4 Websites That Will Pay You To Write — Even If You Have Little To No Experience
If you’re just starting and focused primarily on ARTICLE WRITING, you should look into some of the avenues .get paid even if you have no skills by writing.
1.Cracked
Cracked is a comedy website that publishes lists of obscure facts, infographics, and first-person essays.
How To Apply:
All you have to do to write for them is sign up for an account, join their writer’s workshop and start pitching lists. Anyone can do this, regardless of their prior experience. You have to have good ideas and be willing to try.
The editors are extremely picky (their words, not mine), and the site already has a huge archive of material. So, it may take some time to develop something that will make it to the front page.
Don’t let that deter you! I’ve never pitched Cracked, but I am signed up for the Writer’s Workshop. From what I’ve observed, it’s a pretty positive environment. And there are always editors on hand to give writers feedback on their pitches.
Rate:
Writers are paid $150 for their first five lists. After that, it will go up to $250 per list. For that kind of money, definitely worth a sign-up!
2.Valnet
Valnet is a Canada-based media company that operates a family of twelve websites known for their viral lists and news pieces. From my understanding, Screen Rant, CBR (Comic Book Resources), and The Richest, which all focus on different aspects of the TV/film world, are their most popular properties.
Other websites post about pregnancy and motherhood tips, travel roundups, video game news, + more.
How To Apply:
There’s a “Write For Us” button at the bottom of each website. It will take you to their application page. Once there, fill in your name, location, and phone number. Then submit three article ideas and a writing sample.
A close friend of mine, who asked not to be named, used to write for Valnet. At the time of their hiring, their only writing experience was running a blog that covered topics similar to the website they were applying for. Based on their samples, the hiring manager gave them the chance to write a test article, which led to them freelancing full-time.
Rate:
Unknown. But it’s my understanding that freelancing with Valnet can be a source of nice, part-time income.
3.Book Riot
Book Riot is the “largest independent editorial book site” in North America. They publish book reviews, recommendations, and think pieces. While they have a full staff, their pool of contributors is made up of pros and non-pros. You could be among the non-pros.
How To Apply:
Book Riot has a contributor form, which you can access here, right on its website. It asks for your personal information, three books you recently read, two (unpublished) writing samples, and two pitches.
Your writing samples should reflect your ability to adapt to Book Riot’s content. Of the two pitches, one of them should fit into their Our Reading Lives series.
One last thing: Book Riot accepts/rejects and responds to new contributor applications every quarter (January, April, July, and October). So you shouldn’t expect to get an immediate response back. That said, October is just around the corner. So there’s no better time than the present to apply!
Note: Book Riot also offers full-time positions, but there are none open at this time.
Rate:
Unknown
4.Bustle
Bustle is a media company, under Bustle Media Group, that serves millennial women. They publish original interviews, episode recaps, book lists, personal essays, + more.
How To Apply:
Head to their submissions page, where they’ve laid out the content they’re currently looking for. Next, locate the appropriate editor for the section you want to write for, then pitch them your idea.
If the editor likes it, they will usually respond within two weeks. If not, you can probably assume they have passed on your idea. If they do move forward, they may work with you to polish it further, then guide you through the drafting process.
There are also staff positions with Bustle and their other properties that require a more extensive writing/academic history. I encourage you to reevaluate around to these opportunities after you’ve published a few freelance pieces with them.
Rate:
From what I’ve found online, Bustle pays about $50/800-word essay.
5.Hello Giggles
Hello, Giggles hails itself as a positive online community for millennial women. Think Bustle, but with a bubblier voice. It was founded by Zooey Deschanel, Molly McAleer, and Sophia Rossi.
Per their Masthead, they welcome reader contributions.
How To Apply:
Hello, Giggles lists the kind of content that they accept on their contributor page. They’re “especially interested in personal essays and cultural criticism with unique and diverse points of view, LGBTQ perspectives, smart articles with original reporting, and illustrations.”
To pitch them, email your idea, along with a paragraph about who you are, to pitches@hellogigglescom. If you have writing samples, you should include them. But they’re not mandatory. Writers without samples are encouraged to send over a full draft of their proposed article.
Hello, Giggles’ rates aren’t clearly laid out on their website. However, Contently’s freelance rate database lists the pay like $75/reported piece.
These are just a few companies that I’ve observed to be receptive to new, burgeoning writers. I included only nationally recognized brands to start. But later on, I will branch off into smaller yet reputable websites with a proven track record of paying their writers. (Because not everyone who says they pay actually do.)
Things To Remember:
No experience = no professionally published articles to send to your editor. But it would help if you always had a few sample articles that showcase your writing strengths readily available. Even if an editor is willing to give new talent a chance, they will not hire you until they see how you string words and sentences together.
The online writing industry is constantly shifting and changing. And there’s not enough time for editors to go over every single word you write. So, if you’re fortunate enough to land a job writing online, you should always strive to be a writer that editors love. This means meeting deadlines, minimizing grammar and spelling errors before sending off your final draft, and promoting your work online.
Hey guys, I’m a self-guided/taught freelance writer, copywriter, and (soon-to-be) author who’s tried many avenues to do money writing. I decided to share some of my tips, tricks and fails on The Lucky Freelancer.
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