1. So You Want to Get Paid for Your Writing? Let’s Talk About That…

Let’s be honest.

If you’re like most aspiring writers I know (and I’ve met plenty), you’ve probably had this thought: “I love writing. Wouldn’t it be amazing if I could make money doing it?”

You’re not wrong. It would be amazing. And the good news is, it’s possible.

The not-so-fun news? It’s not quick. It’s not always easy. And it’s definitely not a magic slot machine where you pour in words and watch cash come out.

But here’s the beautiful part: turning your writing hobby into an income stream is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take, if you’re in it for the long haul.

Writing for Income: What This Isn’t

Let’s clear up a few things before we dive in.

This series won’t promise you a six-figure book deal by December. It won’t tell you that copywriting is your only ticket to getting paid. And it definitely won’t suggest that you can outsource your passion to a content mill and expect fulfilment (or financial freedom).

What this series will do is walk beside you as you start exploring what writing for income looks like for you.

No pressure to turn into a productivity machine. No fake success stories. Just real guidance, honest options, and a nudge in the right direction.

First, Ask Yourself: Why Do I Want to Get Paid to Write?

Not a trick question.
Your answer matters more than you might think. Here are a few common reasons:

“I want to leave my day job eventually.”
“I want my writing to be valued—not just emotionally, but financially.”
“I’m already creating content—I might as well earn something for it.”
“I want to prove to myself that this dream isn’t silly.”

No wrong answers. But the clearer you are about your motivations, the more focused your writing path will be.

Know This: The Writing World Is Huge

You don’t have to be a bestselling author. You don’t have to go viral.
There are dozens of ways writers earn money, some obvious, some surprisingly niche.

Here are just a few:

Freelance blog posts
Ghostwriting (for books, blogs, social media)
Technical or instructional writing
Fiction and self-publishing
Copywriting and email marketing
Substack newsletters
Coaching or editing others’ work
Creating writing courses or workshops

Not all of these will suit you, and that’s okay. The point is, the writing world is wide. The first step is figuring out where your voice fits.

The Gentle Truth: It Takes Time

No one wants to hear this, but I’d be doing you a disservice if I skipped it.
Writing for money is a slow build. You write, you test the waters, you pitch, you get rejected (a lot), you keep going, you get a “yes,” you deliver great work, and you repeat. Over time, you build a portfolio. You build trust. You build a name.

Eventually, the momentum catches up with you.

But if you’re looking for a quick win? This isn’t that path.
If you’re looking for a path with soul, meaning, and long-term potential? You’re absolutely in the right place.

So What Can You Do Right Now?

Here’s what I recommend before diving into platforms, pitches, or portfolios:

Start writing regularly. Even if no one pays you. Yet.
Pay attention to what you love writing about. Your energy will point you toward your niche.
Look at writers who are doing what you want to do. Not to copy them, but to learn from their journey.
Get curious about the possibilities. Start exploring the many ways writers earn.

That’s what this series is here for: to help you explore your possibilities.