Did you know that 66% of writers are self-employed? That’s not even considering other writing-related work, like editing and proofreading. Forbes says 64 million Americans did some sort of freelance work in 2023. 

Whether you find your groove writing human interest profiles, humorous columns, or social media captions, there’s a good chance that you can turn your love of the written word into a lucrative side gig. In this article, I’ll share 10 ideas for writing-related side hustles that can make you money.

Turning the Joy of Writing into a Career with Writing-Related Side Hustles

I’ve loved words since I was young, crafting stories on the family PC and writing for my high school newspaper. I earned a bachelor’s in English from the University of Minnesota and spent years cultivating my love of storytelling. Writing can be a great outlet for many, whether in the form of business copywriting, prose or journalism. So why not turn that passion into an income? Let’s talk about ten ways you can leverage your language skills as a freelancer.

Copywriting

One of the most common forms of freelance writing, often concentrated in business marketing, is copywriting. Copywriting is what we call conversion-focused, meaning it convinces readers to take some sort of action. Usually, you’re selling a brand to potential customers, whether that looks like an email with a strong call to action, a landing page for a website or a PPC advertisement. It tends to be short-form and focus on concise, straightforward content with strong SEO practices.  

Content Writing

A common mistake many beginning writers make is thinking copywriting and content writing are the same thing. While the two practices have a lot in common, like research and attention to quality SEO practices, content writing tends to be more long-form and is written with the purpose of educating or entertaining. Think articles, press releases and case studies — longer content with the goal of informing rather than persuading.

Social Media Writing

An increasingly prevalent form of writing (and marketing) in today’s wireless world is utilizing social media. Whether you’re writing a LinkedIn blog post or posting on X, the world of social media writing is a fast-paced ball game. You’re often constrained by character limits or your audience’s short attention span, so you need to be witty, concise and up-to-date on social trends. This is a great option for young writers looking to combine their online presence with their creative careers, but don’t let age put you off; anyone with a pulse on the online social sphere can learn to write for social media. And don’t discount the value of a social media presence for your own brand as a writer as well.

Reporting

If you excel in more journalistic writing, consider becoming a freelance reporter. Start small by seeking out local stories and submitting to relevant publications. Once you’ve built a network and a portfolio, you may find news outlets that will start reaching out to you to write about your specialty, whether that’s high school sports, fashion, or political columns.

Ghostwriting Books

Want to get paid to write a book? It’s not out of the question; ghostwriters are hired by public figures or experts who aren’t writers themselves, who have ideas or information to get into print. Ever read a celebrity memoir? Chances are, that celebrity didn’t write the book alone. You, as a ghostwriter, will get into your client’s head, listen to their ideas, and generate a manuscript that accurately reflects their voice and content. These projects tend to be longer term and can be a challenge. Keep in mind that unless you sign on as a collaborator or co-author, you likely won’t get credit for the book — but you will get paid.

Newsletter Writing

An important mindset to maintain when writing a newsletter is that you’re writing for people already familiar with a brand. Newsletters are sent to subscribers, which means your focus is on consistency and relevant content. This type of writing requires an eye for snappy headlines, calls to action, and well-structured sections. If you can make a subject line stand out in a crowded inbox, you may find great success as a newsletter writer.

Scriptwriting

Though this business can be difficult to break into, it can be a lot of fun for creative writers. Scriptwriting doesn’t necessarily mean you’re rolling out Hollywood blockbusters. You’ll often develop feature films, television scripts, YouTube video scripts or even documentaries. This is a great option for more visual or plot-oriented thinkers.

Editing

If you find yourself more interested in the business of refining existing writing, checking for grammar and consistency, and making stories better, editing might be for you. Whether you’re copyediting a journalistic piece with the AP Stylebook or doing a developmental edit on a Chicago Manual of Style manuscript, there’s something satisfying about helping a piece of writing reach its full potential.

Proofreading

Do you find typos everywhere you look? Are you a stickler for consistency? You can be the one to catch the last-minute details before content is distributed to a wider audience. You’ll clean up typos and formatting in whatever niche you decide to work within. Proofreading can be as technical or creative as you like. Simply establish your area of expertise and specialization, whether that’s medical writing, travel blogs, or novels, and market your brand that way.

Grant Writing

If you have experience working in education, nonprofits, or fundraising, grant writing can be a great way to make the most of your skill set. Grant writers research grants, connect with funders, and write persuasive proposals to apply for funding for a specific cause. Grants are often very competitive, so a deep understanding of the brand, cause, or nonprofit and what it offers is a necessary component of the process. While I don’t personally offer grant writing services, I’m always happy to refer you to other strong writers who can meet your needs.

How to Get Started with Writing-Related Side Hustles

Even if you’re not ready to turn your writing into a full-time job, you may be pleasantly surprised by how successful a part-time creative job can be. Consider checking out platforms like Upwork to establish yourself as a freelancer and build your network. Many free websites can be effective to collect your writing samples in a portfolio for potential clients.

Whether you’re looking to jump into the business as a freelance copywriter or want to recruit a professional business writer to grow your brand, reach out today to connect and learn more about making your words work for you.