Before we delve into the core of this post, it is important you know that your writing is not an end in itself but a means to an end. You will not make money from writing in itself; your money will come from the problems you are able to solve and the opportunities you are able to create as a writer.
So ask yourself, what problem(s) can I solve with my writing skills? How can I create value as a writer? Why should anyone pay me? If you have figured these out or in the process of figuring it out, then let us get to it.
Blog
This is not necessarily about starting a blog that intimates your followers about your day-to-day activities. Instead, consider starting a blog that teaches a particular skill, for example, how to do minor repairs in the home.
You can teach parenting, review automobiles or share short stories. Whatever you decide, know your target audience, do enough research and be knowledgeable about your content. This is the most important part of blogging: a good grasp of your niche and the readiness to put in the work.
You will not make a lot of money straight away. Your earnings will come from sponsors, products you promote on your blog and signing up for relevant affiliate marketing programs.
Ghostwrite
You may ask, is that even on demand? Actually, there are loads of people with ideas on what to say but do not have the writing skill to put their words out. This is one good place to use that skill of yours. You would be surprised how much money is in ghostwriting.
What you can do is offer your skill on a few websites. Offer to write for websites that put out content on your areas of interest and knowledge. This will help you connect with potential clients who may need your service later on.
You can also offer your skills directly to potential clients―people you know has value to offer and need someone to help them put their thoughts in polished written form. You can start by approaching people already in your network, e.g. your mentor.
Write special cards
Sounds like fun? Well, if you have your way with poetry and an ability to catch and hold people’s attention with catchy phrases, consider writing greeting cards. You can do this for a company specialised in the production of gifting cards.
Write for online news media and magazines
You can turn your skill into a goldmine by writing articles for magazines; you don’t have to be a professional journalist to contribute articles as a freelancer.
You can write content for blogs and websites as well. There are quite a number of them that require the services of freelance writers to help keep their audience glued to their sites with engaging content.
Newspapers and magazines always need people to write for them. You just decide the category in which to write and be fantastic at it. It could be politics, lifestyle or football; your job is to gain enough knowledge in that area.
The reduction of print magazines and other publications gave rise to a surge in the number of online sites that are in need of good writers and contributors. This is another option you can explore. Upwork and Fiverr are two of the best-known sites where you can sign up as a freelancer offering your services as a content writer.
Sign up for writing competitions and win
The world of writing is full of writing competitions that come with great prizes, even in cash. Besides winning a writing contest, you will have the chance to be better at what you do. Over time, you will also build confidence in addition to mastery.
Consider joining various writer’s groups on social media so you can stay abreast of happenings in the world of writing, get tips and learn from other good writers in your quest to become a better and more successful writer.
Self-publish your book
You can publish your own book on sites like Amazon and Smashwords. Okadabooks is a good local option. If you put in the work in terms of marketing, you stand a good chance to make some money from the sale of your self-published books.
To be successful at this, you must have great content and know how to use social media for marketing. So think of a commercially viable content and get to work.
Need help with writing to earn?
It can be quite tricky to start making a decent income from your writing. That’s why we have taken the time to create a step-by-step guide that will help you get started. Click here to learn the exact things you need to do to earn your first pay as a writer.
