💸 How to Get Paid for Writing Online: 7 Legit Websites That Pay Freelance Writers
Have you ever dreamed of earning money from your words while wearing pajamas and sipping your favorite drink? That was me sitting in a noisy café one day, typing furiously on my laptop, wondering if all this “get paid to write online” talk was real. Spoiler: it is.
Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned storyteller, there are genuine websites that will pay you for your creativity and skill. But here’s the catch knowing where to write, how to pitch, and how to stand out makes all the difference.
Let’s break it down (and have a few laughs along the way).
🧠 WHY WRITING ONLINE IS A REAL CAREER (NOT JUST A HOBBY)
The digital world runs on content blogs, newsletters, copy, guides, and stories. According to Statista (2025), over 70% of online businesses hire freelance writers to create blog posts and marketing content. That means words = money.
The best part? You don’t need to be a Shakespeare or a journalist to start. You just need a laptop, internet, and consistency.
✍️ 7 LEGIT WEBSITES THAT PAY YOU FOR WRITING
Here’s a handpicked list of sites where your words can earn you real income from $5 to $400 per article.
Perfect for: Writers who love storytelling and thoughtful content.
Medium is one of the easiest ways to get paid for writing about anything from personal growth to tech, travel, or even your dog’s sleeping habits. Through the Medium Partner Program, writers earn based on how long paying members spend reading their stories.
💡 REAL STORY: JAMES ’ JOURNEY
James loved writing stories and opinions but never thought it could pay the bills. Out of curiosity, he published his first article on Medium. A week later, he earned $5. Not much, but it sparked something.
Fast forward six months after consistent writing and smart keyword use James was making $200/month in passive income.
Pro Tip: Focus on engaging, honest writing. Medium’s readers value quality and authenticity.
👉 Learn more: Medium Partner Program
2. Fiverr
Perfect for: Writers who want freelance flexibility.
Fiverr lets you sell your writing services starting at $5. You can write blog posts, copy, product descriptions, or even ghostwrite ebooks. Once you build positive reviews, you can charge higher rates many writers make $500 $1,000 per month after a few consistent clients.
Pro Tip:
Use keywords like “SEO blog writer” or “website copywriter” in your gig titles to attract more clients.
3. Upwork
Perfect for: Writers who like structured freelance work.
Upwork is one of the largest freelance platforms where clients post jobs and writers submit proposals. You can specialize in topics like finance, health, or travel and charge hourly or per project.
Case Study:
A writer named Lara N. started on Upwork with $10 blog gigs. Within a year, she had recurring clients paying $150 per post and earned over $25,000 total.
Why it works: Upwork protects both clients and freelancers, so payments are secure.
👉 Visit: Upwork.com
4. iWriter
Perfect for: Beginners who want fast feedback.
On iWriter, clients post writing requests, and you pick what to write. Your pay increases as your rating improves. Top writers earn over $80 for long-form articles.
Tip: The more consistent your quality, the faster you rise to “Elite Plus” level.
5. Listverse
Perfect for: Creative, quirky writers who love lists.
Do you love fun facts or weird history? Listverse pays $100 per approved listicle. Each list must have 10 unique items think “10 Unsolved Mysteries of the Internet” or “10 Bizarre Historical Inventions.”
Example:
One writer submitted “10 Forgotten Celebrities of the 90s” and got $100 plus backlinks to their blog. Not bad for one creative afternoon.
👉 Learn more: Listverse.com
6. Textbroker
Perfect for: Writers looking to improve their craft through volume.
Textbroker assigns star ratings based on writing samples. The higher your rating, the more you earn from 0.7 to 5 cents per word. You can also pick from “open orders” or get assigned projects directly.
Real-World Example:
Mark, a college student, started with 3-star jobs ($15 per article). After improving his grammar and style, he moved up to 5-star jobs earning up to $250 weekly while studying.
7. WRITE FOR BLOGS & MAGAZINES
Perfect for: Experienced writers with unique voices.
Many blogs and online magazines pay $50–$400 per accepted post. Some popular sites include:
A List Apart – design and web topics.
International Living – travel and expat living.
Greatist – health, self-care, and motivation.
Pro Tip: Always read the publication’s “Write for Us” page before submitting. Editors appreciate well-researched, personalized pitches.
📊 COMPARISON TABLE: TOP SITES to GET PAID FOR WRITING
Website Payment Range Skill Level Type of Work Best For
Medium Based on read time Beginner–Pro Any topic Storytelling & blogs
Fiverr $5–$500+ Beginner–Pro Freelance gigs Building portfolio
Upwork $10–$150+/article Intermediate Freelance contracts Long-term clients
iWriter $1.40–$80/article Beginner Articles, blogs Fast experience
Listverse $100/article Intermediate Lists & fun content Creative writers
Textbroker $0.7–5¢/word Beginner–Intermediate Articles Steady volume work
Magazines $50–$400/article Pro Guest writing Niche experts
⚠️ COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
1. Copying or AI-spinning content Editors detect it instantly. Be authentic.
2. Ignoring guidelines Each site has submission rules; read them twice.
3. Giving up too soon The first “no” doesn’t define your journey.
4. Underpricing yourself Value your time and skill.
💬 REAL TALK: WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY LEARN
Writing online teaches you:
Discipline and research skills
SEO and digital marketing basics
Client communication and negotiation
Passive income creation through writing platforms
Before long, you’ll realize writing is not just creative; it’s entrepreneurial.
✅ TURN YOUR WORDS INTO INCOME
Let’s face it scrolling social media won’t pay your bills, but writing just might. The internet has leveled the playing field for creators. Whether you start with Medium, Fiverr, or Listverse, what matters is showing up and writing consistently.
Remember James from earlier? He didn’t wait to be perfect; he just started. So should you.
🚀 READY TO START?
If you’re serious about building an income from writing, bookmark this post, choose one platform, and take the leap today.
💬 Tell us in the comments:
Which platform are you going to try first Medium, Fiverr, or Listverse?
Or better yet, share your first writing paycheck story!
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