How to Make Money as a Writer: Your First $1,000 Guide

• Jun 10, 2025
• 5 min read

• Tags: Book Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing, Writing Tips

Did you know freelance writing can earn you $500 for just a couple of hours of work? That’s right – learning how to make money as a writer doesn’t always mean struggling for pennies or waiting for a bestseller.

While most authors don’t live solely off book royalties, the opportunities for writing for money are more diverse than ever. Entry-level content writers in the US typically earn at least $30,000 annually, with the average salary reaching $56,000. But you don’t need to wait for full-time employment to get paid for writing. As a beginner freelancer, you can expect to earn between $0.10-$0.15 per word, building your income one project at a time.

The pathways to make money writing extend beyond traditional publishing. Self-published authors can earn 70% royalties on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, while writers who build newsletter audiences can generate over $5,000 monthly. Additionally, with just 100 subscribers on Substack, each paying $5 monthly, you could earn $406 after fees.

However, it’s important to note that payments from publications can take months to arrive, so having sufficient cash flow before transitioning to full-time freelancing is essential. This guide will help you navigate these opportunities and develop strategies to earn your first $1,000 as a writer.

Start with freelance writing

Freelance writing offers a direct path to earning money with your words. Rather than waiting for publishing deals, you can start making income immediately by offering your writing services to clients worldwide.

Create a simple writing portfolio

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need professional writing experience to start freelancing. What you need is a small collection of high-quality writing samples. If you lack published work, create samples “on spec” – writing pieces for potential or imaginary clients in your niche. These unpublished samples demonstrate your capabilities without requiring previous professional experience.

To build a simple portfolio:

• Create 3-4 exceptional samples in your target niche
• Convert them to PDF format
• Store them in a Google Drive folder to share with potential clients

“These samples need to be awesome. Potential clients will be hiring you based solely on your portfolio,” emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity.

Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr

For beginners, freelance platforms provide a structured environment to find your first clients:

Upwork works best when you apply to job postings, carefully selecting opportunities that match your skills. Despite its reputation for low-paying work, many successful freelancers earn six figures annually through the platform.

Fiverr operates differently – you create “gigs” outlining your services, and clients come to you. This platform has evolved beyond its “$5 gig” origins, with many professional writers now earning substantial income through strategic service packages.

Furthermore, these platforms handle client payments, providing security for beginners still learning the business side of freelancing.

Write sample blog posts in your niche

Creating focused, high-quality blog posts in a specific niche positions you as a specialist rather than a generalist. Specialists typically command higher rates and attract better clients.

When writing blog samples:

• Focus on topics where you have knowledge or interest
• Research thoroughly to include relevant statistics and data
• Format your posts for readability with short paragraphs and clear subheadings
• Showcase your understanding of SEO principles

In essence, these first steps create the foundation for your freelance writing business, allowing you to begin earning while building toward higher-paying opportunities.

Master the art of pitching

Successful writing careers are often built on effective pitching. Once you’ve created samples, the next step is learning to sell your ideas directly to publications.

How to write a compelling pitch

The perfect pitch is concise yet powerful. Initially, research the publication thoroughly to understand their style, audience, and content types. Your subject line should clearly indicate it’s a pitch and include a potential headline to grab attention.

Within your pitch:

• Include a brief introduction about yourself and relevant experience
• Present a unique angle or hook for your story idea
• Outline key points you’ll cover (using bullet points or subheads)
• Mention why this topic matters to their specific audience
• Provide links to your portfolio or relevant samples

“It’s not absence of typos or sending it at exactly the right time of day: it’s a solid idea, marketed strongly, bundled in the promise of good writing and solid reporting,” notes one successful writer about what truly matters in pitches.

Where to find publications that pay

For this purpose, numerous resources list publications seeking writers:

• Freelance writing job boards
• Writer’s market directories
• Publications’ “Write for Us” pages
• Social media groups for writers

When evaluating opportunities, check their submission guidelines carefully. These typically include word count requirements, preferred topics, and payment information. Consequently, you’ll avoid wasting time on outlets that don’t match your goals.

Follow up and track your submissions

To clarify, tracking your pitches is essential for maximizing your income potential. Create a spreadsheet with columns for the publication name, editor contact, pitch date, follow-up date, and status.

Most editors recommend following up 7-10 days after your initial pitch if time-sensitive, or 2 weeks for regular pitches. Moreover, consider including a gentle deadline in your original pitch: “If I don’t hear from you by [Date], I’ll assume you’re not interested and pitch elsewhere.”

Professional persistence often makes the difference between rejection and acceptance. In fact, many editors appreciate a polite reminder when your email gets buried in their inbox.

Build relationships and repeat work

Beyond pitching and landing your first assignments, long-term success hinges on nurturing professional relationships. Your ability to maintain these connections often determines whether you make a steady income as a writer.

Communicate professionally with editors

Professional communication forms the foundation of lasting client relationships. When corresponding with editors, maintain a balance between formality and friendliness. According to experienced freelancers, clear communication upfront saves time and reduces revision requests. 

Importantly, don’t hesitate to ask questions about unclear assignments. Editors prefer clarification before submission rather than receiving work that misses the mark. Email remains the preferred communication method for most editors, although occasional phone calls can strengthen relationships. Accordingly, match your communication style to each client while always respecting their time

Deliver work on time and exceed expectations

Meeting deadlines consistently ranks among the most valued freelancer traits. Notably, many writers report securing long-term clients primarily because of reliability rather than exceptional talent. When you anticipate missing a deadline, communicate this as early as possible. Proactive transparency maintains trust even when things go wrong.

To exceed expectations:

• Deliver a clean, error-free copy
• Follow guidelines meticulously
• Provide extra value where possible
• Send regular progress updates on complex projects

Ask for referrals and testimonials

After successfully completing projects, specifically request referrals from satisfied clients. This approach proves particularly effective as more than half of six-figure freelance writers get their high-paying gigs through referrals.

The ideal time to request testimonials is within a week of project completion, when your work remains fresh in the client’s mind. A simple email works best: “I’m updating testimonials on my website and would love to include your feedback on our recent project.”

For referrals, try ending emails with: “I’m currently taking on new clients—if you know anyone looking for a writer, I’d appreciate the connection.” This low-pressure approach often yields surprising results as clients genuinely want to help writers they trust.

Explore other quick wins

Looking beyond traditional freelancing can help diversify your writing income. These alternative paths offer both immediate cash and valuable experience as you build your writing career.

Enter writing contests with cash prizes

Writing competitions provide excellent opportunities to earn substantial income while building your portfolio. Many contests offer impressive cash prizes – from $1,000 to $20,000 for winners. The Writer’s Digest Annual Competition, running for over 90 years, awards $5,000 to its grand prize winner plus publication and conference opportunities.

The application fees typically range from $10-$35, making these contests accessible entry points. Importantly, nearly 500 winners are chosen in some competitions, increasing your chances of recognition.

For budget-conscious writers, competitions like WOW! Women on Writing offers 20 total winners per contest, with prizes starting at $20 Amazon gift certificates for honorable mentions.

Get paid for creative writing submissions

Literary magazines and publications actively seek fresh content and pay for quality submissions. Some creative writers earn between $100-$200 per piece. With experience, this rate can increase substantially – one writer reports earning $500 for 300-500 words after gaining professional experience.

Publications like Craft Literary pay $100 for original flash fiction and $200 for short fiction and creative nonfiction. Hence, submitting to multiple publications monthly can generate steady income.

Offer editing or writing help to peers

Your writing skills can translate directly into editing services. Even without formal editing credentials, you can leverage your writing experience to help others improve their work.

Begin by offering feedback to fellow writers in online communities or local writing groups. Subsequently, as you build confidence, you can formalize your services. Many successful editors started by helping friends before establishing professional services.

Unlike waiting for publication decisions, editing provides immediate income. Plus, it strengthens your own writing through critical analysis of others’ work.

The path to earning money as a writer offers more opportunities than most people realize. Throughout this guide, you’ve discovered multiple avenues to make your first $1,000 writing – whether through freelance platforms, direct pitching, or creative submissions.

Freelance writing stands as the most accessible starting point for most beginners. With just a few quality samples and a strategic approach to platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, you can begin earning immediately rather than waiting for traditional publishing opportunities.

Pitching skills become equally important as your career progresses. The writers who earn consistently know how to craft compelling proposals, find paying publications, and follow up professionally. These abilities often separate occasional earners from those who build sustainable writing careers.

Relationships ultimately drive long-term success. Writers who communicate professionally, meet deadlines consistently, and exceed expectations rarely struggle to find work. Additionally, testimonials and referrals from satisfied clients create a self-perpetuating cycle of new opportunities. Beyond these core strategies, writing contests and creative submissions provide alternative income streams while you build your portfolio. Even helping peers with editing services can generate immediate revenue while sharpening your own skills.

Remember, your first $1,000 represents just the beginning. Many writers who started with modest freelance gigs now earn six-figure incomes. The key lies in persistence, continuous improvement, and strategic diversification of your writing services. Start small, deliver quality work, and watch as your writing income grows from those first modest payments into a rewarding career.

For those seeking further assurance of polished and professional writing, consider leveraging the expertise of PaperTrue’s editing and proofreading services. Our team of skilled editors can refine your email to perfection, ensuring clarity, correctness, and professionalism in every communication!

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Tanvi

With a foundation in Life Sciences, Tanvi enjoys curating technical writing tips tailored for ESL students. When she's not translating complex concepts into bite-sized nuggets, she can be found playing with dogs or painting landscapes.