As a lifelong writer and avid reader, I’ve always dreamed of making my passion profitable. The idea of earning extra while doing what I love is very tempting. But, starting to make money from writing can seem daunting. That’s what I aim to help you with today.
This guide will cover 16 writing side hustles that could bring in $1,000 to $10,000 a month. If you want to boost your income or turn writing into a business, these options are for you. They offer insights and strategies to help you succeed.
Key Takeaways
- Discover 16 writing side hustles that can generate substantial supplemental income.
- Learn about the scalability and income potential of each writing side hustle.
- Uncover the first actionable steps you can take to get started with your chosen writing side hustle.
- Understand how to leverage your writing skills to create passive income streams.
- Explore opportunities in areas like content creation, ghostwriting, and online teaching.
Build a Helpful Website
Creating informative websites can lead to making money through ads, affiliate partnerships, and selling your own products or services. The “modern comparison shopping site” model is very successful. It offers in-depth comparisons of products in a specific area.
The Spruce is a great example of a successful comparison website. It reviews and recommends home goods like crockpots and rice cookers. By earning commissions from affiliate links, The Spruce has become a multi-million dollar business. This way of making money is pretty easy, as you don’t have to handle customer service or ship products.
ZipRecruiter says the average affiliate marketer in the U.S. makes about $82,000 a year. To start, you need a website, pick a profitable niche, and make valuable content to attract readers. It might take some time to earn a lot, but a well-made website can keep making money on its own.
| Revenue Stream | Potential Earnings | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising | Varies | Relatively passive income | Limited control over ad quality |
| Affiliate Marketing | Average of $82,000/year | Passive income, no customer service | Can’t control product quality |
| Selling Products/Services | Unlimited | Full control over offerings | Require product development and customer support |
Building a successful informative website takes time and hard work. But, the chance to make money through ads, affiliate marketing, and selling products makes it a great side hustle.
Sales Copywriting
If you’re a skilled writer looking to boost your income, sales copywriting could be a great side hustle. Copywriters can earn impressive hourly rates, sometimes $200 or more. This job involves writing sales copy that helps businesses market their products or services well.
Copywriting is versatile and can be used in many areas like landing pages, sales pages, and websites. Unlike content writers, who focus on educational or entertaining content, copywriters aim to drive sales. They write copy for things like advertisements and emails.
To be a good copywriter, you go through several steps. These include research, planning, writing, editing, and testing. This side hustle doesn’t need special skills or equipment, making it easy for writers to earn more.
The Advantages of Copywriting as a Side Hustle
- Flexible work arrangements, including full-time, part-time, or freelance opportunities
- Transferable skills that can lead to additional income streams or career transitions
- High demand for copywriting services across various industries, from e-commerce to SaaS and small businesses to large corporations
- Ability to build a portfolio and showcase your skills without waiting for paid projects
To start with copywriting, you’ll need about $100 and 10 hours a week. It might take up to six months to start earning well. But, the chance for high-paying work makes it a great choice for writers.
“Copywriting is one of the most lucrative side hustles, offering opportunities for extra income with low entry barriers.”
| Key Copywriting Statistics | Insights |
|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate for Copywriters | $200 or more |
| Recommended Weekly Time Allocation | 10 hours (2-3 hours learning, 7-8 hours client work) |
| Estimated Time to Profitability | 6 months (possibility of $0 earnings initially) |
| Foundational Resources | Book: “Scientific Advertising” by Claude Hopkins, 5-hour video on copywriting fundamentals |
| Types of Copy to Start With | Emails, social media ads, landing pages, websites, sales letters |
writing side hustles
Freelance writing is a great way to make extra money. Writers can earn by charging per word. Rates range from $0.05 to $0.35 per word, making about $50 to $350 for a 1,000-word piece. This can really boost your main income.
To find clients, try Fiverr and job boards. These places let writers show off their skills, build portfolios, and meet people who need content. As you get more clients, you can increase your rates and even hire more writers.
| Writing Niche | Typical Earnings |
|---|---|
| Blog Posts | $50 – $200 per post |
| Magazine Articles | $0.10 – $2 per word |
| Business Descriptions | $300 per week |
Use your writing skills to start a side hustle that could turn into a full-time job. With hard work and quality focus, freelance writing can lead to financial freedom and happiness.
“Freelance writing offers the opportunity to earn income on a per-word basis, which can add up quickly for skilled writers.”
Tutoring
Writers have special skills that can help them make extra money through tutoring. They can teach English vocabulary, spelling, essay writing, creative writing, or reading comprehension. This way, they can share what they know and make $20 to $60 an hour on sites like Wyzant.
There’s a big need for tutoring in writing, especially for immigrants wanting to get better at English. Also, more people need help preparing for tests like the SAT and ACT, which includes writing parts. This means more chances for writers to use their skills and make extra money.
To make a tutoring business look more official, writers might want to set up an LLC. Getting certifications from groups like the American Tutoring Association or National Tutoring Association can also help. These steps make the tutoring seem more trustworthy and set it apart from others.
Online tutoring is getting more popular, so writers can use their online skills to reach more people. They can offer lessons that fit different learning styles and ask for feedback from students. This makes learning fun and keeps students interested.
By using their special talents, writers can turn their love for writing into a profitable side job. They can make more money and help others get better at writing too.
Teaching Online
Online teaching platforms have changed the game for writers wanting to make extra money. Outschool is at the forefront, letting writers teach group classes to students aged 3-18. These classes cover many subjects, including English writing.
Online teaching can be very profitable. Jade Weatherington, a writer on The Side Hustle Show, makes $10,000 a month teaching middle school English. This way, writers use their skills to earn more than one-on-one tutoring.
The pandemic has boosted online teaching, with the market expected to hit $404 billion by 2025. Writers can make the most of this by creating content and teaching group classes. This side hustle is great for writers who want to earn more without giving up their main job.
“Online teaching platforms like Outschool offer writers the opportunity to create and teach engaging group classes, with the potential to earn substantial income. One teacher reported earning $10,000 per month teaching middle school English writing classes.”
Whether you’re into creative writing, essay writing, or teaching English, online teaching opens up many opportunities. It lets writers earn more and share their love for writing with people all over the world.
Create an Online Course
Creating and selling an online course is a great way for writers to make extra money. With platforms like Udemy, you can reach over 50 million students worldwide. Udemy is easy to use for writers to share their knowledge through video courses.
Online courses let writers earn passive income. After you publish a course, it can keep making money on its own. This means you can make more money without working harder. Many course creators have made a lot of money by teaching others.
- Udemy is a popular platform with over 50 million students, providing writers a ready-made audience to sell their online courses.
- The author of this article has personally earned over $20,000 on Udemy from a course they created about self-publishing.
- Online courses allow writers to turn their skills into a steady income, potentially earning a lot of passive income.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Online courses can generate income without requiring additional time or effort once created. |
| Reach | Platforms like Udemy provide access to a vast global audience of potential students. |
| Flexibility | Writers can create courses on their own schedule and earn royalties indefinitely. |
By making and selling online courses, writers can open up new ways to make money. They can also share their knowledge with more people, possibly earning a lot of passive income.
Email Newsletter
Creating niche newsletters is a great way for writers to make extra money. By sharing top content in your area of expertise, you help a focused group and open up ways to make money.
Start by picking a niche you know a lot about. It could be finance, tech, health, or something else. Building a newsletter for this area can bring in money through ads, affiliate marketing, or selling your own stuff.
Grow and Monetize Your Newsletter
Use tools like Beehiiv to make your newsletter better. They offer easy use, good analytics, and a supportive group. Adding special content or resources can grow your list by giving value to subscribers.
Keeping your readers interested is key. Ask for their thoughts, do surveys, and answer their emails. This builds a loyal group. With smart ways to make money, like ads or affiliate marketing, your newsletter can become a profitable side job.
There’s a big need for good email writers, with companies sending out 32 billion emails every day. Learning to write great newsletters can make you a lot of money. Email marketing brings in an average of $42 for every $1 spent.
Keep an eye on your newsletter’s performance with analytics. Look at open rates, clicks, and how many new subscribers you get. This helps you make your newsletter better and increase your earnings.
“Email marketing is set to grow, indicating a positive trend for the platform.”
Whether you’re experienced or new to writing, niche newsletters offer a chance to make money and grow your career. Use your knowledge, build a community, and make smart choices to start a new income stream.
Publish a Book
Self-publishing is a great way for writers to make money, with authors earning good royalties. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing lets writers set their own prices. They can earn up to 70% of the book’s sale price between $2.99 and $9.99.
Most authors publish non-fiction, but fiction books sell more on self-publishing sites. This shows writers can make money from both types of books through self-publishing.
Self-publishing gives writers full control over their work. They can set prices and earn royalties. It’s a good choice for new and experienced writers wanting to earn extra.
“The chances of landing a book contract with a traditional publisher are slim for most authors. Self-publishing gives writers the control and flexibility they need to build a successful writing career.”
To become a top self-published author, a good book launch and marketing plan are key. With the right strategy, writers can reach a wide audience and earn steady book royalties.
The Rise of Self-Publishing
- 99 million rejections for every million books published
- J.K. Rowling received $4,000 for her first book deal
- Many writers feel insecure
- The chances of getting a traditional publisher are low for most authors
Kindle Direct Publishing has changed the publishing world. It lets writers skip traditional publishers and control their careers. By using these platforms, authors can earn royalties and grow their readership. Self-publishing is now a popular choice for both new and well-known writers.
Children’s Publishing
The children’s book publishing industry is a great chance for writers to make extra money. Self-publishing has made it easy for authors to share their stories and make money from book sales. This is because there’s a big demand for quality children’s books.
Matthew Ralph, a children’s book author from England, left his marketing job to focus on his writing and freelancing. His hit book, “Sam the Speedy Sloth,” was inspired while he was at the airport. Now, he writes more children’s books and helps other authors too.
There’s a lot of money to be made in children’s book publishing. Authors can earn from book sales for years, with some getting thousands from their top books. Platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offer rewards for page reads and help with promoting books.
Illustrating a children’s book can cost between $200 to $400. But it’s a good investment. Kids love holding a real book, and illustrations make it harder for others to enter this field.
Writers can market their children’s books in many ways. They can use Facebook groups, run deals on Kindle, and work with influencers. By building a collection of children’s books, they can make money without much effort.
“I quit my full-time marketing job to focus on my publishing and freelancing business, and my bestselling work, ‘Sam the Speedy Sloth,’ has been a game-changer for me.” – Matthew Ralph, Children’s Book Author
Proofreading and Editing Service
In today’s self-publishing world, writers can use their keen eye for detail and editing skills. They can offer proofreading and editing services to authors who want to make their manuscripts shine. This side job can pay well, with proofreaders making about $20 to $30 per hour. As they gain more experience, they can earn even more.
The rise of self-publishing has led to a big need for skilled proofreaders and editors. Authors want their work to look professional before it hits the shelves. This job lets writers use their language skills to make extra money. They help other authors reach their publishing dreams.
Leveraging Platforms for Proofreading and Editing Services
Freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer let writers show off their proofreading and editing services. They can set their own rates. But, remember, these sites take a cut of what you earn, usually 5% to 20%.
For more specific proofreading gigs, check out Proofreading Pal, Scribbr, and Scribendi. These places have certain rules, like needing a good GPA or experience. But, they can offer a steady flow of work.
“Proofreading involves detailed error correction but does not entail restructuring or content changes. It’s a valuable service that can help authors polish their work and increase their chances of success in the self-publishing market.”
Proofreading jobs on public platforms can be tough to get into. But, the chance to work from home and set your own hours is a big plus. It’s a great way for writers to earn extra cash.
Writing Coach
As a writing coach, you can use your knowledge and experience to help new authors write books. You can offer support from the start, including outlining, editing, and marketing advice. This makes your service valuable and can be priced well.
Look at Morgan Gist MacDonald, for instance. With her business Paper Raven Books, she turns authors’ ideas into books they’re proud of. Her coaching starts at $10,000, showing how much you can earn by supporting authors fully.
As a writing coach, you can use your writing skills and knowledge to help others achieve their writing goals. You can assist with book development, author services, or just be a supportive coach. This side job can be both profitable and fulfilling.
| Service | Typical Rates |
|---|---|
| Developmental Editing | $12 – $30 per hour |
| Line Editing | $15 – $40 per hour |
| Copyediting | $20 – $50 per hour |
| Beta Reading | $10 – $25 per manuscript |
| Writing Coaching | $50 – $200+ per session |
By offering a wide range of writing coach services, you become a key partner for new authors. You guide them from start to finish in their book-writing and publishing journey. This way, you make a steady income and help others reach their writing goals.
Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting is a top choice for writers looking to make extra money. It means writing content for others, like books, articles, or social media posts. Unlike regular freelance writing, ghostwriters don’t get credit for their work. Instead, their clients take the credit.
Ghostwriting can be very profitable. Some ghostwriters earn a lot, even up to six figures. Joshua Lisec, a well-known ghostwriter, has written over 80 books and built a successful business. He credits his YouTube channel for helping him find clients.
Ghostwriting offers a chance for passive income. After the hard work of writing, the money keeps coming. As the client’s work gets popular, the ghostwriter earns more, making it a great choice for writers wanting more income.
“Ghostwriting can be a highly profitable side hustle, with some writers building multi-six-figure businesses by providing their services to clients who desire to publish books under their own name.”
To be a successful ghostwriter, you need a strong portfolio and good writing skills. Use LinkedIn Profinder and Facebook groups to find work. Also, networking at events can help you find clients.
Ghostwriting is a great way for writers to earn passive income. Use your writing skills and the unique nature of this job to make money. It can turn your creative talents into a lasting business.
Conclusion
This article has shown you many ways to make more money through writing. You can create a helpful website, write sales copy, publish books, or offer ghostwriting services. Each option lets you earn extra money, sometimes even enough to replace a full-time job.
First, find a writing side hustle that matches your skills and interests. Then, take steps to start. Whether you want to make a few thousand dollars a month or a big writing business, this guide has given you a clear overview of what’s out there. Now, pick the side hustle that suits you best and begin making your writing passion pay off.
Looking for writing side hustles to make passive income or just extra cash? This article has shown you many options. By using your writing skills and trying these side hustles, you can open new income streams. This can lead to a more secure financial future.
FAQ
What are some lucrative writing side hustles to boost my income?
This article shares 16 great writing side hustles. They can help you make an extra
FAQ
What are some lucrative writing side hustles to boost my income?
This article shares 16 great writing side hustles. They can help you make an extra $1,000 to $10,000 a month. You can try building a website, writing sales copy, or tutoring. You can also teach online, create courses, write newsletters, publish books, proofread, and more.
How can building an informative website be a profitable writing side hustle?
Websites can make money through ads, affiliate partnerships, and selling products or services. Creating a site that compares products in a niche can be very successful. It’s a scalable way to earn.
What is the earning potential for sales copywriting?
Good copywriters can earn $200 an hour or more. This job involves writing sales copy that helps businesses market their products or services well.
How much can freelance writers earn?
Freelance writers make $0.05 to $0.35 per word. This means about $50 to $350 for a 1,000-word article. Sites like Fiverr and job boards help writers find clients and grow their portfolios.
What are the opportunities for writers in tutoring and online teaching?
Writers can make a lot by tutoring. They can teach English, essay writing, or reading comprehension. Sites like Outschool let writers teach group classes online and earn a lot.
How can writers create and sell online courses?
Selling online courses is a great side hustle. Sites like Udemy let writers make video courses in their areas of expertise. They can earn royalties and build big businesses.
What are the benefits of starting a niche newsletter as a writing side hustle?
Niche newsletters can make money through ads, affiliate offers, or selling your own products. Successful newsletters can build a loyal audience and make you passive income.
How can self-publishing be a lucrative writing side hustle?
Self-publishing lets writers set their own prices and earn 70% royalties on Kindle books sold. Both fiction and non-fiction books can make money through self-publishing.
What are the opportunities in children’s book publishing as a writing side hustle?
Children’s books are getting more popular. Self-publishing makes it easy for writers to publish and earn from their children’s books. This can be a way to make passive income.
What are the earning potential and benefits of proofreading and editing services as a writing side hustle?
Proofreaders can earn $12 to $30 an hour. With more experience, they can charge more. The rise of self-publishing means there’s a big need for skilled proofreaders and editors.
How can writers establish a writing coaching business as a side hustle?
Writing coaching can be very profitable. Services like outlining, editing, and marketing planning can cost $10,000 or more. Writers who help aspiring authors can make a lot of money.
What is the earning potential for ghostwriting as a writing side hustle?
Ghostwriting can be very profitable. Experienced writers can make a lot by writing books for clients who want to publish under their own name. This business can grow and make passive income.
,000 to ,000 a month. You can try building a website, writing sales copy, or tutoring. You can also teach online, create courses, write newsletters, publish books, proofread, and more.
How can building an informative website be a profitable writing side hustle?
Websites can make money through ads, affiliate partnerships, and selling products or services. Creating a site that compares products in a niche can be very successful. It’s a scalable way to earn.
What is the earning potential for sales copywriting?
Good copywriters can earn 0 an hour or more. This job involves writing sales copy that helps businesses market their products or services well.
How much can freelance writers earn?
Freelance writers make
FAQ
What are some lucrative writing side hustles to boost my income?
This article shares 16 great writing side hustles. They can help you make an extra $1,000 to $10,000 a month. You can try building a website, writing sales copy, or tutoring. You can also teach online, create courses, write newsletters, publish books, proofread, and more.
How can building an informative website be a profitable writing side hustle?
Websites can make money through ads, affiliate partnerships, and selling products or services. Creating a site that compares products in a niche can be very successful. It’s a scalable way to earn.
What is the earning potential for sales copywriting?
Good copywriters can earn $200 an hour or more. This job involves writing sales copy that helps businesses market their products or services well.
How much can freelance writers earn?
Freelance writers make $0.05 to $0.35 per word. This means about $50 to $350 for a 1,000-word article. Sites like Fiverr and job boards help writers find clients and grow their portfolios.
What are the opportunities for writers in tutoring and online teaching?
Writers can make a lot by tutoring. They can teach English, essay writing, or reading comprehension. Sites like Outschool let writers teach group classes online and earn a lot.
How can writers create and sell online courses?
Selling online courses is a great side hustle. Sites like Udemy let writers make video courses in their areas of expertise. They can earn royalties and build big businesses.
What are the benefits of starting a niche newsletter as a writing side hustle?
Niche newsletters can make money through ads, affiliate offers, or selling your own products. Successful newsletters can build a loyal audience and make you passive income.
How can self-publishing be a lucrative writing side hustle?
Self-publishing lets writers set their own prices and earn 70% royalties on Kindle books sold. Both fiction and non-fiction books can make money through self-publishing.
What are the opportunities in children’s book publishing as a writing side hustle?
Children’s books are getting more popular. Self-publishing makes it easy for writers to publish and earn from their children’s books. This can be a way to make passive income.
What are the earning potential and benefits of proofreading and editing services as a writing side hustle?
Proofreaders can earn $12 to $30 an hour. With more experience, they can charge more. The rise of self-publishing means there’s a big need for skilled proofreaders and editors.
How can writers establish a writing coaching business as a side hustle?
Writing coaching can be very profitable. Services like outlining, editing, and marketing planning can cost $10,000 or more. Writers who help aspiring authors can make a lot of money.
What is the earning potential for ghostwriting as a writing side hustle?
Ghostwriting can be very profitable. Experienced writers can make a lot by writing books for clients who want to publish under their own name. This business can grow and make passive income.
.05 to
FAQ
What are some lucrative writing side hustles to boost my income?
This article shares 16 great writing side hustles. They can help you make an extra $1,000 to $10,000 a month. You can try building a website, writing sales copy, or tutoring. You can also teach online, create courses, write newsletters, publish books, proofread, and more.
How can building an informative website be a profitable writing side hustle?
Websites can make money through ads, affiliate partnerships, and selling products or services. Creating a site that compares products in a niche can be very successful. It’s a scalable way to earn.
What is the earning potential for sales copywriting?
Good copywriters can earn $200 an hour or more. This job involves writing sales copy that helps businesses market their products or services well.
How much can freelance writers earn?
Freelance writers make $0.05 to $0.35 per word. This means about $50 to $350 for a 1,000-word article. Sites like Fiverr and job boards help writers find clients and grow their portfolios.
What are the opportunities for writers in tutoring and online teaching?
Writers can make a lot by tutoring. They can teach English, essay writing, or reading comprehension. Sites like Outschool let writers teach group classes online and earn a lot.
How can writers create and sell online courses?
Selling online courses is a great side hustle. Sites like Udemy let writers make video courses in their areas of expertise. They can earn royalties and build big businesses.
What are the benefits of starting a niche newsletter as a writing side hustle?
Niche newsletters can make money through ads, affiliate offers, or selling your own products. Successful newsletters can build a loyal audience and make you passive income.
How can self-publishing be a lucrative writing side hustle?
Self-publishing lets writers set their own prices and earn 70% royalties on Kindle books sold. Both fiction and non-fiction books can make money through self-publishing.
What are the opportunities in children’s book publishing as a writing side hustle?
Children’s books are getting more popular. Self-publishing makes it easy for writers to publish and earn from their children’s books. This can be a way to make passive income.
What are the earning potential and benefits of proofreading and editing services as a writing side hustle?
Proofreaders can earn $12 to $30 an hour. With more experience, they can charge more. The rise of self-publishing means there’s a big need for skilled proofreaders and editors.
How can writers establish a writing coaching business as a side hustle?
Writing coaching can be very profitable. Services like outlining, editing, and marketing planning can cost $10,000 or more. Writers who help aspiring authors can make a lot of money.
What is the earning potential for ghostwriting as a writing side hustle?
Ghostwriting can be very profitable. Experienced writers can make a lot by writing books for clients who want to publish under their own name. This business can grow and make passive income.
.35 per word. This means about to 0 for a 1,000-word article. Sites like Fiverr and job boards help writers find clients and grow their portfolios.
What are the opportunities for writers in tutoring and online teaching?
Writers can make a lot by tutoring. They can teach English, essay writing, or reading comprehension. Sites like Outschool let writers teach group classes online and earn a lot.
How can writers create and sell online courses?
Selling online courses is a great side hustle. Sites like Udemy let writers make video courses in their areas of expertise. They can earn royalties and build big businesses.
What are the benefits of starting a niche newsletter as a writing side hustle?
Niche newsletters can make money through ads, affiliate offers, or selling your own products. Successful newsletters can build a loyal audience and make you passive income.
How can self-publishing be a lucrative writing side hustle?
Self-publishing lets writers set their own prices and earn 70% royalties on Kindle books sold. Both fiction and non-fiction books can make money through self-publishing.
What are the opportunities in children’s book publishing as a writing side hustle?
Children’s books are getting more popular. Self-publishing makes it easy for writers to publish and earn from their children’s books. This can be a way to make passive income.
What are the earning potential and benefits of proofreading and editing services as a writing side hustle?
Proofreaders can earn to an hour. With more experience, they can charge more. The rise of self-publishing means there’s a big need for skilled proofreaders and editors.
How can writers establish a writing coaching business as a side hustle?
Writing coaching can be very profitable. Services like outlining, editing, and marketing planning can cost ,000 or more. Writers who help aspiring authors can make a lot of money.
What is the earning potential for ghostwriting as a writing side hustle?
Ghostwriting can be very profitable. Experienced writers can make a lot by writing books for clients who want to publish under their own name. This business can grow and make passive income.