Writing is one of the most in-demand niches when it comes to freelancing. However, many freelance writers can struggle to earn a decent living due to not finding suitable opportunities that pay fairly for their services.
Of course, there are a lot of factors involved, including the type of writing, the niche/genre of the work, the availability of websites that pay writers, and so on.
According to ZipRecruiter, freelance writers in the US earn an average of $23 per hour and about $48,000 per year, although some can earn as little as $15,000 per year.
With these figures, as a freelance writer, you always want to find more opportunities to build your influence as an expert in your niche. This is why this article is for you.
The websites that pay writers as highlighted in this article are selected because they allow writers in a broad range of niches to showcase their expertise through informative articles.
All the websites here have been confirmed to pay their guest writers and some even offer writers the chance to join their team of contributors. Enjoy.
1. Listverse
True to its name, all you find on Listverse’s websites are lists; lists about various topics including the quirky and the humorous. In fact, Listverse doesn’t publish lists on sports, technology, or self-help.
To write for Listverse, your list must have been proofread and fact-checked and must contain at least 10 items.
Articles typically range from 1,500 to 2,000 words. An additional clause is that submissions are only accepted from writers located in the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
2. Cosmopolitan
This is a magazine that needs no introduction. Print and online editions of Cosmopolitan are published regularly, and acceptance rates are competitive.
As a side note, expect it to be competitive to get to write for any of the top websites that pay writers. In short, you always need to bring your A-game to get accepted.
This doesn’t mean you have to be super-experienced, but you surely need to have an exciting topic. Typical niches covered include Work/Life, Beauty, Love, Sex, LGBTQ+, Entertainment, etc.
Alternatively, you can apply to join the Cosmopolitan pool of regular contributors as a freelancer. Applications are taken on a rolling basis.
3. Copyhackers
Copyhackers is the platform to learn all about the craft of copywriting and it accepts pitches following a rigorous consideration process.
It is one of the most popular websites that pay writers and expects its guest authors to know a lot about what they are talking about and have researched a lot on the topic.
The list of topics they are interested in includes personal stories, freelancing, insights, growth hacks, etc. Also, posts are expected to be at least 2,000-word-long and payments range between $300 and $1,000.
Note that you are expected to send a pitch first; unsolicited drafts are rejected.
4. Aha! Science
Aha! Science is a science publication on Medium launched at the beginning of 2024. Writers for the publication are typically scientists or science journalists, researchers, or educators, among others.
Aha! Science seeks topics in areas such as Earth science, biology, wildlife, astronomy, technology, etc.
They also accept topics on human quirks. What matters is making science accessible to lay readers within the 800 to 1,500-word range.
Also, Aha! Writers included in the Medium Partner Program keep 100% of the money their article generates from reader engagement.
As a tip, Medium has a lot of websites that pay writers as publications that you should check out.
5. BlastingNews
As its name says, BlastingNews posts news on a wide variety of topics, allowing users to sign up for channels based on their interests.
What’s interesting is that it is supported by a network of freelance journalists who get paid up to $500 per article, based on reader engagement.
Writers enjoy complete editorial freedom as well as the automatic promotion of their stories on various social media platforms. Article categories include business, food, gaming, lifestyle, showbiz, TV, tech, etc.
6. FreelanceMom
FreelanceMom is a website focusing on the journey of being a mother through the lens of business, marketing, money, personal development, and productivity tips.
It particularly resonates with parents who are freelancers or solopreneurs. Though a website for moms, men are welcome to contribute as well.
Guest articles are expected to contain current and actionable advice and you have a high chance of getting accepted if your article tells a personal story, is highly researched, and is education-based.
The word limit is between 900 to 1,500 words. At the end of the month, writers of the most shared articles receive a $150 bonus apart from the regular article earnings.
7. Transitions Abroad
This is a highly popular travel publication that serves as an information source for people traveling abroad, whether for work, study, tourism, or living.
If you have experience traversing countries, then your knowledge could be useful here as it’s one of the top websites that pay writers.
Stories told from first-hand experience are the most successful articles on Transitions Abroad. Topics include working abroad, living abroad, volunteering abroad, studying abroad, cultural immersion, country guides, and so on. They particularly request topics in niches such as budget travel, senior travel, adventure travel, overtourism, etc.
Their writers’ guideline is much more detailed than most of the other platforms on this list; so, do well to read very carefully.
8. Barefoot Writer
Writing about writing is a highly popular niche in online media. Barefoot Writer is an online magazine that showcases writing opportunities and aims to help writers land freelance jobs.
To write for them, you have to join the Barefoot Writer Club, but that does not guarantee automatic publishing. They typically accept authors through their pitches within two weeks.
Topics they cover include productivity secrets, motivational articles, writing tools, improving writing skills, writing career advice, and so on.
9. IncomeDiary
IncomeDiary is one of the websites that pay writers, publishing articles from expert writers across various niches, especially on SEO, content creation, entrepreneurship, and online money-making opportunities.
They put out lists of article requests for the month so interested writers can check them out.
You can also reach out with a pitch and quote your charge, although writers of excellent articles usually get paid $200 per article. The article length starts from 2,000 words.
10. Tutorials Point
If you have expert knowledge in any technological field (think project management, information technology, software development, web development, business intelligence, big data, SAP modules, etc.) or soft skills, then consider Tutorials Point as one of the top websites that pay writers.
The process typically begins by writing a sample of 2-3 pages to showcase your capabilities. Afterward, the author can propose a topic and quote their cost.
According to the site’s name, only tutorials are acceptable. That means an in-depth, expert-based coverage of the subject.
For long-form articles by freelancers, any length between 800 and 1,200 words is acceptable.
Take Advantage of these Websites that Pay Writers
Finding the right websites that pay you to showcase your skills as a writer is essential for success. It is one of the many ways to monetize your writing skills online.
The ten websites listed above offer excellent opportunities to earn a good income while sharing your expertise with a broad audience and building your portfolio.
Keep reading the StartUp Growth Guide blog for more opportunities to make money as a freelance writer and in other digital skills like design and programming.
Featured Image by Mikael Blomkvist on Pexels
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