Writing is a great way to earn money, but it takes time and practice to build a reputable freelance writing career. You can make money from writing articles in a variety of ways, including blogging, freelance websites and traditional media outlets like magazines, newspapers and literary journals. But if you want to be a full-time writer, the best place to start is by developing a small portfolio of work that showcases your writing skills.
One of the best ways to make money from writing articles is to write for a variety of niches and audiences. By submitting articles to multiple outlets, you’ll learn what readers want and find out where you can most effectively pitch clients for paid articles.
The best places to submit your articles are websites with readership that match your subject matter expertise. For example, if you’re writing about travel, consider submitting your stories to a website that features destination guides and reviews of hotels, restaurants, activities and other aspects of the travel experience.
Narratively, for instance, accepts submissions on a variety of topics, including family, food and drink, technology and travel. They’re particularly interested in narrative-driven stories and longform pieces that offer a glimpse into the human experience.
Another way to make money from writing articles is by ghostwriting for other writers. This is a great way to get your name on a byline without having to worry about the cost of publishing and reprinting your own work. These jobs usually command higher rates than bylined writing, and they’re a good way to build your credibility as a writer.
Informed Comment pays $100 per article for essays on politics, foreign policy and other international issues. They also pay for profiles, interviews and a range of other types of articles.
If you have a knack for writing about travel and the outdoors, you can write articles on hiking, backpacking or other outdoor activities for Backpacker magazine. They pay up to $0.40 per word for travel-related articles, and you can negotiate your rate for longer pieces.
The Tablet, a Jewish publication, pays for original articles on culture, history and ideas, paying up to $1,000 for an article that is heavily reported. They post your articles for six months, then you retain all rights to them. You can sell reprint rights or re-post them on your own blog.
YourTango, a site dedicated to dating and relationships, pays $50 for articles on love, sex, and more. You can contact their editorial staff with your idea and negotiate your rate.
You can also write for sites that specialize in specific subjects, such as women’s health or parenting. Lifezette, for example, pays $100 for articles on parenting, faith, and lifestyle topics.
In some cases, you can find opportunities to make money from writing articles by joining a writers’ guild or group in your area. These groups can be a valuable source of support and advice, and can help you network with other writers to land writing assignments.
