finished work will be stronger.

3. Send a great idea

If you’re pitching an idea you came up with for a magazine article or a guest blog post, take some time to research the existing content and see what’s missing, so you don’t suggest topics they’ve already published.

Try to come up with a unique angle or provide a different perspective. That way, you send a great idea instead of a topic the site has already covered.

4. Explain why it’s a great fit

Make it clear to the publisher that you’re familiar with the publication and that you know what they’re looking for. Don’t make it about you; emphasize what they and their readers stand to gain from a partnership with you.

Do your research beforehand and know who their target audience is, what types of content they typically publish, the tone they usually write in, etc. The more you understand their style, the more you can blend in and convince them that it’s a natural partnership.

5. Keep it short

Editors are busy and don’t have time to read a novel in their inbox. Your pitch is the perfect place to show that not only are you a great writer, but you have an excellent understanding of clear and concise communication. Stick to the point, and don’t run off on unrelated rabbit trails.

How to get paid to write online

When you write content online, you’re typically considered a contract writer instead of an employee. This means you’ll need to send an invoice if you want to get paid.

An invoice is a simple document that sums up the work you did for your client, so they can see what they owe you. Basically, it’s a bill for services rendered.

It’s essential to make your invoice look professional. If you have branding elements or a logo, you’ll want to include those.

Your freelance writing invoice should include the following elements:

• The word “Invoice” at the top. You want to make it clear to your client that this is an official billing document so that they’re more likely to pay you promptly.
• Date you sent the invoice.
• Your client’s name.
• Your contact information.
• An itemized list of services provided, with short, clear descriptions of each, and individual rates for each service.
• Dates services were provided.
• Payment rate.
• Total amount due.
• Any payment terms previously agreed upon.
• A unique invoice ID number for your records.

There are invoice templates available online that can help you quickly set up invoices to send to your clients. The downside to using templates is that you can't easily track the payment status of all the different invoices you've sent to your clients.

Wave's invoicing software lets you do everything above (and more!) for free, no strings attached. You can create unlimited invoices with your logo and keep tabs on whether clients have seen your invoices. There are also options to set up recurring invoices for regular clients, which can save you a lot of time and headaches. If you turn on the payments option, there’s a small per-transaction fee when a client makes a payment.

Wave Money , a new service we’re launching, lets you deposit client payments and manage funds in an FDIC-insured account. We’re transforming the business banking industry with small business owners in mind. It’s the perfect online business banking option for freelance writers and other entrepreneurs.

How to create a portfolio to help you make money writing online

Having a solid portfolio is a crucial tool for any writer. Follow the below tips to make your portfolio as strong as possible.

Keep your portfolio up-to-date with your best new work

It doesn’t matter how much amazing content you created three, five, or ten years ago. Your potential clients want to see that you have recent publications under your belt.

Don’t include everything

Think of your portfolio as your highlights reel. Only include the writing you’re most proud of and that aligns with the type of work you hope to get more of. There’s no need to have articles from your stint as a sports reporter if you’re trying to break into beauty blogging.

Break it into categories

If you do more than one type of writing, keep your portfolio well organized so that your potential clients can easily find the work that is most similar to what they want to hire you for.

Host it in an effective location

Your personal business website is the best place to keep your portfolio. However, if you don’t have a website yet, you can always use a portfolio-hosting website such as Contently or ClearVoice .

7 Red flags to watch for with online writing jobs

While you can legitimately get paid to write, there are scams out there. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid getting scammed, so keep an eye out for these red flags.

• Anything that sounds too good to be true.
• Any online gig requiring you to send money before you make money (except for some legitimate publications that charge a nominal submission fee).
• A potential client asking for too much personal information.
• Job postings that list unprofessional email addresses that look like a jumbled mess of letters and numbers.
• Vague job descriptions.
• Meager pay for the amount of work. (And on the other end, payment that seems way too high for the demands of the job.)
• A company requesting that you do trial work for free to evaluate or sample your services.

While these red flags don’t necessarily mean you’ve stumbled upon a freelance writing scam, seeing one does mean you need to proceed with caution. You don’t want to get your identity stolen or complete work you never get paid for.

Time to take action

Now that you’ve learned about the best options available for you to get paid to write online, it’s time to get out there and give it a shot. Remember, there’s nothing you can gain from doubting yourself, so show a little faith, pick a path to get started with, and begin to make some money. With the right attitude and enough determination, anyone can make a living writing online.

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Make Money with Academic Writing Skills: 9 Websites where you can Apply

• by Michelle
• October 9, 2020

The web industry has opened many doors for educators, among other fields. Now you can replace the conventional way of teaching with online tutoring and distance learning. There are some websites that offer the opportunity to make money with your academic writing skills. The work can either be related to writing articles, creating lesson plans, notes, or even home assignments.

In this guide, we are going to focus on such platforms. The pay varies from website to website. Some will pa you $150 to $300 per article. Some will pay you on hourly basis. As a writer, you can choose to work for any of the platforms that suit your needs.

List of Academic Writing Websites that Pay

Here are some of the most popular and credible websites where you can make money as an academic writer:

Study.com is an online learning platform for students. It provides many, flexible work from home opportunities for freelancers. Users can work according to their own schedule at home.

As a teacher, you can earn by creating a curriculum and lesson plans in your area of expertise. You can also work as a tutor to help answer students that are struggling with their home assignments.

If you’re more interested in the academic writing area, you can apply as a writer to write about colleges, majors, career paths, and so much more. There are job openings for many subjects and areas of expertise. Study.com also offers opportunities in content reviewing and editing if that’s what you are looking for.

Once you find the right job, you can apply online right away. You will be taken to a form where you will be required to fill in details, attach a resume, and answer a few questions. The submitted application will then be reviewed, and you will be notified if accepted.

WriteAtHome

WriteAtHome is a website that helps students learn and improve their writing. The platform offers different writing courses for students to enroll in.

The program also offers online earning opportunities for writing experts residing in the U.S. You can apply to become a writing coach and guide a fixed number of allotted students. As a coach you can work flexibly according to your schedule, however, you will have to submit the graded papers of students within the deadlines. So it’s basically an online teaching job, just without the hassle.

To apply as a writing expert these are the two basic requirements:

• You must be an individual with strong writing skills, excellent grammar, and writing aesthetic sense.
• You must be a positive person who is willing to help and guide young students.

Interested people can apply on their website. You will be required to fill in your details, work experience, and a sample piece to demonstrate your writing skills and grammar.

Scribbr is an educational platform that helps students with academic writing like proofreading , reviewing, and editing. It also offers opportunities for editing scripts.

If you want to join Scibbr, you have to first take their grammar and language tests. After passing it, your CV and motivation letter will be reviewed. The next step will be to complete an assignment in which you review sample work. The Scribbr team will then assess your style of editing. You will then be given the task of completing 2-5 simulation orders in 24 hours.

Prompt is a service that provides feedback on student writing and offer help to improve it. The company provides opportunities to apply for the position of a writing coach.

As a coach, you will be required to provide constructive feedback to students to help them improve their writing. You must have a relevant degree to apply for this position and also some experience in teaching, tutoring, or professional writing.

AListApart is a web content site that explores design, development, and standards of web content. It offers opportunities for experts to write articles on their areas of expertise.

You can bring a fresh perspective to subject through your article and if the company likes it, you can get paid for it. Simply submit a rough draft or a short summary and outline of your work. Once you submit it, you will receive feedback from the review team. The review process could take a week or so.

American Federation of Teachers or AFT is an association that consists of Pre-K teachers, higher education faculty, and all related education personnel.

Currently, it is offering an opportunity for academic writers to publish their articles in AFT’s American Educator magazine. They publish on a wide range of topics such as politics, trends in education, professional ethics, and other thought-provoking articles. It’s important to know that the magazine does not publish research or thesis.

Teachers & Writer’s Magazine

The magazine publishes creative writing works of teachers of different levels. It also publishes lesson plans, articles, essays, and interviews. If you are a creative writing teacher, you can view the list of article prompts mentioned on their website and write articles according to the guidelines.

WomeninHigherEducation

This is an online magazine that publishes articles to motivate and empower women in the higher education sector. If you’re a subscriber of the magazine, faculty member, or even an organization leader, you can contribute to the magazine.

Highbrow is a platform where teachers can create their online course and earn from it every time a student enrolls in it. Think of it as another Udemy platform.

To start, create a course on your area of expertise and prepare 10 lessons and a quiz on it. Once the course requirements are complete, just publish it so it’s visible to the public.

The above-mentioned websites will surely help you in your side income as an academic writer. However, if are not interested in academic writing, here are other ways you can make money as a freelance writer .

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How to Make Money Writing: 29 Tactics (With Examples)

Table of Contents

In today’s digital age, there are tons of ways writers can make money with their skills online. While just about everyone can string together a few sentences, quality writing skills are still at a premium today. 

Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting, there are numerous avenues you can explore to turn your passion for writing into a profitable venture.

Keep reading for 29 tactics you can use to help make money writing online, complete with real-life examples to inspire and guide you. I’ve organized this blog article into six broad sections with specific tips underneath each one. 

Many writers make money in several ways, so don’t feel you have to pick only one thing to pursue. 

Craft Content and Copy for the Marketing Industry

Much of today’s marketing is done online, providing plenty of opportunities for writers to work remotely. Skilled writers who can create compelling content are still in high demand, even as more and more people try to make money remotely. 

Whether you’re looking to freelance or want to work full-time in the marketing sector, here are several strategies to consider:

1. Start SEO Writing for Small Businesses

Small businesses, individual creators, and emerging publications can be excellent starting points for a new freelance writer. These businesses need writing, but they are often run by individuals who aren’t confident enough to write articles themselves. You can take advantage of this to make money writing. 

Affiliate site owners require tons of content to promote services and products in their niche. Many site owners outsource work; some may even have over a hundred writers working for them. 

SEO writing is crucial in this case, as that’s how many affiliate sites get their traffic.

Smaller publications like newspapers, magazines, and online publications may also outsource some of their writing. If you have experience in a sought-after writing niche, you can often make a lot of money writing for niche publications. 

You may also want to look at opportunities with bloggers and social media influencers. While many of these individuals produce their content, they may also outsource some to ramp up production. 

Most of these companies post writing jobs on popular job boards. Keep an eye on websites like Problogger, which is a very popular job board for those in need of an SEO writer. If you land the right client, SEO writing can easily be a full-time job. 

2. Create Content for Brands

After specializing in a niche and gaining experience with SEO writing, you may be able to write for more prominent brands within your niche, allowing you to make money writing. 

Brands often prefer writers who are knowledgeable about their industry and can produce content that resonates with their target audience. Therefore, this isn’t an easy place to start, but it can be a very lucrative place to end. Try making a guest post of two in your niche before landing a paid writing opportunity at a larger website.

Red Bull is an excellent example of a larger company that runs a blog and a magazine:

3. Offer Thought Leadership Writing

Thought leadership content is one step above SEO. It typically involves in-depth, well-researched articles that showcase a brand’s expertise in a particular field. It’s something that brands are willing to pay a lot of money for, as very few writers can do it well. 

Given how competitive the internet is, thought leadership writing will likely only grow over the next decade. It’s a great time to make yourself known in this field and start making money before everyone starts doing it. 

One of the hardest parts of thought leadership content is figuring out a topic. Luckily, Animalz goes over this pretty well. Simply put, it’s important to have an opinion . It’s this opinion that will drive the content of the article. 

4. Write Website Copy

Everyone with a website needs words to put on it. Many people are willing to pay for a great content writer who can make their online presence stand out. Small businesses, dropshippers, and larger corporations hire people to write their web content. This may encompass everything from homepage content to product descriptions. 

You can specialize in several different types of website copy, as well. Just take inspiration from Michal Eisikowitz , who commands thousands for a single webpage. She also has a complete pricing guide for copywriters, which can help you figure out just how much to charge for all this!

Website copy services include creating product descriptions, designing landing pages, and writing About Us sections. You can make money writing a whole website or just a few pages.

5. Offer Email Copywriting

Many companies rely heavily on email marketing to connect with their audience and drive conversions. Skilled email copywriters can help companies create engaging email campaigns that drive open rate and click-through rates. 

For many people, writing a good email newsletter is akin to magic. Finding high-paying work can be pretty easy if you can do this well. 

Just look at the prices Val Geisler is charging:

$8,500 per customer isn’t anything to scoff at. She also has a stunning website, so I recommend clicking around for a bit if you have the time. 

6. Write Scripts for Video Creators

It’s no secret that most video creators work off of a script. However, did you know that many don’t write the video script themselves? When you’re producing a vast quantity of videos, it’s practically impossible to do all the script writing yourself – and that’s where you can come in. 

Even if you don’t want to ever show your face on a camera, you can take advantage of the growing popularity of podcasts and YouTube by writing for those who do. 

While scriptwriting is a bit of an art, it isn’t hard to learn the basics. However, it is important to structure these video scripts correctly, providing the main points in brackets with some sub points underneath. Most professionals also recommend only having around five main points. 

7. Craft Social Media Copy

Social media platforms are a big part of how brands reach their customers. However, all companies need someone to update and write copy for their social platforms. 

This sort of freelance writing often pays a lot per word since most social media sites have minimal character capacities. That said, you may spend more time researching and editing the post. Therefore, it’s important to price your services properly to make money writing. 

That said, lots of people are starting to realize how lucrative this niche is. Just look at this Business Insider article , which explains how one ghostwriter made over $200,000 a year in freelance writing gigs. 

For some inspiration, you can check out Pete Codes’s website . He primarily ghostwrites for clients on Twitter and LinkedIn. 

8. Draft White Papers and Technical Manuals

White papers and technical manuals are highly specialized forms of freelance writing. They often require in-depth research and a strong understanding of complex subjects—businesses in technology, finance, healthcare, and other industries often commission technical writers to create these documents.

White papers can be exceptionally lucrative if you’re a fan of in-depth research or have experience in an expert-lead field. 

Sadly, this is a tough content writing niche to break into, though. You often need particular technical experience and a high-level college degree. This niche is lucrative mainly because so few writers can do it. 

9. Make Compelling Product Descriptions

E-commerce is a massive part of the internet today. With the rise of drop shipping, more and more people need compelling product descriptions. Effective product descriptions directly impact sales, so companies are often willing to pay quite a bit for this service. 

However, with the rise of AI like ChatGPT, some companies may opt for automated product descriptions, which could impact this niche. 

Furthermore, this niche can get quite dull . Once upon a time, I wrote many product descriptions for a hardware store. You can only write so many descriptions of slightly different hinges before the world looks slightly gloomier. While you can get paid to write product descriptions, it may not be exactly what you had in mind. 

Plus, this isn’t something that will make for a solid portfolio, either. 

Write Articles for Newspapers and Magazines

Good ole’ fashion journalism may not be nearly as lucrative as it once was. Still, traditional magazines and newspapers hold a significant place in media. Getting paid to write for these larger publications is more about making a name for yourself and building a business – rather than getting paid. 

However, in some cases, the payout can be huge . Plus, they can make for a solid portfolio.

If you aspire to contribute to these respected publications, there are several strategies to help you break into this field and make money as a writer.

10. Pitch Established Publications

Contributing to established newspapers and magazines is a goal many writers strive for. While competition can be fierce, securing a byline in a prestigious publication can significantly boost your content writing career.

Even if you aren’t using this as your primary source of income, bylines in respected niche publications can be worth thousands in revenue down the line. 

These publications get tons of pitches, so it’s essential to do it well. Study the publications you want to write for, understanding their style, tone, and articles they publish. The last thing you want to do is pitch an off-topic article. 

Unique angles or story ideas often have a better chance of being picked up. Consider what experience or ideas you have that others don’t. Can someone else write the piece you’re pitching? If so, you may want to come up with something else. 

Most publications have specific submission guidelines for pitches, as well. Be sure to follow these. If you don’t, your pitch may not even be looked at. Just look at the New York Times’s requirements for opinion essays:

Even if you don’t get paid to write for these publications, even a guest post can be helpful to improve your standing. A guest post is simply a post you do for free, typically for “exposure.” 

11. Contribute to Magazines

Magazines come in tons of different shapes and sizes. You can find big and small publications on many topics, from lifestyle to fashion to science. Many of these magazines welcome freelance contributors if you can provide fresh, engaging content. 

Many of the principles I discussed above apply here, too. Choose something very few people could write about, pay attention to the publication’s requirements, and research the magazine. Pay attention to the writing style they typically use and try to mirror it. 

Often, this works best if you already have some expertise in a niche with sources to prove it. Once you get paid to write in a niche, other companies tend to take you more seriously. 

Many magazines also accept guest posts, which can be another way to get your name out there. 

12. Participate in Writing Contests

Writing contests can be an exciting way to showcase your skills and earn recognition and prizes. However, it’s crucial to research the credibility and legitimacy of contests before entering.

Furthermore, you won’t make a full income from writing contests. Often, the payout is low, and the chance of winning is even lower. However, if you do win, that’s something you can put on your resume to make money elsewhere. 

Caution : Be wary of contests that require an entry fee or have vague terms and conditions. Stick to well-known and reputable contests to ensure your work is judged fairly. Online writing is always a bit sketchy, but writing contests tend to be even more so.

Often, these companies will use the content as guest posts on their website, so be sure you’re okay with them. 

Establish Your Influence By Writing

While these methods won’t pay much money initially, they can help you establish yourself as an authority, which can help you get money. Building up an audience of like-minded people can open you up to new job opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise. 

There are several ways to do this, but you should preferably play on your strengths. Guest posts are a solid way to go about this, but there are some paid opportunities, too. 

13. Create Your Own Niche Blog Around Products You Use Already

You can start by establishing a niche blog if you already have a niche. While aiming to write for someone else’s blog is a money-oriented goal, this is more of a passion project. You probably won’t make much money writing articles for yourself(at least not right away), but you can use it as an example of your work. 

Ideally, choose a niche you already plan on content writing in. While you can technically make your blog about anything, it’s much easier to use to attract clients if it’s about a similar subject. It does matter whether it is creative or technical writing. 

You can use this blog as a portfolio site. A writing portfolio is exceptionally important for landing higher paying gigs. 

As you build your blog, you can sign up as an affiliate for relevant products and services. This allows you to earn commissions by promoting these products to your readers. Be transparent about your affiliate relationships to maintain trust with your audience.

You can use affiliate offers from day one of your website (in most cases). However, you may only be able to sign up for some companies once you start getting some traffic. 

14. Establish a Social Media Audience Around a Niche

Alternatively, you can start a social media account instead of a blog (or you can always do both). Choose a social media platform or two that are relevant to your niche. For instance, B2B topics are probably more appropriate to LinkedIn, but Twitter is a common place for this information, too. 

It’s essential to have a content strategy. You can’t just create and publish content like you do for your social media. Consider using a content matrix, as demonstrated by Justin Welsh in his Content Matrix , to plan and publish regular posts.

You should also interact and respond to your audience. Social media is about being social. You can’t just publish posts and expect to get very far. Some amount of community engagement is essential. 

You can monetize your social media presence, as well. Sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and creating your products can all help you make some money. 

15. Create Sponsored Content

Sponsored content involves working with brands to create promotional material that aligns with your niche and appeals to your audience. Brands are often willing to pay for this because it taps into your already-built audience (and that probably trusts you). 

However, you must already have a sizeable audience on your own blog or social media account to sell sponsored content. No company will pay for sponsored content if you don’t have an audience! Building influence can take years, so this isn’t a way to get rich quickly. 

Some established blogs like ShoutMeLoud offer sponsored content packages starting at $1,200. Use this as a reference point when setting your rates. Your rates depend on your niche and audience size. Blogs in the finance niche can often charge more, for instance. 

16. Sell Your Own Informational Products

If you can write, you can create and sell your own information products. This is an easy way to get paid to write if you have a following and are already established. You can start with something simple, like an eBook, one of the most popular ways to sell information content. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing make it easy to self-publish eBooks. 

You can also create and sell online courses or digital membership products. While these are harder to make, they can often be sold for more, so there is a trade-off. 

17. Become a Writing Coach or Consultant

If you’ve established yourself as a professional writer, you can consider offering coaching or consulting services to aspiring writers or businesses. Paid mentorships can be very lucrative, especially if you’re considered an expert. 

For instance, Elize Dopson offers one-on-one freelance coaching to help freelancers make more money and scale their businesses. You can offer similar coaching options. 

You can also consult with businesses on content strategy. Sometimes, companies need help figuring out where to go with their content, but they may not want to hire someone to fix the problem directly. Instead, they may need a quick consult with an SEO expert. You could be this expert. 

Take inspiration from professionals like Elise Dopson, who offers coaching services to writers and businesses seeking content marketing expertise.

18. Get a Book Deal and Get Royalties

If you have unique inspiration to share, you can write a book. While this is often considered lucrative, most book authors make less than you think. However, a well-received book can establish you as an authority in your niche. 

You must decide whether to pursue traditional publishing through literary agents or self-publish your book. Each path has its advantages, but they can be challenging in their ways, too. 

Look at writers like Mark Manson and Scott Young, who started as bloggers and went on to establish large audiences and sell many books. Their success showcases the potential for writers to transition from online content to traditional publishing.

Get Paid for Creative Writing

Creative writing is typically what most people think when you say you’re a “writer.” However, it is often hard to make money from writing imaginative stories. That said, if you have a passion for creative writing, there are several ways to make money from your craft. 

19. Monetize Your Poetry

Poetry isn’t the most mainstream form of writing. However, if you consider yourself a poet, there are ways to make money off of it. One of the most common ways is to self-publish poetry books. Typically, this involves compiling your poems into a collection and publishing them. 

Of course, someone has to want to purchase your poetry books, so it often works best if you already have an audience. 

You can also enter poetry contests, which may offer cash prizes. Be sure to only submit to credible sources, though. 

Consider a Patreon or Ko-fi account, where fans can support your creative work by making regular contributions. 

20. Write and Sell Your Songs

You could make money from your songs if you have a knack for songwriting. 

The best way to do this is to license your songs to musicians, bands, or production companies for use in albums, films, commercials, or other media. Royalties from song licensing can provide a steady income stream.

You should also join a performance rights organization, which will collect royalties whenever your songs are played on the radio, performed live, or used in public spaces. 

Alternatively, you can also sell sheet music online or in physical formats. However, this method is often less lucrative, as a single person is not paying for the sole use of a song. 

In today’s world, you can also create a YouTube channel to share your music and monetize it through ads and channel membership. You can also distribute your music on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. 

Nashville Songwriters Association is an all-in-one platform for songwriters to create and publish their songs. They also host events (both online and offline). With their membership plan, you can gain access to information on how to pitch your songs, pricing guides, and more. 

Liz Rose is a prime example of someone who makes a living writing songs. She’s written music for some serious professional artists, like Taylor Swift. She also works with Nashville Songwriters Association. 

21. Self-Publish Your Books on Kindle

Self-publishing has revolutionized the world of literature, offering writers an accessible way to get their work in front of readers. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allows authors to publish ebooks and earn royalties.

However, a lot goes into publishing a book, even on KDP. Having a realistic expectation for the platform is essential, as it isn’t all unicorns and rainbows. Eventually, it can help a creative writer make some passive income, though. Once the books are there, they will always be there. 

Furthermore, the average freelance writer likely won’t sell many books without some substantial promotion. You must use social media and email marketing to reach potential readers. Part of the appeal of using a traditional publishing company is that they do all this for you. If you’re self-publishing, you’ll have to do it yourself.

That said, you aren’t going to make tons of money self-publishing on Kindle. Project Rich Mom on YouTube shares how much she made in this video to help keep your expectations realistic. This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. 

There are many ways to go about publishing on KDP. You can publish a series or a collection of short stories, for instance. Kara Lockharte is a great creative writer who successfully self-published creative writing on this platform and does very well. 

Evolve Into an AI Content Marketer

The field of content marketing is evolving, and creative and technical writers can adapt by specializing in creating AI-assisted content.

22. Specialize in Creating AI Assisted Content

Slowly, AI generators are becoming more and more popular. AI writers can specialize in using these tools to create better writing (or simply write faster). You’ll need to learn how to use precise prompts for AI models to generate content that aligns with your needs. You’ll also need to review and fine-tune the content to ensure it meets quality standards. 

We aren’t 100% sure how this field will change and grow in the next decade, but now may be a good time to specialize in this new possibility. Either way, this is a writing skill you probably want to learn. 

23. Repurpose Content for Different Platforms

In an era of content saturation, the ability to repurpose content for various platforms and mediums is a valuable skill. Creative and technical writers can leverage AI tools to tailor content for social media platforms, email campaigns, blog posts, and more.

This idea can give you a massive boost in content production. You can turn a single blog post into several social media posts or email campaigns. However, because you wrote the original content, the output would still be unique to you. 

Other General Ways to Make Money Writing

There are other ways to make money writing, too. However, these tactics aren’t as specialized or lucrative, so they typically only offer side income. You won’t be making a full time income out of these options, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore them. 

24. Do Book Reviews

Occasionally, a freelance writer can make some extra cash by writing book reviews. Some websites and publications will pay for book reviews and may even offer free copies of the books. 

Even if you don’t sell book reviews to another website, you can create a blog or YouTube where you review books. Over time, you could monetize this platform through ads and affiliate marketing. 

Kirkus Reviews is a very popular website for submitting book reviews. They have a whole writer’s center with information on writing and publishing. Check their careers page for information on applying as a writer. However, they do always have an open application for English and Spanish titles. 

Of course, this isn’t a full time job for most writers, but it can be a way to get your feet wet before diving into job boards.

25. Create Video Game Guidebooks

If you like playing video games, consider writing video game guidebooks. Often, this works best for very open-world games (think Skyrim or Baldur’s Gate). Usually, players are willing to pay to unlock secrets about the game that they may not discover themselves. 

You can self-publish your guide digitally. Alternatively, you could design your guides as video tutorials on platforms like YouTube and monetize through ads. You can even host them on your own website if you want to put the background work in. 

27. Produce Travel Guides

If you have experience traveling, consider writing travel guides. Aspiring adventurers often rely on guides written by people who have gone there. Self-publish travel guides of places you have gone to promote them through social media or travel forums. 

You must have real-world experience here. Pretending you have expertise likely won’t work in this field. 

Alternatively, you can pitch travel articles to magazines, websites, and similar publications. Most travel publications pay for their content from freelance writers, as they cannot pay to send their staff everywhere .

Apeksha Bhateja is a great example of a writer who travels while writing. She currently writes for Fodor’s Travel , which publishes a range of articles and guides on travel. 

28. Offer Resume and Cover Writing Services

Job seekers occasionally turn to professionals for help with their resumes and cover letters. If you can do this successfully, you can make a lot of money to help clients stand out from the rest of the competition. 

While this can be lucrative, breaking into this niche can take a lot of work. Often, it is overwhelmed by larger companies (which you could also write for). 

29. Write for Revenue Sharing Websites

While revenue-sharing sites may provide little income upfront, they can be a way to earn passive income over time. These platforms pay writers based on the performance of their articles and personal essays.

You may receive a small income in exchange if your content does well. Usually, this works better for those in a lifestyle niche – not so much for technical writers. Of course, this isn’t going to be a full-time job, either. However, it can make you some passive income. Once a published article is online, it stays there. 

Several websites work in this way, such as Medium. If you participate in the Medium Partner Program, you can earn money based on your stories’ engagement and reading time. 

It can be incredibly challenging to make significant income through revenue-sharing websites. Kristina Pulford explains that Medium isn’t a lucrative place to make money. She publishes on Medium regulation and has thousands of followers, so she knows what she’s talking about.

However, it can be a way to dip your toes into monetization and get paid to write while also making a name for yourself. You can also use the article published through these platforms to attract other clients. 

Final Thoughts

Often, getting paid to write isn’t about going down one specific path. Instead, many writers get their income via a few different routes. Some even do both creative and technical writing. You’ll likely need to try a few before you settle in and develop your career. 

Many options above also help you make a name for yourself and develop your writing skills, precisely what you need to land higher-paying writing jobs. 

It’s important to realize that making money writing online isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. Making money online has never been easier with today’s technology, but it is still work . Eventually, some of these writing jobs should help you replace your full-time income. Everyone wants to be their own boss, but being a full-time writer is still a lot of work. 

Kristin Hitchcock

I'm Kristin, a seasoned freelance writer, specializing in SEO writing and niche websites, and I have been in this field for nearly a decade. My expertise in content marketing has been instrumental in establishing several thriving websites in several different niches. When I’m not writing, I’m hiking, homeschooling the kids, or *trying* to crochet.

Elite Content Marketer offers education and software reviews to help beginner creators graduate into the middle class (and beyond) sustainably. Learn more about us here .

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Essays About Money: Top 5 Examples and 6 Prompts

With money comes great power; however, power must always come with responsibility. Discover thought-provoking essays about money in our guide.

Money is everywhere. We use it to eat, drink, clothe ourselves, and get shelter, among many other uses. Nowadays, it is an undisputed fact that “money makes the world go round.” The earliest known form of money dates back to around 5,000 years ago ; trade was previously carried out using a barter system. However, over the centuries, more and more nations began implementing a currency system, and money has become more critical. 

In the contemporary world, it seems to be “all about money.” However, it is important not to lose sight of what is important; we must maintain good physical and mental health and healthy relationships with the people around us. Money is necessary; it is just not the only thing necessary. To start your essay, read these examples to write insightful essays about money. 

5 Top Examples On Essay About Money

1. essay on money by prasanna, 2. how money changed human history by jacob wilkins, 3. capitalism: money that make money by ernestine montgomery, 4.  is money the most important thing by seth higgins.

• 5. ​​An Introduction to Saving Money by Jeremy Vohwinkle

Writing Prompts For Essays About Money

1. good uses for money, 2. the “dark side” of money, 3. money’s role in history, 4. morality vs. money, 5. can money buy happiness, 6. how to save money.

“Imagine the world without money. We will eventually come to a point where we will be asking questions like “what’s the point of life”. Hope and goals are some of the important things that will keep a man going in life. Without any sense of achievement or motivation, there wouldn’t be any inventions or progress in the world. People work to get money and then people work harder to get more money. This cycle of life that keeps a man motivated and hopeful is one of the biggest advantages of the system of money”

This essay gives readers a general outlook on money and its advantages and disadvantages. It gives people equal opportunity to work for their dreams and motivates them to be productive members of society, while it also raises the question of greed. Money, without a doubt, has its positive and negative aspects, but it exists and is only becoming more critical.

“But the barter economy was flawed. There was no universal measure for determining the value of an item. It was all based on the subjective opinion of the individuals involved. And to make matters worse, the barter economy relied on both sides wanting something the other had to offer. Trade, therefore, could be sluggish and frustrating. Human beings needed something different, and money was the answer.”

Wilkins writes about how money revolutionized the way trade was conducted. The barter system involved trading any objects if both parties agreed to a deal, such as trading animal skins for fish or medicine for timber. However, the only measure of an item’s value was how much one party wanted it- both sides needed to have something the other wanted. The introduction of money allowed people to put a solid value on commodities, making trade easier.  

“So, if you were to closely observe the dirty, disordered canvas of economic progress during the 20th and 21 st century, you should conclude that, for all its warts, capitalism has been the winner. It has sometimes caused pain; suffered from serious cycles; and often needed the clout of the state- such as we have seen from September 2008. It has also been quite resistant to sensible regulation. Even so, the basic institutions of capitalism have worked, not just in the US and the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and development) nations, but also many developing countries, of which India is one.”

Albeit lengthy, Montgomery’s essay discusses the debate between socialism and capitalism, a topic of which money is at the core. Montgomery describes Karl Marx’s criticism of capitalism: all the money goes to a few people, not the workers. She believes these are valid to an extent and criticizes certain forms of capitalism and socialism. Neither capitalism nor socialism is perfect, but according to Montgomery, capitalism creates a better economy. 

“Being the richest man in the world does not mean you are the happiest man in the world, although money can buy you happiness sometimes, but not always. If we could all appreciate the way life is, the fun, and the beauty I think the world would be better. If people weren’t power hungry maybe we’d have a lesser demand for money. Those people who is money hungry and power hungry need to relax. Money can’t buy you happiness. These individuals need to understand that.”

Higgins implores readers to remember that money is not the only thing people need in the world. He stresses the necessity of money, as it is used to pay for various necessary goods and services; however, he believes it is not a prerequisite for happiness. Material things are temporary, and there are other things we should focus on, like family and friends. 

5. ​​ An Introduction to Saving Money by Jeremy Vohwinkle

“A financial emergency may take the form of a job loss, significant medical or dental expense, unexpected home or auto repairs, a hurricane or major storm, or something unthinkable, such as a global pandemic. The last thing you want to do is to rely on credit cards with their hefty interest fees or to be forced to take out a loan. That’s where your emergency fund can come in handy. Historically, the formula for an emergency account is to have enough readily available cash to cover three to six months of living expenses.“

Vohwinkle’s essay gives readers some suggestions on how to save more money. Most importantly, he suggests setting up an emergency fund, as all other saving techniques stem from there. He also suggests creating an automatic savings plan and cutting down on “spending leaks,” like buying coffee. You might also be interested in these essays about celebration .

In this essay, write about why money is necessary and the ways to use it for the greater good, and include ways in which it can be used (investing, donating, etc.). For each point, you make, be sure to explain why. Of course, this is entirely subjective; feel free to write about what you consider “good uses” for money. 

On the other hand, money also has a negative side —research on money-related issues, such as taxpayer-funded corruption and trading of illegal goods. In your essay, explore this side of money and perhaps give solutions on how to stop these problems. 

Money has played a progressively more important role throughout human history. Discuss the development of currency and the economy, from the barter system to the digital world we live in today. You need not go too in-depth, as there is a lot of ground to cover and many eras to research. Be sure to cite reputable sources when discussing history. 

Many people warn of “selling your soul” for financial gain. In your essay, you can write about the importance of having solid values in this day and age, where money reigns supreme. What principles do you need to keep in mind? Explain how you can still value money while staying grounded; mention the balance between material needs and others. 

As stated in Higgins’ essay, more people have begun to prioritize money over all else. Do you believe that money is truly the most important thing? Can it alone make you happy? Discuss both sides of this question and choose your position accordingly. Be sure to provide precise supporting details for a stronger argument. 

Enumerate tips on how you can save money. Anything works, from saving certain things for special occasions to buying more food in the grocery rather than eating out. This is your opinion; however, feel free to consult online sources and the people around you for extra advice. 

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers .If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay | Steps & Examples

An academic essay is a focused piece of writing that develops an idea or argument using evidence, analysis, and interpretation.

There are many types of essays you might write as a student. The content and length of an essay depends on your level, subject of study, and course requirements. However, most essays at university level are argumentative — they aim to persuade the reader of a particular position or perspective on a topic.

The essay writing process consists of three main stages:

• Preparation: Decide on your topic, do your research, and create an essay outline.
• Writing : Set out your argument in the introduction, develop it with evidence in the main body, and wrap it up with a conclusion.
• Revision:  Check your essay on the content, organization, grammar, spelling, and formatting of your essay.

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Table of contents

Essay writing process, preparation for writing an essay, writing the introduction, writing the main body, writing the conclusion, essay checklist, lecture slides, frequently asked questions about writing an essay.

The writing process of preparation, writing, and revisions applies to every essay or paper, but the time and effort spent on each stage depends on the type of essay .

For example, if you’ve been assigned a five-paragraph expository essay for a high school class, you’ll probably spend the most time on the writing stage; for a college-level argumentative essay , on the other hand, you’ll need to spend more time researching your topic and developing an original argument before you start writing.

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Before you start writing, you should make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to say and how you’re going to say it. There are a few key steps you can follow to make sure you’re prepared:

• Understand your assignment: What is the goal of this essay? What is the length and deadline of the assignment? Is there anything you need to clarify with your teacher or professor?
• Define a topic: If you’re allowed to choose your own topic , try to pick something that you already know a bit about and that will hold your interest.
• Do your research: Read  primary and secondary sources and take notes to help you work out your position and angle on the topic. You’ll use these as evidence for your points.
• Come up with a thesis:  The thesis is the central point or argument that you want to make. A clear thesis is essential for a focused essay—you should keep referring back to it as you write.
• Create an outline: Map out the rough structure of your essay in an outline . This makes it easier to start writing and keeps you on track as you go.

Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to discuss, in what order, and what evidence you’ll use, you’re ready to start writing.

The introduction sets the tone for your essay. It should grab the reader’s interest and inform them of what to expect. The introduction generally comprises 10–20% of the text.

1. Hook your reader

The first sentence of the introduction should pique your reader’s interest and curiosity. This sentence is sometimes called the hook. It might be an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement emphasizing the relevance of the topic.

Let’s say we’re writing an essay about the development of Braille (the raised-dot reading and writing system used by visually impaired people). Our hook can make a strong statement about the topic:

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

2. Provide background on your topic

Next, it’s important to give context that will help your reader understand your argument. This might involve providing background information, giving an overview of important academic work or debates on the topic, and explaining difficult terms. Don’t provide too much detail in the introduction—you can elaborate in the body of your essay.

3. Present the thesis statement

Next, you should formulate your thesis statement— the central argument you’re going to make. The thesis statement provides focus and signals your position on the topic. It is usually one or two sentences long. The thesis statement for our essay on Braille could look like this:

As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness.

4. Map the structure

In longer essays, you can end the introduction by briefly describing what will be covered in each part of the essay. This guides the reader through your structure and gives a preview of how your argument will develop.

The invention of Braille marked a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by blind and visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Write your essay introduction

The body of your essay is where you make arguments supporting your thesis, provide evidence, and develop your ideas. Its purpose is to present, interpret, and analyze the information and sources you have gathered to support your argument.

Length of the body text

The length of the body depends on the type of essay. On average, the body comprises 60–80% of your essay. For a high school essay, this could be just three paragraphs, but for a graduate school essay of 6,000 words, the body could take up 8–10 pages.

Paragraph structure

To give your essay a clear structure , it is important to organize it into paragraphs . Each paragraph should be centered around one main point or idea.

That idea is introduced in a  topic sentence . The topic sentence should generally lead on from the previous paragraph and introduce the point to be made in this paragraph. Transition words can be used to create clear connections between sentences.

After the topic sentence, present evidence such as data, examples, or quotes from relevant sources. Be sure to interpret and explain the evidence, and show how it helps develop your overall argument.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

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The conclusion is the final paragraph of an essay. It should generally take up no more than 10–15% of the text . A strong essay conclusion :

• Returns to your thesis
• Ties together your main points
• Shows why your argument matters

A great conclusion should finish with a memorable or impactful sentence that leaves the reader with a strong final impression.

What not to include in a conclusion

To make your essay’s conclusion as strong as possible, there are a few things you should avoid. The most common mistakes are:

• Including new arguments or evidence
• Undermining your arguments (e.g. “This is just one approach of many”)
• Using concluding phrases like “To sum up…” or “In conclusion…”

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

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Checklist: Essay

My essay follows the requirements of the assignment (topic and length ).

My introduction sparks the reader’s interest and provides any necessary background information on the topic.

My introduction contains a thesis statement that states the focus and position of the essay.

I use paragraphs to structure the essay.

I use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph.

Each paragraph has a single focus and a clear connection to the thesis statement.

I make clear transitions between paragraphs and ideas.

My conclusion doesn’t just repeat my points, but draws connections between arguments.

I don’t introduce new arguments or evidence in the conclusion.

I have given an in-text citation for every quote or piece of information I got from another source.

I have included a reference page at the end of my essay, listing full details of all my sources.

My citations and references are correctly formatted according to the required citation style .

My essay has an interesting and informative title.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (e.g. font, page numbers, line spacing).

Your essay meets all the most important requirements. Our editors can give it a final check to help you submit with confidence.

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An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

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Finding Tom

20 easy ways to write essays for money in 2021.

If you want to find ways to write essays for money, you’ve come to the right place..

“People asked me if I was worried about the legality. But it’s not necessarily illegal, just morally dubious.”

An anonymous writer told Vice he or she earns $1000 a week helping lazy students write their essays . The author goes on to say:

“People would rather pay someone $100 than write a couple of pages about themselves.”

You don’t need to take a dumpster dive on Craigslist to find people that will pay you to write essays. If you’re a budding freelance writer , you’ll likely want a more recognized and assured place to offer your services.

Luckily for you, there are plenty of morally astute and 100% legal ways to write essays for money.

1. Vox (first person)

I love reading first-person stories. They show a writer not afraid to share details of their life, hoping it will help someone else along the way.

So, when an established and prominent publication such as Vox calls for first-person stories, you take notice.

If you have a gripping, personal tale about an important issue, email the first person editor Eleanor Barkhorn with your pitch. Dive deep into your story, as Vox wants thoughtful, in-depth narratives about a wide range of topics, including politics, science, health, and culture.

Most importantly, they want a fresh perspective.

They pay an estimated $0.19 - $0.41 per word for a 1200-3000 essay.

2. iWriteessays.com

iWriteessays.com is a more conventional hiring service for writers. Potential clients can hire you for custom essays (such as blog posts or book reviews) and more extensive pieces such as a research paper. You could even end up doing someone’s homework for them.

To become a writer , you will need to fill out an application form, take a grammar test, upload some work you’ve done in the past, and wait for feedback. If that goes well and you’re accepted, you can bid for potential employment.

There is a base earning fee of $10 per page, but you can make more for time-sensitive work.

3. Longreads

Longreads is a great way to flesh out your writing skills. They take in various submissions, with essays, features, and investigative pieces expected to be between 2000-6000 words.

Some of their favorite personal essays are as follows:

• All that Was Innocent and Violent: Girlhood in Post-Revolution Iran
• Revisiting My Grandfather’s Garden
• Grieving, but Calmed by a Different Kind of Storm
• Vacation Memories Marred By the Indelible Stain of Racism

So you can see the sort of headline they are going for. Any research that you need to do will be “rigorously” fact-checked, so be careful there.

Longreads pay $500 per essay.

4. Cosmopolitan

One of the more prominent names on this list, the online version of Cosmopolitan , wants compelling college experiences. It is a women’s magazine, so think about their market before submitting.

They pay $100 for an 800-word essay.

5. Slice Magazine

Another magazine that offers a wide variety of work, Slice Magazine , publishes poetry, short fiction, and non-fiction. To avoid wasting both your and their time, check their themes before writing.

They will pay $250 for essays between 500 and 5000 words.

6. Bugle Magazine

The Bugle Magazine is a tad more specific than others I’ve mentioned, as they look for personal essays on the outdoors - elk hunting, the Rocky Mountains, and wildlife management, to name a few. If that isn’t your style, then pitch for the ‘Women in Outdoor’s’ column - a more general topic.

For 1000-3000 word essays, they pay $0.20 a word.

7. The Establishment

Yet another magazine run by women. The Establishment stands out with its edgy vibe. Share your ideas in 800-1500 word essays and earn $125.

8. Horse Network

Now it’s time for a curveball suggestion. If you love writing about horses (and I know plenty of people that do), then this is the site for you.

The Horse Network loves humorous and opinion-based essays with an image or video at the end.

They pay $50-100 for 500-750 words.

9. Money Pantry

Money-based blogs will always do well. If you have a bit of expertise in that area, then look no further. Layout your knowledge on earning and saving money in the form of engaging 700-2000 word articles, and you can expect up to $150.

10. Motherwell

Disclaimer: this isn’t the Scottish football team calling for your essays. Instead, it’s a site centered around raising kids. If you have personal experience, good or bad, Motherwell wants it in first-person. Anything with a “unique focus” is what they’re looking for.

They will pay $50 for a maximum of 1200 word essays.

11. Extra Crispy

As Ron Swanson says in  Parks and Recreation : “There has never been a sadness that can’t be cured by breakfast food.”

Bagels, bacon, oats, eggs, you name it, you can write about it. Extra Crispy is a site that is mad about breakfast. They’re looking for recipes with a story that is smart, fun, fresh, and on the weird side.

For 800-1000 word essays, you can get an estimated $0.47 a word.

12. Dame Magazine

Similar to The Establishment, Dame Magazine is an edgy women’s magazine. They want witty personal essays on subjects that are relative to women.

They pay an estimated $0.13 a word.

13. Buzzfeed

You’ve probably heard of Buzzfeed. While some of their work is questionable, they have ridiculous exposure levels, with 168 million visitors a month.

Think of it as a mastermind. Pick a topic you know and write about what you’ve learned.

They pay between $0.13 to $0.27 a word.

14. The Bold Italic

If you live or have a connection to San Francisco, you should consider writing for The Bold Italic.

They’re also a publication on Medium , so their reach is far-ranging.

If you have something to share, The Bold Italic pays $50 per essay.

15. The Alpinist

The Alpinist offers those with a more tailored niche the opportunity to write essays for money.

If you’re an avid or novice mountain climber, then you have the chance to write about it.

They will pay $0.25 a word for 250-500 word personal essays.

16. The Change Agent

On Medium, I’ve noticed articles centered around social justice seem to perform exceptionally well. If that’s your thing, then The Change Agent is for you.

This adult education magazine will pay $50 for 250-1000 words.

17. The Sun Magazine

Another of the more prominent names on this list - The Sun Magazine offers writers a potentially advantageous way to write essays for money.

They urge you to familiarize yourself with their magazine before submitting, but they accept essays, fiction, and poetry. They also pay a considerable amount - up to $2000 depending on the length of the piece.

18. The American Scholar

Another decent-paying publication, The American Scholar , offers up to $500 per pitch. Like The Sun, they’ll accept essays, fiction, and poetry, with a 6000 word limit on non-fiction pieces.

19. Humor Press

If you like writing about tasteful humor, then entering one of Humor Press ' many competitions might be for you.

Check out which one is for you and potentially earn $250.

20. The New York Times - Modern Love

You may think you need to be a highly decorated journalist to get into the coveted New York Times. Well, that’s not the case. Their Modern Love column is ideal for the less established writer.

You can write essays for money ($300 per 1500-1700 words) about relationships, dating, and parenthood.

You’ve just got to have something new to say.

Write essays for money in 2021

There are plenty of ways to earn money as a writer in 2021, and writing essays is just another one of those.

The best thing? A lot more places are seeking personal essays, which are by far the most interesting to read.

Moreover, there’s plenty of variety out there - from mountain climbing to parenthood. The ability to write essays for money has never been more accessible.

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How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

As an admissions officer, I reviewed thousands of essays for students seeking admission and scholarships. The essay is one of the most important parts of the scholarship application process–a strong essay can go a long way. However, with so much competition, it is important for your scholarship essay to stand out. That’s why it’s important for you to start a scholarship essay off right!

There are some very simple things that you can do to ensure that your essay is engaging from the very first sentence. In fact, beginning your essay with an exciting opening is one of the most important things you can do, because it will immediately distinguish your essay from the others. 

Keep on reading to learn more about how you can nail the very first sentence and start your essay off right!

Engage the reader with the first sentence

No matter what type of essay you are writing, you will want to ensure that the very first line grabs the attention of the reader. One of the biggest mistakes that students make when starting their essay is simply restating the prompt. This is bland and boring. 

Now, you might be wondering, “how do I engage the reader with the very first line of my essay?”. The good news is that there are several ways that you can do this that are very simple to do. 

Related:  How to answer scholarship essay questions about your career goals

Begin with dialogue

First, you could begin your essay with conversation. This can be an interesting and unexpected way to start your scholarship essay. Maybe someone asked you an unexpected question? Perhaps you were having an interesting conversation with a friend or family member? Either way, dialogue can be a powerful tool to start your essay.

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Put the reader in your shoes.

Alternatively, you can choose to start your essay by placing the reader right in your shoes and show them something from your life. Appeal to the senses and show the reader what you see, hear, smell, or taste. These specific details will help your essay come to life and make it even more memorable. 

Also recommended: What’s the best scholarship essay format?

Scholarship essay introduction example

Next,  we’ll look at a specific example of how you can open up your essay. Let’s say you are applying for the Questbridge scholarship program . One of the essays that you will be asked is:

We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most influenced you. How are they shaping your future aspirations?

You might be tempted to rephrase the question and start your essay with something like:

“I have grown up in a rural context and this has formed my aspirations and allowed me to accomplish academic success…”

This is generic and will not engage your reader at all. 

Instead, what if you started off your essay with something like this:

“I look outside my bedroom window and see Henry, my favorite chicken, pecking at something in the dirt.” 

Makes a big difference, right? As a reader, you are probably wondering: why does this person have chickens outside their bedroom window? Why did they name this particular chicken Henry?

See also: Here are our top writing & essay scholarships for students!

Keep the ending of your essay in mind as you write the opening

While crafting your opening, be open to ideas about how to close your essay. There is no need to stress about the ending now, but being mindful of effective ways to end an essay is always a good idea. Say you are opening your scholarship essay with Henry the chicken. Is there a way for Henry to make an impactful appearance at the end of the essay to close things out in a way that perfectly wraps everything up? The key is for the essay ending to be meaningful and memorable for the reader. 

Don’t miss: Our free scholarship search tool

If you can’t think of a “wow” scholarship essay beginning, keep writing!

Sometimes, we know what we want to say, point by point, but we are not ready to be creative when it comes to opening an essay. In that case, keep writing! There is always the option of going back and crafting an engaging opening after your essay is written. Simply write your main idea where the first paragraph would be to guide you as you write. After, go back when your creative juices are flowing, and craft the amazing opening (and closing) that your scholarship essay deserves!

Final thoughts

As shown, there are many questions that we as readers will have after reading an engaging essay opening such as the one just shared; We want to learn more about the student who is writing this essay. After all, as a writer trying to stand out in a pile of essays, that is our main goal. 

We hope that you have a better understanding of how to start a scholarship essay so you can maximize your chances of winning scholarships!

Additional resources

Scholarships360 is the go-to for all things college admissions and scholarships! Wondering how to write a 250 word essay and how to write a 500 word essay ? Curious how to write an essay about yourself ? Wow, do we have the resources to help! Additionally, check out our free scholarship search tool to help you finance your college education. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors! 

Key Takeaways

• The first sentence of the essay is what makes the reader want to continue reading 
• Engage the reader by appealing to the senses
• Create a sense of wonder in your essay, making the reader want to learn more about you
• Keep the ending of the essay in mind as you craft the beginning

Frequently asked questions about how to start a scholarship essay

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Ultimate Guide: How To Make Money Writing Short Stories

• September 2, 2023 September 2, 2023

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I’m sure this idea isn’t unique. It’s probably occurred to you before – you write well and you wonder if you can sell these stories.

The second thought that comes hot on the heels of the first is that – but who’ll buy them? Who will pay you for your stories, and how much can you make from this passion of yours?

How to make money writing short stories: A quick overview.

First off, it’s important to note that while writing stories can be a fun and fulfilling hobby, it’s not always the most lucrative. According to a survey by the Authors Guild, the median income for full-time writers in the US is just $20,300 per year. However, it’s really a game of numbers.

The more you write, you more money you make.

The more time you use, the more stories you produce, the more you make.

There are plenty of websites and publications that are willing to pay for quality short stories.

It simply boils down to whether you want to make this a side gig, or a profitable full-time income – in which, you’ll be a freelance writer .

Here is also a guide to how much you can charge as a freelance writer.

6 Best Ways On How To Make Money Writing Short Stories

Here are the 6 best ways to make money from your short stories:

One: Submit to Literary Magazines  

Literary magazines are a great place to get your short stories published and make some money. Some of the best literary magazines that pay for short fiction include The Threepenny Review , The Sun Magazine , and Strange Horizons . Just make sure to read their submission guidelines carefully before submitting your work.

The Sun welcomes both new and seasoned writers.

The best part about submitting stories to these publications is that you may even be offered a retainer to write stories on a regular basis. That’ll be one of the best ways to get consistent monthly income!

The Sun offers $200 upwards per essay. The Threepenny Review pays $400 per essay or article (submission is currently closed until January 1st).

(For more magazines that pay you to write, visit this site ).

As a freelance writer, this is a great place to start making money. With every published story, you grow your skills and reputation as a good writer. 

Two: Enter Short Story Contests  

Short story contests are a great way to make some quick cash prizes. New writers can start with smaller contests, while more experienced writers can aim for bigger competitions with larger prizes. Here are some short story contests for both new and seasoned writers:

Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest : This contest is free to join, and runs 4 times a year. Cash prizes are paid out every 3 months. It accepts original science fiction, fantasy, and dark fantasy genres of up to 17,000 words.

Getting top prize will earn you $1,000, and there is even an annual $5,000 grand prize!

Young Lions Fiction Award : Founded by Ethan Hawke, Hannah McFarland, Rick Moody and Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, the Young Lions Fiction Award offers a $10,000 prize each spring to a writer of 35 years of age and below. Every year, 5 young writers are selected as finalists by a reading committee, and a panel of judges decides on the winner.

Start a Short Story Blog  

Starting your own blog is one of the best ways to make money writing short stories. It’s hard work, but it has a lot of potential. You can sell your short stories or other literary works directly to your readers and grow an online audience. Plus, you can also write personal essays and blog posts to supplement your income.

Starting a short story blog means writing a blog post that is either SEO-optimized or conversion-optimized. You can write posts that will rank on page 1 of Google and get your seen as an expert. Eventually, with these posts you’ll get more traffic on your page, and you’ll be able to monetize via affiliate links within the ranking posts or ad income. 

This is a longer journey, of course. However, with the right SEO techniques and content, you can grow your blog and make it a real source of passive income. You can even create courses teaching other people how to create short story blogs!

‘This Online World’ blog makes an average of $20,000 per month via affiliate income and media sites. This serves as a great inspiration as to how writing can really help your bank account and make you that much money (if not more).

True story: I started writing and learning SEO in late 2022. By early 2023, I was guest posting for many companies, and they liked my content so much, I started getting paid to do content writing for them at $200 apiece. It was great extra money and I wrote many different types of articles which grew my confidence and made me a better writer and researcher.

Submit to Online Magazines

An online digital magazine is a great place to submit your short stories and get paid. Some of the best online magazines that pay for short fiction include Daily Science Fiction, Clarkesworld Magazine , and Apex Magazine . 

The Daily Science Fiction is a science fiction magazine and pays 8 cents per word, while Clarkesworld pays 12 cents per word, up to a 22,000 word limit.

Apex Magazine pays $0.08 per word, and an additional $0.01 per word (up to 7,500 words) if they podcast your story.

While these payments may not seem like much, it is a good first step in launching your ‘paid’ writing career. You can try writing different genres until you find one that works for you. 

From then on, you’ll be able to write amazing stories and be paid for your own work.

Just remember to always visit each and every magazine’s online portal and check if there is a subscription fee, what their requirements are when it comes to creative writing and follow their submission guidelines.

Write On Medium

Writing on Medium can make you money. However, Medium limits its payments to certain countries only. This can be a huge put-off, so the first thing you should do is to check if the country you’re receiving payments at is on Medium’s list or not.

Medium is basically a free platform where writers write. You can find all sorts of genres from different writers from all over the word, from contemporary literary fiction to short stories to musings and poems to journals. 

Medium does offer a paid subscription of $5 monthly if you want to read more than 2 stories a day.

Read more on how you can make money with Medium’s partner program here.

Kindle Direct Publishing

Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing allows you to self-publish print and digital books, gives you ownership of your own content, and up to 70% royalty of sales made from your books.

With Kindle Unlimited, you can even get paid for every page of your book that is read!

There you go – 6 ways on how to make money writing short stories. If it isn’t just short stories you want to write – then the sky’s the limit. You can write a literary journal, book reviews, your own short stories, science fiction, and more.

The Art of Writing Short Stories

Before you start typing away after all these tips on how to make money writing short stories, let’s talk about the art of writing short stories.

The Magic of Short Fiction

Short stories are magical because they can transport you to another world in just a few pages. They are like a mini-vacation for your brain. When writing short fiction, you have to make every word count. You don’t have the luxury of meandering through pages of exposition. You have to grab the reader’s attention from the first sentence and hold it until the end.

The Power of Personal Essays

Everyone has a story to tell, and personal essays allow you to share your experiences with others. Whether you’re writing about a difficult time in your life or a funny anecdote, personal essays can be cathartic for both the writer and the reader.

The Charm of Science Fiction Stories

Science fiction stories are a popular genre for short fiction because they allow writers to explore the unknown. You can create entire worlds and universes, and the possibilities are endless. From time travel to alien invasions, science fiction stories can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The Appeal of Flash Fiction Online

Flash fiction writing is a relatively new trend in short fiction, but it’s gaining popularity. Flash fiction is typically less than 1,000 words, and it’s perfect for readers who don’t have a lot of time. Online publications are always looking for fresh content, and flash fiction is a great way to get your foot in the door.

Becoming a Professional Writer

Professional writers get paid better, for sure. The question is, how does a professional make more money versus a new freelancer when writing short stories?

Developing Your Writing Skills

First things first, you need to hone your writing skills. You don’t have to be a master wordsmith to become a professional writer, but you do need to be able to write well. You can improve your writing skills in different ways:

• Reading: Read books, articles, and stories in your genre to see how other writers craft their work.
• Writing: Practice writing every day. Set a goal to write a certain number of words or pages each day, and stick to it.
• Getting feedback: Share your work with others and ask for feedback. Join a writing group or take a writing class to get constructive criticism.
• Join online courses: Some online courses teach you exactly how to write and reel a reader in, hook, line and sinker. Check out some of the best courses here on Udemy.

Creating Your Unique Writing Style

Once you’ve developed your writing skills, it’s time to create your unique writing style. Your writing style is what sets you apart from other writers and makes your work stand out. It is also the one thing that will differentiate you from other writers, much like your hallmark.

Here are some tips for creating your unique writing style:

• Write from the heart: Write about what you’re passionate about, and let your personality shine through in your writing.
• Experiment: Try different writing styles and techniques until you find what works best for you and your clients.
• Be authentic: Don’t try to copy someone else’s writing style. Be true to yourself and write in your own voice.
• Avoid the Shiny Object Syndrome: Don’t go signing up for all sorts of courses and losing your own style in the process of trying to follow every other guru’s. 

Becoming a Freelance Writer

Now that you’ve developed your writing skills and created your unique writing style, it’s time to start making money as a writer. One way to do this is to become a freelance writer. As a freelance writer, you can write for magazines, websites, and other publications. Here’s how to get started:

• Build a portfolio: Create a portfolio of your best writing samples to showcase your skills. Great places to build your portfolio AND get potential clients include Clippings.me , Medium , and Journo Portfolio .
• Network: Reach out to other writers, editors, and publishers to make connections and find work. A good idea is to check out Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups and follow each other on social media.
• Check out job boards: There are literally over 50 job boards you can find writing jobs and get paid. Some are content mills (requiring you to write 2-3 ‘examples’ for free, or paying only a few cents per word) so try to stay away from those. Some great job boards include Freelance Writing, Blogging Pro and Solidgigs .  

Get the full list of writing job boards here.

Finding the Best Places to Publish

So, you’ve written a short story and now you’re wondering where to send it. Don’t worry, there are plenty of options out there. Here are some of the best places to publish your short stories:

Literary Magazines for New Writers

If you’re just starting out, literary magazines can be a great place to submit your work. They often publish emerging writers and can help you get your foot in the door. Some of the best literary magazines for new writers include:

• AGNI: This literary magazine specializes in publishing emerging authors. They accept poetry, short contemporary fiction, and some critical essays or other nonfiction.
• The First Line: This literary magazine publishes short stories that begin with a specific first line. It’s a great way to challenge yourself as a writer and get your work published.
• Boulevard Magazine: This literary magazine publishes fiction, poetry, and nonfiction that is “well-crafted and intellectually and emotionally complex.” They are looking for work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Online Platforms for Short Story Submissions

If you’re looking for a wider audience, online platforms can be a great option. There are plenty of websites out there that accept short story submissions. Here are some of the best:

• Submittable: This website offers many opportunities for creatives, including short story writers. You can use it to browse a marketplace packed with thousands of opportunities for grants, fellowships, writing contests, and residencies.
• Kindle Vella: This is Amazon’s new platform for serialized fiction. You can publish your short stories in episodes and readers can buy and read them one at a time.
• Medium: This is a popular platform for writers of all kinds. You can publish your short stories on Medium and potentially reach a large audience.

The Power of Social Media

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of social media. You can use platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with other writers, find submission opportunities, and promote your work. Here are some tips:

• Follow literary magazines and publishers on Twitter. They often tweet about submission opportunities and writing contests.
• Use hashtags like #amwriting and #shortstories to connect with other writers and potentially find submission opportunities.
• Share your work on Instagram. You can post snippets of your short stories and use hashtags to reach a wider audience.

Remember, there are plenty of places to publish your short stories. Don’t be afraid to try different options and see what works best for you.

How To Make Money Writing Short Stories: Cashing in on Short Story Contests

The thrill of cash prizes.

One of the biggest draws of short story contests is the possibility of winning cash prizes. Some contests offer only a few hundred dollars, while others can offer thousands. Of course, the more prestigious the contest, the more competition you’ll face, but the potential rewards can be well worth the effort.

To increase your chances of winning, make sure to read and follow the contest guidelines carefully. Many contests have strict maximum word count, formatting requirements, and other rules that you must adhere to in order to be considered. Don’t disqualify yourself by failing to follow the rules!

Speculative Fiction and Other Genres

Many short story contests are open to all genres, but if you’re a fan of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror, etc.), you may have even more opportunities to win. There are many contests specifically for these genres, and the judges often have a particular interest in them.

If you’re not a fan of speculative fiction, don’t worry! There are plenty of contests for other genres as well. Some are even open to multiple genres, so you can submit whatever type of story you like best.

In addition to cash prizes, winning a short story contest can also be a great way to get your name out there and potentially attract the attention of publishers or agents. So why not give it a try? You never know what might happen!

The Power of Self-Publishing

If you want to make money writing short stories, self-publishing is a powerful way to get your work out there. With platforms like Amazon Kindle and others, you can easily publish your work and start earning money.

Amazon Kindle and Other Platforms

As mentioned prior, Amazon Kindle is a great platform for self-publishing short stories. You can easily upload your work and start selling it to readers all over the world. Plus, Amazon offers a royalty rate of up to 70%, so you can earn a good amount of money for each sale.

But Amazon Kindle isn’t the only platform out there. There are many other platforms you can use to self-publish your short stories, including Smashwords , Draft2Digital , and more. Each platform has its own pros and cons, so be sure to do your research before deciding which one to use.

Building Your Own Audience

One of the biggest advantages of self-publishing is that you can build your own audience. By publishing your work on a platform like Amazon Kindle, you can start to attract readers who are interested in your writing. Over time, you can build a loyal following of readers who will eagerly await your next release.

To build your own audience, it’s important to promote your work on social media, your blog, and other channels. You can also offer free samples of your work to entice readers to give your stories a try.

Self-publishing isn’t easy, but it can be a powerful way to make money writing short stories. With the right approach, you can build a successful career as a self-published author and earn a good living doing what you love.

Once you have an existing audience who has bought from you before, you can launch your next collection of short stories to them – this is another way on how to make money writing short stories.

The Financial Side of Writing Short Stories

Creating passive income streams.

One of the best things about writing short stories is that they can generate passive income for years to come. Once you’ve written and published a story, you can continue to earn royalties every time someone buys or reads it. And the more stories you write, the more passive income streams you can create.

These are awesome ways on how to make money writing short stories, but…don’t quit your day job just yet. While it’s possible to make a decent living from writing short stories, it’s not easy. You’ll need to write a lot, publish often, and build up a loyal fan base to really see the money roll in.

Understanding Submission Fees and Other Costs

Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to the financial side of writing short stories is submission fees and other costs. Many literary magazines and online publications charge submission fees, which can range from a few dollars to $50 or more per submission. While paying these fees can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that they help cover the costs of running the publication and paying writers.

In addition to submission fees, there may be other costs associated with writing short stories. For example, you may need to pay for editing, cover design, or marketing services to help promote your work. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you turn your short stories into a profitable business.

Ah, the million-dollar question! Well, maybe not quite a million, but still a good one. Turning your short stories into a profitable business takes time, effort, and patience. First, you need to hone your craft and develop your writing skills. Then, you need to build a platform and audience for your work. Finally, you need to monetize your writing through various channels, such as self-publishing, freelancing, or submitting to paying markets. It’s not easy, but with persistence and determination, you can make it happen.

What are some creative ways to monetize your writing?

There are many creative ways to monetize your writing beyond traditional publishing or freelancing . For example, you can create a blog, a podcast, or a YouTube channel based on your short stories. You can also offer writing coaching, editing services, or online courses. Additionally, you can sell merchandise, such as T-shirts, mugs, or posters, featuring your stories or characters. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

Where can you find paying markets for short stories?

Finding paying markets for short stories can be challenging, but not impossible. You can start by researching literary magazines, anthologies, and online publications that accept unsolicited submissions. You can also join writing communities, attend writing conferences, or network with other writers to discover new opportunities. Some popular resources for finding paying markets include Duotrope, Submittable, and Writer’s Market.

Are there any contests or grants for short story writers?

Yes, there are many contests and grants for short story writers that offer cash prizes, publication opportunities, and exposure. Some of the most prestigious ones include the O. Henry Prize, the Pushcart Prize, and the PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers. You can also search for local or niche-specific contests and grants that align with your interests and goals.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to make money from writing?

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the value of your work and selling yourself short. Another mistake is neglecting the business side of writing, such as marketing, branding, and financial management. Additionally, you should avoid submitting your work to non-paying or scammy markets that exploit writers. Finally, you should avoid comparing yourself to other writers and focusing on your own unique voice and style.

Can writing short stories actually make you rich?

Well, let’s put it this way: if you’re looking to become a millionaire overnight, writing short stories probably isn’t the best career choice. However, if you’re passionate about writing and willing to put in the time and effort, you can certainly make a decent living from it. Many successful writers started with short stories and went on to publish novels, screenplays, or non-fiction books. So, don’t give up on your dreams of becoming a rich and famous author, but also don’t expect it to happen overnight.

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Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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