While for many, writing is a passion, it can also be a lucrative side hustle. There are many ways to monetize your skills, regardless of whether you're an established writer or still learning the ropes. 

From one writer to another — We put together some ways you can turn your writing into a source of income. From self-publishing on Amazon to freelancing and everything in between, we'll cover some of the best side hustles for writers to help you earn money while honing your craft.

Is Writing A Good Side Hustle?

It’s no secret that writing can be an excellent side hustle. It offers flexibility, creativity, and the potential to generate income on your terms. Many writers may discount themselves from side hustle opportunities because they feel they need more experience, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Writing as a side hustle can supplement your income and turn it into a full-time career. 

How do you make a side income as a writer?

The key to making a side income as a freelance writer is to identify your strengths and interests and match them with the right side hustle for you. This section will introduce you to the top 11 side hustles writers can do to earn extra income.

Top 11 Ways Freelance Writers Can Earn Money On The Side

Let’s look at freelance writing gigs available to all writers, regardless of experience!

#1: Be a Self-Publisher On Amazon

Self-publishing eBooks on Amazon is one of the most popular and accessible ways for writers to earn money. It doesn't matter if you are a writer in school, a grad student looking for side hustles, or an elderly writer, anyone can publish books on Amazon. You can reach a global audience and earn royalties for each sale by publishing your books on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

Benefits Of Self-Publishing

Unlike traditional publishing houses, you control your publishing timeline. You determine when and what you want to publish and create a book you’re proud to put your name on. Other benefits of self-publishing include:

• Total Control: Manage your content, set pricing, and create your own marketing strategies. 
• Content Variety: What do parents, retirees, salespersons, hobbyists, entrepreneurs, and astronauts all have in common? They can all publish books based on their experiences, so you never run out of content ideas.
• Passive Income: Since there’s no need for inventory and little start-up costs, you can start generating a passive income stream faster. 

Along with the many benefits, other resources are available to help start your self-publishing journey.

AIA Course

Publishing.com’s AI Publishing Academy has made publishing accessible to anyone with a computer and the right motivation. The AIA course fills you in on every step needed to start self-publishing and helps you continue publishing book after book. It’s packed into digestible videos and cheat sheets that simplify your process.

No-Cost Training

As self-publishers, we know the first step is sometimes the scariest. In our free webinar, you’ll get a high-level overview of the self-publishing process. You’ll learn tips and advice from experts, and by the end, you’ll know if self-publishing is right for you.

If you’re a pros and cons person, check out our blog that breaks everything down.

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#2: Start A Sales Freelance Writing Business

As a freelance writing side hustle, sales copywriting allows you to use your craft to sell products, services, or ideas. Businesses are always looking for skilled writers to create compelling copy that turns shoppers into customers.

Why Consider Sales Copywriting?

• Good demand: Companies across industries need persuasive copy for websites, emails, and ads. Check job boards like Upwork to see available projects.
• Diverse projects: You’ll work on various content projects, from landing pages to social media ads.
• Flexible income: You can charge per project, word, or hour based on your expertise. The beauty of owning your own freelance writing business is you get to establish your own prices.

#3: Do Blogging And Affiliate Marketing

Starting a blog allows you to share your experience while generating income through affiliate marketing. Promoting products or services in your blog posts can earn commissions for each sale made through referral links.

Steps To Get Started:

• Choose a niche that aligns with your passion and expertise.
• Write valuable, SEO-optimized content that attracts readers.
• Sign up for affiliate programs related to your niche.

Note: Paid blogging opportunities often require more dedication and experience in SEO/SEM.

#4: Create An Online Course

Creating an online course can be a rewarding side hustle. Writers often have unique insights into various topics, making them ideal candidates to teach others.

Why Create An Online Course?

Creating an online course allows you to leverage your expertise by turning your knowledge into a structured and valuable resource for others. Once your course is created, it can generate passive income as it is sold repeatedly with minimal upkeep. 

Platforms like Udemy or Teachable offer a wide reach, enabling you to connect with a global audience. Consider offering course bundles or additional materials to further increase value and income.

#5: Offer Freelance Editing And Proofreading Services

Writers with an eye for detail can offer freelance editing and proofreading services. As more people publish content online, the demand for quality editing grows. Some writers are still uncomfortable with AI services like Grammarly, so you can fill that gap as a side hustle.

Key Benefits Of Freelance Editing And Proofreading:

• Decent demand: From books to blogs, every piece of content needs a second pair of eyes.
• Diverse clientele: Work with authors, bloggers, businesses, and students.
• Flexible work: You can choose projects that fit your schedule and interests.

Tip: Specialize in a particular type of content (e.g., Essays, research papers, or web content) to attract targeted clients.

#6: Write On A Revenue-Sharing Site

Revenue-sharing sites like Medium allow writers to earn money based on the number of views their articles receive. This can be a great way to gain exposure and earn a little extra income.

How It Works:

• Write and publish articles on the platform.
• Earn a portion of the ad revenue generated by your content.
• Increase earnings by promoting your articles to drive more views.

#7: Be An Email Copywriter

Email copywriting is a specialized niche where you write emails to engage readers and drive action. Whether it’s a newsletter, sales campaign, or promotional content, email copywriting can be highly profitable.

Why Email Copywriting?

• High ROI: Email marketing is an effective marketing channel, putting skilled copywriters in high demand.
• Repeat clients: Businesses often need ongoing email campaigns, leading to steady work.
• Specialized content: Take on a brand identity and write with them in mind.

Note: Experience is required, and this can be a tough field to find part-time or contract work in.

#8: Get Paid To Write Reviews

While not exactly glamorous, review writing is a side hustle that pays you to share your opinions on products, services, and your experiences. Many companies and websites pay for authentic reviews that can influence potential customers.

Opportunities Include:

• Product reviews: Test and review products for companies.
• Book reviews: Write reviews for other publishers or online platforms.
• Service reviews: Share your experience with various services.

You won’t be writing novels, but you might have some extra change in your pocket.

#9: Offer Ghostwriting Services

Ghostwriting allows you to write content that will be credited to someone else. Many busy professionals, celebrities, and executives hire ghostwriters for books, articles, and speeches.

Benefits Of Ghostwriting:

• Good earning potential: Ghostwriters often set higher rates in return for their anonymity.
• Diverse projects: Work on books, write blog posts, speeches, and more.
• Learning experience: Communicate with big thinkers and learn to adapt your writing style based on their preferences.
• Confidential work: No need to build a public brand when you work strictly in secret.

Tip: To attract the attention of high-profile clients, you’ll need to build an attractive portfolio of ghostwriting work.

#10: Freelance Writing For Social Media Posts and Offer Account Management

Social media is essential for businesses, and many need help creating content and managing their accounts. As a social media writer, you can create engaging posts, manage interactions, and help grow a brand's online presence.

Why This Side Hustle?

• High demand: Almost every business needs a social media presence. There are more than plenty of freelance writing opportunities.
• Variety: Work with different platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• Scalability: Offer packages that include content creation, social media writing, scheduling, and analytics.

Note: While freelance content writing jobs are a great opportunity for new writers, that also means the market is saturated, so make sure your writing stands out. 

#11: Provide Transcription Services

Transcription involves converting audio or video content into written text. It’s an ideal side hustle for writers who need something repetitive and have great attention to detail.

Why Transcription Services?

• Steady work: Podcasts, interviews, and webinars all need transcriptions.
• Flexible hours: Work at your own pace, making it easy to fit around other commitments.
• Potential for growth: Specialize in legal or medical transcription to increase your earning potential.

You’re Exploration is Only Beginning

Now that you have some side hustle ideas for writers, we challenge you to pick a side hustle that really resonates with you and get started. Explore your options, set attainable goals, and bring in profit!