can i write essays for money

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Earnings per word depend on quality level.

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Is Textbroker legit?

Yes, Textbroker is a legitimate platform that has been connecting freelancers with work since 2005. We maintain a positive reputation among writers and clients because we employ quality control measures and ensure payment for assignments completed. We have given hundreds of thousands of opportunities to our authors to make money writing for big companies like eBay, Yoast, Staples, BJ’s Wholesale club, and more.

We’re thankful to our thousands of freelancer authors for accompanying us on this exciting journey. If you want to start writing with Textbroker , we have plenty of training resources to help refresh and improve your writing skills. We’ll be there for you every step of the way, as we want you to earn more money writing. That way, our clients get optimal content, and all sides benefit.

Is Textbroker the right opportunity for you?

Whether you’re a novice writer just starting your career or an established author, Textbroker offers a reliable way to get paid to write . We provide a platform where your skills are recognized and compensated accordingly. If you’re looking for a great way to make money on the side or even a full-time opportunity, we would love to have you sign up! Here are some great reasons to work with Textbroker.

Textbroker gives you a fast, reliable, and competitive way to earn money by writing

We’re transparent about what you can earn writing on our platform. We understand the importance of reliable and timely payments, so you can trust that your efforts will be compensated promptly. We release author payments twice a week, every week. That means you can focus on what you do best — writing! Once you have money in your account, you only need to request a payout via your author page. You’ll see detailed payout information on your page, which makes it easy to keep track of what you’re earning.

Get paid to write articles on your time

We understand that life can get busy, and things come up constantly with family, work, and other responsibilities. That’s why we pride ourselves on offering exceptional scheduling flexibility. You can write when you have time to write. Here at Textbroker, we believe in “getting out what you put in.” We have authors who work anywhere from a few hours a week to 40 or more. The beauty of freelancing with Textbroker is that you have control over how much content you write and when you write it. There is no limit to how much you can earn on our platform.

You can write about what interests you

Writing with Textbroker allows you to make money writing about topics you understand, care about, and/or genuinely enjoy. Do you have experience with a specific topic? You can add “tags” reflecting your subject matter expertise to your author profile, which clients can view. Our platform provides a space where you can turn your passion and knowledge into a source of income. Textbroker strives to make the writing experience enjoyable by matching you with clients in your chosen industries. If you just write for the love of writing, there are plenty of general topic orders to pick up.

Get paid to write with Textbroker

Getting started with Textbroker is easy and free using our author registration form . We first determine where you are in your career by asking several grammar questions and requesting a sample of your writing. You can begin writing once you log in and create your payment account on our platform. After you write 5 articles, you will get your author rating of either 3 or 4 stars and be free to pick up different articles and even join teams. After writing with us for a while, we’ll review your performance to see if you’re eligible for a higher star level where you could earn more money.

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Yes, Textbroker is a haven for real people to make real money from writing content without the use of artificial intelligence. You may be wondering, since anyone and everyone can write using AI, is human-generated content important? The answer is simple: Writing is not necessarily of good quality just because it was generated by AI. There are plenty of flaws in artificial intelligence writing content, including bias and AI hallucinations , in which false information is generated and presented as fact. Even Google is wary of using AI for content writing. So, don’t expect ChatGPT and the like to replace writer jobs any time soon.

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29 Great Ways to Make Money Writing Online in 2024

• Updated: 04/30/24
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Are you looking for a way to get paid to write? Do you want to make money by writing articles, blog posts, stories, or maybe something else entirely?

There are so many different ways to make money from writing, depending on your skill set and desires.

Whether you want to write for magazines, blogs, or other outlets, you can get paid to write from the comfort of your own home.

It’s often a very flexible job with flexible rates and hours.

Writing can be a great side business to start or even a full-time gig, depending on what you’re looking for.

With the right approach and some tips from this guide on how to make money writing, you’ll be able to turn your passion into a lucrative career!

We’ll cover everything from finding clients to understanding different payment methods, and more.

What Skills Do You Need to Get Paid to Write?

The good news is that you don’t need much at all to start a writing career – just a few basics.

• Writing Skills: Of course, you should have some experience with writing. But the cool thing is that you can be a self-taught writer. You don’t need any special credentials or qualifications to get started.
• Grammar Skills: Of course, you’ll need to have a good understanding of grammar and punctuation. Your work shouldn’t need any additional proofreading.
• Research Skills: Being able to research topics quickly and accurately is essential for any kind of writing job. You may be required to cite your sources.
• Time Management Skills: As with any job, managing your time well will help ensure that you meet deadlines and keep clients happy.
• Marketing Skills: Promoting yourself as a writer is key in order to get new clients and maintain existing ones. You don’t have to be an expert in marketing but it helps! It also helps to have marketing experience to include in your writing to help your clients reach their audiences better.
• Communication Skills: This is important to communicate submission deadlines and negotiate your rates.

29 Ways to Get Paid to Write Online

Making money online is the ultimate dream for many people and why wouldn’t it be? Work when you want and often for how much you want.

The world of writing can open up your career to so many different opportunities.

Let’s explore those opportunities in more depth below.

1. Blogging

Why rely on others to pay you money for writing when you can be your own boss? One of the best ways to make money writing is to start blogging .

There are a lot of ways to monetize blog content , including affiliate programs , sponsored posts, display ads, or selling your own products and services.

It takes time and effort to build an audience for your blog but it can be a much more rewarding way to get paid for writing.

Once your own blog becomes successful, you can also accept guest posts from other writers to help you save time and focus on other areas of your business.

It’s also very common for many bloggers to also have freelance writing gigs on the side while they are working on building their blogging business.

2. Freelance Writing

If you don’t have the time or desire to maintain a blog, freelance writing may be a better option for you. Freelance writers are hired by individuals, companies, websites, and publications to produce content on their behalf.

You’ll need to market yourself in order to land jobs as a freelance writer but once you do, you can start making money from home while writing about topics that interest you.

Plus, there are so many options for where to find freelance work — from job boards to social media groups—so it’s easy to find gigs that fit your skillset.

There are freelance writing opportunities in almost every area that we will discuss on this list.

3. Content Writing

A lot of companies, websites, and publications hire content writers to produce blog posts for them.

As a content writer, you are responsible for researching topics, creating engaging content, and optimizing it for SEO.

This is an excellent way to get paid to write because you can find jobs in almost any industry.

Consider your writing niche and whether you want to be known for one particular niche or a variety of niches.

It’s also helpful to have experience with content marketing.

Many companies also offer regular updates so you won’t have to worry about finding new work once the first assignment is complete.

This type of online writing can be either a freelance or a full-time writing career, depending on the needs of the client.

4. Copywriting

Copywriters write persuasive messages that aim to convince readers into taking action (e.g., making a purchase).

They typically specialize in marketing copy for sales pages, emails, and more.

Copywriters need strong research skills, creativity, and an understanding of consumer psychology in order to craft effective copy that will resonate with their target audience.

Because copywriting is a more specialized form of writing, you can often get paid more in this industry.

5. SEO Writing

Search engine optimization (SEO) is key if you want people to find your content online.

SEO writers write articles that follow SEO best practices to ensure their content can easily found by search engines like Google or Bing.

In order to be an SEO writer, you should have an understanding of how blogs use SEO to drive traffic.

SEO writers typically get paid more than other types of writers because it’s considered a specialized skill.

If you’re familiar with keyword research and SEO, this is a great way to get paid to write.

Related: 17 Best SEO Content Writing Services

6. Technical Writing

Technical writers create documents such as instructions, manuals, and tutorials for products or services.

You need to be able to explain complex information in an accessible, concise way.

It can be a lucrative and stable career since it often requires long-term contracts with clients. Plus, you don’t have to worry about finding new work as often as freelance writers do.

That said, technical writers must have strong writing skills as well as an understanding of the subject matter they’re writing about.

7. eBook Writing

Writing eBooks is another popular way to make money from writing online. You’ll need to come up with a unique concept and construct compelling sales copy in order to attract readers — but if done right, it can be a great source of income.

The best eBooks are usually around 20,000 words and will cost you anywhere from $2-$10 per eBook.

Plus, once your book is published, it’ll be available for sale indefinitely — so you can continue to make money even after the initial launch!

8. Ghostwriting

Ghostwriters write content for other people without taking credit for it.

This type of writing requires discretion as you will often be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before your start the project.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for regular work, but just keep in mind that you won’t get any recognition or public acknowledgement for your efforts.

Ghostwriting is usually done for celebrities or high-profile clients who want to write books but don’t have the time or expertise to do so themselves.

The ghostwriter does all the work and then hands over the finished product to the client.

9. Proofreader or Editor

If you’re an experienced writer or editor, you may be able to make money by proofreading or editing documents for other people.

You’ll need a sharp eye for detail and the ability to catch any errors that may have been missed.

Proofreading is usually paid on a per-hour basis but it’s also possible to negotiate flat rate fees with clients as well.

Plus, if you become known as a reliable and accurate proofreader, you can start charging more for your services over time.

10. Essay Writing

If you have a background in academia or research, you may be able to get paid to write essays.

There are websites that provide essay-writing services to others that hire talented writers.

They usually charge per word or page so it’s important to be aware of how much you’ll get paid before committing to any project.

You’ll need some research skills as well as the ability to create an engaging story in order to succeed in this area — but if you have both, it can be a great way to make money online.

11. Resume Writing

If you have an eye for detail and a knack for distilling complex information into easily digestible chunks, resume writing may be the perfect job for you.

People often hire resume writers to help them create compelling resumes that will help them stand out among other applicants.

Resume writers typically charge by the project rather than hourly so it’s important to price your services accordingly.

Plus, once you establish yourself as a reliable service provider, you can start charging more over time.

12. Journalism

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a professional journalist, there are plenty of opportunities available.

Journalists write news stories for magazines, newspapers, and websites.

You’ll need to have strong research skills and the ability to write compelling stories in an engaging way.

Many publications also require their journalists to have some experience with photography or video production.

Journalism can be a rewarding career — but it’s important to understand that writing for a living can be quite demanding at times.

13. Social Media Copywriting

Social media copywriting involves writing copy for social media posts.

Bloggers and other online publications pay writers to write social media copy for ads and organic posts.

This type of writing requires a unique blend of creativity, knowledge of the platform used, and an understanding of how to craft compelling messages that engage the target audience.

You should have at least a basic understanding of copywriting and know how to produce high-quality copy that resonates with the client’s audience.

14. Sales Page Copywriting

Sales page copywriting is one of the most lucrative areas of copywriting.

This type of writing requires you to craft persuasive sales messages that will entice potential customers to purchase a product or service.

You’ll need to understand how to structure an effective sales page and create copy that engages readers and convinces them to take action.

Sales page copywriters are often paid well for their services — but they also have a significant responsibility in terms of helping businesses meet their revenue goals.

So make sure you have the necessary skills before taking on this type of work!

This is a great job for a freelance writer because people don’t necessarily need sales page work on an ongoing basis.

15. Email Marketing Copywriting

As a copywriter that focuses on emails, you generally need to write emails and newsletters that build relationships with customers and keep them engaged.

Because email marketing is also often geared towards sales, you generally also should have experience with persuasive writing that drives conversions.

You should be familiar with email marketing best practices such as using personalization, segmentation, automated workflows, and A/B testing.

These skills will help you create content that resonates with your audience and drives desired action.

16. Grant Writing

Grant writing involves researching and applying for grants from governments, foundations, corporations, trusts, and other organizations.

As a grant writer, you’ll need to be able to research and identify potential funding sources, write compelling applications that demonstrate a clear need for the requested funds, and develop a thorough budget outlining how the money will be used.

Grant writing is an important part of many businesses — but it can also be very lucrative if you’re successful in securing grants for your clients.

Plus, once you become established as a reliable grant writer, you can start charging more for your services over time.

17. Teach Others to Write

If you have a lot of experience in professional writing, you may be able to make money by teaching others how to write.

You could set up courses on Skillshare , Udemy , other online learning platforms and help people learn the basics of copywriting, blogging, SEO, and more.

You’ll need to do some research into your target audience before creating any course content — but once you get started, it can be a great way to make money while helping others become better writers!

18. White Papers

White papers are in-depth research documents that provide detailed information about a specific topic.

They are often used as promotional materials by companies and organizations to inform potential customers and attract new business.

As a white paper writer, your job will be to write compelling content that is both informative and persuasive — so you’ll need excellent writing skills as well as some knowledge of the industry or topic you’re writing about.

It’s not an easy task but it can be very rewarding if done correctly — both in terms of money and recognition!

19. Start a YouTube Channel About Writing

Another great way to write for money is to create a YouTube channel to teach others how to do what you do!

You could create videos about copywriting, blogging, SEO, and other topics related to writing and then monetize your channel with ads.

You’ll need to have an engaging personality as well as the ability to produce high-quality content in order to draw in viewers — but if you put in the effort, it can be a great source of income.

So if you’re passionate about writing and want to share your knowledge with others, why not give it a try?

20. Short Stories

Writing short stories can be a great way to flex your creative muscles and make some money in the process.

You can submit your stories to literary journals and magazines, or even self-publish them on platforms like Amazon Kindle.

It takes an immense amount of work to create a compelling short story, but if you have the skills it can be a great way to make some extra income while doing something you love.

And who knows — maybe one day you’ll become the next JK Rowling!

21. Podcast Show Notes

If you’re an experienced writer who enjoys listening to podcasts, you may be able to make money as a podcast show notes writer.

This involves writing up summaries of the content discussed in each episode of a podcast and posting them on the show’s website or blog.

Most podcasters require this type of service and it’s a great way to network and build relationships in your industry.

You’ll need excellent summarizing skills as well as the ability to write concisely and accurately — but if you have both, this can be a great way to make some extra money from home.

22. Fiction Writing

For those who prefer longer works of fiction, writing novels can be a great way to make money from your writing.

You can self-publish your book or try to find an agent and traditional publisher — but either way, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication in order to get your novel out there.

If you have the willingness and ability to put in the time and effort required, though, it’s a great way to create something that will last forever!

So if you’re passionate about storytelling and believe that you have what it takes, why not try your skills as a fiction writer?

23. Transcribe Audio Files

Another great way to earn money for writing is by transcribing audio files.

Transcriptionists listen to audio recordings and type out what is said in the form of a written document.

You can find transcription jobs on freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr, or you can reach out directly to podcasts and other audio-related services that are looking for transcribers. Transcribing audio files may not be as glamorous as other typing jobs , but it’s a great way to put your writing skills to use while making some extra cash!

24. YouTube Scripts

If you have a knack for writing engaging scripts, you may be able to get paid to write YouTube scripts.

Many YouTubers hire writers to create scripts for their videos that include the words they will say on camera and any other text they need to appear on the screen.

You’ll need to have an understanding of video production as well as some experience with scripting — but if you do, this can be a great way to get paid for writing while helping others get their messages across!

25. Copywriting Consultant

If you’re an experienced writer with a strong understanding of copywriting principles, you may want to consider becoming a copywriting consultant.

Copywriting consultants provide advice and guidance to clients who are looking for help improving their copywriting.

You’ll need to have a thorough understanding of marketing principles, web design trends, and SEO techniques in order to be successful in this role.

Plus, you’ll need strong communication skills in order to effectively consult with clients and provide them with useful feedback.

It can be an incredibly rewarding job — but it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that come along with it.

26. Writing Contests

Writing contests are a great way for experienced writers to showcase their skills and make some money at the same time.

You can find writing contests in various genres such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, personal essays, and more — and you can often win cash prizes that can range from $50-$1000 or more.

By participating in these types of contests, you can also gain recognition from other writers who may be able to help open doors for new opportunities down the line.

A writing contest a great way to get your writing out there while also earning some extra cash — so be sure to keep an eye out for any upcoming writing competitions you may be interested in entering!

27. Product Review Writer

If you have an interest in technology or other consumer products, you may be able to make money writing product reviews.

Product review writers are responsible for researching and testing products, then writing detailed reviews of them that can help inform potential customers about the pros and cons of various models.

When writing reviews, you should have knowledge and experience with the products you’re reviewing.

This type of writing may be better as a side hustle because you may find it hard to earn enough income to do this full-time.

28. Paid Writing Internships

If you’re just getting started in the world of writing, a paid internship can be a great way to gain valuable experience and make some money at the same time.

Many companies, organizations, media outlets, and other businesses offer internships for writers who are interested in learning more about the industry.

These internships usually involve working closely with experienced writers and editors on various projects — so it’s a great opportunity to learn from the best!

Plus, many internships are paid — so you can also make some cash while gaining valuable experience.

29. Press Releases

Writing press releases is another great way to get paid for writing if you have a background in marketing.

Press releases are statements sent out to news outlets in an attempt to draw attention to a certain event, product, or business.

A good press release should be concise, clear, and informative — so you’ll need excellent writing abilities as well as some knowledge of how the media works in order to craft effective press releases that get noticed.

10 Best Websites to Find Writing Jobs

Now that you know the many ways you can write for money, let’s look at some of the best places to find writing jobs.

Many of the following websites have job boards that will help you find work as a freelance writer or part-time or full-time positions with companies.

You’ll also find many remote work opportunities with the job boards below.

• Upwork – Upwork is a great resource for finding freelance writing jobs of all kinds. You can find one-time projects, long-term contracts, and even full-time positions.
• Freelancer.com – Freelancer.com is another popular job board for finding freelance writing gigs, website designers, and other remote work.
• Fl exJobs – FlexJobs is a great site with for finding legitimate remote writing jobs with job boards in every industry you can think of.
• ProBlogger Job Board – ProBlogger is a great place to find freelance writing opportunities with a job board related to blogging and content creation.
• Guru – Guru is a platform designed specifically for connecting freelancers with remote job opportunities in a variety of industries, including writing.
• Indeed – Indeed is an online job board with millions of listings from all over the world. You can find a variety of writing jobs in different industries and locations.
• LinkedIn – LinkedIn is a great place to network with potential clients and search for freelance writing opportunities on their online job boards.
• Fiverr – Fiverr is a popular platform for finding one-time writing gigs and short-term projects.
• PeoplePerHour – PeoplePerHour is an online job board for finding short-term and long-term freelance writing gigs.
• WriterAccess – WriterAccess is a great platform for finding freelance writing jobs with companies that need content written on a regular basis.

How to Get Started Writing for Money

Let’s talk about some steps to consider when you’re getting started.

1. Explore Opportunities

The first thing you need to do if you want to get paid for your writing is to figure out what kind of writing you’d like to do.

The purpose of this article is to help you understand what opportunities exist, so take another look at the list above and do some additional research into any opportunities that interest you.

Explore some of the job boards to get a better idea of how much individual gigs pay and what is expected of you for each type of work.

2. Develop Your Writing Style and Process

Developing a consistent writing process is key when it comes to becoming a successful freelance writer.

Having a clear plan for how you create your content will help you stay organized and keep track of deadlines.

It’s also important to know your strengths and weaknesses so you can focus your time on what works best for you, whether it’s planning, researching, or writing itself.

Having a routine that works for you and sticking to it will help increase your productivity and efficiency as a writer.

Remember that every writing niche is different. Do some research into whatever niche(s) you choose to get ideas of what successful writing looks like.

3. Create a High-Quality Portfolio

Creating a portfolio of your work is essential if you want to make money online with writing.

The best place to showcase your portfolio is on your own website or blog.

High-quality examples of your work are always helpful because they provide potential clients with an idea of what you can do for them.

Make sure to include samples from different topics and genres, as this will show potential clients that you’re capable of writing on a variety of subjects.

4. Network with Other Writers

Building relationships with other writers is a great way to increase your chances of finding more and better writing opportunities.

You can network with other writers in person or online through social media sites like Twitter and LinkedIn.

You can also join online writer communities such as the Writer’s Guild or Freelance Writers Network.

There are also a lot of Facebook groups specifically for freelance writers that are great places to find leads as well as tips and advice from experienced professionals.

Networking with other writers is one of the best ways to learn more about the industry, find new opportunities, and get your work seen by more people.

5. Negotiate and Know Your Worth

When you’re looking to get paid to write, you want to make sure that you know your worth and negotiate for it.

This may be a little harder when you start writing because you may lack the experience or the credentials to charge premium rates.

It may make sense to start out with competitive rates and work your way up.

If you’re a professional writer and know that your work is worth a premium rate, never be afraid to ask for it or negotiate better terms.

It’s important that you value your own work and stand firm on what you think it’s worth.

6. Have a Contract in Place

Before you start any writing gig, it’s important to have a contract in place.

A good freelance contract will include the payment terms, communication expectations, submission guidelines, and other elements of the job.

You should have some kind of contract even if you’re not freelancing, but companies will often write this for you if you’re looking into a regular part-time or full-time position.

If you’re a freelancer, it may be up to you to create the contract.

Understanding the legalities behind the writing job is essential if you want to stay safe and avoid any potential issues down the road.

7. Consider Starting as a Freelancer

If you’re just starting out as a writer, it may be best to start as a freelancer.

This way, you can explore different types of writing and get experience without the commitments that come with a full-time position.

Freelance writing also gives you the flexibility to work on your own schedule and establish yourself as an expert in whatever topic or genre interests you the most.

Overall, freelance writing is one of the best ways to get started making money online through your writing.

7. Promote Your Services

Once you have some writing samples, it’s time to start promoting your writing services online.

The best way to do this is by creating a website where potential clients can view your portfolio of writing samples, read testimonials from previous clients, and contact you directly for freelance work.

You should also create social media accounts for your writing business and start building an online following by sharing useful content related to the topics you write about.

Having a presence on multiple platforms makes it easier for potential clients to find you online.

If you’re interested in longer-form writing, pitching stories to magazines is a great way to make money. Magazines are always looking for new content, so approach them with an interesting idea that you think they’d be interested in.

5 Tips on How to Make Money Writing Online

Whether you’re a freelance writer or someone looking for a full-time gig, these tips are going to be really important before you start writing or promoting your writing services.

1. Use AI Writing Tools

AI writing tools are an absolute must in the world of writing. What many people don’t understand is that they aren’t a complete replacement for professional writing.

The best way to use AI with your writing is a supplemental tool to help you generate ideas and improve your writing speed.

You will still need to add your own unique writing style and personal stories to your content to set it aside from the rest.

Jasper is our favorite AI tool for writing and what we use in our own business.

2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

In the world of writing, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to write as much content for as many people as possible.

While this may seem like a good idea in theory, it could actually be damaging your reputation and hurting your income potential.

Instead of focusing on churning out massive amounts of content, focus on creating high-quality pieces that will impress clients and help you build a name for yourself as a professional writer.

High-quality work is more likely to be seen by more people, which can lead to better rates and increase your chances of landing bigger projects.

You’ll also find that clients are willing to pay more for top-notch work because they value quality over quantity.

This will also help you build better relationships and get repeat clients.

3. Stay Informed on Industry Trends

It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the writing industry, as this can help you determine what type of content is popular and what opportunities that are available.

Reading industry publications and newsletters, attending writing conferences, joining webinars, or taking online courses will give you insight into what’s trending in the field.

Knowing what types of topics and content formats are popular right now can also help you come up with ideas for articles, blog posts, and other pieces that clients may be interested in.

5. Invest in Learning SEO and Marketing

As a content writer, you can usually earn a lot more with a background in SEO and/or marketing.

This will make your skills more valuable and marketable and help you land more gigs with better rates.

You can use SEO tools like Surfer SEO to optimize your content so it can be seen by more people, as well as how to create compelling copy that will drive conversions.

Investing in courses about digital marketing and SEO is a great way to learn the basics of these topics and start applying them to your work.

Google is always updating its algorithms, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in SEO.

5. Offer Additional Services

One way to stand out from others is by offering additional services such as editing, proofreading, SEO, or content strategy advice.

This can help you make more money as a writer and give clients another reason to hire you.

Adding extra services like this also shows clients that you’re an expert in the field and have a lot of experience.

It can be a great way to boost your income without having to take on more writing clients.

FAQs About How to Make Money Writing

There are many ways to make money writing. You can do freelance work, write for blogs or magazines, create content for websites and companies, write books, and even teach writing classes. Depending on the project, you can get paid per word or per hour. With a bit of research and dedication, anyone can start making money through writing!

Yes, it’s entirely possible to make up to $1000 a month or more with freelance writing. There are plenty of ways you can get paid for writing. You could look for remote jobs on job boards, write articles and content for websites, or start your own blog and use it as a platform to find clients. You’ll need to create a portfolio of your work and promote yourself as much as possible to gain more clients and increase your earnings. With the right skill set and dedication, you can make money writing in no time!

If you’re looking to make some money from your writing skills, there are lots of different ways to write for money. From blogging and content creation to freelance gigs and even full-time jobs – there’s no shortage of options when it comes to getting paid for writing. To get started, check out websites like Upwork , Fiverr , and Freelancer – they all offer opportunities to connect with businesses that are looking for writers to help create content.

Absolutely! Writing can be a great career option if you have the creative flair for it. Freelance writing, copywriting, and blogging are just some of the ways you can get paid to write online. You can also find traditional jobs that require writing skills in fields like journalism, marketing, and public relations. So don’t worry – there’s plenty of opportunity to earn a living from writing.

Writing is a profession like any other, and with the right skills and determination, anyone can get paid to write. In fact, while you need to have sufficient grammar skills, writing is also often a self-taught skill. From content marketers to copywriters, from freelance bloggers to ghostwriters – there are a wide variety of writing gigs that pay well if you’re willing to put in the hard work. Plus, the work is often remote and very flexible.

Yes, it is possible to make a six-figure salary as a writer. You’ll need to have the right combination of skills, connections, and determination to achieve this kind of success. You may also want to specialize in an area such as copywriting, content marketing, or SEO writing so you can charge higher rates. Having repeat clients can help you achieve this goal so that you don’t have to search for new work on a month-to-month basis.

Key Takeaways for How to Make Money Writing

No matter which type of online writing job you’re considering, there are plenty of ways to get paid to write from the comfort of your own home.

Whether it’s blogging, copywriting, SEO writing, or something else entirely, you’ll find that there are plenty of opportunities out there for you to earn a living writing.

One of the best ways for new writers to get started is to try freelancing to get some experience and build up a portfolio of samples.

As an experienced writer, you can easily earn a full-time income online.

Check job boards regularly for openings and network whenever possible.

COACHING + PUBLISHING

FORMATTING + DESIGN

FREELANCE COMMUNITY

• 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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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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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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30+ Websites to Write and Get Paid Instantly

This page may contain links from our sponsors. Here’s how we make money .

If you have a flair for writing, why not turn this into an income stream?

Whether you want a side gig or are looking to replace your full-time income, there are some great opportunities to get paid instantly for writing content .

Freelance writing allows you to do something you enjoy with the flexibility to work around your current schedule. However, it can be a challenge to find places that will pay you to write. Although there are many content mills around, they tend to be very low-paying. Because freelance writing is hard work, it can become demotivating if you struggle to earn fair compensation for your time.

The websites listed here may not offer the highest-paying writing opportunities (although some are very good), but if you’re struggling to find writing jobs, these opportunities could serve as a way to gain more experience while still making money. Higher-paying writing assignments could come with time.

Table of Contents

Opportunities to Write and Get Paid Instantly

1. listverse.

Listverse is considered the original Top 10 website, which not only makes for an interesting read, but also a potential source of income and getting paid instantly. Listverse will pay $100 for your list. You will need to compile an interesting and unique list and send it in. If Listverse approves it, you will receive a reply confirming it will be published and $100 into your PayPal account. You will need a list with at least a paragraph or two per item, so get creative. The worst-case scenario is that your list will be rejected and you will be encouraged to try again.

Learn more here: http://listverse.com/write-get-paid/

2. Wonderslist

Another list site that pays freelance writers for submissions is Wonderslist. If you have a unique, different idea, then turn it into a list. Your list needs to be 10 things with a word count of more than 1500 words. The content needs to be interesting and not have been previously published. You will not only get paid instantly, but also get an author credit on the post, which can be a great line on your freelance writing resume. You will need to get your article approved by the Wonderslist editorial team, and there are some topics that are not permitted, such as gambling, adult content, drugs, or violent content.

Learn more here: https://www.wonderslist.com/write-us/

Cracked is a popular comedy site with content that is seen by lots of people. While the site is picky about what they will publish, there are no credentials for writers. This means that if you have writing skills and a good idea, you can get paid. Cracked is famous for list-style features, so if you have lots of ideas, it is worth trying to write articles and get published. All you need to do is sign up for the Cracked writers’ forum and follow the submission guidelines.

Learn more here: https://www.cracked.com/write-for-cracked/

Tutsplus helps students to learn technical and creative skills through courses and tutorials. So, if you have specialist knowledge or skills, you can get paid to share your experience and ideas. You will need to create a tutorial that can inspire people to learn a new skill. You will need to submit a request and follow the submission guidelines.

Learn more here: https://tutsplus.com/teach

5. SitePoint

Sitepoint produces information hubs with a focus on creating content for a linear path for skills, such as web performance and React. The content is determined in advance and assigned to authors, but ideas are welcome. The site has an embedded form to apply, and if you’re approved, you will be added to the contributor pool and contacted when the editors are planning new hubs. You will need to be prepared to meet specific guidelines and produce engaging, high-quality content.

Learn more here: https://www.sitepoint.com/write-for-us/

6. Smashing Magazine

Smashing Magazine is a publication for web developers and web designers , so if you have an interest or experience in this niche, you could earn extra cash as a contributor. Smashing Magazine publishes tutorials, opinion pieces, case studies, and longer guides. The editors prefer to see initial outlines before you submit a completed article, so the content can be refined to something acceptable. You will not only be paid for your content but receive a byline, which boosts your freelance writing profile. Read through the writing process guide and use the contact form to submit your ideas.

Learn more here: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/write-for-us/

7. Photoshop Tutorials

Photoshoptutorials.ws allows you to share a tutorial with thousands of site visitors each day. You can earn anywhere from $50 to $300 for quick tips through to full tutorials. You don’t need to have a tutorial ready before submitting the form, so you can check if it qualifies for publication.

Learn more here: https://www.photoshoptutorials.ws/money-photoshop/

8. InstantShift

As a freelance writer, you can make money online writing articles for InstantShift. They require articles on design-related topics, and they pay based on the quality and volume of the content. You don’t need specific experience or requirements, but you need to produce fresh, creative content that is well-researched. You will need to provide some information to identify yourself as the writer of the post and use the website form for submissions.

Learn more here: http://www.instantshift.com/contribute/

9. DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean supports tech-focused charities and non-profits, and the Write for Donations program supports creating content for the site’s public knowledge base. You can earn $300 for a typical tutorial, and the site matches every payout with a charitable donation.

Learn more here: https://www.digitalocean.com/write-for-donations/

10. Make A Living Writing

Make A Living Writing pays for guest posts about the business of freelance writing for $75 to $150 per post. This includes posts about blogging , copywriting, ghostwriting, work-life balance, marketing, moving up to earn more, productivity, self-publishing, and writing craft. You will need to pitch your ideas and follow the Facebook page for notifications of when the pitch programs open.

Learn more here: https://www.makealivingwriting.com/why-i-pay-writers/

11. Writers Weekly

Writers Weekly focuses on articles about making money writing and pays $60 for 600-word articles. You will need to avoid generic topics and think about whether your article will help the reader make money from writing. You will need to submit a query letter and will usually receive a reply within a week.

Learn more here: https://writersweekly.com/writersweekly-com-writers-guidelines

12. Funds for Writers

Funds for Writers require articles about earning a living writing. The articles need to be 500 to 600 words with a payment of $50 for original articles. Avoid rambling when you write articles, as the editors want concise content that gets to the point. Your article must be themed around earning your living as a writer, so avoid generic subjects and think about unique tips and ideas, unusual income streams, success stories , and pointers for winning contests.

Learn more here: https://fundsforwriters.com/submissions/

13. The Barefoot Writer

Earn money writing articles for Barefoot Writer, which is a popular subscription magazine helping people to make money from home as freelance writers. You can get $100 to $300 for a published article, but you will need to follow the submission guidelines carefully. You should also be aware that The Barefoot Writer does receive lots of pitches each week, so it is not possible to respond to everyone. Generally, if you’ve not heard back within two weeks of submitting your pitch, consider it rejected and try to think of another article idea to submit.

Learn more here: http://www.thebarefootwriter.com/submission-guidelines

14. FreelanceMom

If you’re a mom looking for freelance writing jobs, The FreelanceMom just might be it for you. This community supports freelance or solopreneur moms. They enjoy content that offers actionable, practical advice, tips, or case studies between 900 and 1500 word count. It is a good idea to use your personal experience, so this is really more suited to writers who are parents. The content must be original, and you will receive $75 to $100 via PayPal.

Learn more here: http://www.freelancemom.com/guest-post-guidelines/

15. IncomeDiary

If you’re a professional writer, you can start writing for IncomeDiary and get paid by sharing your expertise. Articles need to be of the highest standard, but you can receive up to $200. You can use the online form to submit your post idea, and you will receive writing instructions.

Learn more here: https://www.incomediary.com/write-for-incomediary

16. The Penny Hoarder

Share your writing skills on The Penny Hoarder and earn money online. They want original articles on a variety of topics from cricket farming to couponing. The posts need to be between 700 to 900 words, practical and fun, particularly if they are based on personal experience.

Learn more here: https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/contributor-guidelines/

17. Money Pantry

Money Pantry looks for posts of 700 words or more written in a friendly “blog” style that helps the reader. You can add a short bio to promote your writing, and you’ll be paid $30 to $150 per blog post depending on the quality and usefulness of the content.

Learn more here: https://moneypantry.com/contribute/

18. The Dollar Stretcher

The Dollar Stretcher is a collective of publications promoting “living better for less,” providing readers with ways to save money and time. You can write and get paid on this frugal living blog but you need to query your post idea before submission, and it should be up to 800 words. There are hundreds of articles already on the blog, so pitching an idea is crucial before you start to draft your post. The Dollar Stretcher will not accept articles that repeat already published content, so wait until your pitch is checked. If the concept is approved, you’ll receive $0.10 per word, so that is $100 for a 1000-word article.

Learn more here: https://www.stretcher.com/menu/writers.cfm

19. International Living Magazine

The International Living magazine offers writing jobs that are focused on living, retiring, real estate, and traveling around the world. This is not a travel magazine, so tips, tricks, and insider insight articles work best. Approved articles can command a rate of $225 for a 900-word piece, and if your photographs are used, you will receive an additional $50 for one-time use.

Learn more here: https://internationalliving.com/about-il/write-for-il/write-for-international-living-magazine/

20. International Living’s Daily Postcards

Another area where you can make money with International Living is with the Daily Postcards section. If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen overseas, you can earn money online telling your story. Generally, postcards are at least 600 words and published postcards are paid at a rate of $100. It is worth signing up for the Daily Postcards archive to familiarize yourself with the style before you submit your ideas.

Learn more here: https://internationalliving.com/about-il/write-for-il/write-for-international-livings-daily-postcards/

21. Fund Your Life Daily and The Savvy Retiree

The third area where you can make money with International Living is the Fund Your Life Daily e-letter. Stories range from 500 to 700 words and are paid at a rate of $100.

Learn more here: https://internationalliving.com/about-il/write-for-il/write-for-fund-your-life-daily-and-the-savvy-retiree/

22. The Travel Writer’s Life

The Travel Writer’s Life publishes articles on getting paid to travel. So, if you have enjoyed success in travel writing or photography, you can share your insider tips. Submissions should be up to 600 words, and you can receive $50 to $200 depending on the type of content.

Learn more here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/writers-guidelines/

23. Matador Network

The Matador Creator community is a collective of writers, photographers, filmmakers, and editors. There is a board of the latest writing jobs, so you may find a project that is perfect for your location, interest, and skillset. Remuneration depends on the specific project, but you can expect great rates.

Learn more here: https://creators.matadornetwork.com/

24. Great Escape Publishing

Great Escape Publishing looks for articles on getting paid to travel. The pay is $150 for personal stories, articles, and interviews. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the publication to meet the subscription guidelines.

Learn more here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/writers-guidelines/

25. Clubhouse Magazine

The Clubhouse Magazine inspires and teaches Christian values to children aged 8 to 12. The team offers freelance writing jobs focusing on contemporary stories, historical fiction, choose your adventure, and non-fiction. Generally, the pay is 15 to 25 cents a word, depending on editing requirements.

Learn more here: https://www.clubhousemagazine.com/submission-guidelines

26. Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family looks for practical, hands-on parenting content of up to 300 words. This includes tips and tricks that you were surprised worked, and guidance to help children become motivated or calm their emotions. The pay is $50 on acceptance.

Learn more here: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/magazine/call-for-submissions

Write and get paid by Dame, which looks for features covering reproductive rights, civil rights, politics, race, gender, disability, cultural trends, and LGBTQ. They offer competitive rates depending on the type of feature. You need to promote a strong viewpoint with an original voice, but the reported pay is $200 per post.

Learn more here: https://www.damemagazine.com/about/

28. Her View from Home

Her View from Home covers categories including parenting, family, relationships, and faith. You can submit original and previously published pieces in 600 to 800 words. The pay is related to the number of views, but it can be up to $100.

Learn more here: https://herviewfromhome.com/contact-us/write-for-her/

29. JustParents

Earn money writing for Just Parents, which publishes information for primarily first-time parents and pregnant couples. Articles are typically informational pieces or lighthearted opinion articles between 700 and 1500 words. Just Parents provides a style guide to help you to familiarize yourself with suitable content. You will need to submit a pitch and get approval before you start writing, but payment is via PayPal within a day of the article’s approval.

Learn more here: https://www.justparents.co.uk/write-for-justparents/

30. This Old House

If you’ve renovated your home and completed most of the work yourself, you can share your experience and earn $250. You must send copies of a floor plan, a description of the work, and before and after pictures. You’ll receive a payment if your project is featured.

Learn more here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/tell-us-your-story

31. EatingWell

Get paid to write for EatingWell, which is a food magazine focused on eating healthily. The publication is looking for ideas for articles that fit into a specific department. This includes food stories, good health, travel, trends, and good life. On approval, there is a lead time of up to 6 months and a pay rate of $1 per word.

Learn more here: http://www.eatingwell.com/article/290691/writers-guidelines/

32. The Change Agent

The Change Agent is focused on adult learners. Submissions must meet the publication deadline and be up to 1000 words. Publishing calls are published twice each year, typically in August and February for submission in November and May respectively. Submissions are reviewed, and approved articles are paid at $50.

Learn more here: https://changeagent.nelrc.org/write-for-us/

32. Dropzone

Dropzone provides factual, quality content in different styles from general articles to reviews and press releases. There are word counts for specific categories and different rates. You will need to contact Dropzone for further details and compensation.

Learn more here: https://www.dropzone.com/articles/about/dropzonecom-article-submission-guidelines-r688

33. Eureka Street

Eureka Street accepts submissions of up to 800 words, but you need to adhere to the writer guidelines. The articles need to provide commentary or ethical analysis of religion, politics, current events, and popular culture around the world. Approved articles are paid at $200 for up to 1000 words. Before submission, you need to familiarize yourself with the Eureka Street style to increase the chances of your article being published.

Learn more here: http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=33927#.VjraH2SrT

Final Thoughts

Starting a new career is not easy and kickstarting your freelance writing career is no exception. Although it is possible to grind out a part-time income writing for content mills, if you want to earn a serious wage, you need to look around for sites that will pay for your efforts.

It can be overwhelming to think about where to start, but these 30 plus sites that pay you instantly for your writing should be a great stepping stone to a fantastic new career. Even as a newbie with no writing experience, you can still get paid good rates for your original and interesting writing ideas. Hopefully, this list has shown where you can start, but it is just the tip of the iceberg, with hundreds of sites that pay for contributing writer content.

READ NEXT: Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners

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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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10 Legit Ways to Get Paid to Write Reviews (Movies, Restaurants, and More)

Our readers always come first.

The content on DollarSprout includes links to our advertising partners. When you read our content and click on one of our partners’ links, and then decide to complete an offer — whether it’s downloading an app, opening an account, or some other action — we may earn a commission from that advertiser, at no extra cost to you.

Our ultimate goal is to educate and inform, not lure you into signing up for certain offers. Compensation from our partners may impact what products we cover and where they appear on the site, but does not have any impact on the objectivity of our reviews or advice.

Some companies will pay their customers to leave candid feedback about their products, while others provide free product samples in exchange for reviews. If you want to make extra money, getting paid to write reviews can be a great way to do it.

• Side Hustles

Our mission at DollarSprout is to help readers improve their financial lives, and we regularly partner with companies that share that same vision. If a purchase or signup is made through one of our Partners’ links, we may receive compensation for the referral. Learn more here .

When you’re shopping online, do you look at the reviews left by other customers to determine if you’re getting a good product?

Or maybe you like leaving reviews to help future customers.

But reviews aren’t just for other consumers. Companies take your feedback seriously and use customer feedback to improve their products. Some will even pay their customers to leave candid feedback about their products, while others provide free product samples in exchange for reviews.

If you want to make a few extra dollars writing reviews for money — be it for movies, restaurants, or something else entirely — this list of resources is a great way to accomplish exactly that. 

10 Places to Write Reviews for Money

It can be difficult to convince a company to pay you directly for reviews. Most companies who choose to do so generally work through an intermediary. There are plenty of websites and services that you can sign up for if you want to get paid to write reviews.

1. LifePoints

LifePoints is a website that pays users to complete surveys. Some of these surveys will be about the products that you’ve bought. Others will be about more general topics.

For each survey that you complete, you’ll earn LifePoints. Some surveys will ask you for demographic information and may disqualify you if enough responses from your demographic have been received. If this happens, you’ll still earn a few LifePoints for your time.

Most surveys take about fifteen minutes to finish, but some are much shorter or much longer. Usually, longer surveys will offer more LifePoints.

You can redeem LifePoints for rewards. Redemption options include gift cards, charitable donations, and cash deposits to your PayPal account.

Related: LifePoints Review: Should You Become a Free Member?

2. InboxDollars

InboxDollars pays its customer for a variety of tasks, including:

• Taking paid surveys
• Watching videos
• Playing games
• Shopping online
• Reading emails

Opportunities to complete surveys and other tasks are emailed directly to you. You’ll earn cash rather than points, and InboxDollars has paid its customers more than $56 million since 2000.

Related: InboxDollars Review: Is it Legit, and How Much Can You Earn?

3. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion is another survey-taking site that pays you to share your opinions with companies. The site has paid out more than $30 million to its 7 million members.

Each survey you take rewards you with points. You can redeem points for cash through PayPal, sweepstakes entries, or charitable donations, letting you choose how you want to be rewarded.

4. Start a Review Blog

If you don’t want to deal with another website’s requirements to get paid for reviews, consider starting your own review blog. While it can be difficult, especially in the beginning, it’s a good strategy for making money writing reviews.

Websites like Wirecutter have grown to have millions of readers each month because of their high-quality reviews. With a review website, you can make money with advertising or by working with a service like Amazon Affiliates that allows you to earn a commission when someone makes a purchase based on your review.

Related: How to Start a Profitable Blog (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

5. UserTesting

UserTesting connects tech companies to regular people who want to help them test their websites and apps.

Companies will provide you with a link to their site or app and a set of tasks they’d like you to accomplish. An online retailer, for example, might ask you to go through the process of buying a shirt.

To start an assignment, you’ll need a microphone. While you’re going through your tasks, UserTesting will record your screen and anything you say. You should speak your thoughts clearly and out loud so that the people reviewing your recordings can understand your thought process and update the website accordingly.

You’ll be paid $10 through PayPal for every 20-minute recording you complete.

6. Review Stream

At Review Stream , you’re paid based on what other consumers think about your reviews. This means that it pays to be completely candid and to provide as much detail as possible.

You can review almost anything on the site — products, movies, and books are all fair game. If Review Stream accepts your submitted review, you’ll earn a small payment. Once your review is posted, other users can vote on whether the review is helpful or not. You’ll earn ten cents per helpful vote that you receive. You can also earn ten cents for each answer you provide to other consumers’ questions.

Payment is made through PayPal. The minimum balance to cash out varies based on how much you made for the first review you sold in each payment cycle. The minimum will be ten times the value of the first review you sold, with a minimum of $100. So, if your first review sold for $2 or $10, the minimum is $100. If it sold for $16, the minimum is $160.

Related: 11 Ways to Get Paid to Read Books In Your Spare Time

7. YouTube BrandConnect

YouTube BrandConnect is an invite-only service that connects YouTube creators to brands that want to show their products to a wider audience.

This service is relatively hands-off, connecting you to companies to pitch, but you get to decide how you want to feature products and you can set your own rates. Once you sign up for the service, you’ll be able to see all of the sponsors looking to work with YouTubers. The site advertises nearly 500 companies that pay people to advertise their goods and services .

In exchange for connecting you with brands, YouTube BrandConnect takes a 10% service fee. There are no sign-up or other fees, so you only pay the fees when you get paid. YouTube BrandConnect pays through PayPal or check.

8. Influence Central

Influence Central is another site that connects influencers to brands who want to showcase their products to consumers. You’ll get paid to write reviews and post them directly on your blog, website, or social media accounts.

The pay for each review varies. Some companies will pay you more than others, but this can be a good way to leverage your influence and provide honest reviews to your followers.

If you want to get paid to test products , Tryazon is the website for you. After you sign up, you’ll be able to view a list of available TryaBox and Party opportunities.

For a TryaBox opportunity , a company will send you a single product or item for you to test. If you apply for a Party and Tryazon selects your application, the company will send a box filled with products, party favors, and the like, free of charge. You can host a party with friends, family, and colleagues and everyone gets the chance to try the product.

Once you’re done, your free to share your feedback with the manufacturer, post about the party on your blog or social media, and tell your friends about the things you tried.

10. Write Reviews for Clients

To find possible clients, you can do an online search for websites that focus on product and service reviews. Then, pitch your review writing services to them directly. You will need to have a portfolio and a drive to pitch multiple clients before landing your first gig. Make sure your final submissions to clients are amazing, because it may lead to steady work writing more reviews in the future.

Related: 18 Legit Online Jobs for College Students

Can You Get Paid to Write Reviews for Google and Amazon?

Google and Amazon are two of the most trusted websites on the internet when it comes to reviews. That means that companies are willing to do a lot to make sure their Amazon and Google reviews are good.

You can get paid to write reviews on these websites. However, although providing compensation for a review is allowed, providing compensation with the requirement that you leave a good review violates both websites’ Terms of Service. So if this type of opportunity is presented to you, make sure you think about whether or not you should take it.

For example, your local pizza shop is welcome to give you a free slice when you show that you left a review, but it can’t require that you leave a five-star review on Google. It has to extend the offer to anyone who leaves a review.

3 Tips to Make the Most with Paid Reviews

The truth is that you won’t make a huge amount of money for writing reviews, but it can be a good way to add some extra cash to your wallet. Here are the best ways to make money writing reviews.

Do it in your spare time.

Turn some of your unproductive spare time into productive time by writing reviews. If you commute by bus or train, write a review or two on each trip. After work, rather than focusing on a Netflix show you’ve seen a dozen times, put it on in the background while you write a review.

Because most reviews are short and easy to write, they’re a great way to fill small chunks of time.

Review things you already use.

You’re most familiar with products that you use on a regular basis, so start by reviewing those items.  Your familiarity with them, especially if you’re a long-term user of a specific product, will help you make high-quality reviews that other consumers can use.

Write high-quality reviews.

To make sure your reviews are approved by the company paying you and appreciated by other consumers, take the time to make the reviews as good as they can be. That means checking your spelling and grammar, including photos, and providing specific details about each product.

Are Paid Review Sites Worth Your Time?

Paid review sites are a good way to earn extra cash, but they won’t give you a full-time work from home income.

The best sites will pay a reasonable wage. For example, UserTesting can pay as much as $30 an hour, but you won’t be able to fill a full workweek with the available opportunities. You’re more likely to earn $5 – $10 an hour when writing reviews.

When getting paid to write reviews, be on the lookout for online scams . The most common scams are websites that force you to pay a fee before you can view opportunities to get paid. The companies organizing these opportunities should be earning a commission from the companies that provide the products or surveys, so if you find a company asking reviewers to pay a fee, walk away. That is a major red flag that something is not legit.

You Can Get Paid to Write More Than Reviews

Writing reviews online might be good for pocket money, but you won’t earn a full-time income from it. However, reviews aren’t the only way to make money from online writing.

If you enjoy writing, you may want to try to pick up freelance writing gigs. It can be a good way to earn some money in your spare time and to hone your writing skills. Some clients will pay hundreds of dollars for a single article and many people make a full-time living from freelance writing.

Even people who don’t write can earn a great income online by working as virtual assistants, editors, transcriptionists, or artists. The internet makes it easy to work with and get paid by people across the globe. It’s up to you to showcase your skills and find the people who need your services.

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Originally from Maryland, Amy headed west to attend Scripps College in California, where she earned a bachelor's degree in music and gender studies. In 2009, she began working for the admissions office of her alma mater, where she focused on reviewing applications and interviewing prospective students.

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Extremely professional and timely! Regis did an amazing job bringing my admission essay to life. It went from overly wordy and unclear to very professional and concise. If I don’t get into my desired program, it won’t be because of my essay.

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Upload your college essay , and tell us a little about yourself. We’ll match you with a certified college essay coach.

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Your coach will edit your essay and share in-depth advice to help you strengthen your structure, content, and narrative.

Receive your feedback

We’ll send back your fully edited essay. Applying to college is nerve-racking, but at Scribbr you never have to wait for long.

Revise and submit your essay

Thanks to your coach’s feedback, you’ll feel clear about the next steps and confident when you hit “send” on your application.

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We make every effort to prevent our software from being used for fraudulent or manipulative purposes.

Your questions, answered.

We know that waiting for feedback can be nerve-racking. If you select our faster deadline option, you’ll hear from your personal statement editor in 12 hours or less – including on weekends and holidays. 

We never engage in rewriting or adding text at Scribbr. Our personal statement editors will make grammatical corrections and leave suggestions using Word’s track changes and commenting feature. However, we always make sure that your perspective and voice remain front and center in your essay.

We know that waiting for feedback can be nerve-racking. If you select our faster deadline option, you’ll hear from your college essay coach in 12 hours or less – including on weekends and holidays.

Yes. All our college essay coaches are subject-matter experts and can help you make decisions regarding the content of your essay. Your coach will help you make a strong case for your admission.

Our essay coaches will provide feedback on…

• Whether your topic is appropriate and how to strengthen it
• Whether your essay demonstrates positive traits and authenticity
• Whether the narrative flows smoothly and grabs the reader’s attention
• How to dig deeper and show self-reflection and insight
• What content is missing and should be added
• What content is weak and should be removed
• How to shorten your essay to meet a word count limit

However, we will never…

• Write or rewrite content for you
• Research or fact-check your essay’s content

If you have any questions, feel free to email [email protected].

When you submit your essay to our College Essay Editing & Coaching service, you’ll be asked to indicate what type of content feedback you would like to receive. You can choose from three options:

Dig deep and challenge me

Give me the standard treatment

Tread lightly

Whichever option you choose, you’ll receive in-depth content feedback from your essay coach. However, the type of feedback your essay coach provides may differ, and the option you should choose depends on what outcome you want from the review. You can always elaborate on what type of feedback you want in your note to your essay coach.

Learn more about the three options below.

Choose from three options

If you choose this option, we’ll challenge you to write the best possible essay – no content suggestions are off-limits, including reorienting your topic or reframing your story. Students who choose this option aren’t afraid to go back to the drawing board if it’ll increase their chances of getting accepted. You may have to roll up your sleeves and do some more work on your essay, but your essay will be much stronger because of it.

Select this option if your priority is to have the best possible essay, even if it requires some extra work on your side.

We’ll strike a balance between “dig deep and challenge me” and “tread lightly.” We may suggest changes to your structure and narrative, including removing weak content, elaborating on certain sections, and adding content to strengthen your arguments. You may have to rework sentences and paragraphs, but we won’t suggest major content changes.

With this option, we’ll focus on improving your essay in a way that requires little additional work from you. We’ll provide you with targeted suggestions for how to refine your essay’s structure and narrative, but we will work within your current structure and topic. While you may have to make a few tweaks here and there, we’ll aim to return you a polished draft that’s ready to be submitted to your chosen colleges.

Select this option if you are fairly satisfied with your essay and don’t want to make major changes or if you have limited time to revise.

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Blog – Posted on Tuesday, Sep 24

Get paid to read: 18 legitimate sites that pay reviewers.

Serious question: do you want to get paid to read? You might laugh it off at first, thinking that that sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. You can get paid for spending time on what you love: reading books. 

Of course, the key to this #hack is book reviewing, where you offer your personal opinion of a book after you’re done with it. (If you’d like to learn more, check out this post to discover how to write a book review .) Because books are constantly being published, book reviewers are generally always in demand. 

So whether you’re a voracious reader of nonfiction, genre fiction, classics, or indie books, there’s probably an outlet that’s willing to compensate you if you read (review) for them! Without further ado, here’s a definitive list of the 17 sites that will help you get paid to read. If you want to cut to the chase and find out which of them is the right fit for you, we recommend first taking this quick quiz:

Which review community should you join?

Find out which review community is best for your style. Takes 30 seconds!

Then read on for the full list of all of the ways to get paid while reading!

 1. Kirkus Media

💸 Pay: Freelance basis

👀 More information: Check here

If you’ve ever lingered on a book’s Amazon page before, you’ll have heard of Kirkus Reviews. It’s one of the most respected sources of book reviews out there, publishing many of the blurbs that you’ll see on Amazon, or on the cover of your favorite titles.

You have to wonder: where do all of these reviews come from? That’s where you come into the picture. Kirkus Media lists an open application for book reviewers. As of right now, they’re specifically searching for people who will review English and Spanish-language indie titles. Some of the qualities that they want in reviewers include: experience, a keen eye, and an ability to write about a 350-word review in two weeks’ time.

To apply, simply send your resume and writing samples! You can find out more about this opportunity here .

2. Reedsy Discovery

💸 Pay: Tip basis

A powerhouse in the world of indie books, Reedsy Discovery gives book reviewers the chance to read the latest self-published books before anyone else. You can browse through hundreds of new stories before picking one that piques your interest. And if you’ve built up a brand as a book reviewer on Reedsy Discovery, you can liaise with authors who contact you directly for a review.

Its application process is pretty simple: just complete this form to be selected as a book reviewer. Once you’re accepted, you can start looking through the shelves and reading immediately. One more thing: book reviewers can get tips for their book reviews. Readers can send $1, $3, or $5 as a token of appreciation (which, let’s be honest, all book reviewers deserve more of).

If this system intrigues you, you can “discover” more about how it works on this page .

3. Any Subject Books

Any Subject Books is a full-suite self-publishing service. More importantly for you, it hires book reviewers on a book-by-book basis to help them review new books.

They’re big on in-depth, honest, and objective reviews. No fluff here! They’re also happy to give you books in your preferred genres, so if you’re a voracious reader of war fiction, you won’t typically be asked to read the latest paranormal romance hit (or vice versa).

Sadly, Any Subject Books is not currently open to book reviewer applications, but check back again — this could change at any time.

4. BookBrowse

BookBrowse reviews both adult fiction and nonfiction, and some books for young adults. The site focuses on books that are not only enjoyable to read, with great characters and storylines, but that also leave the reader knowing something about the world they did not before. Reviewers also write a "beyond the book" article for each book they review.

5. Online Book Club

💸 Pay: $5 to $60

Online Book Club’s FAQ begins with a warning for all aspiring book reviewers: “First of all, this is not some crazy online get-rich-quick scheme. You won't get rich and you won't be able to leave your day job.”

That daunting reminder aside, Online Book Club’s setup is pretty reasonable, not to mention straightforward. You’ll get a free copy of the book and you’ll get paid for your review of that book. Moreover, it’s one of the few sites that’s transparent about their payment rates (anywhere between $5 to $60). To begin the sign-up process, simply submit your email here .

6. U.S. Review of Books

U.S. Review of Books is a nation-wide organization that reviews books of all kinds and publishes those reviews in a popular monthly newsletter. The way that it works for a book reviewer is simple: when a book title is posted, reviewers can request to read it and get assigned.

A typical review for U.S. Review of Books is anywhere between 250 and 300 words. They are looking particularly for informed opinions and professionalism in reviews, along with succinctness. To apply, submit a resume, sample work, and two professional references via email. But we’d recommend that you check out some previous examples of their book reviews here to first get a better sense of what they’re looking for.

7. Women’s Review of Books

💸 Pay: $100 per review

Women’s Review of Books is a long-running, highly-respected print publication that’s a part of Wellesley Centers for Women. This feminist magazine has been published for 36 years and is looking for more book reviewers to join their force.

If you plan on writing reviews for Women’s Review of Books , you should be aware that its reviews are published “in the service of action and consciousness.” Most of its writers are also academics, journalists, or book reviewers with some years of experience behind them. If you meet these qualifications and are accepted, you’ll be compensated $100 per review.

To pitch then a review, send them an email with a quick proposal. For more details, click here .

8. eBookFairs

eBookFairs primarily helps authors grow their author platforms, but it also has a Paid Book Reader program where readers can earn money by, you guessed it, reviewing the books listed on their site.

Note that they do have clear instructions on what qualifies as a review, so do read their guidelines carefully before applying to make sure you can meet them. For instance, the review must be at least 250 words, you must allow at least 3 days between reviews submitted, and it must provide helpful feedback for the author. There are also a limited number of paid reader positions available.

💸 Pay: Variable

If you’re a freelancer, you’re probably already familiar with Upwork! One of the biggest marketplaces for freelancers, Upwork has fingers in every industry’s pie. So it won’t be a surprise to learn that people who are looking for freelance book reviewers regularly post listings on its marketplace.

Because each job caters to an individual client, the requirements and qualifications will differ. It might be a one-time project, or the gig might turn into a long-running collaboration with the client. Generally, the listing will specify the book’s genre, so you’ll know what you’re getting before you agree to collaborate with the client on the other end.

To begin, you’ll need to sign up as a freelancer on Upwork. Find out more information on Upwork’s FAQ page!

10. Moody Press

💸 Pay: Free ARCs

Moody Press is a nonprofit publishing house of Christian titles and Bible study resources. If this is your niche, you’ll definitely be interested in Moody Press’ Blogger Review Program! As part of the program, you’ll get free copies of book published by Moody Press.

Like some of the other programs on this list, you won’t get paid for your review, but you will get a free book. Moody Press also asks you to write your honest review within 60 days of reading it. To get a feel for it, try joining the MP Newsroom Bloggers Facebook group , where you can directly interact with existing members of the program.

11. New Pages

💸 Pay: Variable 

Not interested in writing anything longer than 300 words? Are quick flash book reviews more your pace? If so, becoming a NewPages reviewer might be just your speed. NewPages.com is an Internet portal to small presses, independent publishers and bookstores, and literary magazines. More importantly, they’re looking for short book reviews (generally between 100 and 200 words) on any recent literary magazine or book that you’ve read.

If you’re already a fan of books from small presses or unknown magazines, even better: that’s exactly the kind of reviewer NewPages wants to work with. If you’d like to look through some of their past book reviews to see if your style matches, check out their book review archive here .

12. Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly is an online magazine focused on international book publishing and all that that entails. More pertinently, it regularly reviews both traditionally published and self-published books, which means that it does occasionally have a call for book reviewers. As of right now, it’s closed to applications — but if you check its Jobs page every once in a while, you might see an opening again.

13. Tyndale Blog Network

Tyndale Blog Network runs a program called My Reader Rewards Club, which is based on an innovative rewards system. If you join as a member, you can earn points for certain actions that you take on the site (for instance, inviting a friend to the program and sharing a direct link to MyReaderRewardsClub.com on Facebook each fetches you 10 points).

Writing a review for a Tyndale or NavPress book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble gets you 10 points, with a maximum limit of 50 points in 30 days. In turn, you can use your accumulated points to receive more books off of Tyndale’s shelves. If this sounds like something that may be up your alley, check out their FAQ here.

14. Booklist Publications

💸 Pay: $12.50 to $15 per review

Booklist is the American Library Association’s highly respected review journal for librarians. Luckily for freelance writers, Booklist assigns freelance book reviews that vary from blog posts for The Booklist Reader to published book review in Booklist magazine.

As the site itself suggests, it’s important that you’re familiar with Booklist Publication’s outlets (which include Booklist magazine, the quarterly Book Links , and The Booklist Reader blog) and its writing style. Reviews are generally very short (no longer than 175 words) and professionally written. You can discover more of its guidelines here — and an archive of previous Booklist reviews here .

To apply, contact a relevant Booklist editor and be prepared to submit a few of your past writing samples.

15. Instaread

💸 Pay: $100 per summary

Not interested in writing critical takes on the books that you read? Then Instaread might be for you. Instaread has an open call for book summaries, which recap “the key insights of new and classic nonfiction.”

Each summary should be around 1000 to 1500 words, which makes it a fair bit lengthier than your average flash book review. However, Instaread will compensate you heartily for it: as of 2019, Instaread pays $100 for each summary that you write. You can peruse Instaread’s recommended Style Guide on this page , or download Instaread from your App Store to get a better feel for the app.

16. NetGalley

If you’ve dreamt about becoming an influencer in the book reviewing community, you may want to give NetGalley a look. Put simply, NetGalley is a service that connects book reviewers to publishers and authors. Librarians, bloggers, booksellers, media professionals, and educators can all sign up to NetGalley to read books before they’re published.

How it works is pretty simple. Publishers put digital review copies out on NetGalley for perusal, where NetGalley’s members can request to read, review, and recommend them. It’s a win-win for both publisher and reviewer: the publisher is able to find enthusiastic readers to provide an honest review for their books, and the reviewer gets access to a vast catalog of books.

The cherry on top is that NetGalley membership is 100% free! Simply use this form to sign up. And if you’d like more information, you can dip into their FAQ here .

17. getAbstract

Are you an avid reader of nonfiction books? getAbstract is a site that summarizes 18,000+ nonfiction books into 10-minute bites. Their Career Opportunities page often includes listings for writers. At the time of this post’s writing, getAbstract is looking for science and technology writers who can sum up the latest magazine articles and books. They pay on a freelance basis, so apply through their website to get further details.

18. Writerful Books

💸 Pay: $10 to $50

Writerful Books is an author services company that provides everything from beta reading to (you guessed it) book reviewing. As such, they’re always on the lookout for book reviewers with fresh and compelling voices.  

One of the benefits of this gig is that you can review any book that you want for them (although they prefer contemporary award-winning American, Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, and New Zealand authors). Getting a regularly paid gig with Writerful Books isn’t a guarantee, but if you regularly publish quality reviews for them, they may contact you. 

To apply, you’ll have to be able to provide previous book review samples. Here’s the job listing if you’re curious to learn more about this role.

If you're an avid reader,  sign up to Reedsy Discovery  for access to the freshest new reads — or  apply as a reviewer  to give us  your  hot takes!

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Getting College Essay Help: Important Do's and Don’ts

College Essays

If you grow up to be a professional writer, everything you write will first go through an editor before being published. This is because the process of writing is really a process of re-writing —of rethinking and reexamining your work, usually with the help of someone else. So what does this mean for your student writing? And in particular, what does it mean for very important, but nonprofessional writing like your college essay? Should you ask your parents to look at your essay? Pay for an essay service?

If you are wondering what kind of help you can, and should, get with your personal statement, you've come to the right place! In this article, I'll talk about what kind of writing help is useful, ethical, and even expected for your college admission essay . I'll also point out who would make a good editor, what the differences between editing and proofreading are, what to expect from a good editor, and how to spot and stay away from a bad one.

Table of Contents

What Kind of Help for Your Essay Can You Get?

What's Good Editing?

What should an editor do for you, what kind of editing should you avoid, proofreading, what's good proofreading, what kind of proofreading should you avoid.

What Do Colleges Think Of You Getting Help With Your Essay?

Who Can/Should Help You?

Advice for editors.

Should You Pay Money For Essay Editing?

The Bottom Line

What's next, what kind of help with your essay can you get.

Rather than talking in general terms about "help," let's first clarify the two different ways that someone else can improve your writing . There is editing, which is the more intensive kind of assistance that you can use throughout the whole process. And then there's proofreading, which is the last step of really polishing your final product.

Let me go into some more detail about editing and proofreading, and then explain how good editors and proofreaders can help you."

Editing is helping the author (in this case, you) go from a rough draft to a finished work . Editing is the process of asking questions about what you're saying, how you're saying it, and how you're organizing your ideas. But not all editing is good editing . In fact, it's very easy for an editor to cross the line from supportive to overbearing and over-involved.

Ability to clarify assignments. A good editor is usually a good writer, and certainly has to be a good reader. For example, in this case, a good editor should make sure you understand the actual essay prompt you're supposed to be answering.

Open-endedness. Good editing is all about asking questions about your ideas and work, but without providing answers. It's about letting you stick to your story and message, and doesn't alter your point of view.

Think of an editor as a great travel guide. It can show you the many different places your trip could take you. It should explain any parts of the trip that could derail your trip or confuse the traveler. But it never dictates your path, never forces you to go somewhere you don't want to go, and never ignores your interests so that the trip no longer seems like it's your own. So what should good editors do?

Help Brainstorm Topics

Sometimes it's easier to bounce thoughts off of someone else. This doesn't mean that your editor gets to come up with ideas, but they can certainly respond to the various topic options you've come up with. This way, you're less likely to write about the most boring of your ideas, or to write about something that isn't actually important to you.

If you're wondering how to come up with options for your editor to consider, check out our guide to brainstorming topics for your college essay .

Help Revise Your Drafts

Here, your editor can't upset the delicate balance of not intervening too much or too little. It's tricky, but a great way to think about it is to remember: editing is about asking questions, not giving answers .

Revision questions should point out:

• Places where more detail or more description would help the reader connect with your essay
• Places where structure and logic don't flow, losing the reader's attention
• Places where there aren't transitions between paragraphs, confusing the reader
• Moments where your narrative or the arguments you're making are unclear

But pointing to potential problems is not the same as actually rewriting—editors let authors fix the problems themselves.

Bad editing is usually very heavy-handed editing. Instead of helping you find your best voice and ideas, a bad editor changes your writing into their own vision.

You may be dealing with a bad editor if they:

• Add material (examples, descriptions) that doesn't come from you
• Use a thesaurus to make your college essay sound "more mature"
• Add meaning or insight to the essay that doesn't come from you
• Tell you what to say and how to say it
• Write sentences, phrases, and paragraphs for you
• Change your voice in the essay so it no longer sounds like it was written by a teenager

Colleges can tell the difference between a 17-year-old's writing and a 50-year-old's writing. Not only that, they have access to your SAT or ACT Writing section, so they can compare your essay to something else you wrote. Writing that's a little more polished is great and expected. But a totally different voice and style will raise questions.

Where's the Line Between Helpful Editing and Unethical Over-Editing?

Sometimes it's hard to tell whether your college essay editor is doing the right thing. Here are some guidelines for staying on the ethical side of the line.

• An editor should say that the opening paragraph is kind of boring, and explain what exactly is making it drag. But it's overstepping for an editor to tell you exactly how to change it.
• An editor should point out where your prose is unclear or vague. But it's completely inappropriate for the editor to rewrite that section of your essay.
• An editor should let you know that a section is light on detail or description. But giving you similes and metaphors to beef up that description is a no-go.

Proofreading (also called copy-editing) is checking for errors in the last draft of a written work. It happens at the end of the process and is meant as the final polishing touch. Proofreading is meticulous and detail-oriented, focusing on small corrections. It sands off all the surface rough spots that could alienate the reader.

Because proofreading is usually concerned with making fixes on the word or sentence level, this is the only process where someone else can actually add to or take away things from your essay . This is because what they are adding or taking away tends to be one or two misplaced letters.

Laser focus. Proofreading is all about the tiny details, so the ability to really concentrate on finding small slip-ups is a must.

Excellent grammar and spelling skills. Proofreaders need to dot every "i" and cross every "t." Good proofreaders should correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar. They should put foreign words in italics and surround quotations with quotation marks. They should check that you used the correct college's name, and that you adhered to any formatting requirements (name and date at the top of the page, uniform font and size, uniform spacing).

Limited interference. A proofreader needs to make sure that you followed any word limits. But if cuts need to be made to shorten the essay, that's your job and not the proofreader's.

A bad proofreader either tries to turn into an editor, or just lacks the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job.

Some signs that you're working with a bad proofreader are:

• If they suggest making major changes to the final draft of your essay. Proofreading happens when editing is already finished.
• If they aren't particularly good at spelling, or don't know grammar, or aren't detail-oriented enough to find someone else's small mistakes.
• If they start swapping out your words for fancier-sounding synonyms, or changing the voice and sound of your essay in other ways. A proofreader is there to check for errors, not to take the 17-year-old out of your writing.

What Do Colleges Think of Your Getting Help With Your Essay?

Admissions officers agree: light editing and proofreading are good—even required ! But they also want to make sure you're the one doing the work on your essay. They want essays with stories, voice, and themes that come from you. They want to see work that reflects your actual writing ability, and that focuses on what you find important.

On the Importance of Editing

Get feedback. Have a fresh pair of eyes give you some feedback. Don't allow someone else to rewrite your essay, but do take advantage of others' edits and opinions when they seem helpful. ( Bates College )

Read your essay aloud to someone. Reading the essay out loud offers a chance to hear how your essay sounds outside your head. This exercise reveals flaws in the essay's flow, highlights grammatical errors and helps you ensure that you are communicating the exact message you intended. ( Dickinson College )

On the Value of Proofreading

Share your essays with at least one or two people who know you well—such as a parent, teacher, counselor, or friend—and ask for feedback. Remember that you ultimately have control over your essays, and your essays should retain your own voice, but others may be able to catch mistakes that you missed and help suggest areas to cut if you are over the word limit. ( Yale University )

Proofread and then ask someone else to proofread for you. Although we want substance, we also want to be able to see that you can write a paper for our professors and avoid careless mistakes that would drive them crazy. ( Oberlin College )

On Watching Out for Too Much Outside Influence

Limit the number of people who review your essay. Too much input usually means your voice is lost in the writing style. ( Carleton College )

Ask for input (but not too much). Your parents, friends, guidance counselors, coaches, and teachers are great people to bounce ideas off of for your essay. They know how unique and spectacular you are, and they can help you decide how to articulate it. Keep in mind, however, that a 45-year-old lawyer writes quite differently from an 18-year-old student, so if your dad ends up writing the bulk of your essay, we're probably going to notice. ( Vanderbilt University )

Now let's talk about some potential people to approach for your college essay editing and proofreading needs. It's best to start close to home and slowly expand outward. Not only are your family and friends more invested in your success than strangers, but they also have a better handle on your interests and personality. This knowledge is key for judging whether your essay is expressing your true self.

Parents or Close Relatives

Your family may be full of potentially excellent editors! Parents are deeply committed to your well-being, and family members know you and your life well enough to offer details or incidents that can be included in your essay. On the other hand, the rewriting process necessarily involves criticism, which is sometimes hard to hear from someone very close to you.

A parent or close family member is a great choice for an editor if you can answer "yes" to the following questions. Is your parent or close relative a good writer or reader? Do you have a relationship where editing your essay won't create conflict? Are you able to constructively listen to criticism and suggestion from the parent?

One suggestion for defusing face-to-face discussions is to try working on the essay over email. Send your parent a draft, have them write you back some comments, and then you can pick which of their suggestions you want to use and which to discard.

Teachers or Tutors

A humanities teacher that you have a good relationship with is a great choice. I am purposefully saying humanities, and not just English, because teachers of Philosophy, History, Anthropology, and any other classes where you do a lot of writing, are all used to reviewing student work.

Moreover, any teacher or tutor that has been working with you for some time, knows you very well and can vet the essay to make sure it "sounds like you."

If your teacher or tutor has some experience with what college essays are supposed to be like, ask them to be your editor. If not, then ask whether they have time to proofread your final draft.

Guidance or College Counselor at Your School

The best thing about asking your counselor to edit your work is that this is their job. This means that they have a very good sense of what colleges are looking for in an application essay.

At the same time, school counselors tend to have relationships with admissions officers in many colleges, which again gives them insight into what works and which college is focused on what aspect of the application.

Unfortunately, in many schools the guidance counselor tends to be way overextended. If your ratio is 300 students to 1 college counselor, you're unlikely to get that person's undivided attention and focus. It is still useful to ask them for general advice about your potential topics, but don't expect them to be able to stay with your essay from first draft to final version.

Friends, Siblings, or Classmates

Although they most likely don't have much experience with what colleges are hoping to see, your peers are excellent sources for checking that your essay is you .

Friends and siblings are perfect for the read-aloud edit. Read your essay to them so they can listen for words and phrases that are stilted, pompous, or phrases that just don't sound like you.

You can even trade essays and give helpful advice on each other's work.

If your editor hasn't worked with college admissions essays very much, no worries! Any astute and attentive reader can still greatly help with your process. But, as in all things, beginners do better with some preparation.

First, your editor should read our advice about how to write a college essay introduction , how to spot and fix a bad college essay , and get a sense of what other students have written by going through some admissions essays that worked .

Then, as they read your essay, they can work through the following series of questions that will help them to guide you.

Introduction Questions

• Is the first sentence a killer opening line? Why or why not?
• Does the introduction hook the reader? Does it have a colorful, detailed, and interesting narrative? Or does it propose a compelling or surprising idea?
• Can you feel the author's voice in the introduction, or is the tone dry, dull, or overly formal? Show the places where the voice comes through.

Essay Body Questions

• Does the essay have a through-line? Is it built around a central argument, thought, idea, or focus? Can you put this idea into your own words?
• How is the essay organized? By logical progression? Chronologically? Do you feel order when you read it, or are there moments where you are confused or lose the thread of the essay?
• Does the essay have both narratives about the author's life and explanations and insight into what these stories reveal about the author's character, personality, goals, or dreams? If not, which is missing?
• Does the essay flow? Are there smooth transitions/clever links between paragraphs? Between the narrative and moments of insight?

Reader Response Questions

• Does the writer's personality come through? Do we know what the speaker cares about? Do we get a sense of "who he or she is"?
• Where did you feel most connected to the essay? Which parts of the essay gave you a "you are there" sensation by invoking your senses? What moments could you picture in your head well?
• Where are the details and examples vague and not specific enough?
• Did you get an "a-ha!" feeling anywhere in the essay? Is there a moment of insight that connected all the dots for you? Is there a good reveal or "twist" anywhere in the essay?
• What are the strengths of this essay? What needs the most improvement?

Should You Pay Money for Essay Editing?

One alternative to asking someone you know to help you with your college essay is the paid editor route. There are two different ways to pay for essay help: a private essay coach or a less personal editing service , like the many proliferating on the internet.

My advice is to think of these options as a last resort rather than your go-to first choice. I'll first go through the reasons why. Then, if you do decide to go with a paid editor, I'll help you decide between a coach and a service.

When to Consider a Paid Editor

In general, I think hiring someone to work on your essay makes a lot of sense if none of the people I discussed above are a possibility for you.

If you can't ask your parents. For example, if your parents aren't good writers, or if English isn't their first language. Or if you think getting your parents to help is going create unnecessary extra conflict in your relationship with them (applying to college is stressful as it is!)

If you can't ask your teacher or tutor. Maybe you don't have a trusted teacher or tutor that has time to look over your essay with focus. Or, for instance, your favorite humanities teacher has very limited experience with college essays and so won't know what admissions officers want to see.

If you can't ask your guidance counselor. This could be because your guidance counselor is way overwhelmed with other students.

If you can't share your essay with those who know you. It might be that your essay is on a very personal topic that you're unwilling to share with parents, teachers, or peers. Just make sure it doesn't fall into one of the bad-idea topics in our article on bad college essays .

If the cost isn't a consideration. Many of these services are quite expensive, and private coaches even more so. If you have finite resources, I'd say that hiring an SAT or ACT tutor (whether it's PrepScholar or someone else) is better way to spend your money . This is because there's no guarantee that a slightly better essay will sufficiently elevate the rest of your application, but a significantly higher SAT score will definitely raise your applicant profile much more.

Should You Hire an Essay Coach?

On the plus side, essay coaches have read dozens or even hundreds of college essays, so they have experience with the format. Also, because you'll be working closely with a specific person, it's more personal than sending your essay to a service, which will know even less about you.

But, on the minus side, you'll still be bouncing ideas off of someone who doesn't know that much about you . In general, if you can adequately get the help from someone you know, there is no advantage to paying someone to help you.

If you do decide to hire a coach, ask your school counselor, or older students that have used the service for recommendations. If you can't afford the coach's fees, ask whether they can work on a sliding scale —many do. And finally, beware those who guarantee admission to your school of choice—essay coaches don't have any special magic that can back up those promises.

Should You Send Your Essay to a Service?

On the plus side, essay editing services provide a similar product to essay coaches, and they cost significantly less . If you have some assurance that you'll be working with a good editor, the lack of face-to-face interaction won't prevent great results.

On the minus side, however, it can be difficult to gauge the quality of the service before working with them . If they are churning through many application essays without getting to know the students they are helping, you could end up with an over-edited essay that sounds just like everyone else's. In the worst case scenario, an unscrupulous service could send you back a plagiarized essay.

Getting recommendations from friends or a school counselor for reputable services is key to avoiding heavy-handed editing that writes essays for you or does too much to change your essay. Including a badly-edited essay like this in your application could cause problems if there are inconsistencies. For example, in interviews it might be clear you didn't write the essay, or the skill of the essay might not be reflected in your schoolwork and test scores.

Should You Buy an Essay Written by Someone Else?

Let me elaborate. There are super sketchy places on the internet where you can simply buy a pre-written essay. Don't do this!

For one thing, you'll be lying on an official, signed document. All college applications make you sign a statement saying something like this:

I certify that all information submitted in the admission process—including the application, the personal essay, any supplements, and any other supporting materials—is my own work, factually true, and honestly presented... I understand that I may be subject to a range of possible disciplinary actions, including admission revocation, expulsion, or revocation of course credit, grades, and degree, should the information I have certified be false. (From the Common Application )

For another thing, if your academic record doesn't match the essay's quality, the admissions officer will start thinking your whole application is riddled with lies.

Admission officers have full access to your writing portion of the SAT or ACT so that they can compare work that was done in proctored conditions with that done at home. They can tell if these were written by different people. Not only that, but there are now a number of search engines that faculty and admission officers can use to see if an essay contains strings of words that have appeared in other essays—you have no guarantee that the essay you bought wasn't also bought by 50 other students.

• You should get college essay help with both editing and proofreading
• A good editor will ask questions about your idea, logic, and structure, and will point out places where clarity is needed
• A good editor will absolutely not answer these questions, give you their own ideas, or write the essay or parts of the essay for you
• A good proofreader will find typos and check your formatting
• All of them agree that getting light editing and proofreading is necessary
• Parents, teachers, guidance or college counselor, and peers or siblings
• If you can't ask any of those, you can pay for college essay help, but watch out for services or coaches who over-edit you work
• Don't buy a pre-written essay! Colleges can tell, and it'll make your whole application sound false.

Ready to start working on your essay? Check out our explanation of the point of the personal essay and the role it plays on your applications and then explore our step-by-step guide to writing a great college essay .

Using the Common Application for your college applications? We have an excellent guide to the Common App essay prompts and useful advice on how to pick the Common App prompt that's right for you . Wondering how other people tackled these prompts? Then work through our roundup of over 130 real college essay examples published by colleges .

Stressed about whether to take the SAT again before submitting your application? Let us help you decide how many times to take this test . If you choose to go for it, we have the ultimate guide to studying for the SAT to give you the ins and outs of the best ways to study.

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Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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How to Make Money Writing (I Made $15 Million)

by Jon Morrow

on Aug 30, 2024

There are tons of articles about how to make money writing, but here’s what makes this one different: I’ve made over $15 million from my writing.

Over 200 million people have read my work, my copy has sold hundreds of thousands of products, my self-published books have sold tens of thousands of copies, and now I’m building up my social media profiles, already writing a post with over 1 million impressions.

But I wasn’t always so successful.

I used to write for other people’s blogs for free, dreaming of the day my words would pay the bills. I was thrilled just to see my name in print, even if it was on some small blog no one had heard of.

Gradually, my popularity grew. 

My articles would get a few thousand visitors. A few months later, tens of thousands became the new norm. 

That’s when I knew I was getting good. Other sites took notice too, offering to pay me to write for them. 

At first it was only like $100 an article but it eventually grew to $500, $1,000, $3,000, and – can you believe it? – $5,000 per article. I was making six figures, writing just a blog post or two a week.

But one day it occurred to me… why was I writing for everyone else and not myself?

So I started this blog on the side. It took off like a rocket, getting hundreds of thousands of visitors the first year and eventually becoming the most popular writing website in the world. It’s made me millions of dollars. 

So do I know how to make money writing?

Yeah, I think it’s fair to say I do.

Here, I’m going to tell you exactly what I would do if I was starting over. This guide is step-by-step, brutally honest, and also completely realistic if you’re willing to put in the work.

Let’s dive in.

Phase 1: How to Get Paid to Write

So you’ve always dreamed of being a writer. 

Maybe you always got good grades in English class. Maybe you kept a diary or blog, pouring your heart onto the page. You know you’ve got a way with words – and you’re ready to make a living from your talent.

There’s just one problem: 

The world is full of people like you.

The harsh truth is, the market is utterly saturated with people who have a basic grasp of writing. If you can string together coherent sentences, organize your thoughts logically, and empathize with a reader – congratulations, you have the same skills as a gazillion other wannabe writers.

But here’s the rub – those skills alone typically translate to a paltry $100-$1000 per month. There are just too many writers out there with that baseline level of competence. 

I should know. When I was starting out, armed with a shiny new English degree, I assumed my clever turns of phrase and knack for crafting compelling arguments would have editors clamoring for my byline. 

What a wake-up call to realize nobody in the publishing world gave a hoot. I was just another starry-eyed liberal arts major trying to break into the brutally crowded field of freelance writing.

So what did I do? 

I added a few more basic skills to the mix that most aspiring writers DON’T have.

Networking to Build Relationships

Most writers are introverts, so you know what they really suck at?

Networking.

I should know, I’m also an introvert, but I couldn’t help noticing that most editors give work to writers they know. 

So, despite the discomfort, I made it my mission to become a known quantity.

• I followed other writers and editors on X (once called Twitter) and responded to every tweet. 
• I sent friendly follow-up emails after turning in assignments. I asked about their kids, congratulated them on successful projects, and sent birthday gifts
• I met up with writers and editors at conferences, looking for my next writing opportunity. My bait for gathering a crowd? A box full of doughnuts. 

Slowly but surely, everybody knew who I was and gave me a chance.

Which brings me to…

Don’t Be a Neurotic Writer

Having managed literally thousands of writers, I can tell you with absolute confidence that 90% are neurotic.

• They procrastinate until the last minute.
• They get upset when you edit their work.
• They never proofread their work, because that’s the editors job.

So if you want to stand out, here’s a simple tip: do the OPPOSITE of everything I said above.

Turn in your work early, never get upset about edits or rewrites, and proofread your work to make the editor’s life as easy as possible.

They will love you and invite you to write again and again and again.

That’s how I clawed my way up from content mill serfdom to better-paying gigs. It wasn’t my innate writing talent that did it (although that certainly didn’t hurt). It was my willingness to hustle, connect, and prove my reliability and professionalism at every turn.

The Bad News?

While everything I’ve said here works to get you paying freelance writing jobs, it doesn’t really mean you’ll be paid well.

 $1,000 a month of extra cash on the side? Sure.

Maybe even $3,000 a month if you really hustle and work full-time.

But if you want to make a GOOD living writing, you need to seriously level up your skills, which brings us to…

Phase 2: Delivering Outcomes

Want to earn real money as a writer? 

Then you need to stop thinking about writing in terms of words and start thinking in terms of results. 

Clients don’t really care how pretty your prose is. They care about tangible outcomes like:

• Ranking at the top of Google
• Generating sales
• Building a social media following

If you can deliver on those, you can command fees that would make your average freelance writer weep. I’m talking $50,000 – $90,000 per year and up. 

But to get to that level, you need to develop some key specialties:

SEO Writing

SEO writing is all about creating content that ranks highly in search engines. It requires:

• Understanding search intent – what people are actually looking for when they type in a query
• Optimizing internal link profiles – linking to other relevant pages on the same site
• Strategies for external link building – getting other sites to link back to your content

Example: 

Let’s say you’re writing an article about the best running shoes. 

An SEO content writer would make sure to include terms people actually search for, like “best running shoes for flat feet”. They’d link to other articles on the site about related topics like running form or race training. And they’d reach out to other running bloggers and publications to try to get them to link to the article.

The result?

If they do everything right, the article would rank, their client would get traffic, and they would get a testimonial proving they got results. This would then allow them to raise their rates.

Copywriting

Copywriting is content writing that’s designed to drive a specific action, like making a purchase or signing up for an email list. Key types of copywriting include:

• Email marketing copy
• Sales pages
• Opt-in pages
• Checkout pages

The goal is always to persuade the reader to take the next step in the sales process.

A freelance copywriter might craft an email series that gradually builds trust with the reader and warms them up to buy a product. They’d use proven techniques like storytelling, social proof, and scarcity to nudge the reader towards a sale.

With copywriting, you are basically a salesperson, but you use the written word as your sales tool. It’s the highest paid type of writing there is, because the outcome is literally money.

From your email campaign, your client might make $100,000 and pay you $5,000. They got a 20X return.

Think a successful writer like that has a tough time getting clients?

Further Reading:   Copywriting 101: How to Become a Copywriter

And copywriting isn’t the only type of online writing. Here’s another:

Social Media Writing

With social media writing, the aim is to create written content that gets shared and goes viral. That means:

• Crafting engaging hooks that stop the scroll
• Using storytelling techniques to draw readers in
• Following content frameworks that are proven to get engagement
• Employing strategies for getting more shares and followers

A social media writer might share a shocking statistic or counterintuitive idea to grab attention, then weave a relatable story around it. They’d end with a clear call-to-action, like asking a question or suggesting readers comment with their own experience.

The outcome? Followers. You literally make your client famous.

 And people are vain. The world is full of people who want to be famous. So you will never be out of work.

Which Type of Writing Should You Learn?

Lots of people will tell you to pick one and specialize, but I’ll be honest with you…

All the writers I see making bank know the basics of them all. They develop a well-rounded writing portfolio and then go deep to achieve true mastery in the area that resonates most with them.

That’s been my own approach. I began by mastering SEO, learning how to optimize content for both readers and search engines. Then I developed my copywriting chops so I could write persuasive emails, sales pages, ads – you name it. Now I’m diving into the world of social media writing and content marketing.

By becoming a triple threat – an SEO expert, sales copywriter, and viral content creator all rolled into one – I’ve been able to consistently drive huge results for both myself and clients.

I’m not just a professional writer; I’m a one-man traffic and revenue-generating machine.

You can do the same. 

Focus on developing outcome-oriented skills, not just writing for writing’s sake. Choose one specialty to master, whether it’s SEO, copywriting, or social media writing. Learn the frameworks, practice your craft, and get results.

Then, when you pitch your services, you won’t just be selling your time or your words. You’ll be selling your proven ability to rank content, convert customers, and build buzz. 

And that, my friend, is how you crack into the  big leagues of freelance writing .

Of course, even with an impressive skill set, you’ll hit an earnings ceiling if you’re always trading time for money. To really break through to the next level of income, you need to start managing projects and leading teams…

The Big Leagues: Project Management and Team Leadership

The most successful writers I know aren’t just scribes – they’re project managers and team leaders. They coordinate large-scale content production, juggling multiple writers, editors, and stakeholders. 

It requires a whole different skill set:

• Project management – keeping everything on track and on budget
• Team leadership – motivating and guiding a group to do their best work
• Strategic planning – developing content strategies to achieve big-picture goals

It’s a lot more responsibility – but it also comes with a lot more earning potential. Top-level content managers and strategists can easily pull in $100,000+ per year.

I made this transition myself when I became an editor at Copyblogger. Suddenly I was overseeing up to 100 writers at a time, assigning articles, managing deadlines, and making sure every piece met our high standards. I had to level up my communication, organization, and people skills in a big way.

But it was so worth it. Not only did I get to shape the direction of a major publication, but I also got a crash course in what it takes to run a content machine at scale. Those high-level editorial and project management skills would prove invaluable for what came next…

Building Your Own Assets

Want to know the real secret to exponential income growth as a writer? 

Build your own assets. Instead of always writing for other people’s blogs and businesses, start creating your own:

• Launch your own blog or website
• Create and sell online courses
• Write and publish books

That’s how you go from earning a comfortable living to raking in millions. You’re not just trading time for money anymore – you’re creating intellectual property you can profit from over and over again.

I’ve followed this exact path. In March of 2010, I launched Smart Blogger, applying all the SEO, copywriting, and content marketing tricks I’d learned over the years. 

In the first year alone, it earned over $500,000. Today, it’s the largest writing site in the world.

I used my SEO chops to draw in an audience of over 6 million people, then leveraged my hard-won copywriting skills to sell them on my premium training programs. 

The result? Over $15 million in revenue and counting.

And a good portion of it is passive income.

The beauty of this approach is that it lets you fully harness all the skills you’ve developed – SEO, copywriting, project management, team leadership, the works. By combining them to create top-notch content and products for an audience you’ve built yourself, you tap into a whole new level of earning potential.

The sky truly is the limit when you start owning your own assets. You’re not just a successful freelance writer for hire anymore. You’re a full-fledged media entrepreneur.

Further Reading:   How to Write a Book: Everything You Need to Know

Yes, You Really Can Get Rich from Writing

I’m living proof.

These days, my daily routine looks very different than it did when I was a newbie writer hustling for gigs. I spend my time developing content strategies, brainstorming new products, and guiding my team to execute at the highest level. I get to write when and what I want, on my own schedule.

I also get to live anywhere I want. Currently I’m in Mexico with a full-time cook, chauffeur, and housekeeper, living like a king.

So if you’re reading this, wondering if it’s really possible to make a great living as a writer – the answer is a resounding yes. 

You just can’t be lazy about it. You have to continually level up your skills, take on new challenges, and think strategically about your career.

You have to be willing to put in the work – but if you do, the rewards can be truly life-changing. 

You’ve seen the roadmap. You know what’s possible. Now it’s up to you to take the first steps and start your own journey to becoming a multi-millionaire writer.

Are you ready?

Make Money Online , Writing

An earlier version of this post was authored by  Glen Long . It's been rewritten for freshness and comprehensiveness.

Jon Morrow is the CEO of Smart Blogger, one of the largest writing sites in the world. An expert in copywriting, SEO writing and email marketing, his writing has earned him over $15 million to date.

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Get Paid to Write Reviews: 17 Easy Ways

Did you know that, as a consumer, you can earn extra cash for your opinions by writing reviews online? Book reviews, software reviews, sponsored reviews, there’s no shortage of ways to make money writing online.

Keep reading to learn the best ways to get paid to write reviews.

17 Ways to Get Paid to Write Reviews

Here are the best ways to write reviews for money:

• 🏆  Crowdtap

InboxDollars

Survey Junkie

Prime Opinion

• Slicethepie
• Opinion Outpost
• UserTesting
• Panel Pay Day
• American Consumer Opinion
• Product Report Card
• Clicks Research
• Review Stream

1. Crowdtap

Crowdtap is an online survey platform that conducts market research for large companies like eBay, Sony, and Verizon.

Once you set up your account, choose the mission (or task) you want to complete. Missions include answering survey questions, participating in discussions, and product testing.

Completed missions earn points you can redeem for digital gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Sephora, and Walmart. (Crowdtap does not offer an option to receive PayPal cash).

2. InboxDollars

When writing online reviews, it helps to work with well-known providers with established histories so you don’t get ripped off or risk giving away personal information to unknown sources.

One company with a good reputation is InboxDollars, a site that lets you take paid surveys, shop, and read emails. You can get paid to provide product reviews and collect cash rewards.

InboxDollars has been around for about two decades and has paid over $80 million to participants.

Learn More:

• InboxDollars Review

Sign Up Bonus: $5

With InboxDollars, you take surveys and earn cash, it's that simple. You can even earn by watching tv!

3. Survey Junkie

Not everyone wants to spend time writing lengthy articles. Survey Junkie is great because it saves time while providing an excellent platform for providing feedback and reviews.

Users build profiles based on their interests. The site then sends short surveys to match consumers with questions. Answering surveys allows you to earn rewards in the form of virtual points, and you can redeem these points for PayPal and e-gift cards.

• Survey Junkie Review

Survey Junkie is the most reputable online survey company and an easy way to make some extra money in your free time.

4. Swagbucks

Ask any avid online reviewer where to turn for work, and you’ll hear the name Swagbucks.

Swagbucks is a legitimate rewards site that offers users a variety of earning opportunities.

With Swagbucks, you can get paid to take surveys and give your opinions about products and services. You can also get paid to test products and write reviews. It’s fun, easy, and reliable.

You can also make extra money on Swagbucks by surfing the web and playing games. Head over to Swagbucks and poke around to see if it’s worth it.

• Swagbucks Review

Swagbucks - Easy Online Rewards & Surveys

Sign Up Bonus: $10

Swagbucks is a legit money-making app where you can make money taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and more.

5. LifePoints

The LifePoints program offers a chance to earn points by taking surveys. Sometimes, the surveys are based on general concepts and can also focus on recently purchased products.

When you complete surveys through LifePoints and provide reviews, the site issues points you can redeem for cash, donations, or gift cards from leading retailers.

Using a site like LifePoints won’t lead to unimaginable riches, but it can be a fun and easy way to collect cash and provide reviews.

• LifePoints Review

Earn points redeemable for free gift cards just by completing some online surveys with LifePoints. LifePoints’ website is clutter-free and colorful, which makes it enjoyable to navigate and start earning points today!

6. Prime Opinion

Recently founded, Prime Opinion is a legitimate survey site that pays for your opinion on a range of products and services from major brands. You could be paid to review anything from your favorite soap to the TV you prefer to watch.

Once you sign up with your email address, you can scroll through available surveys and see an estimate of how long they’ll take to complete.

After completing a survey, you’ll be instantly awarded points. You can redeem points for gift cards, cash, or charitable donations when you hit 500 points, or $5.

• Prime Opinion Review

Price: FREE

If you enjoy providing your opinion to help companies provide better products and services while making a little extra money on the side, Prime Opinion is for you.

7. Slicethepie

If you’re looking for variety when writing reviews, Slicethepie has many options. This online review site can pay you to cover various areas like music and fashion. You can even watch commercials on Slicethepie to earn some extra dough.

Here’s how it works: provide reviews based on what you see and get paid. You can cash out via PayPal once you earn $10.

• Slicethepie Review

Toluna is looking for influencers to connect and exchange ideas with their community.

Simply sign up for Toluna and start providing opinions about products and services. Toluna makes it clear they’re looking for quality content.

The company issues rewards for time and effort through points that can be redeemed for cash or vouchers with retailers.

• Toluna Review

9. Opinion Outpost

Opinion Outpost is another community that pays consumers to sign up and provide their opinions.

This site offers rewards for taking online surveys, allowing you to get paid for your reviews and opinions.

• Opinion Outpost Review

10. UserTesting

Another site to consider is UserTesting , a platform that pays consumers to give product feedback.

All you have to do is sign up for UserTesting, take a practice exam, and join their global community. Then, once you’re in, UserTesting gives you tests and asks you to provide feedback about various products.

The best part is step three: getting paid. UserTesting gives users $10 for every 20-minute test and even more for people who take the time to complete interviews. Once you’ve earned some cash, the funds get sent directly to your PayPal account.

11. ListVerse

For people who prefer to write lists instead of long-form reviews, there is ListVerse — a site that pays $100 to make “top 10” lists, which is darn good money for freelance writers who don’t want to spend their days trolling Fiverr looking for potential work.

The cool part about ListVerse is you don’t need to be an expert to make money. All you have to do is sign up, write a list with at least ten items, and submit it.

If the list gets accepted, the company publishes your work and pays you through PayPal.

The great part is that you can cover just about any topic that interests you (within reason). You don’t need to include pictures or video, either.

12. Panel Pay Day

Panel Pay Day , recruits participants to complete online surveys. While they don’t pay you directly, the company that hired them does, it’s a great resource for finding the best survey opportunities.

13. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion  is one of the most well-known names in the review industry, with a network of more than 7 million freelancers worldwide who regularly get paid to participate in research opportunities.

Membership is free with American Consumer Opinion, and you can make money by trying and evaluating new products, taking surveys, and testing new advertising.

According to American Consumer Opinion, the company has paid over $35 million in rewards.

14. Product Report Card

The Product Report Card program is another fun and rewarding site to consider.

Simply sign up for Product Report Card and start getting survey requests within 24 hours. It’s free to join, and you can get paid for each survey you complete.

On Product Report Card, you can earn gift cards for leading retailers and even free products by participating and providing feedback.

15. Clicks Research

Clicks Research is a pretty straightforward user testing site offering rewards in exchange for opinions.

Users are asked to sign up for the Clicks Research site as product testers. The site then sends free items in the mail.

Once the items arrive, users need to test products, take short surveys, and provide feedback. What’s great is that Clicks Research lets you keep the products you receive.

The site offers household items, cosmetics and toiletries, clothing, food and drinks, and even pet products, among other examples.

16. PINCHMe

There’s no shortage of fun happening over at PINCHMe . Just take one look at their website, and you’ll see for yourself.

Here’s how the PinchMe program works: Sign up for their site by creating a profile. Claim product samples each month. Then, wait for the site to ship you free samples. It simply asks for your feedback in return.

They’ll keep sending items as long as you keep providing great opinions and reviews. It’s that simple.

The site offers coins that can be redeemed as rewards. While you won’t get rich with this site, this could be the place to go if you want to have fun and get some cool items for your efforts.

17. Review Stream

Review Stream is a website that pays customers to write and submit reviews online.

This requires using products and then writing reviews on them. The site mainly aims to collect feedback on consumer experiences with certain products and services.

• Get Paid to Write Amazon Reviews

Why Get Paid to Write Reviews?

There are many reasons to consider writing reviews online. Here are a few of them.

Work from Home

There’s nothing better than making money from the comfort of your own home . You can write reviews from home or anywhere else you want, as long as you have an internet connection.

Best of all, there is virtually no overhead. You don’t have to pay for gas or spend time traveling to and from destinations. All you need is a computer or mobile device, an internet connection, and sometimes an address with a mailbox to receive products for testing.

By avoiding driving, you’ll pocket more of your income instead of spending money on gas. You will also avoid putting wear and tear on your car.

Be Part of the Gig Economy

The gig economy is growing by leaps and bounds every year as more and more people work flexible side jobs. You can become part of the gig economy and participate in this exciting trend alongside millions of other workers.

Pay Down Debt

If you’re in debt, you’re (hopefully!) working to get out of it as soon as possible. By writing reviews, you can bring in cash to help pay down your high-interest credit card debt or student loans. However, if you really want to pay down debt, you will probably be better off focusing your time on a higher-paying side hustle .

Save and Invest

Bringing in more cash can also give you more opportunities to save and start investing to build a brighter financial future for yourself.

The more you put into the bank for growth while you’re young, the less work you have to do when you’re older.

Tips for Writing Reviews Online

Consider the following points when you want to get paid to write reviews.

1. Watch Out for Scams

Unfortunately, the internet is filled with scams. While the websites mentioned above are all legit, there are many others out there that aren’t. I am talking about sites that collect and resell sensitive consumer data without providing value to you or your brands.

It’s important to be careful about the websites you use to avoid running into scams. The last thing you want to do is have your identity stolen while trying to make a few bucks online.

• Read Reviews: Read peer reviews and research providers. Try to stick with brand-name sites whenever possible to avoid complications. Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Consumer Affairs are all good resources to check when vetting survey providers.
• Never Send Money: Another thing to consider is that you should never have to wire money or pay for a service to test anything.
• Never Share SSN or CC Number: You also shouldn’t have to supply sensitive information such as your Social Security number or credit card information.

If a site asks for this type of data, it’s a surefire sign that it’s a scam and something you should avoid. Also, when it’s time to redeem your rewards, make sure to collect money through secure payment services to be safe (e.g., PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle).

2. Your Time is Valuable

Time is of the essence when completing online reviews. When reviewing an assignment, the first thing you should do is figure out approximately how long it will take you to complete it and what you’ll earn.

The general rule of thumb is to avoid reviews that take a long time with little to no valuable payout. For example, if a review takes you an hour to try the product and another hour to write a review, you’re looking at two hours of work.

Make sure the pay is commensurate with the effort you’re putting in, or you could get ripped off.

3. Know Your Payment Options

Many of these sites look similar, but they have small differences with their payouts that you should understand. For example, some pay in cash while others pay in rewards. This is something to note before getting started. If you need cash, reward cards might not be that helpful.

4. Write Quality Reviews

You don’t need to write like Hemingway when filling out online reviews. But you do need to try your best when writing and taking surveys.

If you write poorly or fill out surveys as quickly as possible, you could run into payment issues or have your account restricted.

The above sites have built-in quality control mechanisms to prevent users from exploiting them with fake reviews.

So, do your best to write detailed reviews and provide honest feedback. This is especially important if you are receiving actual products in the mail.

5. Consider Starting Your Own Blog or YouTube Channel

The most successful people start their own independent review sites on platforms like YouTube and WordPress.

Taking this approach requires putting in a bit more effort. After all, blogging or vlogging isn’t easy.

However, becoming a blogger can lead to greater returns — especially if you partner with brands or make targeted advertisements. Who knows? You could become the next best influencer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should i write reviews on social media.

Putting reviews on social media can be tricky. On the one hand, you can earn a lot of money if you have a big following. On the other hand, it’s sometimes not easy or even possible to get paid. You might also open the door for negative comments or arguments. If you take this route, you must be prepared to defend yourself (or the brand) in a public forum. The nice part about working with third-party review sites is you will almost always receive compensation for your work while shielding yourself from public scrutiny.

Should I take Amazon cards or cash payments when submitting online reviews?

When you have the choice, it’s almost always better to take cash payments than accept gift cards to online marketplaces or merchants.

For example, suppose you receive $25 in rewards for completing an online review. You could invest that money in the stock market or put it into a bank account for emergency savings. Online rewards for Amazon products are fun, but it’s always worth remembering that rewards aren’t equal to cash.

Do online reviews generate passive income?

Usually not. Most online review opportunities are one-offs, meaning you write a review and collect payment for it.

The only real way to generate passive income with online reviews is by starting a blog, writing reviews, and inserting affiliate links that pay you when someone clicks and makes a purchase. Of course, you may also be able to bring in revenue through ad sales if your blog receives a lot of traffic.

The Bottom Line

Everyone wants to be heard, and now, you can get paid to give your opinions about various products, services, and experiences.

Always provide honest reviews and try your best. But remember, don’t spend too much time doing them. Make sure the reward is worth the effort before getting started.

Writing reviews online won’t make you a billionaire, but it can be a great way to build up an emergency fund and eventually stack up enough cash to begin investing.

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