12 ways to make money from writing

Writing is a skill that can be transformed into a variety of income streams. Whether you're a student, freelancer, or aspiring author, there are numerous ways to monetize your writing talents. Here are twelve professional and actionable methods to make money through writing:

1. Make Money Reviewing Films, Products, Music, and More

One of the easiest ways to start earning money is by writing reviews. You don't need to be a seasoned critic; many platforms pay for short, simple reviews of products, films, or music.

Sites like Slicethepie offer cash for reviews on fashion items, gadgets, and songs. Product testing websites also offer money or free products in exchange for detailed feedback. In some cases, you can even keep the product, adding extra value to your effort. This is a great way to earn money while reviewing items you’d usually buy, like cosmetics, technology, or clothing.

2. Write Articles for Money

Journalism is a competitive field, but it's possible to get paid for articles without being a full-time journalist. Many freelance writers pitch stories to editors, earning £100 or more per article, depending on the publication and subject matter.

Start by building a portfolio—contribute to university newspapers or create a blog to showcase your writing. After gaining some experience, pitch your ideas to commissioning editors. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) are useful tools to connect with editors and get noticed for your freelance writing.

3. Sell Your Revision Notes

If you're a student with well-organized and clear lecture notes, there's an opportunity to sell them to fellow students. Platforms like Stuvia allow you to list your notes for free, and you can earn money each time someone downloads them. For those who take aesthetically pleasing notes, creating a Studygram Instagram account can also be a unique way to monetize your note-taking skills.

4. Enter Writing Competitions

Competitions are a fantastic way to win money, recognition, and even future job opportunities. Many writing contests offer large cash prizes for essays, creative writing, or journalism. To improve your chances of winning, research past winners, be creative with your approach, and always double-check the competition’s terms and conditions.

5. Make Money Writing Translations

Fluency in multiple languages can open doors to paid translation jobs. Businesses often seek freelance translators for website content, documents, or even video subtitles. Some languages are more in demand than others, and freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork are great places to find these jobs.

6. Monetize Your Blog

Blogging is not only a way to share your passion but also a potential income stream. With consistent effort, you can monetize a blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and ads. Tools like Bluehost offer affordable ways to set up your blog, and once it gains traction, brands will pay to be featured. Affiliate marketing can also bring in money by recommending products that pay a commission when purchased through your links.

7. Earn Money Writing Social Media Content

Social media management is in high demand. Brands often need freelance writers to create engaging posts, captions, and even bios for their social channels. If you're skilled in building online followings or writing viral content, this could be a lucrative option. You can also explore BookTok to combine your love for reading and social media, gaining sponsorships from book-related brands.

8. Become a Copywriter

Copywriting involves writing content for businesses, either for customer-facing products (B2C) or for other businesses (B2B). Whether it’s crafting product descriptions, newsletters, or ad campaigns, copywriting requires adaptability to a brand’s tone and voice. It’s a more stable long-term career, with entry-level positions often starting around £30K. Websites like Glassdoor and Indeed frequently list job openings for copywriters.

9. Find Transcription Jobs

If you’re a fast typist and have good listening skills, transcription jobs can be an easy way to make money. As a transcriber, you’ll convert audio recordings into written text, earning around £12 per hour. Check platforms like Rev and GoTranscript to find flexible transcription jobs that can be done from home.

10. Write a Book

Writing a book is a rewarding, but often time-consuming, way to make money. You can self-publish eBooks, which is becoming increasingly accessible through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, once the book is published, it can generate passive income for years.

11. Work as a Technical Writer

Technical writing requires you to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, often for instruction manuals or technical guides. It’s a specialized field, typically requiring a background in a technical subject or extensive writing experience. However, with average salaries around £40K, it’s a lucrative career path for those with the right skills. Start by building a diverse portfolio of writing samples that showcase your ability to communicate complex information.

12. Make Money as a Ghostwriter

Ghostwriting involves writing content for others without taking public credit. Ghostwriters are hired to produce books, articles, or speeches on behalf of someone else. It’s a great way to earn money if you prefer working behind the scenes. Many authors, executives, and celebrities hire ghostwriters to help bring their ideas to life, offering a wide range of potential clients.