25 Examples of Writing That Pays Well

Copy, Business, and Technical Writing

Copywriting and technical business writing are quite lucrative. Have you explored all the possibilities out there? The following is a list of the different kinds of copywriting, web writing, and business/technical writing available.

Marketing Pieces

These include brochures, postcards, perhaps even signage. Also, think about the parts of a whole: slogans, taglines, etc. All need to be written by someone. Physical and online outlets need these same services. Can you write a convincing email? Then you may be able to provide the service for others.

Web Content

This is a great place to start for the beginning freelancer. Websites need content to be well-placed in search rankings and serve their potential customers. Some web writing is geared to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). It means writing in a way that will best capture search engine traffic.

Blogs

Writing for blogs can mean several things. You may be hired to write for a blog network, which means you're creating for one blog that is part of a company of several blogs (sometimes hundreds in a particular category). Or, you may be hired by a company to blog for and about them—sometimes with a byline/credit and sometimes without it.

Event Materials

At an event, you'll notice signage, brochures, and agendas. Many conferences—especially in academic fields—provide attendees with large tomes of research and biographies.

Resume and Cover Letter Writing

This is a slight variation in sales writing; you're selling a human!

Biographies and Memoirs

Whether you're writing a biography for a Wiki, or a summary for a conference brochure, magazine credit, or website, everyone wants their personal story to read well. Memoirs are on the LinkedIn list of most desired things that people will hire others to write.

Sales/Annual Reports

All public companies are required to produce an annual report and these are often outsourced to qualified freelancers during crunch times.

Curriculum/Educational Writing

With distance learning becoming so much more common, many distance learning companies are turning to freelancers for help with the materials required. In addition, educational publishers and online education websites may also be a good target for those versed in K-12 and higher ed.

Script Writing

You may have an easier time finding these opportunities if you're well-placed (think NYC or LA), but, if not, remember the internet makes this a global opportunity.

Quiz Questions

Have you ever played those quiz games in a sports bar? Someone's got to come up with all the questions and choices! In addition, quiz games are proliferating online.

Ebooks

If you can write longer pieces, then this is the market for you. A typical promotional ebook, written for a company, will run from 10,000 - 20,000 words.

Tech/Comm Writing

Do you have specialized training? Technical writers are some of the best-paid freelancers out there!

Grant Writing

If you don't know how to write a grant application, there are many training programs available--check with your local college or non-profit resource center. If your writing helps others win grants, the flow of work will be steady.

Non-Profit Materials

If you're not interested in the commitment it takes to write grants, you may still be able to offer your services to non-profits in other ways. Most of them need printed marketing materials, newsletters for their members, and web content.

Publishing/ Encyclopedia Databases

These opportunities pop with traditional reference publishers who have put their offerings online. Someone has to research and update all that digital copy and it could be you.

Speechwriting

You may not have the experience to write for the President of the United States, but busy executives or research professors might love to let you tweak their words.

Missions, Goals, Core Values

Look for these opportunities with newly formed companies. Be ready to really get to know the business, product, and leadership.

Manuals/Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Can you put even the most complicated language into simple step-by-step instructions? Then you have a gift—start selling it!

Business Plans and Business Proposals

Again, keep an eye out for newly formed companies in your area, and get on board while they're hot!

Press Releases and Media Kits

The best press releases are creative, with an original hook that's as important as the writing. Some of these pieces are boilerplate, so train yourself first, and then start selling a package price.

Catalog Copy

Do you want to talk about tweeds and colors for the J. Crew catalog? You'll have to delve into this market by starting at the bottom, though.

Ghostwriting

Many of the examples here are a type of ghostwriting. But, if you're not interested in a credit or a byline, learn the basics of writing for publishing under another's name in many different media—books, columns, speeches, etc., for best employability.

Presentations/PowerPoints

This is an especially good fit for writers who are also graphically talented. A good presentation is as much about the visuals chosen as the words used.

Textbooks

Freelance textbook writer and editors are needed as publishers update their copy.

White Papers

If you want to see some big-name Fortune 500 companies on your resume, then learn to write white papers. These are points-of-view on industry issues that companies publish under their brand name.