15 Best Writing Side Hustles & How to Get Started in 2024 (Guide By a Writer)

Looking for the best writing side hustles to earn a little extra cash?

If you’re looking for how to make money writing, starting a writing side hustle is a great way to bring in that cash while honing your skills and creativity. With the rise of remote work and freelance opportunities, there has never been a better time to turn your passion for writing into a profitable side hustle.

But you need to pick the right hustle for you. Luckily, there’s lots of opportunity out there, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out. Plus we’ve got a few tips and tricks for how to get started and build a successful writing business.

So, let’s dig into the best writing side hustles and see what you might be interested in turning into a little money-making hustle.

Best writing side hustles

1. Copywriting

A copywriting side hustle involves crafting persuasive and engaging content that encourages people to take action, something like making a purchase or signing up for a service. Copywriters work with businesses and brands to create marketing materials like website copy, email newsletters, product descriptions, and advertisements.

It makes for a great writing side hustle because it’s in high demand. Businesses NEED to create engaging content to attract and retain customers. But they don’t necessarily want to permanently expand their team, so they hire a freelance copywriter instead. 

This freelance writing side hustle let you work from anywhere, set your own rates and hours, and have the potential to earn a good income. This work requires research, writing (go figure), and in-depth meetings with clients to ensure you have a clear understanding of their needs and overall goals. You’ll need to be able to write in a variety of styles and tones, and have excellent attention to detail.

• Difficulty Rating: Intermediate+
• Average Pay Rates: $0.10 to $1+ per word

2. Blogging

Blogging involves creating content for a website, often long-form blog posts. As a blogger, there’s writing jobs out there that will let you focus on anything that interests you, from travel to technology. 

The BEST long-form blogging opportunity is going to be able to start your own. You can either buy a blog or start from scratch, and earn money passively via display advertising, affiliate marketing, and physical or digital products. You can also offer freelance blogging services which allows you to earn money by writing articles and increase your short-term earning potential. 

Running your own blog is a great side hustle because it lets you share your passion with something (seriously I run a blog focused on The Sims 4 video game – you can truly focus on whatever you want), but you can work at your own place. Of course, the earning potential goes up when you’re actively and consistently working on your blog. But it’s something you can do in your own time.

Bloggers can work from anywhere in the world that has internet access, but it is a long term game. If you’re looking to earn money sooner, you can focus in on the blog writing niche, and create content for other people. Note that the average pay of bloggers is VERY limited. Most average bloggers charge anywhere from $25 to $100+ per 1,000 words. Corporate clients may pay more, with rates ranging from $0.10 to $1+ per word.

• Difficulty Rating: Beginner+
• Average Pay Rates: $72,000 annually (average)

3. Travel writing

Travel writing writing for money is A LOT of fun, which is probably why there’s so much competition in the niche. This involves writing (and sometimes exploring) about destinations around the world and earning money from it. As a travel writer, you may write for print or online publications, or start your own travel blog.

There’s a lot of benefit to experience in travel writing. However, you can get started without (I 100% did). But it’s important to manage your expectations and understand that travel writing is often a labor of love rather than a lucrative source of income. While making money is possible in travel writing, it’s not the highest paying writing niche. 

Travel writing rates vary widely depending on the client, the publication, and your level of experience. Some clients may offer a flat rate per article, while others may pay by the word.

You can expect to do a lot of research, writing, and editing to create high-quality content that resonates with your readers. You’ll need to be able to write in an engaging and informative style, and have a good eye for detail.

• Difficulty Rating: Beginner+
• Average Pay Rates: $57,000 annually (average)

4. Social media

Social media writing involves creating content for various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. As a social media writer, you may also be responsible for creating and managing social media accounts for clients, engaging with their audience, and analyzing social media metrics to optimize content.

Social media writing can be a great writing side hustle because it allows you to work remotely and flexibly, and it is in high demand as businesses seek to grow their online presence. However, it’s important to note that many social media writers are also social media managers, meaning they not only write content but also create and publish it.

To be successful as a social media writer, it helps to specialize in a specific platform or area, such as Pinterest management or Instagram content creation. You’ll need to be creative, strategic, and up-to-date with the latest social media trends and best practices.

• Difficulty Rating: Beginner+
• Average Pay Rates: $50,000 annually (average)

5. Write on a revenue-sharing site

Revenue-share sites like Medium.com can be a good option for writers looking to earn some extra income, especially if you only have a few hours on the weekend. When you publish your writing on a revenue-share site, you typically earn a small percentage of the revenue generated. Usually,  the more views your article receives, the more money you can potentially earn.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that revenue-share sites like Medium.com are not a get-rich-quick scheme. It can take time and consistent effort to build up a following and start earning a significant amount of money. In general, the earnings from revenue-share sites can vary widely, but you can expect to earn anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars per month.

This is a great content writing opportunity for beginner writers. You can simply sign up and start publishing your writing right away. However, this isn’t going to be the best opportunity for real riches. 

• Difficulty Rating: Beginner+
• Average Pay Rates: N/A

6. Self publish a book

I once heard someone say “publishing a book is the new resume” and I kind of understand where they’re coming from. It’s incredibly easy to earn money writing a book these days, since self publishing is something you can do on your own.

However, you’ll need to make sure that you can write a stellar book if you want to start a writing business this way.

Whether you’re interested in writing something fiction and non-fiction, there’s plenty of opportunity to publish an eBook. The catch is you’ll need to market it properly if you want to turn it into a solid way to earn money writing.

• Difficulty Rating: Beginner+
• Average Pay Rates: $1,000 annually (average)

7. Technical writing

Technical writing used to communicate complex technical information to a specific audience. It’s often used in industries like technology, science, engineering, and medicine, where it is important to convey information in a clear and concise manner.

There are A LOT of work from home writing jobs in the technical writing field. However, this is not the best way to earn money writing if you’re a beginner. In fact, it can be helpful to have a background or education in a technical field, as well as strong writing and communication skills. You may also need to learn specific software or tools related to your projects.

While this niche isn’t for the faint of heart, it can have a high earning potential because not everyone’s skilled enough to do it. So, if money is your main objective and you have the skills, this could be for you. However, it can be a big of a dry experience. 

• Difficulty Rating: Intermediate+
• Average Pay Rates: $68,000 annually (average)

8. Review writing

Review writing is a popular writing side hustle that can cover a wide variety of topics, from books and movies to products and services. As a reviewer, you can write for websites, blogs, or even publications, and can get paid per review or on a per project basis.

To be a successful reviewer, you need to have an in-depth knowledge of the product or service you are reviewing, and be able to provide a balanced and honest opinion that readers can trust. This often means that you will need to invest time and effort into trying out the product or service before writing your review.

It’s worth noting that writing a good review can be a bit challenging, which is why I’m saying it’s it’s more for the intermediate writers. It can be a challenge to not simply regurgitate what you know into an essential summary. 

• Difficulty Rating: Intermediate+
• Average Pay Rates: $56,000 annually (average — movie reviewer)

9. Resumes and cover letter writing

Resume and cover letter writing side hustle involves helping job seekers create effective resumes and cover letters that highlight their skills and experience. As a resume writer, you will work with clients to understand their job history and career goals, and craft a compelling narrative that showcases their strengths to potential employers.

This side hustle can be particularly lucrative, as clients are often willing to pay a premium for the chance to land their dream job. On average, you can expect to make anywhere from $50 to $300 per resume or cover letter, depending on the level of expertise required and the complexity of the client’s job history.

Resume writing can also be a great side hustle because it allows you to use your writing skills to help others achieve their goals. Additionally, it can be done on a flexible schedule, making it a great option for those looking to earn extra income without committing to a full-time job.

• Difficulty Rating: Beginner+
• Average Pay Rates: $50,000 annually (average)

10. Personal writing services

Personal writing services refer to a range of writing tasks that are typically performed for individuals rather than companies. These tasks can include writing personal emails, creating online dating profiles, and crafting social media posts.

These types of writers are often hired by busy individuals who may not have the time or skills to handle these tasks themselves. However, it is important to note that personal writers should not engage in unethical practices such as writing essays for students.

If you want to work one-on-one with clients, and have strong communication and writing skills. Making money in this niche is a little hard, you’ll most likely end up having to work through a platform like Upwork.

• Difficulty Rating: Beginner+
• Average Pay Rates: N/A

11. Pitch magazines

Magazine writers write articles for magazines (go figure). It can be a fun writing side hustle if you’re working on a specific topic or area of interest.

The amount you can make with a magazine writer side hustle varies widely depending on the magazine you’re writing for and the length and complexity of the articles you’re writing. Some magazines may pay a flat fee per article, while others may pay by the word or offer a combination of both.

Magazine writing is really for writers who have more experience. There is A LOT of pitching and hearing nothing back, so rejection is something you’ll have to get used to. However, it can be a ton of fun to see your name on the byline of a popular online or print magazine!

• Difficulty Rating: Intermediate+
• Average Pay Rates: $72,000

12. Become a transcript writer

If you have a keen eye for detail and the patience to transcribe audio or video files, then transcription might be the best way to make money writing online. 

This side hustle requires excellent listening and typing skills, attention to detail, and good command of grammar and punctuation. You can find transcription work in various industries, including legal, medical, academic, and media. 

Depending on the project, you may be paid per hour or per audio minute. This side hustle is flexible, allowing you to work from home and choose your hours. 

However, it can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if the audio quality is poor or the speakers have strong accents or dialects. It’s also important to note that transcription writing is highly competitive, and building a steady client base can take time and effort.

• Difficulty Rating: Beginner+
• Average Pay Rates: $33,000 annually (average)

13. Write speeches

A speech writer is someone who writes speeches for others. This can include politicians, business executives, keynote speakers, and other public figures.

In this role, you can expect to work closely with your clients to understand their message and tone. You may also need to do research on the topic and audience to ensure that the speech is effective.

The pay for speech writing can vary widely depending on the client, their budget, and the length of the speech. Some speech writers charge a flat fee, while others charge by the hour or word count.

Working as a speech writer can be a great side hustle for writers who enjoy research and working collaboratively with clients to craft compelling messages. Buy to earn money writing in this niche, you’ll need experience. 

• Difficulty Rating: Intermediate+
• Average Pay Rates: $74,000

14. Write obituaries

An obituary writer is responsible for crafting thoughtful and well-written pieces that celebrate the lives of people who have passed away. They work for funeral homes, newspapers, or directly with families.

This job can involve interviewing family members and friends, conducting research on the deceased person’s life and accomplishments, and writing a compelling tribute that captures their essence. 

Writing obituaries can be a meaningful way to help people during a difficult time and preserve the memories of loved ones. It’s also a flexible side hustle that can be done remotely and on a freelance basis.

• Difficulty Rating: Beginner+
• Average Pay Rates: N/A

15. Ghostwrite

As far as writing gigs go, a ghostwriter is the least talked about openly – for good reason. Ghostwriters are professional writer who create a piece of content that will be credited to someone else. This could be anything from a LinkedIn post to a New York Times Bestseller.

Ghostwriters are essentially hired to take someone else’s thoughts and ideas and transform them into a publishable piece of writing. The work can be carried and lucrative – however it requires some serious skill because you’ll need to write in someone else’s voice and maintain it confidently. 

These are writers you often won’t hear about. They’re hired by big names – celebrities, politicians, executives, and other high-profile individuals who may not have the time, skill, or inclination to write themselves. Note that signing up for content mills and ghostwriting for pennies is NOT this practice in its intended form.

• Difficulty Rating: Intermediate+
• Average Pay Rates: $60,000 annually (average)

How to Make Money as a Freelance Writer with a Writing Side Hustle

I’ve written a full detailed guide on starting out as a freelance writer with no experience, but here are a few key steps you can take to get started:

Decide what kind of writing you want to do

If you want to earn money writing you need to figure out what kind of writer you want to be. Are you interested in becoming a freelance copywriter or do you prefer to join the ranks of content creators running their own blogs?

Figuring out your niche is essential to starting your freelance writing career. This will help you focus your efforts and find clients who are a good fit for your skills and interests.

Build a portfolio

Before you start looking for clients, you’ll need to have some writing samples to share. This could be work you’ve done for previous clients or personal projects that showcase your skills.

Having a portfolio that demonstrates your abilities and style can help you stand out and attract clients. It’s important that you’re able to show off your content writing skills.

Market yourself

Once you have some writing samples and a clear idea of what kind of work you want to do, it’s time to start promoting yourself. Reach out to friends and family who may be able to refer you to potential clients, and consider using social media to share your work and connect with others in your industry.

Set rates

Set clear rates and boundaries. Before you start working with clients, be sure to establish your rates and boundaries upfront. This can help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure that you’re being compensated fairly for your time and skills.

Stay organized

As a freelance writer, you’ll need to juggle multiple projects and clients at once. Staying organized and managing your time effectively can help you stay on top of deadlines and ensure that you’re delivering high-quality work to your clients.

Then write articles and earn money!

Tips for running a writing side hustle

Set realistic goals

Be clear about what you want to achieve with your writing side hustle and set realistic goals for yourself. Whether it’s making a certain amount of money each month or getting a certain number of clients, having clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated.

Manage your time effectively

It’s important to balance your writing side hustle with your other commitments, whether it’s a full-time job or family responsibilities. Create a schedule that allows you to dedicate time to your side hustle without neglecting other important areas of your life.

Keep learning

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in writing and marketing to remain competitive. Attend writing conferences, read industry blogs, and invest in courses or workshops to improve your skills and stay relevant in a constantly evolving field.

Final thoughts: Best writing side hustles

Writing side hustles can be a great way to earn extra income and pursue your passion for writing. From freelance writing to social media management, technical writing to ghostwriting, there are many options to choose from.

But it’s important to remember that side hustles for writers require dedication and hard work, and may not always provide a steady income stream. To succeed in your writing side hustle, it’s crucial to develop a strong work ethic, set clear goals, and continuously seek out new opportunities.

It’s also important to be flexible and adaptable to changes in the industry and to the needs of your clients. With the right skills and mindset, a freelance writing side hustle can lead to personal and financial growth.

So, whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out and you’re wondering how to make money as a writer, there’s no better time to explore the world of writing side hustles and discover the many opportunities that await.

Writing side hustle FAQs