Get Paid to Write: 13 Sites That Pay Up to $450 per Article

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Paid freelance writing is a lucrative way to get paid to write from home. You don’t need a degree or even the most eloquent prose to have a lucrative side hustle as a freelance writer.

Jen Smith

  • Side Hustles

websites that pay for writing

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When I started a blog four years ago, I had no idea I could get paid to write about anything. Fast forward three years. Now I get paid to write about things I love, and I make a full-time living doing it.

Freelance writing can be a great way to make money from home. But with any business, there’s a steep learning curve. You have to know what editors want, where to find jobs that are legitimate, and what to charge as you progress.

A Look at the Best Freelance Writing Websites

When you’re building your writing portfolio, there are some freelance writing sites that stand out for offering legitimate jobs and paying writers a living wage. They’re the best freelance writing websites for beginners.

Upwork is a freelancer marketplace and go-to source for business owners looking for all kinds of digital services. You can find hundreds of paid writing jobs in dozens of subjects.

One of the benefits of using Upwork is that you won’t have to chase down payment from clients. All invoices and payments happen through Upwork, and you’re guaranteed payment for the work you do.

The downside is that Upwork charges a 20% fee on your first $500 earned with each client, 10% up to $10,000, and 5% beyond that. It’s a good place to get started, but you won’t want to use it for long.

Known for offering services starting at $5, Fiverr is a marketplace for freelancers to showcase their services to prospective clients. You create a profile, list a “gig,” and then it becomes available to a global audience.

All communication and payments are processed through Fiverr, but it also charges a steep 20% fee on all earnings. If you’re nervous about reaching out to clients yourself, Fiverr can be a good platform where they come to you.

But you’ll have to do something to make yourself stand out in a sea of other writers. That’s where specializing in one subject matter can be your strength.

3. Textbroker

Textbroker only offers content and writing services on its platform. Writers who sign up with Textbroker will find many resources on how to improve their writing, including editors to review articles, writing tutorials, and videos on how to get the most out of Textbroker.

Earnings per word depend on your quality level. You can earn from $0.07 per word up to $0.50. You choose from thousands of orders available based on your quality level, and there are no additional fees. Textbroker also offers milestone and quarterly bonuses when you achieve different word counts.

Writers, designers, videographers, and other creatives can all find jobs on Skyword . Skyword is a marketplace where you can find jobs and be found by clients. It works with both small and high-profile clients and is a great way to make the jump from lower-paying job sites.

You can’t just sign up for Skyword clients. Fill out a profile and wait until you’re hand-selected for jobs, meaning your profile can sit in Skyword for a long time before you’re submitted to clients or able to view job opportunities. You can increase your chances of being picked by editors by keeping your social media relevant and updated.

5. ClearVoice

ClearVoice connects qualified writers with job opportunities based on the writer’s CV or ClearVoice portfolio. Once you complete your CV, you’ll be able to join ClearVoice’s Talent Network and have your CV sent to prospective clients.

Writers are then handpicked for opportunities based on their CV, so there’s an incentive to create one that stands out. You set your own rates and are paid via PayPal upon assignment approval, so you get the security of going through a marketplace without the fees typically associated with them.

6. Contently

Contently is an online writing agency that connects freelance writers with businesses. Many writers use the site for its free portfolio service, but Contently editors use these portfolios to handpick freelancers for clients.

Many high-profile websites and companies use Contently to source writers, so the jobs pay well. These jobs tend to go to the most experienced candidates, and it can take years for an editor at Contently to refer you to a client. But if you’re patient, Contently can offer lucrative writing opportunities.

Another place experienced freelance writers can find high-paying jobs is on nDash . nDash is a content platform where writers can create a profile and pitch ideas for blogs, articles, and whitepapers to prospective clients.

nDash claims the average writing assignment on its platform pays between $175 to $450. Once an assignment is approved, payment is deposited directly into the writer’s bank account within two to three business days.

It’s a relatively new site so not as many companies are using it, but writers have reported that if you’re willing to pitch more, you’ll make a decent income.

8. SmartBug

SmartBug is a content marketing company specializing in B2B (business to business) marketing and copywriting. Its writers produce content for the web, social media, email, sales pages, and more.

This is a great site for writers who aren’t beginners but may not have the experience or portfolio to compete for jobs with other top writers. There’s no direct way to apply, but you can fill out a general interest application on the website.

9. NewsCred

NewsCred is a community for experienced freelance content creators. In-house editors pair creators with customer programs, but you can also view freelance positions on the platform. Then NewsCred’s editorial team serves as your managing editor for all client work.

You can find high-profile Fortune 500 companies from a variety of industries using NewsCred, the most popular being tech, healthcare, and financial services. There’s currently no button to apply on NewsCred’s website, but you can contact the company via the contact form on its website.

10. The Writer Finder

Growth Machine is an SEO-focused content marketing company with a freelance writing platform called The Writer Finder . Growth Machine works with a variety of clients in AI, travel, wellness, dogs, weddings, and more.

What sets The Writer Finder apart is the Slack group for freelance writers. It lets you communicate with other freelance writers on the team. Rates are competitive, and you’ll also have the chance to learn sought-after SEO skills.

Related: 51 Freelance Jobs Websites with the Best Remote Work Opportunities

Apply for Assignments on the Best Freelance Writing Job Boards

Job boards are easy places for companies to post their jobs. The job board doesn’t vet freelancers, handle payments, or make promises on behalf of clients.

There are some things to be aware of when applying and taking a job from a job board. Because the service is free for writers, you’re competing against thousands of other bloggers for a limited number of jobs.

Job boards are also notorious for phishing scams. “Clients” may ask you to download a zip file of their payment terms or writing guidelines and ask you to invoice them via PayPal. The zip file is actually a keystroke logger allowing them to steal your PayPal credentials. Be careful when applying to jobs on these boards.

11. ProBlogger

The ProBlogger job board is updated daily with blogging and article writing jobs across all subjects.

Businesses have to pay ProBlogger to post their job ad, meaning the writer isn’t paid through ProBlogger. They don’t charge the writer any fees for joining or getting paid.

Another job board filled with many freelance writing opportunities is Indeed . You can find full-time, part-time, and freelance remote writing jobs across all subjects, and because of the vastness of the board, competition isn’t as high compared to others.

You can sign up for job alerts based on your searches. Simply enter your email address and activate emails to see them as soon as they hit the website.

13. MediaBistro

Journalists and anyone else in media will find MediaBistro helpful for finding jobs in the industry. If you’re looking for paid writing jobs in marketing, advertising, television, or news, you can find hundreds of jobs from recognizable names on MediaBistro’s job board.

There are entry-level positions listed, but your best move is to get enough writing experience to make a professional-looking resume before you start applying for jobs on this site.

How to Get Paid to Write (Step by Step) 

Before you apply to get paid for writing, there are a few things you should do to make yourself stand out to potential clients.

1. Choose What to Write About

When you’re writing for money, you might think that only writing about a couple of topics limits your options, but it actually expands them. Sites and companies that pay well don’t want freelancers who write about anything, they want experts in their field. When you stick to a single niche and become known for it, you’ll become a sought-after writer.

Choosing one topic also allows you to scale your business faster. You learn your subject thoroughly, research less, work faster, and can take on more clients. All this leads to being able to earn a higher hourly rate for your work. The key is to pick a profitable niche.

2. Create a Portfolio

There are several ways to create a portfolio. The first is with a blog. Every new writer should have a blog, especially if you don’t have many clips to show potential clients.

Once you choose your niche, write five to ten blog posts on various topics within it. This shows potential clients your writing style, expertise, and gives them a place to contact you.

You can also make money with a blog . One way is to find products and services related to your niche that you like using and see if they have an affiliate program. Then every time someone makes a purchase through your affiliate link, you’ll earn a small commission.

3. Create Profiles on Multiple Sites

Once you’ve written a few articles for other sites or publications, you can create profiles and portfolios on multiple professional freelance writing sites. Clippings.me is a portfolio site for journalists, Contently is used by many web-based content writers, and LinkedIn is a go-to place for businesses looking for expert writers.

Having a presence on a few different sites makes it easier for clients to find you and your work. They may also learn personal facts about you that give you an edge over other writers so don’t underestimate including things like your alma mater, pets, and hobbies.

4. Post on Social Media

Building a social media presence around your niche can also put you ahead for freelance writing jobs. Twitter is most popular for journalists and print publications while Instagram is becoming a popular place for e-commerce businesses to find writers.

You don’t have to make another social media account just for your writing. Post facts, breaking news, advice, and stories related to your niche and tag them with relevant hashtags. It’ll help brands find you, and it can further reinforce to potential clients that you’re knowledgeable and stay current about the topics you write about.

Related: How to Become a Social Media Manager

5. Accept Smaller Jobs While Building Your Reputation

While you’re building your portfolio and expertise in your niche, you’ll have to be willing to accept lower-paid writing jobs. Think of them as practice that you’re getting paid to do. The more organizations, editors, and platforms you work with now, the more you’ll be able to impress high-paying clients in the future.

You can also pitch websites to guest post. You won’t get paid to write guest posts, but you may be able to add links to your blog posts in your article. This will help your posts rank higher in Google, and potential clients may be able to find you through simple Google searches.

Related: How to Get Paid to Write Reviews

 6. Learn to Network

You can start freelance writing on your own, but if you want to build a business and make a living writing, you need a network of other writers. Your network should be filled with writers and editors in your niche who are a little ahead of you and a little behind you in the journey.

Your network can also help you find sources for stories, give you feedback on pitches, advise you on rates to charge, and help you to feel like you’re not alone in this often isolating industry.

Related: How to Make More Money as a Freelance Writer

Resources on How to Get Paid as a Writer

When you’re running your freelance writing business, you’ll want to have some resources to make it easier to write and get paid.

Freelance Writer’s Den

Started by veteran freelance writer Carol Tice, the Freelance Writer’s Den is a membership site just for freelance writers. You have access to over 300 hours of freelance writing education including eCourses, webinars, and podcasts.

There’s also a forum for networking with other writers and a job board with new writing jobs posted every Monday and Thursday, all with a minimum rate of $50 per article.

Membership for the Freelance Writer’s Den only opens twice a year. If you’re interested in joining, sign up for the waitlist to be notified.

Get Paid to Write for Blogs (Course)

This is a course geared towards new freelance writers that was created by Cat Alford (who, coincidentally, has been a freelance writer on DollarSprout in the past).

The course features eight video modules covering beginner-level lessons, including how to create a portfolio that will attract high-value clients. The course also covers everything you need to know about running the business side of things. 

Related: The Best Online Writing Courses for New Freelance Writers

Getting Paid to Write is Possible

You can get paid to write in any field at any level. Like any business, it’s difficult to get started.

However, if you work your way through the many content marketing agencies and job boards, you’ll be able to find steady work and grow your business.

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8 Online Writing Sites That Pay You [Ranked For 2024]

Are you looking for online writing sites to jumpstart your freelance writing career? Check these 8 websites that offer writing gigs across all skill l

websites that pay for writing

Are you looking for ways to earn money with your writing skills but don’t have the experience? You’re not alone!

The onset of COVID-19 brought freelance writing gigs to the forefront of remote employment opportunities. Research reveals over 70 million Americans did freelance work in 2022.

Of that number, 82% are freelance writers. That’s around 54 million people in the U.S. alone! Now you’d think that’s too much competition for beginners to handle, but the truth is the opposite.

Finding online writing sites that pay money doesn’t have to be taxing, and most are open to beginners!

This article introduces you to 9 freelance writing sites with extensive job postings fit for your skill level.

Key Takeaways

  • Freelance writing platforms streamline job searches and connect writers with clients.
  • Key features include trust ratings, pay ranges, job listings, and application processes.
  • Upwork, Blogging Pro, and Fiverr are top choices for beginners and niche writing.
  • Higher-tier sites like Contently cater to experienced writers seeking premium gigs.

Best Online Writing Sites [At A Glance]

The internet has many opportunities for freelance writers, but only a few stand out for bringing in real profit and helping you become a successful freelance writer.

Here are our top picks for 2023:

  • Upwork : Our Pick
  • Blogging Pro : Runner-Up
  • Fiverr : Also Great
  • Contently : Best for Experienced Writers
  • Writers Work : Best Pooled Writing Jobs
  • iWriter : Best for Tiered Writing Gigs
  • WriterAccess : Best for Long-term Writing Jobs
  • ProBlogger : Best for Blog Writing

An Overview of Online Freelance Writing

There is no official date when freelance writing started because freelance writers have been around even before digital platforms were created.

But it’s safe to consider the early 2000s as the dawn of the online freelance writing job trend. Notable sites like ProBlogger shares their small-scale origins , which have become a huge success over time.

What are Online Freelance Writing Sites?

Freelance writing sites are the one-stop shop for businesses and startups seeking writing services. They’re central hubs for hiring writers and finding job boards with quality writing gigs.

Some more intuitive websites have features that allow clients to match their writing jobs with the ideal candidate. This results in a mutually beneficial arrangement that guarantees satisfaction for both the business and the content writers.

Why Are Freelance Writing Sites Important?

A freelance writing website reduces the need for companies to shoulder all the legwork involved in hiring talents. They don’t need complex contracts to engage experienced freelance writers.

On the writer’s side, accessing these freelance platforms streamlines the job search process and helps boost their writing portfolio.

You can have multiple freelance writing jobs in a few months, which allows you to gather referrals and recommendations from happy clients.

Do I Need an Online Writing Site to Build a Freelance Writing Career?

Freelance writing sites aren’t required to build a writing career, but they help speed up the process.

Taking on multiple writing jobs within this active community builds up your reputation, skill, and network — factors that help you stand out from the competition.

The Best Online Writing Sites at a Glance

We’ve rounded up our best picks for freelance writing websites and come up with two all-rounders.

What is the Best Online Freelance Writing Site?

With approximately 5 million clients using the platform, Upwork is our best pick for starters looking to understand how freelance writing works.

Its ‘Writing & Translation’ job board category boasts 146k+ active contracts, with clients giving an average 4.8 -star rating to writing professionals.

This includes a range of talents like proofreaders, content writers, translators, ghostwriters, and more.

What is the Best Free Online Writing Site?

Blogging Pro is our top choice for niche-focused freelance writing gigs.

It’s a job board that prospective freelancers can use for free, minus the need to create an account.

One of the things we like about this portal is its straightforward application process that details everything you need to know about a job with just a click.

Clients of this site must pay their writers a minimum of $15 per project, eliminating the risk of getting scammed.

Features to Look for In an Online Writing Website

Freelance writing opportunities have attracted many full-time professionals, so the competition is high.

This can result in some people, especially those with no experience, agreeing to jobs that don’t honor their contracts.

To avoid falling into freelance scams , you must be critical in assessing whether or not the portal you’re signing up for is legit.

Here are features to look for before taking on online writing jobs:

1. Trust Rating

Be wary of freelance websites with a Google review star rating of less than 3. While online ratings are ultimately subjective, they reflect the user experience that professionals and clients have for the platform.

You also want to check review sites like TechRadar or online forums like Reddit and Quora to see what other users think of freelance writing websites.

2. Pay Range

Online freelance writing jobs vary in pay range, and it’s primarily driven by the fact that clients have their specific project budgets. Some portals require businesses to offer a specific job price range, while others leave it to the client.

3. Job Listings

The best freelance writing sites have extensive job boards. This allows them to attract clients from all sectors and freelancers of different skill sets.

4. Application Process

Check the requirements for signing up with a portal and see if you fit their eligibility. You’re better off starting small and building your portfolio rather than trying to break the big game without a solid portfolio to back it up.

5. Online Courses or Blogs

The freelance writing industry is saturated with talent. And while there is a global demand to match that up, beefing up your skill set is necessary to ace the competition.

Check for platforms with built-in writing tools or knowledge bases. Do they have a blog you can subscribe to stay current with the freelance writing landscape?

Best Online Writing Sites: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

Here are our top 3 freelance writing sites, handpicked for their combined reach, user reviews, and job opportunities.

1. Upwork : Our Pick

websites that pay for writing

Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects businesses or startups with individual professionals. It hosts a variety of industries that include writing.

It’s a marketplace where the main currency is your skill. Housing over 12 million freelancers as of 2023, Upwork’s an attractive platform to boost your professional network too!

Key Features of Upwork

Below are features that make Upwork a powerhouse in freelancing:

  • Global Network: Upwork is available in over 180 countries, making connecting with global clients easier.
  • All-In Mediation: Upwork handles all the contracts, billing, and invoicing processes. This helps you focus on your craft instead of tracking all admin-related requirements before getting paid.
  • Robust Writing Job Board: Upwork has 80 writing-related categories under its filter, giving you more options to check if your first few don’t work.
  • Upwork Connects: A “Connect” serves as your internal currency and allows you to send client proposals or applications. Upwork’s free plan grants you 10 connects per month, while its Freelance Plus gives you up to 80 connects.
  • Top Rated Badge: This one’s given to Upwork’s top freelancers who have built a strong reputation on the platform and consistently get positive feedback from clients. Acquiring this badge gives you access to Upwork’s exclusive features like premium support and in-house talent scout assistance.

Pros of Upwork

  • Hassle-free Onboarding: All you need is an email address to start creating an account for free. No need for samples and exams to start searching for writing jobs.
  • Seamless Portal Interface: Upwork has intuitive navigation that helps you sift through job listings without getting lost.
  • Location Flexibility: Compared to some platforms that require you to be within the state or city near your client, Upwork supports fully remote jobs.

Cons of Upwork

  • High Competition: Landing the first gig remains challenging for any new freelance writer. Clients looking for content writing services often look for a solid portfolio before hiring their freelancer.
  • Commission Fee: Upwork takes 20% of the first $500 you bill to your clients. This can be too hefty, especially for starters with minimal projects.
  • Dispute Resolution: Users report difficulty connecting with Upwork’s resolution team to settle payment disputes.

Upwork Income

Content writing jobs on Upwork have an average pay of $15 to $40 an hour. Some companies who want a long-term arrangement with writers pay a flat fee of $800 a month.

Final Verdict

Upwork is a great job search engine that offers freelance writing jobs globally. It can take a while to build a solid reputation and attract regular clients, but it is nonetheless the most robust platform for writing gigs that pay.

2. Blogging Pro : Runner-Up

websites that pay for writing

Blogging Pro is an easy-to-navigate job site for professional writers looking for trusted clients. Unlike most platforms that require you to create user profiles, Blogging Pro gives you total control over when and to who you want to apply.

Key Features of Blogging Pro

Here are the top features why we recommend Blogging Pro:

  • Multiple Job Setup: Most job listings in this platform are remote, though a few require onsite arrangements. They also offer freelance, contract, or part-time setups.
  • Writing Tips & Tutorials: Blogging Pro has quick links to articles that help you enhance your freelance work quality. Access is free with no sign-up requirement.
  • In-demand Writing Categories: The platform only advertises writing jobs such as content writing, journalism, and copywriting. This saves you time from having to sort through vast, non-writing jobs.
  • Direct Apply: Once you select a writing gig, you’ll get a comprehensive list of responsibilities and requirements and a snippet of the client’s background. Hitting ‘Apply for job’ leads you to the client’s website to complete the application.
  • Fast Response Time: Blogging Pro requires clients to respond to applications within 24 to 48 hours. This guarantees you’ll get a response whether you make it or not.

Pros of Blogging Pro

  • Free to Use: You don’t pay anything with Blogging Pro. No add-on costs, hidden fees, or cutbacks for commissions.
  • Transparent Pricing: Most jobs in this portal provide their exact pay range. If not, their websites will, which you can access when you apply.
  • Reliable Clients: Blogging Pro’s client list is a combination of established companies and startups with either brick-and-mortar stores or a legitimate online presence.

Cons of Blogging Pro

  • Minimal Job Updates: Unlike bigger portals with daily job streams, Blogging Pro only updates when clients choose to advertise on their platform. They do an average of weekly updates with fewer than 20 new jobs.
  • Requires Experience: While all positions are open to beginners, many clients indicate specific writing experience in their eligibility requirements. This can be tough to break for anyone with no portfolio to show.
  • Inconsistent Income: Blogging Pro doesn’t set any price range guideline for clients apart from the minimum $15 requirement. It’s up to you to determine if the company’s offering a competitive price for the writing service required.

Blogging Pro Income

Blogging Pro guarantees a minimum of $15 hourly pay for writers as part of its initial agreement with clients. Some jobs, like social media writers, can pay up to $300 per project.

Blogging Pro is an excellent choice for finding freelance writing jobs covering different niches.

Its direct link to clients gives you full control of the application process and an overview of the job budget, so you won’t have to do the guesswork in finding out how much you’ll earn.

Still, it doesn’t offer many jobs, and you’ll often need to showcase proof of writing experience to land a gig.

3. Fiverr : Also Great

websites that pay for writing

Fiverr is the perfect platform for individuals who prefer working with other individuals instead of a large-scale company.

This website is an ideal entry-level choice since you won’t have to bid or negotiate for jobs.

You’ll also have access to a potential client or buyer’s requests, including instructions and files to assist you in delivering their expected result.

Key Features of Fiverr

Let’s look into the features we like best about Fiverr and see if it fits your ideal freelance writing website:

  • Worldwide Reach: Fiverr is available in 190 countries, with 42% of its users based in the U.S. It also houses clients from Canada, India, and the U.K.
  • Seller Levels: You can climb up the levels if you constantly deliver quality tasks on time.
  • Pro-verified Feature: If you have the background and experience of a trusted writer, then Fiverr might approve you as part of their ‘Pro Services’ feature. You can charge higher and increase the potential of attracting high-paying clients.
  • Extensive Filter Customization: Fiverr wants an ideal match for their clients, so their filters are extensive. You can consider this feature when setting up your profile, delivery timelines, price range, and writing style.
  • E-learning Products: If you’re looking to enhance your skills, try enrolling in Fiverr’s business and technical courses led by niche experts.

Pros of Fiverr

  • Admin-free Experience: The platform handles the admin side of things like producing invoices, promotions, transaction recording, etc.
  • Option for Early Payout: While only available to select sellers, the feature is an advantage. It’s an advantage if you need cash immediately instead of waiting for the typical 14-day clearing period.
  • Opportunities to Broaden Skills: Fiverr’s writing jobs range from simple content writing to more challenging gigs like technical writeups. You’ll encounter task requests you haven’t tried before that can be a great learning opportunity.

Cons of Fiverr

  • Low-paying Gigs: While you can charge your services for up to $995 per project, only top-rated and long-time freelancers enjoy that profit. Most starters will have to settle for the low price of $5.
  • Issues with Scams: There are reports of freelancers not getting paid by clients claiming they have yet to receive their orders. It can be difficult to dispute this unless you have complete and detailed communications with the client.
  • Commission Fee: Fiverr takes 20% off your earning regardless of your seller level or service cost. If you earn $5, you’ll only receive $4 as your take-home pay.

Fiverr Income

Your Fiverr income depends on the number of services you deliver. You can price it from $5 per project up to $995.

Fiverr’s a great place for freelancers who want to start small, minus all the hassle of promoting their services. By setting up an account, your profile’s automatically pooled under your chosen gig category.

It’s entry-level at best, which might not be the best option for advanced writers with considerable writing experience.

Notable Mentions: Other Writing Sites To Check Out

If you’re looking for alternative options other than our top 3 picks, you can try out these freelance writing sites:

4. Contently – Best for Experienced Writers

websites that pay for writing

Contently is for expert freelance writers looking at landing a gig with big companies. Some of their clients include Coca-Cola, Dell, Walmart, and Google.

Unlike the other platforms on our list, you don’t apply for a writing job to be a part of their team. Their in-house talent scouts choose writers from all around the web and invite them for an interview.

That being said, having a solid creative platform that showcases your diverse writing portfolio is an essential factor to be considered for any of their gigs.

Why is Contently a Great Option?

Landing a gig at Contently is a surefire way to skyrocket your freelance career. You can add your experience with them to your portfolio along with the brands or companies you worked with.

Best of all, you can negotiate your rate. If you think they’re offering lower than your regular rate, you can demand higher pay.

Drawbacks to Contently

Its obvious drawback comes from the fact that it isn’t for beginners. Contently only contacts specialists with years of experience whose consistent portfolio speaks for their work quality.

Contently Income

Contently has a proprietary rate sheet that dictates the price range options for their projects. While we can’t divulge the specifics, online writers share earnings between $300 and $1,200 per piece.

5. Writers Work – Best Pooled Writing Jobs

websites that pay for writing

Writers Work is a paid freelance writing platform that offers real-time data on writing gigs worldwide. They offer a lifetime subscription of $47 or a monthly option of $15.

It’s an excellent platform allowing you to do all your writing tasks in it. It has a built-in text editor and work tracker feature to help you organize your workload and set writing goals.

Writers Work also has one of the most diverse types of writing requests, such as writing stories for magazines or even fishing equipment reviews.

Why is Writers Work a Great Option?

One thing that Writers Work does well is its writing-only job board. You won’t find other popular gigs like graphic design or video production in its pool.

It’s a great platform for getting a constant stream of gigs you can easily filter by categories like finance, tech, and entertainment.

Drawbacks to Writers Work

There’s high competition in this platform, which may deter freelancers who are looking at quick payments. While there are varied writing options, landing those high-paying gigs requires skill and experience.

Writers Work Income

Writers get paid between $20 to $65 an hour. Other projects offer a fixed rate of $100 per project.

6. iWriter – Best for Tiered Writing Gigs

iWriter is an excellent platform that offers opportunities for writers to upgrade their skills and earning potential while writing more.

The platform offers four writing levels – Standard, Premium, Elite, and Elite Plus. Accessing higher levels mean higher-paying gigs.

We found iWriter to have a diverse niche in terms of topics and ideas, with clients providing specific writing instructions, including required keywords and formatting.

Why is iWriter a Great Option?

It’s easy to join iWriter as a freelancer. You’ll only need to pass two 200-word writing tests to complete the registration. Once done, you can start using the platform to find gigs.

Happy clients also have the option to give you tips for a job well done, helping you increase your income. You also have the opportunity to get paid weekly or biweekly, with a minimum of $20 in earnings.

Drawbacks to iWriter

A significant drawback of iWriter is its steep commission. The platform takes 35% of your total earnings, which is higher than other platforms in our list charge.

Rising through the ranks may also be challenging for new writers as you must deliver 30 articles with a minimum of a 4-star rating before leveling up a step.

iWriter income

Depending on your writing tier, you can earn between $1.25 to $260 in iWriter. There’s a fixed price assigned to word counts across the board, which varies in level.

7. WriterAccess – Best for Long-term Writing Job

websites that pay for writing

WriterAccess is home to over 40,000 brands, all looking for quality writers. Many freelancers who start working with the platform often receive repeat orders from companies, agencies, and small businesses they’ve worked with.

This platform’s an excellent starting point for skilled writers looking for a freelance job with the potential for long-term employment.

Why is WriterAccess a Great Option?

WriterAccess is excellent for building a freelance writing career with reliable clients. You can get hired for all sorts of jobs, from writing blogs to writing short stories.

The platform screens all interested writers. If you pass, you’re automatically given a star rating, unlocking jobs within that level. The higher the rating, the bigger the pay.

Drawbacks to WriterAccess

While joining WriterAccess is free, getting approved can be a challenge. You must provide at least two public web pages as sample works on top of your general and industry experience.

WriterAccess income

All writers are paid 70% of what the client pays for each project.

8. ProBlogger – Best for Blog Writing

websites that pay for writing

ProBlogger is a must-try platform if you’re into SEO writing and blogging. Most of its job postings are from website owners who want to outsource the writing part of their content marketing strategy.

This platform is ideal if you enjoy writing across different topics and are fine communicating directly with the client or managing your workload.

Why is ProBlogger a Great Option?

ProBlogger is great because of its real-time job listings and quality clients who pay well for your services. Joining the platform is easy, and you don’t have to pay anything.

All you need is to register to create your online resume. From here, you can bookmark jobs and create job alerts to get up to speed with the most recent job ads.

Drawbacks to ProBlogger

ProBlogger’s quality clientele attracts the most talents, so expect tough competition. The fact that these clients pay $80 to post their job ads on the platform means they’re willing to pay, but they can also be picky in hiring freelance writers.

ProBlogger income

Writers earn from $25 to $200 per piece, depending on the complexity and research work required. In-house or full-time bloggers earn between $45,000 to $90,000 annually.

Other Online Gigs to Check Out

Is online writing too tough for starters? Here are alternative options to earn money online.

  • High-paying Surveys: Do you like answering surveys or giving quality feedback for products and services? This article introduces you to online surveys that pay well.
  • How to Get Paid Playing Video Games: Bring your gaming experience to a new level and get paid! Know websites and apps that pay money, gift cards, and other rewards.
  • Get Paid to Text: This is perfect for anyone who wants easy side hustles you can do any time, anywhere, even while on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do online writing jobs pay well.

ZipRecruiter reports an average $38 hourly rate for online writers, a decent figure for remote work. The total compensation, however, will depend on other factors like the number of hours you write, the employer, and fees taken out of your earnings.

What is the Best Writing Niche?

The popularity of writing niche fluctuates, but top picks this 2023 include digital marketing, cryptocurrency, e-commerce, healthcare, and personal finance.

Wrapping Up

The freelance writing business is booming, and bagging a gig that pays well is possible if you know where to look.

Upwork is our top pick for the sheer volume of writing opportunities. Its thousands of jobs and multiple subcategories remain unbeatable, even with competitors like Fiverr.

Blogging Pro is also a favorite if you’re looking for niche-focused writing with clients that pay well.

Overall, checking out the online writing platforms we’ve listed opens you to opportunities to earn money by writing, even with little experience.

About This Side Hustle

Learn more about this side hustle and find others similar to it

websites that pay for writing

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Avery Breyer

Best-selling author, freelancer, and real estate investor, helping you master your money!

58 Websites Where You Can Get Paid to Write in 2023 (Even if You’re Brand New to Freelance Writing)

June 19, 2023 By Avery Breyer 18 Comments This post may contain compensated affiliate links. Please read my disclosures for more details.

As long as you’re willing to do the work, it’s definitely possible to get paid to write—and earn good money—even if you’re starting out with no experience and no credentials. So, if you dream of working from home as a freelance writer, please ignore the naysayers because there are plenty of websites that will pay you to write for them.  The absence of a string of fancy letters after your name (you know, a degree) and your lack of experience doesn’t matter one bit if you can show the right kind of client that you can write!

websites that pay for writing

ATTENTION: Before I go any further…This article is intended for beginners—people who are starting out like I did, with no experience, no credentials, and no contacts. If you’re already an experienced freelance writer who’s making decent money, then this is NOT the article for you, okay? Alright. Moving on.

How much can you get paid to write online?

I’m not going to lie—if you’re brand new to this, odds are your writing could use some major improvement—having the expectation to simply write and get paid instantly may not be realistic. If this is your situation, begin by starting a personal blog—publish content regularly to improve your skills. Practice makes perfect, after all.

Once you get good enough, I recommend you apply for some lower-paid gigs in the hopes of getting paid something while you practice, even if it’s not much. Look at it as getting paid to learn, kind of like a low-wage internship.

On the other hand, if you’re already a decent writer, you’ll have an easier time landing intermediate-wage gigs.

And if your writing rocks, then the sky’s the limit—you can get paid to write about anything, within reason!

Whatever you do, don’t go into this believing the “gurus” who claim everyone can start out making big bucks right from the very beginning. The fact of the matter is that clients aren’t stupid and they won’t pay good money for writing that’s not up to their standards. This is why brand new freelance writers who have no experience typically have to start at the bottom, honing their skills on low-paying gigs until their writing improves enough to command higher pay.

In summary, start low, improve your skills, then gradually work your way up to the higher paying jobs you’ve been wanting all along.

Okay, now that THAT’s out of the way, here’s the mother of all lists of websites that will pay you to write for them:

1.  Upwork  is a freelancing platform that grew out of the merger of oDesk and Elance- it’s now one of the most popular freelancing sites out there.  Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll see jobs where you can write articles and earn money.

websites that pay for writing

This is my top pick for brand new freelance writers trying to build a career from scratch because there are tons of jobs to choose from, and you’re able to create an extremely detailed profile that helps you shine to the max. But don’t be lazy when creating your profile—if you don’t take the time to fill it out completely, Upwork will reject your application to join their site. Done right, your Upwork profile should take at least a full day to complete properly, and potentially even longer.

There’s no cost to set up your profile, but once you start working, Upwork will take a percentage of your earnings as compensation for allowing you to use their platform. They’ve experimented with various fee structures over the years, but currently they’ve set their percentage at a flat rate of 10%.

Upwork’s “Connects” are credits you can use to apply for jobs. It will cost you between 2 and 8 Connects per job application. The number of Connects required per application is based on how much Upwork expects you to earn from that job, combined with what they call “marketplace demand”.

New users get a one-time free allotment of 40 Connects. If you earn a Rising Talent badge, Upwork will give you another 30 Connects for free. For your first Skill Certification on Upwork, they’ll award you bonus Connects. Lastly, you’ll get free Connects whenever you score an interview with a client who Upwork considers to be “established” on their platform. So, that’s actually quite a lot of free Connects, and the good news is that they don’t expire for an entire year—so, once you score a good gig that’s keeping you too busy for new clients, you can stockpile Connects for a while and use them later when you need them. If you run out of Connects and need more, you can buy them for about 15 cents each—the minimum purchase is 10 Connects (which would cost you a total of $1.58).

*The above info for Connects can change at any time so please see the Upwork website for the most up-to-date info possible.

There are two freelancer membership plans: the Basic Plan and the Plus Plan. The Basic plan won’t cost you anything, but comes with a more limited number of Connects. If you’re planning on using Upwork intensively, The Plus Plan is a great option because it not only gives you more Connects, but provides you with information on your competitors’ bids. That information can be really helpful when determining what kind of bid you want to put in for a job, or even merely to figure out if the job application is worth the Connects it’ll cost you to apply.

Upwork used to have various skills tests you could take to prove your skills. They’ve phased those out and now only offer a limited number of Skills Certifications that are by invitation only—none of them are for writers though.

If you’re worried that you don’t have enough experience or lack the right credentials to get a freelance writing job on Upwork, don’t be. I had zero paid writing experience and zero credentials when I got started on their site, yet I was still able to land paying gigs as a total beginner, and increase my rates fast. Read about about my recipe for Upwork success in my best-selling book, Turn Your Computer Into a Money Machine . (I know, the title is rather bold, but I literally felt like I’d turned mine into a money machine after finding success with my methods, and the tactics I wrote about are still relevant today.) Anyhow, give it a read if you’d like to know how I did it.

While Upwork has been very good to me, helping me to get my own freelance SEO writing biz off the ground back when I was first starting out, I get asked a lot about what other options are out there. To this day, I always tell people to try Upwork first. But if you have time to manage a profile on multiple freelancing sites—on more than one website that pays you to write—then by all means cast a wider net for jobs and try some of these too.

Types of websites that pay you to write (and/or list freelance writing jobs)

I’ve divided the websites where you can get paid to write online into four main categories: freelancing platforms, article writing services, job boards, and websites that will hire writers directly. Read the summaries below to figure out which ones are best suited for you.

i) Freelancing platforms are a more controlled environment that tends to have more clients willing to give writing newbies a chance. For this reason, even if you’re not quite the absolute best freelance writer, websites like these are my first choice if you want to earn some money while improving your writing, negotiating, and client-management skills. Their rules typically require you to get paid through their site—asking a client to pay you offsite via something such as PayPal will be against their terms of service and could get you banned. The nice thing about these is that prior to applying for a job—unlike job listing search engines—you can snoop a bit on the client’s profile and see what other freelancers have said about them. You can cherry pick only those clients who have a track record of being fair to other freelancers, not to mention paying them on time. Additionally, if you do good work, the client can leave you a glowing review. You can then leverage these reviews to help you land even more jobs with new clients in future.

Important: One of the keys to making good money on these types of sites is to be able to pump out quality content fast. Here’s why. Also, it’s not 2021 anymore, and we’ve now got the luxury of AI writing assistants to help us write better, faster . AI is to writing what calculators were to math, and if you’re not up to speed on how they can help you, be sure to get caught up asap!

ii) Article writing services act as a middle man between you and the client and for most people, I don’t recommend them because I find it easier (and more profitable) to deal directly with my clients. These websites will farm out article orders they get from clients to their stable of writers. Wages usually start out low, and writers have to work their way up to higher pay by proving they can produce the kind of articles clients are happy with. After you submit an article that’s accepted by their client, they can usually rate your work—your cumulative ratings help determine what type of pay you’re offered for future articles.

And of course, it goes without saying that learning how to write quality content fast is an important key to earning well on these sites .

iii) Job boards   are comparable to the classified ads in your local newspaper. You apply for the jobs you’re interested in, and it’s up to you and the client to figure out payment details—PayPal is the easiest way to invoice and get paid for these types of gigs. Generally speaking, you don’t get to review the client on these platforms after the job is done, and they don’t get to review you either.

iv) Finally, there are independent websites that will hire writers to create content for their site directly. These range from really established sites that want only the most experienced writers to those who pay less but are willing to give newbie writers a chance provided they can produce content that’s top notch. If your writing is rusty, wait until you improve before pitching these types of websites.

At the very end of this post, you’ll find a bonus list of sites you can check out once you have some experience as a freelance writer.

Want to earn more for your time?

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2.  Freelancer

Before you sign up, you can browse the jobs listed on their site to help determine if it’s worth your time to set up a profile. Listings can be filtered by things such as rate of pay, skills required, and even language.

3.  Guru

You can start out with a free basic membership to test the waters. These free accounts come with 120 job bids per year, and Guru takes 9% of your earnings for its fees. Fees can get as low as 5% with their paid plans. Similarly to Upwork, they’ve also phased our skills tests. They said employers don’t trust them very much and besides that, they don’t necessarily provide an accurate assessment of a freelancer’s abilities.

4. Hubstaff Talent

They don’t charge any fees, which is fantastic if you’re someone who needs to keep expenses to an absolute minimum. As with Upwork, you can either apply for jobs you see listed, or simply leave your profile up for potential clients to find whenever they’re looking for a writer.

5.  Jooble

This is another no-cost option, and you don’t even need to have an account to use their website—all you have to do is enter the type of job you’re looking for (ex. “freelance writer”), and location (ex. “remote”), then search! They’ve been operating since 2006, and have hundreds of thousands of job listings gathered from thousands of websites. Their job postings come from a whopping 69 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

6.  PeoplePerHour

You need to fill out an online application to join their site as a freelancer. Once accepted, you can send up to 15 job proposals per month at no charge (if you need more than that, you can purchase credits from them). This is a very high traffic site, so it usually has lots of gigs listed for you to browse. Once upon a time PeoplePerHour charged the client fees, rather than the freelancer. However, being an outlier must have been too tough, so they’ve now fallen in line with other platforms and instead take a percentage of the freelancer’s earnings as their fee. Their fee structure encourages freelancers to stick with one client for multiple projects: below £250-lifetime billing per buyer, they charge freelances a 20% fee. Whereas between £250 and £5000-lifetime billing per buyer, their fee plunges to a much-nicer 7.5%. As with any other freelancing website, their fee structure and policies can change any time. So, for full details please see their website.

All of the above sites have nuances that differentiate them from Upwork, but if you’re brand new to this freelance writing thing, the tactics I used for Upwork (and wrote about in my best-selling book ) can also be applied to sites like Freelancer, HubstaffTalent, iFreelance, and PeoplePerHour.

7.  iWriter

This site doesn’t accept new writers 100% of the time. But at the time of this writing, they’re accepting applications from writers in North America, as well as South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. However, that could change at any moment, so if you’re looking for writing platforms that pay, by all means check them out soon.

To apply, all you have to do is fill out the application form which includes a mandatory 200-word sample article on a topic they provide. They also ask you to write 200 words on why you want to work for them.

After you land a job, iWriter handles the collection and distribution of payments so you don’t have to concern yourself with manually invoicing your clients.

8.  Textbroker

Because this is an article writing service, you won’t have direct access to your clients. Before you start working here, you need to submit a sample article for their editors to review and rate. Once this process is complete, they’ll provide you with access to gigs based on that rating. Lower ratings equate with lower pay until you improve your ratings.

9.  WriterAccess

When this article was first published, they would only accept writers based in the United States. But now they’re also accepting people with residency in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

During the application process, you’ll be required to write some skills tests—your results (along with your writing samples and any references you have) will help determine the initial rating on your profile. The higher your rating, the more money per word you can earn.

WriterAccess does not charge a monthly fee, but they do take a higher percentage of your earnings: 30% at the time of this update (June 2023).

10.  WritersLabs

At the time of this writing, they accept both native and non-native English speakers, but require all writers to have a bachelor’s degree and to pass a test. Starting wages of 5-6 USD per page are low. Their rates top out at 26 USD per page for “native language writers” who have a PhD and can provide a 24-hour turnaround time.

As of the time of my April 2020 update, they say the 4 writers who earned the most on their platform made $4386, $3397, $2719, and $2644 in the past 30 days. Fast forward to June 2023 and I don’t see any new updates about that on their site… so for now I guess we’ll just have to go by what they said back then.

In any case, just think about that for a minute—the 4th highest earning writer on their entire site only made $2644 in the past 30 days. Based on that, I think overall earnings potential is likely higher on sites like Upwork (once you become established). The fact that WritersLabs puts a cap on how much you can earn “per page” definitely limits your earning potential.

11.  BloggingPro

Although many of the jobs here call for experience or credentials, there are some gigs that pop up for writers who have neither of those things. Keep an eye on their board and who knows—you might just find the perfect client to work for!

12.  FlexJobs

They say they hand-screen all jobs listed on their website, to help avoid scams and provide higher-quality listings.  You’ll find a wide variety of gigs on their site—not just ones that allow you to earn money writing online—but what they all have in common is that they are flexible and involve either part-time work, telecommuting, or remote work.

websites that pay for writing

13.  Cision Jobs

This site has a wide variety of jobs that includes writing gigs! On the day I checked it out there were posting for a work-from-home technology writer for Investor’s Business Daily, and someone to write about celebrities for OK! Online. Assuming you want a remote gig, be sure to input “work from home” or “remote” in the “location” field for your search. Under “description”, try “writer”.

This site is more likely to require specific experience to get the job. So, before you use this site, I recommend waiting until you either have some experience, or, some sort of industry-specific knowledge/training/credentials that’ll give you an edge for the right kind of job.

Lastly, this isn’t one of those sites that tends to have dozens of remote writing jobs listed at once. So, to ensure you don’t miss any good opportunities, sign up for their email alert and get notified promptly when new listings that match your criteria get posted. You can filter by industry, location, salary, and more.

14.  FreelanceWritingGigs

This is a cool site that posts job listings from a variety of sources in their weekday blog posts, Monday through Friday. They also have a job board that has new listings added regularly.

15.  Indeed

Indeed collects job listings from a wide variety of websites. Their search engine is intelligent enough to know where you’re located, and can list jobs near you. This could be particularly helpful if you’re an aspiring freelance writer, but not a native English speaker , and are looking to find writing clients in your home country.

16.  LinkedIn Jobs

Although this site is best suited for those who can leverage their past experience to land writing jobs, there are exceptions. To begin with, the majority of writing positions I saw there were looking for someone with experience or credentials (for example, either a degree in English, or a degree in a field related to the topics you’d be writing about for them).

However, I also saw a job posting where the client was looking to train from scratch a full-time intern at 11.50/hour (which, at the time of this writing is significantly more than the U.S. federal minimum wage). If you’re willing to sift through a bunch of listings that are a no-go to find the hidden gems, this could be a good site to check out.

You’ll need a LinkedIn account to use this job board. For best results, treat your LinkedIn profile kind of like an online version of your resume—be thorough when filling it out.

17.  ProBlogger

This is a well known job-board for writers so if you see a gig on this board that interests you, expect to have lots of competition. The good news is you can find all sorts of freelance writing jobs here, ranging from entry-level to more advanced. You can counteract the effects of high competition a bit by checking the board frequently in the hopes that you’ll be one of the first to notice and apply for any jobs that fit your skills and interests.

18.  Writers Weekly

About once a week they put up a new post full of recent job opportunities for writers. If you’re brand new to this and don’t have any experience or credentials, expect to sift through quite a few listings before you find something suitable. But remember, if you’re persistent you’re bound to come across some gems eventually.

19.  VirtualVocations

That link goes to the writing subcategory. It’s not as much as a goldmine as the ProBlogger board can be, but some gems definitely show up there from time to time.

20. Freelancing Females

At first I thought this site might only be for females. However, their job board listings do not specify female-only. So, whether you’re male OR female, take a minute or two to check out their job listings and see if anything suits you.

When looking for job postings on sites that are outsourcing their content, you almost always have to scroll to the very bottom of their home page and look at their footer menu for a link that says “Careers”, “Jobs”, or “Write for us”. Most of these are individual websites, but when I’ve found a parent company site that lists jobs for a whole bunch of websites they own, I’ve linked to that since you’ll get more bang for your buck (err time) by searching there for opportunities. Keep in mind that these websites aren’t always hiring writers—so if all you see are jobs for programmers, social media managers and that kind of thing, don’t give up—bookmark the page and check back regularly to see what’s new.

21.  JournalismJobs

When I first saw this site, I almost skipped it because I assumed this would only be good for those with journalism degrees. But that assumption was wrong.

As it turns out, the first job listing I looked at did not require anything special for credentials. All they wanted was someone who has a passion for community journalism, produces quality work, knows how to create a smart headline, is social media savvy, and is willing to learn.

So if you’re a decent writer, their site is worth browsing. Sure, many of the jobs will indeed want someone with formal training in journalism, or maybe a Bachelor’s degree. But many others don’t need that stuff at all.

22. Back2College

This site is looking for writers who can share info geared towards older students who are going back to college to pursue advanced training or professional development. They pay 55 bucks for accepted articles.

23. Sports Collectors Digest

Sports fans rejoice! You can get paid to write about one of your favourite topics! This website looks for content about modern sports collecting, including memorabilia, cards, art, and autographed material. They also publish content about athletes whose collectibles are highly desirable, plus, sports collectibles auctions and shows.

24. BootsnA ll

This is a travel website that focuses on complicated itineraries, long-term travel, and around-the-world trips—it’s best-suited to writers who have done some of that and are interested in helping others do the same. BootsnAll doesn’t always have openings for writers, but if you’re well-suited to their niche, it’s worth keeping an eye on their website.

25. Discover Magazine

This website pays rates starting at a dollar per word for print, or, $300 per web story. They cover a wide range of topics, including technology, the environment, lifestyle, health, science, and more. They like evergreen content that’ll remain relevant and up-to-date for a long time, and are looking for articles ranging from 600 to 1000 words in length.

26. ChangeAgent

Check their site regularly to see what they’re looking for. In the past, I’ve seen them seeking adult learners who are interested in writing about social justice issues. More recently they were looking for students to write about resilience and success skills. The pay is $50 per article, so not half bad at all considering the fact that their minimum word count is only 200 words.

27. Constant-Content

I wouldn’t put this site in the long-term work category, but if you need some practice honing your skills, and want to get paid while doing it as a ghostwriter, this might be worth a shot.

28. Cracked

This comedy website pays its writers and doesn’t require them to have any prior experience. If you’ve always had a great sense of humor and can transmit it via the written word, give Cracked a look. You’ll find their careers page, here .

29. DollarStretcher

They aren’t always hiring, but this is the perfect site to apply to if you have a background in personal finance (and if you don’t, they ask that you find an expert or two to quote in your article). One of the things I like about them is they provide very detailed instructions on what they’re looking for in article submissions, which should make it easier to get your article accepted if you’re good at following directions. 🙂

30. DropZone

Skydiving aficionados can apply to write for DropZone. They’re looking for content on buying guides, safety tips, advice, interviews, reviews, events and other topics of interest to their readers. Contact their editor to discuss compensation, as they don’t share specific figures on their site.

31. eCommerceInsiders

These guys don’t always have submissions open but they sure did when I checked them in June 2023! In any case, they’re definitely worth keeping an eye on if you have experience with e-commerce, or knowledge that’s relevant to the industry—check out their website’s menu and subcategories to get a feel for the type of content they publish. They pay between $75–$150 per article.

32. Elite Personal Finance

If you know a thing or two about personal finance, you may want to earn money by writing articles for EPF. Topics of interest to their readership include credit cards, business, identity theft, loans, credit reports, and saving money. The best part? They pay a whopping 300 bucks per article. Yes, you read that right!

IAC is the parent company to numerous blogging sites that pay, since they know content marketing can help spread their message. Here are some of the websites they operate:

33. TripSavvy

34. CollegeHumor

35. DailyBurn

36. HomeAdvisor

37. OKCupid

38. Investopedia

39. TheDailyBeast

40. DotDash

…and many more. For a quick and easy way to check which websites are hiring writers, the IAC job postings page is your one-stop shop.

41.  iWorkWell

If they accept your pitch, you can get paid over $200 for an article. They’re mainly looking for content in the human resources niche.

42.  LadyQ’s

They pay 50 bucks an article and are looking for content geared towards women on a wide range of topics, including marriage and dating, shopping, fashion, personal finance, social media, and more.

43.  Listverse

Believe it or not, you can get paid to write lists on this site and they specifically said, “you don’t need to be an expert”. They pay 100 bucks for every “listicle” they accept. It could be a great way to build your portfolio and make some cash while you’re at it.

44.  Loaded Landscapes

Photography buffs who can write can pitch an article to this site in exchange for $20-$150 per accepted piece. They’re looking for tips and techniques articles for nature and travel photography, how-to articles about image processing, and other related topics. If they like your work, this could turn into a long-term gig.

45.  Matador Network

This is a travel site that seems to be always on the look-out for freelancers to produce content on specific locations. It’s best suited to writers who are well-travelled.

46.  Parade Media Group

They specialize in content relating to food, family, and entertainment. Last I checked, they were looking for football writers.

47.  Oyster

A TripAdvisor company, they periodically have openings for freelance writers who can blog about specific regions of the world. For the right person, this could be a cool site to write for.

48.  SitePoint

This site publishes content primarily geared towards web designers and developers. If you have knowledge in these areas, it could be a good fit, particularly since they claim to pay “generous rates”.

49.  Smashing Magazine

This site is looking for people to write top notch tutorials, opinion pieces, or case studies on topics relating to web design and development, and they specify that they’re open to first-timers. They pay an honorarium for any articles they accept, plus, they’ll give you full credit for your work, making this a nice option if you want to expand your freelance writing portfolio.

50.  The Penny Hoarder

Writers in the personal finance niche who are located in St. Petersburg, Florida should keep an eye on the Penny Hoarder careers page. They don’t always have jobs available, but are worth watching if this niche is of interest to you.

51.  UX Booth

Another website geared towards web designers and developers, this is a great place to share your knowledge if you have a background in that area.

52.  TutsPlus

TutsPlus is a website that features written tutorials (and video, in case you’re interested in making one) on a wide range of topics:

  • illustration
  • photography and video
  • music and audio
  • 3D motion and graphics
  • game development
  • computer skills

If your submission is accepted, they’ll pay you. When you go to their webpage, look for the section titled “Create a Tutorial”.

53. Healthy Place

If you have an interest in mental health and would like to write about anxiety, relationships, personality disorders and other related topics, be sure to check out their site. They can take up to a month to get back to you after you apply—so patience is needed—but if these types of topics are a good fit for your interests, it could be worth the wait!

54.  Compose.ly

Category: Article writing service

If your writing is really rusty, skip this site for now and start on a site that’s much better suited for beginners, such as UpWork. Compose.ly requires that anyone wanting to work for them passes their assessment. At the time of this writing, they say they only accept 1% of writers who apply.

55.  LinkedIn Services

Category: Job board

LinkedIn is now competing with the likes of Fiverr and Upwork, providing you the option of setting up services and pricing so clients browsing LinkedIn can book you directly without ever leaving that website. Originally marketed as LinkedIn Pro Services and only available to U.S. freelancers, this is now opened up to freelancers in other countries, too. To find this option, go to your profile in LinkedIn and look for the option to set up your “Services”. Their menus change every now and then, so you may not see what I see on my own profile… but for me, it shows up as a section that says I’m “Providing services”, and I have the option to edit it as I see fit.

56.  MediaBistro

This site wouldn’t be my first choice for new writers with no experience and no credentials because it mostly lists jobs suited for applicants with lots of experience and/or degrees. But once in a while something pops up that even a newbie could try for. Use their filter to dig up entry-level jobs—if you’re lucky, you’ll find one that’s a good fit. Don’t spend too much time on this site if you’re brand new to writing though because odds are you’ll have better luck on sites truly intended for beginners such as UpWork.

57.  WeWorkRemotely

The writing jobs I found on this site were listed under the “Copywriting” category. The companies hiring tended to have high standards, but they also offered attractive hours and consistent work.

And if you’re in the mood, you might want to check out the “Other” category. Sometimes you’ll find cool jobs you never knew existed, like “Freelance Researcher” (they were hiring someone to do internet research for them!).

58.  ZipRecruiter

The best way to find a writing job on this site is to enter terms like “writer”, “content writer”, or “blogger” in the site’s search box. You’ll find a wide range of options depending on where you live: there are remote jobs, and also more traditional ones where you’re expected to show up in the office every day.

Go to Freelancing Platforms

Go to Article Writing Services

Go to Job Boards

Go to Websites

Next steps…

If you’re already a seasoned freelancer and you simply wanted ideas for websites that’ll pay you to write, then get going and start applying to the ones on this list!

But if you’re brand new to freelance writing online or you’re having trouble landing gigs , find out how to starting earning asap in my best-selling book . You’ll learn how to start from scratch and built a lucrative freelance writing biz in an often overlooked niche, even if you have no experience, no contacts, and no credentials.

Get it now:

websites that pay for writing

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January 22, 2018 at 11:55 am

Avery, thank you so much for coming up with this list. You’re so generous with your time and talent. Will definitely explore most of the sites in this list. God bless you more. 🙂

P.S. I already have your book in my Kindle. Got tons of learning from it. Thank you.

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January 22, 2018 at 12:25 pm

Hey Sheila! I’m so glad you found this list, along with the book, useful 🙂

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July 10, 2018 at 4:46 am

Thanks, this is a great list!

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September 3, 2018 at 2:46 pm

A great Article. I would like to see more sources around sport and around Geography but, thanks for the great resources.

September 14, 2018 at 12:13 pm

I’m glad you liked it! Sports, in particular, is a topic that I bet lots of people would like to write about… I’ll keep an eye out for options the next time I update this article.

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September 30, 2018 at 5:47 am

Wow, beautiful content there Avery! I love it. I am writing down some websites in the niches I want to pitch. Thanks again for making my work easier.

I want to focus on personal finance niches and writing for clients(mistakes most writers make.) I love adding a personal touch in everything, I guess. \

Keep up the good work!

October 2, 2018 at 7:43 am

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words 😀

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November 1, 2018 at 12:42 am

Hey Avery Thank you lots for such a profound input. I was really stuck on just a few sites and i needed a deep insight. God bless greatly

November 1, 2018 at 12:07 pm

I’m glad this helped you! 🙂

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November 30, 2018 at 12:27 pm

Avery, great list! I’m a freelance writer and have my one main company I’m always working for, but it’s always great to see if there are more opportunities out there.

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April 24, 2019 at 3:52 am

Hi guys? How can I get direct client to write for?

April 24, 2019 at 7:03 am

The above article lists over 50 websites where you can find writing jobs – so any of these can be a good place to start, assuming you’re a native English speaker and are knowledgeable about the topics they’re looking for.

If you are NOT a native English speaker, this article will provide you with some ideas to consider: https://averybreyer.com/is-it-possible-to-become-an-seo-writer-if-youre-not-a-native-english-speaker/

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May 25, 2019 at 7:25 am

Wow! good job Avery.

June 13, 2019 at 5:43 pm

Thank-you! 🙂

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September 30, 2019 at 12:59 pm

I’ve always been skeptical of SEO writing, but you’ve definitely convinced me to give this a shot. Great list, and I really enjoyed your book. Thanks, Avery.

October 1, 2019 at 7:04 pm

I’m glad you enjoyed the book and found this list helpful!

To this day, I’m still a massive fan of freelance SEO writing to get one’s feet wet in freelance writing. Just be sure you avoid two of the biggest mistakes people make: not doing the work and trying to take shortcuts (which will likely result in failure and frustration). On the other hand, if you go into it with a plan (ex. what I outline in my book) and put in the time to do the work, all things are possible!

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October 2, 2019 at 7:53 am

That’s a great list of websites for writers. Thank you for all the research and hard work you put into it.

I’ve already gotten a few paid gigs out of these. Thanks.

October 3, 2019 at 3:03 pm

Congrats on landing those gigs, thanks so much for sharing that! 🙂

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