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You can make money writing online in two main ways: write for clients who pay per project, or publish your own work and earn from readers. Client work pays sooner. Your own blog, newsletter or books can grow larger but take months to pay off.
Last updated: October 2026 · How we researched this: we read Medium’s Partner Program eligibility and earnings pages and Amazon KDP’s royalty rules, and checked current marketplace and newsletter fees using recent 2026 fee breakdowns.
Key takeaways
- Client writing (blog posts, emails, product pages) is the fastest way to get paid for words.
- Medium, Substack and Kindle pay based on readers, so income starts slowly.
- AI tools changed the market: clients now pay more for expertise, research and editing than for basic text.
- A small portfolio of 3 strong samples beats a long list of platforms.
8 ways to make money writing online
| Path | How you get paid | Platform cut (checked Oct 2026) | Speed to first payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance blog and article writing | Per article or per word | None direct; Upwork 0–15%, Fiverr 20% | Weeks |
| Copywriting (ads, emails, landing pages) | Per project or retainer | Same as above | Weeks |
| Ghostwriting (LinkedIn, newsletters, books) | Monthly retainer or per piece | Usually direct | Weeks |
| Editing and proofreading | Per hour or per word | Usually direct | Weeks |
| Medium Partner Program | Paying members’ reading time and engagement | Medium membership required | Months |
| Paid newsletter on Substack | Reader subscriptions | 10% plus card processing | Months |
| Your own blog with affiliate links | Commissions and ads | Hosting costs | Months |
| Self-published books on Amazon KDP | Royalties | eBook royalty 35% or 70% | Months |
Writing for clients: the fastest way to get paid
Businesses need blog posts, emails, product descriptions and case studies. You can find them on marketplaces or by pitching directly. Direct clients avoid platform fees and usually stay longer.
Pick a niche where you have real knowledge, such as finance, health, software or e-commerce. Our content writing jobs guide lists where to look for work.
Publishing your own writing online
Medium
To join the Partner Program you need an active Medium membership, at least one published story, and a bank account in a supported country, per Medium’s eligibility page. Earnings depend on paying members’ reading time and engagement, so most new writers earn little at first.
Substack and other newsletters
Substack is free for free newsletters and takes 10% of paid subscriptions, plus card fees. Other email tools charge a monthly fee instead and let you keep more. Compare options in AWeber vs Kit (formerly ConvertKit).
Amazon KDP
Kindle Direct Publishing is free to use. eBooks earn a 35% or 70% royalty, and the 70% option has territory and delivery-cost rules explained on the KDP royalties page. Marketing the book is up to you.
Build a writing portfolio in 7 days
- Day 1: choose one niche and one format, such as how-to blog posts for small online stores.
- Days 2–4: write three samples of 800–1,200 words. Add sources, screenshots and clear headings.
- Day 5: publish them on Medium, LinkedIn or a free blog so clients can click and read.
- Day 6: write a short bio stating your niche, the formats you write and your rate.
- Day 7: send ten personal pitches to businesses whose blogs are out of date.
How AI changed online writing work
Generic, low-cost articles are now easy to produce with AI. That has cut demand for basic content mills. Writers who offer subject expertise, original research, interviews, strategy or careful editing are better placed.
If you use AI tools, tell clients how. Many contracts now have clauses about it.
Who should not try to make money writing online
- People who dislike revisions and feedback. Client work always includes them.
- Anyone who needs steady income next month. Publishing income is slow and uneven.
- Writers unwilling to pitch. Clients rarely find new writers on their own.
Be careful with “writing jobs” that ask you to pay a fee to join or that send you a check to deposit. The FTC’s job scams guide covers these patterns.
FAQ: making money writing online
Can beginners make money writing online?
Yes, if they show strong samples and pick a niche. Beginners often start with smaller clients or marketplaces, then raise rates as they build a portfolio.
How much do online writers get paid?
Rates vary widely by niche, experience and format. Specialist and copywriting work usually pays more than general blog posts. Set a rate that covers your time, platform fees and taxes.
Do you need to pay to join Medium to earn?
Yes. Medium requires an active membership to join its Partner Program. Reading and writing on Medium is otherwise free.
Is Substack or Medium better for earning?
Substack suits writers who can build a loyal audience willing to pay. Medium suits writers who want built-in readers but accept platform-set earnings. Many writers use both.
Conclusion
The surest way to make money writing online is to start with clients while you build your own audience on the side. Keep three great samples ready, know each platform’s cut, and avoid any job that asks you to pay first. For more ideas, see how to make money from home.
