5 Side Hustles For Writers To Earn Extra $$$ Each Month

Wouldn’t it be great to earn some money on the side with your writing?

Chris Hanna
4 min readJan 8, 2023
Photo by Thomas Franke on Unsplash

Whether you’re already a freelance writer, or if you just have a knack for putting pen to paper, I’ve got some side hustles for you to try!

There are options for those with lots of free time, and for those that need something to fit in between their other tasks when they have 15 minutes to spare. So, let’s get into it!

This story is part of a series of articles all about writing. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, consider checking out my profile, or sign up to my email list to be notified when my next post goes live!

5 Side Hustles For Writers

1. Ghostwriting

Effort & Time Requirements: High

Ghostwriting involves writing for someone else without taking credit for the work. Ghostwriters are often hired to write articles, blog posts, books, and other written materials for clients who don’t have the time or writing skills to do it themselves.

There are several ways that freelance writers can make money from ghostwriting. One way is to approach businesses or individuals who are in need of written content and offer your services as a ghostwriter. You can also advertise your ghostwriting services on freelance job boards or social media platforms to attract potential clients.

Ghostwriting can be a flexible and lucrative side hustle for freelance writers. It can also be a great way to gain experience in a variety of different writing genres and styles, and to work with a variety of clients.

2. Writing For Websites

Effort & Time Requirements: Medium

Many businesses, organizations, and individuals need high-quality content for their websites, and they often hire freelance writers to produce it for them.

Finding clients can involve reaching out to businesses or individuals directly, or by advertising your services on freelance job boards or social media platforms.

It can be helpful to have a portfolio of your writing samples to show to potential clients, as well as being clear about your rates and availability. You’ll also want to have a good understanding of the client’s needs and goals for the content you’ll be creating, as well as the target audience for the website, to ensure you nail the style and tone they need.

3. Editing & Proofreading

Effort & Time Requirements: Low

Editing and proofreading is a side hustle that can be well-suited to freelance writers, as it requires strong language skills and keen attention to detail. As an editor or proofreader, you would be responsible for reviewing written materials for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, as well as for clarity and coherence (although the extent of your editing will vary by job and by client).

Editing and proofreading can be a great way to gain experience in a variety of different writing genres and styles, and the more you edit, the more your own writing skills will improve.

4. Blogging

Effort & Time Requirements: Varies

Blogging can be a great side hustle for freelance writers, as it allows you to share your writing with a wider audience and potentially make money from your work. To make money from blogging on the side of your main job, you’ll need to create a blog and monetize it through advertising, sponsorships, or by selling products or services.

There are several ways to monetize a blog. One way is to display ads on your blog. You can also work with brands or businesses as a sponsored content creator, where you write sponsored posts or reviews for a fee, or go the affiliate marketing route. Another option is to sell products or services through your blog, such as ebooks, courses, or physical products.

To get started with blogging, you’ll need to choose a blogging platform (such as WordPress or Squarespace) and set up your blog. You’ll also need to come up with a niche or topic for your blog, and create content that is interesting and engaging for your audience.

Blogging can be a great way to build a personal brand and establish yourself as an expert in a particular field. Some writers even go on to turn their blogging side hustle into a full-time career!

5. Writing On Medium

Effort & Time Requirements: Medium

Finally, writers can also make money right here on Medium!

You do this via the Medium Partner Program, which allows writers to earn money through a revenue-sharing model. Essentially, you get a share of the money from reader subscriptions based on how your stories perform.

To make money on Medium, you’ll need to write high-quality content that engages and resonates with readers. It can also be helpful to build a loyal following on the platform and to share your work on social media and other platforms to attract more readers, and publications are another great way to start building success.

It’s free to write on Medium, so you can hone your writing skills at no extra cost!

If you enjoyed this story, consider signing up to become a Medium member. For $5 a month, you’ll be able to access every story on the platform. If you sign up through my link, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you would be supporting me and other writers on Medium.

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Chris Hanna
Chris Hanna

Written by Chris Hanna

Creator and owner of Freelance Ready (freelanceready.com) and ChrisHannaSEO (chrishannaseo.com). Posting guides for beginner writers and freelancers.

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