If you’re searching for the best side hustles for writers, you’re probably in one of these situations: you’re a full-time writer looking to diversify your income streams, you’re an aspiring writer trying to build experience while keeping your day job, or you’ve got solid writing skills and want to monetise them without committing to a traditional writing career. Whatever your situation, you don’t need another vague article suggesting you “start a blog” or “pitch magazines” without explaining how any of it actually works or what you’ll realistically earn
The truth about writing as a side hustle is this: it’s one of the few skills that can generate genuinely substantial income with relatively low barriers to entry. You don’t need expensive equipment, formal qualifications or years of training. What you need is the ability to write clearly, a willingness to learn a few specific skills and knowledge of where the actual money is. The difference between writers earning $15 per hour and those earning $150 per hour often isn’t talent. It’s knowing which opportunities to pursue and how to position yourself.
This guide provides exactly that. I’ve researched dozens of writing opportunities, verified realistic pay rates through actual writer experiences, identified the specific skills each requires and organised everything so you can quickly find options that match your current situation. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced writer looking to expand, you’ll find practical opportunities here that respect your intelligence and your time.
Why Writing is the Perfect Side Hustle
Before diving into specific opportunities, let’s establish why writing works so brilliantly as a side hustle compared to other options.
Low startup costs mean you can begin immediately. Unlike side hustles requiring inventory, equipment or certifications, writing requires only a computer and internet connection. You probably already have both. This eliminates the biggest barrier most side hustles face: upfront capital requirements.
Location independence offers unmatched flexibility. You can write from your kitchen table, a coffee shop, a library or whilst travelling. As long as you can meet deadlines, no one cares where you physically are. For people juggling other responsibilities, this flexibility is invaluable.
Scalable income means your earnings can grow substantially without proportionally increasing your hours. As you improve and specialise, you can command higher rates. A writer charging $50 per article works the same hours as one charging $500 per article. The difference is expertise and positioning.
Skill compounding happens faster with writing than with most side hustles. Every project improves your abilities. Every client teaches you something. Every piece you write becomes a portfolio sample. This creates a virtuous cycle where opportunities and income accelerate over time.
Diverse opportunities mean you’re never trapped in one narrow path. If you discover you hate writing blog posts, you can pivot to copywriting. If content writing feels tedious, try technical writing. If client work frustrates you, build your own platform. Writing skills transfer across dozens of different income-generating activities.
Recession resistance makes writing a more stable career path than many side hustles. Businesses always need content. During economic downturns, companies often cut staff but still need marketing materials, website copy and communication. Freelance writers can actually benefit during these periods.
No ceiling on earnings potential separates writing from hourly jobs. Food delivery will never pay $100 per hour, no matter how experienced you become. Writing can. Some specialised writers earn $200-500+ per hour. That’s genuinely achievable with the right skills and positioning.
The catch? Writing well is harder than it looks. Anyone can string words together, but creating content that engages readers, achieves business objectives and makes clients want to hire you again requires practice. The good news is that practice happens on paid projects. You improve whilst earning.
If you’re interested in building something longer-term that offers unlimited potential, check out my comprehensive guide on building a legitimate online business here.
Understanding the Writing Side Hustle Landscape
Writing opportunities fall into several categories, each with different characteristics, pay rates and requirements. Understanding this landscape helps you identify where to focus.
Content Writing vs Copywriting
Content writing focuses on providing information, education or entertainment. Examples include blog posts, articles, guides and ebooks. The goal is usually to attract readers, build authority and keep people engaged. Content writing tends to pay less per word but offers high-volume opportunities. Pay ranges from $0.03-0.30 per word, typically, or $50-300+ per article, depending on length and complexity.
Copywriting focuses on persuading readers to take specific actions (buy, subscribe, register, download). Examples include sales pages, email campaigns, advertisements and landing pages. Copywriting pays significantly more because it directly drives revenue. Experienced copywriters can earn $500-5,000+ per project.
Most writers start with content writing because it’s more accessible, then transition to copywriting as skills and confidence grow.
Ghostwriting vs Bylined Work
Ghostwriting means you write content that someone else takes credit for. You’re paid for the work but don’t receive attribution. Examples include ghostwritten books, speeches, articles for executives or social media content for influencers. Ghostwriting typically pays 30-50% more than bylined work because you’re surrendering credit.
Bylined work puts your name on the content. This builds your portfolio and reputation but typically pays less. For writers building their personal brand, bylined work might be worth the lower pay. For writers focused purely on income, ghostwriting often makes more financial sense.
Flat Rate vs Retainer Work
Flat rate projects involve one-time payments for specific deliverables. You complete the work, get paid and move on. This offers variety but requires constantly finding new clients.
Retainer arrangements involve ongoing monthly work for the same client. You might write four blog posts monthly for $1,200, creating a predictable recurring income. Retainers offer stability but less variety.
Most successful writer side hustles involve a mix: retainer clients providing base income plus flat rate projects for variety and upside.
The Best Side Hustles for Writers (By Earning Potential)
Let’s examine specific opportunities organised by realistic income potential.
High-Earning Opportunities ($100-500+ Per Hour)
1. SaaS and Technology Copywriting
Software-as-a-Service companies need writers who understand technology and can explain complex products clearly, whilst persuading potential customers.
What you’ll write: Landing pages, product descriptions, case studies, white papers, email sequences and website copy.
Skills needed: Understanding of technology concepts, ability to research quickly, persuasive writing skills and understanding of buyer psychology.
Getting started: Study existing SaaS websites, learn basic marketing concepts, create spec work (write sample pages for actual companies as portfolio pieces) and start pitching smaller SaaS companies.
Realistic earnings: $100-300 per hour for experienced writers, $2,000-10,000+ per project for landing pages or complete website copy.
Time to first dollar: 6-12 weeks typically, as you need portfolio pieces and must land your first client.
Pros: Exceptional pay, intellectually stimulating work, a growing industry with constant demand, and often long-term client relationships.
Cons: Requires understanding technical concepts, high expectations from clients, a competitive field, and significant research required.
Tips for success: Learn the basics of conversion rate optimisation through resources like Copyhackers. Focus on results rather than just writing. Small improvements in conversion can generate thousands of dollars for clients, justifying premium rates.
2. Email Marketing and Sequence Writing
Businesses need email campaigns that convert subscribers into customers. Email copywriting is specialised enough that demand exceeds supply.
What you’ll write: Welcome sequences, sales sequences, product launch campaigns, newsletter content and promotional emails.
Skills needed: Persuasive writing, understanding of email marketing strategy, basic knowledge of email platforms and ability to write compelling subject lines.
Getting started: Learn email marketing fundamentals, study successful email campaigns (subscribe to lists in various industries), write sample sequences as portfolio pieces and reach out to businesses with active email lists.
Realistic earnings: $500-2,000 per email sequence (typically 5-7 emails), $100-300 per individual email for ongoing campaigns.
Time to first dollar: 4-8 weeks as you build knowledge and land first clients.
Pros: High pay, recurring work opportunities, measurable results make it easy to prove your value, can work with clients in any industry.
Cons: Requires understanding marketing strategy beyond just writing, clients judge you by conversion rates, and writing multiple emails on the same topic without being repetitive is challenging.
Tips for success: Position yourself as an email strategist, not just a writer. Clients pay more when you’re helping them plan the entire campaign, not just writing what they dictate. Track results obsessively so you can show ROI.
3. Sales Page and Landing Page Writing
Sales pages that convert visitors into customers are worth thousands to businesses. Writers who can create them command premium rates.
What you’ll write: Long-form sales pages, landing pages for specific offers, product launch pages and webinar registration pages.
Skills needed: Deep understanding of persuasion, ability to structure compelling arguments, research skills (understanding target audience) and copywriting fundamentals.
Getting started: Study successful sales pages, learn copywriting frameworks (PAS, AIDA), create spec pages as portfolio pieces and start with smaller businesses before approaching larger companies.
Realistic earnings: $2,000-10,000+ per sales page, depending on complexity and your experience.
Time to first dollar: 8-16 weeks typically, as this is advanced work requiring substantial skill development.
Pros: Exceptional pay, challenging and interesting work, measurable results, and can lead to performance bonuses if pages convert well.
Cons: High pressure (clients expect results), requires significant upfront research, revisions can be extensive, results depend partly on factors outside your control (product quality, traffic sources).
Tips for success: Start by writing shorter landing pages before tackling long-form sales pages. Offer to include headline testing or multiple versions. Consider performance-based pricing once you have a track record (lower base fee plus bonus if page hits conversion targets).
If you’re interested in building something longer-term that offers unlimited potential, check out my comprehensive guide on building a legitimate online business here.
4. White Papers and Technical Writing
Businesses in technical industries need writers who can translate complex information into readable, authoritative content.
What you’ll write: White papers, technical documentation, research reports, case studies and industry analysis.
Skills needed: Research abilities, capacity to understand technical subjects quickly, clear explanatory writing and attention to accuracy.
Getting started: Choose an industry to specialise in, learn its terminology and key concepts, create a sample white paper as a portfolio piece and reach out to companies in that industry.
Realistic earnings: $3,000-10,000+ per white paper, $75-150+ per hour for technical documentation.
Time to first dollar: 6-12 weeks as you develop specialisation and build credibility.
Pros: Excellent pay, intellectually engaging work, less competition than general content writing, and long-term client relationships are common.
Cons: Requires the ability to grasp complex topics quickly, extensive research is needed, can be a dry subject matter, and deadlines can be tight.
Tips for success: Specialise in one or two industries (healthcare, finance, technology) rather than trying to write about everything. Build relationships with subject matter experts who can review your work. Join industry groups to understand current issues and trends.
Medium-Earning Opportunities ($50-100 Per Hour)
5. Blog Post and Article Writing
The most common writing side hustle, with opportunities ranging from content mills to premium publications.
What you’ll write: Blog posts, how-to guides, listicles, opinion pieces and long-form articles.
Skills needed: Research ability, SEO basics, engaging writing style and adaptability to different voices and industries.
Getting started: Build a portfolio with 3-5 strong samples, create profiles on platforms like Contently or Clearvoice, pitch directly to businesses or publications and consider starting with one slightly-lower-paying client to gain testimonials.
Realistic earnings: $50-500+ per article depending on length, complexity and client. Established writers typically earn $150-300 for 1,500-2,000-word articles.
Time to first dollar: 2-4 weeks if you’re proactive about pitching.
Pros: High volume of opportunities, relatively easy entry point, diverse topics keep work interesting, and can write from anywhere.
Cons: Pay varies dramatically, constant client acquisition is needed without retainers, some clients have unrealistic expectations, and content mills pay poorly.
Tips for success: Avoid content mills (Textbroker, WriterAccess) that pay $15-30 per article. Instead, pitch directly to businesses that need content. Develop expertise in 1-2 niches so you can write faster and charge more. Learn basic SEO to increase your value.
6. Social Media Content Creation
Businesses need a consistent social media presence but lack the time or writing skills to maintain it effectively.
What you’ll write: Social media posts, captions, threads, short-form content and social media strategy documents.
Skills needed: Concise writing, understanding of each platform’s style, creativity and ability to write in brand voice.
Getting started: Build a strong personal social media presence to demonstrate abilities, create sample content calendars as portfolio pieces and pitch to small businesses or busy professionals.
Realistic earnings: $500-2,000 per month per client for ongoing content creation, $50-100 per hour for project-based work.
Time to first dollar: 3-6 weeks typically.
Pros: Recurring income potential through retainers, creative work, can manage multiple clients, and growing demand.
Cons: Requires staying current with platform changes, weekend and evening posting sometimes expected, difficult clients who don’t understand social media, and measuring ROI can be challenging.
Tips for success: Package your services (30 posts monthly plus engagement) rather than charging per post. Specialise in specific platforms rather than claiming expertise in all. Use scheduling tools to batch-create content efficiently.
7. Ghostwriting Books and Ebooks
Authors, executives and entrepreneurs need books written but lack time or writing ability.
What you’ll write: Non-fiction books, ebooks, memoirs, business books and thought leadership content.
Skills needed: Long-form writing ability, interviewing skills (to capture the client’s voice and knowledge), organisation and stamina for extended projects.
Getting started: Write a sample chapter or short ebook in a popular business genre, join platforms like Reedsy that connect ghostwriters with authors and network with potential clients (executives, coaches, consultants who need books).
Realistic earnings: $5,000-30,000+ per book, depending on length and complexity. Ebooks typically pay $2,000-8,000.
Time to first dollar: 8-16 weeks, as finding ghostwriting clients takes time, and projects are lengthy.
Pros: Substantial per-project income, fascinating subject matter, long-term projects mean less client acquisition needed, and prestigious work.
Cons: Time-intensive projects, multiple revisions are typical, challenging clients who think they can write but can’t, and giving up credit for your work.
Tips for success: Specialise in specific types of books (business books, memoirs, self-help) rather than accepting any project. Establish clear contracts covering revision limits and timelines. Consider a partial upfront payment to protect yourself.
If you’re interested in building something longer-term that offers unlimited potential, check out my comprehensive guide on building a legitimate online business here.
8. Newsletter Writing
Email newsletters have exploded in popularity, creating opportunities for writers who can create engaging, regular content.
What you’ll write: Weekly or bi-weekly newsletters, curated content with commentary, industry updates and analysis.
Skills needed: Concise writing, curation abilities, understanding of what makes content shareable and consistency.
Getting started: Study successful newsletters in various niches, create your own newsletter to demonstrate abilities and pitch to businesses, publications or individuals with audiences who need consistent content.
Realistic earnings: $500-3,000 per month for weekly newsletters, higher for specialised industries.
Time to first dollar: 4-8 weeks typically.
Pros: Recurring income, can manage multiple newsletter clients, relatively quick to write once you develop systems, growing field.
Cons: Must produce content consistently regardless of inspiration, subscribers judge quality immediately (open rates tell the story), and requires staying current in the client’s industry.
Tips for success: Develop a clear process for finding and curating content efficiently. Create templates for different newsletter types. Track metrics (open rates, click rates) to demonstrate value.
9. Case Study and Testimonial Writing
Businesses need compelling case studies showcasing customer success, but often struggle to create them.
What you’ll write: Customer success stories, case studies, testimonials and results-focused content.
Skills needed: Interviewing abilities, storytelling skills, ability to structure before/after narratives and understanding how to highlight results.
Getting started: Offer to write one case study at a discount for a company in your network, use that as a portfolio piece and pitch to B2B companies (they use case studies heavily).
Realistic earnings: $500-2,000 per case study, typically.
Time to first dollar: 4-6 weeks.
Pros: Relatively quick projects, businesses see clear value, can lead to ongoing relationships, and interesting stories.
Cons: It depends on the client’s willingness to connect you with customers; some customers don’t respond or participate well, and quantifying results can be challenging if the client doesn’t track metrics well.
Tips for success: Develop a proven interview process that extracts great quotes and specific results. Learn to structure case studies using proven frameworks. Offer to create multiple assets from one case study (full version, short version, social posts) to increase project value.
Entry-Level Opportunities ($25-50 Per Hour)
10. Product Descriptions for E-commerce
Online stores need compelling product descriptions that inform and persuade.
What you’ll write: Product descriptions, category page copy, about pages for e-commerce sites and FAQ content.
Skills needed: Concise writing, ability to highlight benefits, basic SEO knowledge and capacity to write many descriptions efficiently.
Getting started: Create sample product descriptions for popular products, reach out to small ecommerce businesses or apply for positions on platforms like Upwork.
Realistic earnings: $5-25 per product description, $25-50 per hour for bulk projects.
Time to first dollar: 1-3 weeks typically.
Pros: High volume opportunities, relatively simple writing, can write many descriptions quickly once you develop templates, and consistent demand.
Cons: Can become repetitive, pay is moderate, requires efficiency to make good money, and some clients provide poor product information.
Tips for success: Develop templates and frameworks so you can write descriptions quickly without sacrificing quality. Charge per project rather than per description when possible. Specialise in specific product categories (fashion, electronics, home goods) to write faster.
11. Editing and Proofreading
Writers with strong grammar and attention to detail can earn by improving others’ content.
What you’ll do: Edit blog posts, books, articles, business documents and academic papers for grammar, clarity, structure and style.
Skills needed: Exceptional grammar and spelling, understanding of different style guides (AP, Chicago), diplomatic feedback skills and attention to detail.
Getting started: Take editing tests on platforms like Gramlee, Polished Paper or Scribbr, advertise services locally (students and small businesses always need editing) and reach out to content agencies that need editors.
Realistic earnings: $25-60 per hour, depending on editing type and your speed.
Time to first dollar: 2-4 weeks typically.
Pros: Flexible work, can often set your own schedule, steady demand, less stressful than creative writing (you’re improving existing content).
Cons: Pay is moderate, work can be tedious, dealing with defensive writers, and strain on the eyes from screen time.
Tips for success: Specialise in specific content types (academic editing pays well but requires knowledge of citation styles, business editing is less demanding but may pay less). Develop efficient processes using tools like Grammarly Premium or ProWritingAid to speed up initial review.
12. Transcription with Writing Enhancement
Basic transcription pays poorly, but adding writing services increases value significantly.
What you’ll do: Transcribe interviews, podcasts or meetings, then edit the transcription into readable articles or summaries.
Skills needed: Fast typing, strong editing abilities, content organisation and comprehension.
Getting started: Practice transcription to improve speed, market yourself as offering “transcription plus article creation” rather than just transcription and pitch to podcasters, interviewers and businesses that need content from recorded material.
Realistic earnings: $30-60 per hour for transcription plus writing, $0.50-2.00 per audio minute.
Time to first dollar: 2-4 weeks typically.
Pros: Growing field (podcasts create a constant need), combining transcription with writing commands higher rates than pure transcription, and flexible work.
Cons: Requires fast typing to be profitable, poor audio quality makes work difficult, can be tedious.
Tips for success: Use transcription software (Otter.ai, Descript) to speed up initial transcription, then focus your time on editing and enhancement. Market the end result (polished article) rather than the process (transcription).
If you’re interested in building something longer-term that offers unlimited potential, check out my comprehensive guide on building a legitimate online business here.
Building Your Own Platform (Unlimited Potential)
13. Your Own Blog with Monetisation
Building your own blog creates an asset you fully control with multiple income streams.
What you’ll do: Create a website around a specific topic, publish consistent, valuable content, grow an audience and monetise through affiliate marketing, advertising, sponsored content or selling products.
Skills needed: Writing consistently, basic SEO, content promotion, patience and business thinking.
Getting started: Choose a specific niche you can write about consistently for years, set up a WordPress website, publish comprehensive, helpful content regularly and build an email list from day one.
Realistic earnings: $0-100 monthly for months 1-6, $100-1,000 monthly for months 6-18, $1,000-10,000+ monthly year 2+ if done well. Top bloggers earn $50,000-500,000+ monthly.
Time to first dollar: 3-9 months typically. Blogging is not a quick money strategy.
Pros: Unlimited income potential, complete creative control, multiple income streams possible, builds an asset you own, work from anywhere.
Cons: Takes many months to generate meaningful income, requires consistency when results aren’t visible, competitive, Google algorithm changes can impact traffic, and can be discouraging initially.
Tips for success: Choose a niche specific enough that you can become a recognised authority. Focus on genuinely helping readers rather than just making money. Build an email list immediately (your most valuable asset). Be patient and don’t quit during months when you’re earning little.
If you’re interested in building a legitimate online writing business through blogging, affiliate marketing or content creation, I’ve created a comprehensive guide that walks through every step without fluff or unrealistic promises: https://buildinganonlinehomebusiness.com/get-started-here
14. Substack Newsletter
Paid newsletters on Substack let you build a direct relationship with readers who pay for your content.
What you’ll write: Regular newsletter content (weekly, twice-weekly) on a specific topic you’re passionate and knowledgeable about.
Skills needed: Consistent engaging writing, understanding of your audience, marketing abilities and willingness to build in public.
Getting started: Choose a specific niche with a potential paying audience, start publishing free content to build readership, and turn on paid subscriptions once you have 100-500 free subscribers.
Realistic earnings: $0-50 monthly initially, $200-2,000+ monthly once established. Successful newsletter writers earn $5,000-50,000+ monthly.
Time to first dollar: 3-12 months, typically, depending on how quickly you build an audience.
Pros: Direct relationship with readers, recurring revenue through subscriptions, complete creative control, no client management, and Substack handles payment processing.
Cons: Takes significant time to build a paying audience, requires consistency, income is unpredictable, the market is getting crowded, and you must continuously provide value or subscribers cancel.
Tips for success: Publish free content consistently for several months before introducing a paid tier. Offer specific value in a paid subscription (deeper analysis, community access, direct interaction). Study successful newsletters in your category and understand what they’re doing well.
15. Self-Publishing Books on Amazon
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing lets you publish and sell books directly to readers.
What you’ll write: Non-fiction books, how-to guides, fiction or specialised knowledge in your area of expertise.
Skills needed: Book-length writing ability, basic marketing, understanding of Amazon’s ecosystem and cover design (or budget to hire a designer).
Getting started: Research what types of books sell in your category, write your book, hire a professional editor and cover designer, format for Kindle and publish on KDP.
Realistic earnings: $0-100 monthly for most authors, $500-5,000+ monthly for successful books, and outliers earn $10,000-100,000+ monthly.
Time to first dollar: 3-6 months minimum (writing, editing, publishing, building reviews and traction).
Pros: Passive income potential, unlimited upside, you own the asset, can publish multiple books, no client management, and work on your own schedule.
Cons: Extremely competitive marketplace, takes months to write quality books, marketing is challenging, most books never earn meaningful income, requires upfront investment (editing, cover design).
Tips for success: Research the market before writing (look for categories with demand but not oversaturation). Invest in professional editing and cover design (book covers make or break sales). Write series rather than standalone books (readers who love the first book buy the rest). Build an email list through the free first book to market subsequent releases.
Maximising Your Writing Side Hustle Income
Landing writing work is one thing. Making it actually worth your time is another. Here’s how to maximise earnings:
Develop a Speciality
Generalist writers compete with thousands of others. Specialists command premium rates. Consider specialising in:
Industry: Healthcare, finance, SaaS, ecommerce, real estate
Content type: Email sequences, landing pages, case studies, white papers
Audience: B2B, technical buyers, consumers, executives
You can charge 2-3x more as a specialist than a generalist because clients value expertise.
Build Systems and Templates
Efficiency directly impacts your effective hourly rate. Create:
Templates for common projects (blog post structure, case study framework)
Research processes (how you quickly understand new topics)
Client onboarding systems (intake forms, contracts, project briefs)
Editing checklists (ensure consistent quality efficiently)
Writers who’ve systematised their process can earn $100-150 per hour, whilst those doing everything from scratch earn $30-50 per hour for the same work.
Package Your Services
Hourly billing limits your income. Package services instead:
“Blog Content Package: 4 SEO-optimised blog posts monthly, $1,200”
“Email Launch Sequence: 7 emails plus subject lines, $2,500”
“Complete Website Copy: Homepage, about page, 3 service pages, $5,000”
Packages let you charge based on value rather than time, often resulting in better effective hourly rates.
Build Long-Term Client Relationships
Finding clients is time-consuming and unpaid. Focus on turning clients into long-term relationships:
Deliver exceptional work consistently
Propose ongoing arrangements after successful projects
Suggest additional services you can provide
Stay in touch even during slow periods
A few great long-term clients generate more income with less stress than constantly seeking new work.
Increase Rates Regularly
Many writers have undercharged for years. Set a schedule for rate increases:
Every 6 months initially, raise rates by $10-25 per hour or 10-15% per project
Grandfather existing clients at old rates for one increase cycle, then bring them current
Don’t apologise or over-explain when raising rates (simply inform clients professionally)
Most clients expect occasional rate increases and won’t push back if your work is strong.
If you’re interested in building something longer-term that offers unlimited potential, check out my comprehensive guide on building a legitimate online business here.
Track Everything
Understanding your true numbers helps you make better decisions:
Time spent on each project (what’s actually profitable?)
Income per client (who are your best clients?)
Effective hourly rate per project type (what should you do more of?)
Marketing time vs paid time (are you spending too long finding work?)
Many writers think they’re earning $75 per hour, but when accounting for unpaid time (pitching, administration, marketing), they’re earning $35 per hour.
Essential Skills That Increase Writing Income
Certain skills dramatically increase writing opportunities and rates:
SEO Writing
Content that ranks in Google is worth more than content that doesn’t. Learning basic SEO (keyword research, on-page optimisation, search intent) can increase your value by 30-50%. Resources like Ahrefs SEO learning centre offer free, comprehensive training.
Conversion Copywriting
Understanding what makes people take action (click, buy, subscribe) separates $50-per-hour writers from $150-per-hour writers. Study frameworks like PAS (Problem, Agitate, Solution) and AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action).
Interview Skills
Extracting great quotes and compelling stories from interview subjects creates much better content. Practice active listening, asking follow-up questions and making subjects comfortable.
Research Efficiency
Top writers can quickly understand new topics and find authoritative sources. Develop systematic research processes rather than randomly Googling.
Client Management
Communication, boundary-setting and project management matter as much as writing ability. Difficult clients drain energy and time. Learn to identify red flags early and establish clear expectations.
Common Mistakes Writers Make with Side Hustles
Learn from others’ mistakes:
Mistake 1: Starting with content mills
Platforms like Textbroker pay $10-30 per article. This trains you to write quickly but poorly, making it harder to transition to better-paying work. Start with direct clients, even if you charge moderate rates initially.
Mistake 2: Not niching down
“I write about anything” sounds flexible, but it means you’re competing with everyone. “I write case studies for B2B SaaS companies” immediately positions you as valuable to a specific audience.
Mistake 3: Undercharging indefinitely
Many writers charge $50 per article for years because they’re afraid clients will leave if they raise rates. In reality, good clients understand occasional increases, and bad clients aren’t worth keeping.
Mistake 4: Not building a portfolio
Potential clients need to see your work. If you don’t have paid samples yet, create spec work (sample articles written for real or imaginary clients as examples).
Mistake 5: Poor client vetting
Red flags include clients who can’t clearly explain what they need, demand free samples, negotiate aggressively before you’ve even agreed to work together or have impossible timelines. Life’s too short for terrible clients.
Mistake 6: Overdelivering constantly
Writing twice the agreed word count, doing unlimited revisions or adding services without charging more trains clients to expect this. Set a clear scope and stick to it.
Mistake 7: Not treating it like a business
Track income and expenses, set aside money for taxes, have contracts, invoice promptly and follow up on late payments. Professional systems attract professional clients.
Practical Steps to Start Your Writing Side Hustle
Stop researching and start doing:
Week 1: Build your foundation
Choose your speciality based on interests and existing knowledge
Create 3-5 writing samples (even if unpaid)
Set up a simple website or LinkedIn profile showcasing samples
Write your service description and rates
Week 2: Start marketing
Create profiles on relevant platforms (Upwork, Contently, LinkedIn ProFinder)
List 20 potential direct clients and find contact information
Craft personalised pitches explaining specifically how you can help each
Send 5 pitches daily
Week 3-4: Refine and persist
Analyse which pitches get responses and adjust the approach
Follow up with interested prospects
If no responses, consider offering the first project at a discount in exchange for a testimonial
Continue daily outreach whilst improving your pitch
Month 2-3: Build momentum
Deliver exceptional work to early clients
Request testimonials and referrals
Gradually raise rates for new clients
Focus on building 2-3 retainer relationships
Continue marketing even when you have work
Most writers quit during weeks 3-6 when they’ve sent dozens of pitches without much response. The ones who succeed simply keep going. Every successful writer experienced this frustration initially.
If you’re interested in building something longer-term that offers unlimited potential, check out my comprehensive guide on building a legitimate online business here.
Resources for Growing Your Writing Business
For finding work:
- FreelanceWriting.com (job board and resources)
- LinkedIn (direct pitching and networking)
- Contently, Clearvoice (content marketplace platforms)
For improving skills:
- Copyhackers (conversion copywriting training)
- Everybody Writes by Ann Handley (content writing fundamentals)
- The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert Bly (copywriting fundamentals)
For business management:
- And Co or HoneyBook (contracts and invoicing)
- Toggl (time tracking)
- Grammarly Premium (editing assistance)
The Long-Term Perspective
Here’s what most articles about writing side hustles won’t tell you: the real value isn’t just the extra money you earn immediately. It’s the skill development, confidence building and options you create.
Every piece you write improves your abilities. Every client interaction teaches you about business. Every project expands your knowledge. These compound over time.
Many successful writers started side hustles whilst keeping day jobs, eventually earned enough to quit, and then built multiple six-figure businesses. That journey typically takes 2-5 years, not 2-5 months. But it’s genuinely achievable if you’re patient and consistent.
The best side hustles for writers aren’t just about immediate income. They’re about building skills, creating options and moving toward whatever “better” looks like for you. Whether that’s financial security, career flexibility, location independence, or simply having more control over your time, writing skills can get you there.
Start with the opportunities that match your current abilities, deliver exceptional work consistently, continuously improve your skills and be patient during the months when results aren’t dramatic. The compound effect takes time, but it absolutely works.
The best side hustles for writers are waiting for you to start them. Stop researching and start writing.