15 Proven Ways to Get Paid for Writing

There’s something uniquely satisfying about earning money from a craft you genuinely love. Whether you’re looking to boost your student budget or laying the groundwork for a future career, writing can open doors – and, yes, fill your wallet too.

At university, it’s an especially smart side hustle. Not only do you earn an income, but you also build a portfolio that will impress graduate recruiters further down the line.

To help you channel your literary talents into real cash, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best ways to monetise your writing skills.

(If you're in a hurry for cash, we’ve also got plenty of other quick‑earn ideas – but for now, let’s dive into writing.)

How to Get Paid to Write

Here are the top earning opportunities for writers, no matter your experience level:

1. Get Paid for Writing Reviews – Films, Products, Music & More

Turning your opinions into cash is surprisingly straightforward. While you might associate reviewing with professional critics, you can actually start earning straight away through reward platforms.

Take Slicethepie, for example – you can write short critiques of songs and games and get paid instantly. Alternatively, sign up as a product tester or join paid survey panels, where you might review everything from tech gadgets and clothing to cosmetics.

Best of all, testers often get to keep the items they review – meaning you can sell them on for an extra profit boost.

2. Write Articles for Money (Freelance Journalism)

Journalism is a fantastic career path for anyone with a way with words. Yes, it’s competitive, and early‑stage work can involve low pay or even unpaid internships. But don’t let that discourage you – making money as a student journalist is absolutely achievable.

You don’t need a journalism degree to start; what you do need is a sharp eye for stories, flawless attention to detail, and a strong portfolio. Contribute to your university’s student newspaper or magazine, and start a personal blog to showcase your style.

Once your portfolio is solid, pitch article ideas to commissioning editors. Follow them on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn to see what topics they’re currently chasing. For national publications, commissioned pieces can easily pay £100+ per article.

When pitching, keep your email short and persuasive, explain why your idea fits their readership, and include a link to your online portfolio. Never send the full article upfront – editors are short on time, and they may want you to change direction. Plus, there’s always a risk they could run with similar ideas without you. Rejections are part of the game – learn, adapt, and keep pitching.

(If you go down the freelance route, remember to register for Self‑Assessment tax returns to declare your earnings.)

3. Sell Your Lecture Notes

Image: Woman taking notes – Credit: Rido / Shutterstock

If you’re skilled at producing clear, concise revision materials, why not sell them? Platforms like Stuvia let you list your notes for other students to buy – often free to list, though some sites take a cut of sales.

You can also turn your neat handwriting into an income stream by creating a studygram (study‑themed Instagram account) and selling your digital notes directly.

4. Enter Writing Competitions

Competitions can feel intimidating, but remember – someone has to win, and it might as well be you. A win or even a highly commended mention looks fantastic on your CV and comes with a welcome boost to your bank balance. Prizes can run into hundreds – or even thousands – of pounds.

Tips to increase your odds:

• Start with a bang – hook the judges from the very first line.

• Study past winners – understand what styles and arguments have succeeded before.

• Read the small print – check eligibility (age, location, experience) before you begin.

• Proofread meticulously – read your work aloud and ask friends to spot anything you've missed.

(Check out dedicated lists of journalism awards and creative writing prizes for inspiration.)

5. Earn from Translation Work

Bilingual or multilingual? That’s a marketable skill. Many businesses need freelance translators to convert text from one language to another. Platforms like Fiverr give you a clear sense of going rates – with some languages commanding significantly higher fees than others.

6. Monetise Your Blog

Your personal blog can be so much more than a creative outlet. With time and effort, it can become a genuine income generator through display ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.

Services like Bluehost (which often offers big discounts and a free domain) make it easy to launch a site quickly.

Our Content Editor, Lauren Allen, is a great example of this in action. She started her travel blog purely for fun, but it has since grown into a reliable secondary income via ads and brand partnerships. Beyond the money, it’s also helped her sharpen her photography skills, learn business basics, and build a portfolio that attracts freelance commissions.

7. Write Social Media Content

Image: Woman on laptop with floating social media likes – Credit: Flamingo Images, Pinone Pantone, Avector / Shutterstock

If you know how to craft engaging posts that go viral, this could be your golden ticket. Love books? BookTok (the literary corner of TikTok) offers sponsorship potential for creators who write compelling captions.

Affiliate marketing is another option – drop trackable links into your posts, and earn a small commission on sales generated, at no extra cost to the buyer.

You can also approach small businesses to write their Instagram captions, update their bios, or manage their social tone. Use your own social media success as proof of your skills, or find clients on freelance marketplaces like Fiverr.

8. Become a Copywriter

Copywriting is a serious long‑term career, with average UK salaries around £30K (according to Glassdoor). The role involves writing content that embodies a brand’s identity – whether for customers (B2C) or other businesses (B2B).

Take ASOS – their product descriptions, emails and newsletters are fun, informal and youth‑focused. Or consider Bumble, whose witty and empowering voice runs consistently through ads, notifications and blog posts. Copywriters are the architects behind those distinctive tones.

To get started, practise adapting your style to suit different audiences and build a diverse, versatile portfolio.

9. Find Transcription Work

As a transcriber, you listen to audio files and type out what’s being said. It’s flexible, home‑based, and perfect for students.

Sites like Rev, GoTranscript and Upwork regularly list such jobs. Average hourly earnings sit around £12.66, and you can raise your rates as you gain experience – making it one of the best remote gigs around.

10. Write a Book (and Self‑Publish)

It’s neither quick nor easy – but writing a book is entirely possible. Fictional novels, poetry collections, short stories, or non‑fiction guides (like advice for freshers) all have an audience.

You don’t need a traditional publishing deal. Self‑publishing an eBook is surprisingly straightforward and can generate passive income for years to come. Check out our dedicated guides on writing, publishing and marketing your own eBook.

11. Work as a Technical Writer

Image: Man on a laptop – Credit: KaptureHouse / Shutterstock

Technical writers translate complex, specialist information into clear, user‑friendly manuals and guides. The work varies by industry, but typically involves deep research and an ability to break down jargon for a non‑expert audience.

With an average salary of around £39K, it’s a well‑paid route – but you’ll usually need a solid portfolio. Start with other entry‑level writing gigs to build your credibility.

12. Become an SEO Writer

If you understand search engine optimisation, you’re in high demand. Countless websites and businesses need writers who can craft content that ranks on Google and Bing.

Boost your SEO know‑how through free YouTube tutorials, webinars, or platforms like Skillshare. This skill also feeds directly into making your own blog more profitable.

13. Earn on Medium

You don’t need your own website or a client list to start earning on Medium. Join the Medium Partner Program, and you’ll be paid based on how much time paying members spend reading your articles.

It’s a brilliant way for new writers to build an audience, flesh out their portfolio, and even experiment with topics outside their usual niche.

14. Start Writing Scripts

Image: Young woman writing in a notebook at her laptop – Credit: Prostock Studio / Shutterstock

If storytelling is your forte, consider scriptwriting. You can offer your services to YouTubers, podcasters, event speakers, and even corporate trainers – the possibilities are vast.

With persistence, you might eventually land commissions from TV or film production companies. Who knows – your script could one day air on a prime‑time soap!

15. Make Money as a Ghostwriter

Not every writer craves the spotlight. If you prefer to stay behind the scenes, ghostwriting is an ideal fit. You help clients (from business leaders to celebrities) write books, speeches or blog posts – but you receive no public credit.

Pay varies wildly depending on the project and client, but high‑profile commissions can be extremely lucrative. Build up a strong, diverse portfolio to prove your adaptability and credentials.

Final thought – Whether you’re reviewing music, pitching to editors, selling notes, or ghostwriting for a VIP, there’s never been a better time to turn your writing into a steady income stream. Pick one or two methods that excite you, and start building your freelance career today.