Websites That Pay You To Write: A Comprehensive Guide
In the digital age, writing has become a lucrative career option for many. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, there are numerous websites that pay you to write. This guide will explore some of the best platforms where you can earn money by writing articles, blog posts, and other types of content. We’ll cover a variety of niches, so you can find opportunities that match your interests and expertise.
Why Write for Paid Websites?
Writing for paid websites offers several benefits:
- Monetary Compensation: Earn money for your writing skills.
- Exposure: Get your work published on reputable platforms.
- Portfolio Building: Build a portfolio of published work to showcase to potential clients.
- Flexibility: Work from anywhere and choose projects that interest you.
Top Websites That Pay You to Write
- Listverse
Overview: Listverse is a popular website that publishes listicles on a wide range of topics. They are known for their quirky and unique content, making it a great platform for creative writers.
Key Features:
- Pays $100 per accepted listicle.
- Requires listicles to have at least ten items.
- Focuses on unusual and interesting topics.
Pros:
- High pay per article.
- Open to new and inexperienced writers.
Cons:
- Limited to writers from specific countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa).
Ideal For: Writers who enjoy creating list-based content on unique topics.
- Cosmopolitan
Overview: Cosmopolitan is a well-known magazine that covers topics such as fashion, beauty, relationships, and lifestyle. They accept pitches for both their online and print publications.
Key Features:
- Pays $250 per 1,000-word article.
- Accepts pitches on a variety of topics, including sex, health, beauty, fashion, LGBTQ+, and work-life.
Pros:
- High pay per article.
- Opportunity to get published in a reputable magazine.
Cons:
- Competitive pitching process.
- Limited acceptance rate for pitches.
Ideal For: Writers with experience in lifestyle and fashion topics.
- Transitions Abroad
Overview: Transitions Abroad focuses on travel writing, particularly on topics related to working, volunteering, and studying abroad. They prefer submissions with a journalistic writing style.
Key Features:
- Pays $150 per accepted article.
- Focuses on travel-related topics.
Pros:
- High pay per article.
- Opportunity to write about travel experiences.
Cons:
- Requires a specific writing style.
- Competitive submission process.
Ideal For: Travel writers and journalists.
- Income Diary
Overview: Income Diary publishes articles on online business, blogging, and making money online. They are looking for detailed and informative content that provides value to their readers.
Key Features:
- Pays $200 per accepted article.
- Focuses on online business and blogging topics.
Pros:
- High pay per article.
- Opportunity to write for a niche audience.
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of online business and blogging.
Ideal For: Writers with expertise in online business and blogging.
- International Living
Overview: International Living focuses on travel and living abroad. They accept articles that provide practical advice and personal experiences related to living in different countries.
Key Features:
- Pays $75 to $400 per accepted article, depending on the length and complexity.
- Focuses on travel and expatriate living.
Pros:
- High pay per article.
- Opportunity to write about travel and living abroad.
Cons:
- Requires personal experience and practical advice.
Ideal For: Travel writers and expatriates.
- Learning for Justice
Overview: Learning for Justice publishes articles on social justice and anti-bias education. They are looking for content that addresses issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Key Features:
- Pays $150 to $1,500 per accepted article, depending on the length and complexity.
- Focuses on social justice and education topics.
Pros:
- High pay per article.
- Opportunity to write about important social issues.
Cons:
- Requires expertise in social justice and education.
Ideal For: Writers with a background in social justice and education.
- Money Crashers
Overview: Money Crashers is a personal finance website that publishes articles on topics such as budgeting, investing, and saving money. They are looking for detailed and informative content that provides practical advice to their readers.
Key Features:
- Pays $50 to $150 per accepted article, depending on the length and complexity.
- Focuses on personal finance topics.
Pros:
- Opportunity to write for a niche audience.
- Flexible submission process.
Cons:
- Requires in-depth knowledge of personal finance.
Ideal For: Writers with expertise in personal finance.
- SitePoint
Overview: SitePoint publishes articles on web development and design. They are looking for content that provides practical advice and tutorials for developers and designers.
Key Features:
- Pays $150 to $300 per accepted article, depending on the length and complexity.
- Focuses on web development and design topics.
Pros:
- High pay per article.
- Opportunity to write for a niche audience.
Cons:
- Requires expertise in web development and design.
Ideal For: Writers with a background in web development and design.
- Screen Rant
Overview: Screen Rant publishes articles on entertainment news and reviews. They are looking for content that covers movies, TV shows, and pop culture.
Key Features:
- Pays $50 to $100 per accepted article, depending on the length and complexity.
- Focuses on entertainment topics.
Pros:
- Opportunity to write about movies and TV shows.
- Flexible submission process.
Cons:
- Competitive submission process.
Ideal For: Writers with a passion for entertainment and pop culture.
- New Scientist
Overview: New Scientist publishes articles on science and technology. They are looking for content that provides in-depth analysis and insights into scientific topics.
Key Features:
- Pays $300 to $1,000 per accepted article, depending on the length and complexity.
- Focuses on science and technology topics.
Pros:
- High pay per article.
- Opportunity to write for a reputable publication.
Cons:
- Requires expertise in science and technology.
Ideal For: Writers with a background in science and technology.
Tips for Getting Your Work Accepted
- Follow Submission Guidelines: Each website has specific submission guidelines. Make sure to read and follow them carefully to increase your chances of acceptance.
- Pitch Unique Ideas: Editors are looking for fresh and unique content. Pitch ideas that stand out and offer a new perspective.
- Provide Writing Samples: Include links to your previous work or writing samples to showcase your writing skills.
- Be Professional: Write a professional pitch email that clearly outlines your idea and why it would be a good fit for the publication.
- Revise and Edit: Make sure your submission is polished and free of errors. Revise and edit your work before submitting it.
Writing for paid websites is a great way to earn money, gain exposure, and build your portfolio. By choosing the right platforms and following best practices, you can increase your chances of getting your work accepted and making a successful career out of writing. Whether you’re interested in travel writing, personal finance, web development, or entertainment, there’s a platform out there that will pay you for your skills. Start exploring these opportunities today and take the first step towards a rewarding writing career.
