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Lisa was apprehensive she needed to get paid to write stories like yesterday.
As a single mom with 7 kids, Lisa needed a way to generate an income from home so that she could pay the bills and buy food.
You see, Lisa has always been ambitious but her husband didn’t want her to bring home the bacon.
He wanted her to stay at home and look after the kids.
Now that he’s ran off with a new girl friend that’s half his age it’s up to Lisa to find a way to provide for her family.
The only problem with this is that Lisa has no experience with writing for clients but she knows that she will be able to pull this off if only someone can guide her.
Does this sound like you…
- You want to get paid for your writing skills.
- You’re wondering how to start out as a new writer.
- You’re a professional writer, but unable to find steady work.
- You have a love for writing and want to help others.
If so, then you’re in luck! There are a number of different career opportunities that will allow you to use your writing skills to make money while helping others with your skill.
In this post, you’ll learn 51 different ways that you can get paid to write stories and useful tips, facts and components for good story writing.
How can small businesses benefit from story writers?
Story writers have a unique skill set that can benefit small businesses in a number of ways.
For example, they can write blog posts that help to promote small businesses and attract new customers.
They can also contribute articles to local literary magazines, helping to raise awareness of small businesses on the community-level.
And if small business owners ever need to write a press release or create some marketing materials, story writers can help with that, too.
In short, story writers can be a valuable asset for any small business with a skill that is always in demand.
Storytelling Statistics
Every day new writers are entering the field of storytelling, attracted by the potential to earn a good income from their words. And it’s not just full-time writers who are cashing in on this trend.
More and more people are turning to a freelance writing career as a way to supplement their income or even replace their day job.
So what’s driving this growth? In part, it’s the ever-expanding online marketplace. With more businesses looking to create compelling content, there’s a growing demand for writers who can produce quality work.
In addition, new technology has made it easier than ever for writers to connect with clients and get paid for their work.
From online platforms like Upwork to freelancing websites like Fiverr, there are a variety of ways for writers to find new gigs.
If you’re thinking about making money from writing, now is a great time to get started. With so many opportunities available, there’s never been a better time to cash in on your skill.
Here are some useful statistics to keep in mind while exploring this lucrative skill…
- In 2020, the freelance market accounted for $1.2 trillion in the US economy.
- As of 2020, 84% of companies outsource their content creation.
- Digital marketing, SaaS/eCommerce, and Health/Lifestyle are the top 3 most popular writing niches.
- The average pay rate for freelance writers in the United States is $24/hr.
- Blog posts make up 77% of the content written by freelance writers.
- The top 2 ways more freelancers score new clients are referrals and job sites.
The Key Components of a Good Story
If you’re looking to pursue professional writing, there are a few key components you’ll want to implement in your work.
While there are many different elements that can make a story great, there are a few best practices that every writer should keep in mind when crafting a tale.
First and foremost, a good story should be interesting. It should grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning and keep them hooked until the very end.
To do this, a writer needs to create strong characters that readers can invest in and care about, as well as an intriguing plot that will keep them guessing.
Additionally, a good story should be well-written, with beautiful prose that flows smoothly and engages the reader on an emotional level.
Finally, a good story should have something to say; it should be more than just entertainment, but offer up some insight or wisdom that the reader can take away with them.
If you can remember these things when you sit down to write, you’re well on your way to creating something special.
How to know if you’re any good at writing stories
It can be a struggle to know whether or not you’re any good at writing stories, especially if you’ve never exercised the skill professionally.
Whether personal essays or full-length novels, the best way to test your skills is to put them out there and see what happens.
By submitting your work to online magazines or online publications, you’ll get feedback from readers that will either inspire you to keep going or help you realize that perhaps this isn’t the right outlet for your talents.
You can also enter writing contests, which not only provide monetary rewards but also give you a sense of accomplishment and bragging rights if you place in them.
If you’re serious about turning your writing skills into a lucrative asset, the best way to start is by simply writing and seeing where it takes you.
The highest paid storytellers
When it comes to writing, some people just have a knack for it. They can make even the most mundane topics interesting, and their prose flows effortlessly.
It’s no surprise, then, that these gifted storytellers are also some of the highest-paid writers in the business. Whether they’re crafting compelling ad copy or penning award-winning novels, these writers know how to get readers’ attention – and keep it.
If you’re looking to make a good living as a writer, honing your skills and developing your writing style is essential. But it’s also important to be aware of the different markets that are out there – and which ones offer the highest pay.
Here’s a look at some of the most lucrative writing gigs around:
Copywriting
Copywriters are responsible for creating persuasive, eye-catching marketing materials. From website headlines to email subject lines, their job is to grab attention and get people to take action.
Copywriting is a highly competitive field, but those who succeed can earn unconscionable sums of money – six figures is not uncommon.
Ghostwriting
Have you ever wondered who wrote that celebrity memoir or that motivational book? It was probably a ghostwriter.
Ghostwriters are in high demand, as they can capture the voice of their subject matter expert and turn it into an engaging book or article.
If you have writing skills and are good at interviewing people, ghostwriting could be the perfect gig for you.
Technical writing
If you have writing skills and are good at conveying technical information, you can make a lot of money writing technical manuals and other documentation.
How to set your prices as a new writer
With the proliferation of content across the internet, businesses and individuals alike are always looking for good writers to create compelling content.
As a result, there’s been a surge in demand for freelance writers.
However, with so many writers competing for work, it can be difficult to know how to set your writing service prices so that you can make a decent living.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth.
First, take a look at what other writers in your field are charging. This will give you a good starting point for setting your own rates.
Second, consider the quality of your writing and the level of experience you have. If you’re a great writer with years of experience, you should be able to command a higher rate than someone who is just starting out.
Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you feel like you’re worth more than what the client is offering, don’t be afraid to ask for more money.
Where to find high quality clients
For freelance writers, landing quality clients is essential to a successful career. But where can you find these elusive clients?
Fortunately, there are a number of great sources for quality writing gigs.
One option is to search job boards such as Indeed or Craigslist. Here, you can filter your search results to find writing-related jobs that match your skills and interests.
Another option is to sign up with a freelancing platform such as Upwork or Fiverr. On these platforms, you can browse through writing jobs posted by clients from all over the world.
Finally, you can utilize social media to find high quality clients.
Social media allows you to connect with potential clients, build relationships, and show off your work.
LinkedIn is a great platform to find clients in your industry, and Twitter is a great platform to connect with clients in your niche.
You can also use social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram to connect with potential clients. This resource goes into detail about finding clients on Instagram.
When you’re pitching clients, be sure to send them a link to your portfolio or website so they can see your work.
If you have a blog, be sure to include links to your articles in your pitch.
When you’re pitching potential clients, emphasize why you’re the best person for the job. Include information about your experience, your skills, and your rates.
Be confident and professional, and you’re sure to land some great clients!
51 Ways to Get Paid to Write Stories
When it comes to getting paid to write, there are a lot of different options available.
While it can be tough to know where to start, once you find a few good markets for your work, the sky’s the limit.
Here are 51 ways to get paid to write:
Editor’s Choice
Blog Posts
Blog post copywriting is the act of creating content for a blog. This can include anything from articles and posts to social media updates and product descriptions.
The aim of blog post copywriting is to create engaging, informative and well-written content that will interest and entertain your client’s reader.
To be successful, it is important to target the specific audience your client writes for and understand what they are looking for.
It is also important to keep the blog updated regularly with fresh content, as this will help to attract new readers and keep existing ones coming back for more.
Website Copy
If you’re looking for a career that combines writing with the digital world, website copywriting could be a great fit.
As a website copywriter, you’ll be responsible for creating compelling, persuasive, and accurate text for websites. This can include everything from product descriptions to landing pages and blog posts.
Website copywriting is both an art and a science, as it requires an understanding of how to craft an effective message as well as an awareness of the latest SEO best practices.
It’s a fast-paced and ever-evolving field, which means there’s always something new to learn. But if you’re passionate about writing and have a knack for it, website copywriting could be the perfect career for you.
Ghostwriting Books
Many aspiring authors dream of writing a best-selling novel, but the reality is that the publishing industry is a tough market to break into.
For those who lack the time or the skills to write their own book, ghostwriting can be a great way to turn their ideas into a reality.
As a ghostwriter, you will be responsible for writing the book on behalf of another person. This can involve interviewing the client to get an idea of their story, doing your own research to flesh out the details, and then putting it all together in a cohesive and engaging narrative.
While it can be challenging to capture someone else’s voice, it can also be immensely rewarding to see your words in print. If you have a passion for writing and are looking for a creative outlet, then ghostwriting may be the perfect career for you.
Newsletters
Copywriting newsletters for email lists is a great way to get your foot in the door of the copywriting world.
You can start by writing for free or very low-cost e-newsletters, and then move up to writing for more established publications. The key is to build a portfolio of your work so that you can show potential clients what you’re capable of.
To be a successful copywriter, you need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely.
You must also be able to understand your audience and craft your message accordingly.
If you have a knack for writing, copywriting newsletters for email lists can be a great career choice.
Grant Essays
Copywriting grants for businesses who need funding is a detailed and specific type of writing that helps a business owner to secure the funding they need from a grant-giving organization.
The grant essay must be well researched and well written in order to persuade the grant committee that the business is worthy of their funding.
It is important to remember that the grant committee will be reading many essays and that each one must be able to stand out in order to give the business owner the best chance of success.
The essay should be clear, concise, and persuasive, and it should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the grant guidelines.
Featured Articles
Writing featured articles for online magazines is a great way to get your work seen by a large audience. Not only will you reach a wide readership, but you’ll also get to build a name for yourself as a writer.
When writing for an online magazine, it’s important to keep your audience in mind and write accordingly. Depending on the publication, you may be given a word limit or other submission guidelines to follow.
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the publication’s style, it’ll be time to start pitching ideas for articles. If your pitch is accepted, you’ll then have the opportunity to write and submit your article for approval.
If all goes well, your article will be published and you’ll receive payment for your work. Writing feature articles for online magazines can be a great way to jumpstart your career as a writer.
Children Stories
Copywriting children’s stories can be a highly rewarding career. Not only do you have the opportunity to use your creativity to craft engaging tales, but you also get to play a role in shaping young minds.
In many ways, copywriting children’s stories is similar to writing for any other audience. However, there are a few key considerations that are unique to this field.
For example, it is important to ensure that your stories are age-appropriate and relatable for your young readers.
In addition, you need to be able to capture the imagination of your audience and take them on a journey into your world.
The Ultimate List: Ways to Earn Money Writing
Are you ready? Here is the ultimate list of 50+ ways to generate an income using your passion for writing.
You may want to make a shortlist of 5-10 of these writing opportunities that appeal to you and your writing style.
Also, consider the time you have available to create the necessary content and your ability to meet deadlines.
- Front of Book Pieces for Magazines
- Professional Essays
- Service Pieces
- Children Stories
- Interview or Podcast Transcription
- List-Styled Articles for Publications
- Quizzes or Surveys for Small Businesses
- Facts and Figures Articles
- Blog Posts
- Advice Columns
- Articles for Company Publications
- Travel Articles
- Recommendation Pieces
- News Articles for Local Papers
- Event Reports
- Contest Writing
- Grant Writing
- How-To Articles
- Translation Writing
- Presentation Content
- Marketing Copy
- White Papers
- Speeches
- Conference Scripts
- Newsletters
- Biographies
- Case Studies
- Featured Articles
- Event Marketing Materials
- Brand Messaging
- Grant Essays
- Proposals
- Website Copy
- Social Media Captions
- Online Course Copy
- Resumes
- Wedding Speeches
- Application Essays
- Book Ghostwriting
- Greeting Cards
- Business Emails
- Radio Scripts
- Television Scripts
- Song Lyrics
- Cover Letters
- Novels
- Academic Papers
- B2B Publications
- P2P Correspondences
- Recipe Copywriting
- Restaurant Menu Copy
How to improve your craft at writing stories
One of the best ways to become a better writer is to simply read more.
You may not be a good writer now but by exposing yourself to different styles of writing, you can learn new techniques and find new ways to tell your own stories.
It’s also important to be willing to revise your work. No one gets it perfect on the first try, and even the most experienced writers are constantly making changes to their work.
A good idea is to contact bloggers in your niche (who accept content writing) and offer to write guest posts.
Remember the importance of practice. The more you write, the better you’ll become at it.
A great way to get paid to learn is by submitting short stories to publishers who accept them.
Wondering which publishers would pay you for short stories? Hang tight I’ve got you covered.
21 Places That Pay $500+ Per Short Story
If you are like Lisa and you find yourself in a tight spot where you need cash for your writing like yesterday.
Then it would make sense to become a short story writer and check publishers who would pay you upfront for short stories.
These short stories can include book reviews, personal stories, actionable advice, science fiction stories, travel writing, true stories and expert advice.
Here is a list of websites of 20+ Short Story Publishers that your should know (bookmark this blog post for future reference).
- The New Yorker
- Clarksworld
- Heroes and Heartbreakers
- Fireside
- Lightspeed magazine
- Uncanny
- Blind Spot
- Snafu Judgement Day
- One Teen Story
- Strange Horizons
- Cicada Magazine
- Cricket Magazine
- Analog
- Apex Magazine
- One Story
- Pulp Literature
- Chiral Mad
- Unidentified Funny Objects
- Fantasy Science and Fiction
- Asimov’s
- The Missouri Review
As you can see the options to getting your short story accepted are endless. All you need to do is pitch these publishers.
Before you start doubting yourself or getting despondent, remember that it took J.K. Rowling 13 submissions before she got a yes.
So, what are you waiting for? Start reaching out to these publishers with your best work.
Summary
No matter where you are in your journey as a writer right now the only way to go from here is up.
Everyone has to start from somewhere, there isn’t a single person who is born with experience and testimonials.
Depending on the urgency of your situation you can start small by joining platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to gain some experience and testimonials.
Reach out to those in your network telling them that you are available for work as a writer.
Consider joining a few agencies as a sub contractor to boost your confidence.
Hang out in Facebook Groups where there are a large number of bloggers because they always need writers.
Over to you, what has been your experience finding your feet as a new writer?
Announcements
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Like everything in life starting off in a new profession can be difficult.
Consistency and practice is the key secret to making 6-figures when it comes to writing stories.
I started this blog in 2017 because I had a burden on my heart to reduce women’s illiteracy globally.
Because this is a huge undertaking I have decided to help 1,000 women over the next 10 years to become wildly successful in their online business through simplified marketing strategies.
That way we can build a strong business network of women who can donate 1% of their profit and together we can help reduce women’s illiteracy worldwide.
Would you like to be part of this movement? Shoot me an email using alvern (at) successunscrambled (dot) com.
