Celebrate I Love To Write Day on November 15!

You can make money as a freelance writer in more ways than you might think. Here are four places to start.


1. Write articles for publications and websites

Look for publications and websites that match your interests and experience. Read several of their articles before pitching an idea, then check their submission guidelines and follow them carefully. Some clients pay by the word. Others pay a flat fee for an article or project. Before accepting an assignment, make sure you understand the length, deadline, payment and rights the client is buying.


2. Write greeting cards

If you have a knack for expressing a feeling in a few memorable words, greeting cards may be a good market for you. Find companies whose cards fit your style, then check whether they accept writing from freelancers and follow their guidelines. I’ve sold greeting card writing for $75 to $150 in the past. Blue Mountain Arts currently lists a payment of $300 for an accepted greeting card poem. You can find card companies through the Greeting Card Association at greetingcard.org, then check each company’s website for its current submission policy. Don’t overlook smaller companies, either.


3. Write for specialty newsletters

Businesses, professional associations and other organizations need short, useful articles for their readers.

Years ago, I answered an ad seeking writers with experience in health topics. If memory serves me correctly, I landed my first health newsletter assignment within hours: 250 words for $100. Start with a subject you know well. Find organizations that serve that field, read their newsletters and look for an editor or communications contact. The Directory of Associations at directoryofassociations.com can help you discover organizations to research.


4. Write books, or parts of books

There is more than one path to getting paid for writing books:
• Traditional publishing: Develop a strong book proposal and submit it to appropriate publishers, either directly when they accept submissions or through a literary agent.
• Self-publishing: Publish your own book through a service such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. You manage the project and earn royalties when copies sell.
• Work-for-hire projects: Write a book that a publisher or client has developed. My own projects have ranged from $800 for a children’s book for a school library publisher to $15,000 for a business book for a mainstream publisher.
• Contributed chapters: Some publishers invite writers with relevant expertise to contribute part of a larger book. I wrote chapters for Family Health For Dummies and Men’s Health For Dummies.


Want more ideas? Search Amazon for my book, The Flying Nun, A Light Bulb Moment And Me: 40 Years Making Money As A Freelance Writer (Hey, You Can Do It, Too!)

Holler if you need help making money with your gift for creative communication. I offer affordable coaching and mentoring. I can also help you develop a book proposal, research suitable publishers or work through the self-publishing process.


John Riddle
Founder of I Love To Write Day
ilovetowriteday.com