11 Lucrative Writing Side Hustles In 2024

Last Updated May 12, 2024 by Davina Kelly

Are you looking for writing side hustles to monetise your skills? The days when writers were only seen as authors or journalists are long gone.

Now we are in the digital age and writing has never been more in demand. 

Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your passion for writing into a lucrative side hustle. 

If you want to work from home or anywhere in the world and set your own schedule starting a writing side hustle is a great option.

You can make extra money using your writing skills and be your own boss. All you need is a laptop and internet and you can get started. 

In this post, you are going to learn the best writing side hustles along with how to get started with each one. 

After reading this post, you will have many side hustle writing jobs that will allow you to explore your passions and monetise your skills. 

This post is all about writing side hustles.

11 Best Writing Side Hustles:

1. Copywriting

Copywriting is the art of writing persuasive content (copy) to sell products or services. You probably read copyrighted content all the time without realising it. You know all those emails you receive from your favourite brands? That is copywriting. 

It is written to capture the consumer’s attention and get them to take action. So if you bought an item from one of those emails you’ve experienced the power of good copywriting.

As a copywriter, you can work with businesses to create content such as email campaigns, advertisements, product descriptions and more.

Converting customers is not easy so if your content is converting into sales businesses will pay you a lot of money. If you have good writing and persuasive skills this can be a lucrative writing side hustle. 

If you don’t have previous experience and want to get started you can take a course on platforms like SkillShare or Udemy. This is a good option if you don’t have the money to invest in a course, you can pay a monthly fee and have access to unlimited classes. Or you can utilise free resources like YouTube.

2. Blogging

Blogging is a great way to share your thoughts, expertise and passions with the world. 

If you are a beginner this is a good writing side hustle because you don’t need to be a skilled writer. Blogging is a more informal style of writing so as long as you can write to a decent standard and your content is helpful you will be fine. Tools like Grammarly can help your content look polished and put together.

The great thing about blogging is you can write about whatever you want. Whether you are passionate about food, fashion, finance, baking or crafts there is an audience for you. 

Choose a niche you are knowledgeable about and have a lot of interest in instead of what is popular. This will allow you to focus on creating content that is genuine and valuable to the reader. 

Blogging is a very lucrative side hustle and has the potential to become a profitable business. You need to get traffic to your blog before you can monetise it and that can take a lot of time and effort. But once you do all of your efforts will be worth it. 

You can make money with your blog through display ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts and even selling your own products. 

If you want to get started but need some guidance check out this post. It will teach you how to get started step by step and includes a free 7-day email course. 

3. Write For Revenue Share Sites

Do you want to start a writing side hustle but don’t have a lot of time to commit? Writing for revenue share sites like Medium is a good option. These platforms allow you to create content, tap into their audience and make money. 

The way this works is you receive a small share of the revenue generated when a member reads your post. Your earnings are based on reading time, so the more engaging long-form content you create the more you earn. 

However, keep in mind that this is a long-term approach so you won’t make money fast. But if you post content consistently you will build a following and start earning money. The amount you make will vary, you can expect to earn between $50 – $200 a month. 

This is another good option if you are a beginner. You can write about whatever you want and it is easy to get started. All you have to do is create an account and start publishing your content. Read here to learn more about the Medium partner program. 

4. Write eBooks

If you are an aspiring author you can make your dreams a reality by writing eBooks. This is a great way to express your creativity and make passive income. 

You can write an eBook about anything from romance and mystery fiction novels to nonfiction genres like self-help and health. For example, if you are a personal trainer you can write a fitness guide eBook. Or if you have an interesting personal story you can write an eBook to share your story. There are no limits to what you can write about.

Writing an eBook isn’t easy, it requires time, dedication and perseverance. But the potential financial and professional rewards make it worthwhile.

If you don’t want to deal with the headache that comes with traditional publishing you can self-publish your eBook on Amazon KDP. This will allow you to get your book in front of millions of readers and earn money from royalties. Read here to learn how to get started with Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) 

5. Ghostwriting

Being a ghostwriter involves making money by writing content on someone’s behalf. If you don’t mind someone else taking the credit for your work this is a good writing side hustle. 

Written content is needed in most businesses, but business owners prefer to spend time doing more important things. Or they might have a good idea but need help to execute it so they will outsource content creation to a writer. This is where ghostwriters come in. 

You can expect to write anything from books and blog posts to email newsletters and speeches. Ghostwriting short-form content has gained popularity over recent years so you can even write social media posts for clients. 

To be a good ghostwriter you need to have the ability to write in someone else’s voice so it does require good writing skills. Your clients can vary from creators and executives to politicians so maintaining confidentiality is important. 

You may not gain recognition for your writing, but it can be a good steady income stream. It is also a good opportunity to hone your craft and work with clients in various industries. 

6. Write Resumes

In today’s competitive job market having a well-crafted resume can make all the difference when looking for a job. If you are good at writing resumes and cover letters this can be a good option. 

As a resume writer, you can help people write compelling resumes that will stand out to potential employers. You can also help people polish their cover letters and job board profiles. 

This can be a lucrative writing side hustle because people are willing to pay top dollar for a chance to land their dream job. If you focus on writing resumes for a particular industry you can charge your clients a premium price. 

For example, if you have experience in Tech you can write resumes for Tech jobs. As someone who works in the field, you will have first-hand knowledge of what employers are looking for so people will be lining up to work with you. 

Another option to make money with this writing side hustle is to review resumes for others. For example, you can charge $30 to review resumes and provide feedback. Or you can teach online workshops to help people learn what goes into crafting a resume that stands out. 

Using your writing skills to help people advance in their careers is a rewarding way to earn money. This side hustle is also very flexible so it’s a good option for people who want to make extra money without committing too much time.

7. Scriptwriting

Video content is everywhere now. It is a huge part of social media and small businesses’ marketing strategy. But these videos aren’t created out of thin air, they all start with a script. 

As a scriptwriter, your job is to help people brainstorm ideas and create structured content that engages the audience. You can write scripts for podcasts, content creators and small businesses. There is a huge demand for this type of writing due to the rise of video consumption so there are plenty of opportunities.

If you are creative and enjoy writing stories you can write scripts for film, theatre and television. For example, you can write screenplays and bring stories to life through the power of words. It is quite challenging to break into the entertainment industry but if that is your passion you should go for it. 

You can participate in online screenwriting competitions or send your scripts to platforms like Amazon Studios. This is a good opportunity to showcase your talents and make money. 

8. Course Writing

Due to the rise in online learning selling courses has become a popular business. When you take an online course the videos may seem effortless but a lot of work happens behind the scenes. 

The course creator will record the video content, but they will need to write it down, organise the lessons and deliver the knowledge in a structured way. This is where course writers come in. 

A course writer’s job is to help the course creator plan their video content and deliver the lessons in a way that is easy to understand. 

On the other hand, if you have knowledge or expertise in a subject you can create an e-course and sell it. This is a good option if you want to create a course but are camera-shy. You can write your course and either make it available online or sell it as a PDF. 

This is a rewarding writing side hustle and a great way to turn your expertise into an income stream.

9. Research Writing

Research writing involves conducting research on a given topic and presenting your findings in a clear and organised manner. This writing side hustle involves good writing and analytical skills. If these are skills you possess this is a good option for you. 

Whether it’s academic papers or industry reports, research writers play a crucial role in conveying information and driving informed decision-making. 

This type of writing does require specialised knowledge and attention to detail so it will be more enjoyable if you do it within a field you are passionate about. For example, if you love science you can be a research writer for a science publication.

By being a research writer you will have the opportunity to delve deep into topics of interest and contribute your knowledge to your chosen field.   

10. Social Media Writing

With the rise in social media platforms like Instagram, X, FaceBook and TikTok, there is a growing demand for engaging content. This has presented an opportunity for social media writing. 

As a social media writer, you can create captions, posts and tweets that resonate with audiences and drive engagement. You can create content for brands, small businesses or influencers and help them grow their online presence. 

This writing side hustle usually requires you to manage your client’s social media account as well. So you will need to check the analytics to optimise your content and engage with followers. 

If you specialise in writing content for a specific platform you can become known as an expert and charge a premium price. For example, you can be a Pinterest or X social media writer. 

This writing side hustle is a great way to use what you have learned as a consumer to make money. 

11. Technical Writing

Technical writing involves translating complex information into clear and concise documentation. You can use your writing skills to write manuals, technical guides, and handbooks. 

As a technical writer, you need to be organised, have strong communication skills and attention to detail. You should also have the ability to simplify complex concepts so they can be easily understood. 

This type of writing is usually required in Technology, Science and Healthcare. So you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients in different industries.  

To be a good technical writer you need expertise in the field. This will make it easier to translate the information and it will be more enjoyable.  

It may not be the most glamorous writing job, but it does have a high earning potential. So if money is your motive this is the writing side hustle for you. 

Tips When Starting a Writing Side Hustle:

Build a Portfolio

The first step in starting your writing side hustle is to build a strong portfolio. This is super important especially when you are just getting started. It will allow potential clients to see an example of your work and get an idea of your writing style. 

You want to put your best foot forward so select your best pieces of work for your portfolio. If you write content for different niches include a sample of each piece of work. If you want to be extra organised you can have a separate portfolio for each niche. 

Market Yourself

Writing is a competitive job so effective marketing is key to landing clients. Utilise your network and take advantage of social media to promote your services and connect with potential clients. 

Also, consider creating a website. This can be another way to market yourself and feature your portfolio. You can also blog and share valuable insights and become known as an expert in your niche. 

Another way to market yourself is to pitch your services directly to businesses, agencies and creators you want to work with. Send them a personalised email with a copy of your portfolio. This will show you have initiative, make you stand out from the crowd and look more professional. 

Choose Your Rates

Once you have wowed your clients with your work they will want to know your rates. Choosing your rates beforehand will save you from feeling intimidated and underselling yourself. 

Do a Google search to find the average salary for a writer in your niche with the same experience. Or you can look on job boards to see how much clients are willing to pay. If you have friends in the same industry you can also ask them to get an idea.

Once you have found the average pay if you are happy with it you can charge the same amount. But if it seems too low you can charge a little more. If you are confident in your work why not? Your pay is a reflection of your value so you should value yourself highly. 

If you are a beginner you can start with the average rate and increase it once you have built up your portfolio. 

Stay Organised

Staying organised is essential when starting a side hustle. You will be juggling multiple projects, deadlines and possibly a full-time job too. So staying on top of everything is important. 

Establish a system for keeping track of communication, project details and key dates. This will help you avoid missing deadlines and creating low-quality work because you feel overwhelmed. 

Choose one day in the week to plan your week and create a to-do list. You can utilise tools like Notion and Google Calendar to do this. It will help you to stay organised and prioritise tasks efficiently.

Being disciplined and organised will help you maximise productivity and deliver high-quality work consistently. This will enhance your reputation as a reliable and professional writer. 

Invest In Knowledge

Continuous learning is essential for growth and success in your writing side hustle. Things change fast so you need to ensure you keep up with any changes in your niche. 

Staying on top of industry trends, best practices and new technologies will help you remain competitive and provide the best value to your clients. 

You can invest in your knowledge through courses, books and free online resources. Another way to learn is by asking for feedback from your clients. This is an effective way to identify any areas of improvement and refine your craft. 

Learning is a lifelong journey. If you invest in your knowledge you will not only enhance your writing. But also open yourself up to new opportunities for growth and advancement in your writing career. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Writing Side Hustles

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about writing side hustles.

Can I Make $1,000 a Month Freelance Writing?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to make $1,000 a month freelance writing, but it won’t happen overnight. It requires hard work, strategy and persistence. 

To reach this goal you need to consider a few things. First, consider pursuing more than one writing side hustle. For example, you can be a freelance copywriter and social media writer. 

Next, market yourself effectively by utilising social media and networking. Finally, practice perfecting your craft and always deliver high-quality work. This will lead to repeat business and consistent income. 

With persistence, consistency and a strategic approach, you can make $1,000 a month or more freelance writing. 

Final Thoughts 

The world of writing offers endless opportunities for aspiring wordsmiths to turn their passion into profits. From copywriting to blogging and ghostwriting there are plenty of opportunities to make money as a writer. 

The key to success lies in hard work, dedication and continuous learning. If you are consistent and put your best foot forward you can transform your love of writing into a fulfilling lucrative side hustle. 

I hope you have found this post helpful and now have many ideas for writing side hustles. Which side hustle will you try? Let me know in the comments below. 

This post was all about writing side hustles.

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