So You Want to Get Paid to Write? Five Tips on How to Start

You’ve got the passion, the curiosity, maybe even a few scrappy blog posts, and you know you want to write. But how do you actually get paid for it? 

For many aspiring writers, especially those entering journalism, the biggest challenge isn’t writing the story. It’s navigating the business side of freelancing: pitching, negotiating, invoicing and connecting with editors who say “yes” and pay on time. 

Here’s how to get started. 

1. Start With What You Have 

Don’t wait for a byline in The New York Times to call yourself a journalist. If you’ve written for a student publication, a community newsletter or your own blog, that’s a portfolio. 

Build a simple website showcasing your best work. Free tools like WordPress, Carrd or Wix can help. A clean, professional landing page with two to five clips is often enough to start sending pitches. 

2. Learn What Editors Want 

A good pitch isn’t a finished piece, it’s a compelling summary of what you want to write, and why you’re the right one to write it. 

Keep it short. Aim for one tight paragraph with a clear headline, a strong hook and a sense of how your idea fits the publication’s tone and audience. Knowing and understanding a publication’s typical stories can significantly increase your chances of getting accepted. 

3. Know Where to Pitch 

Publications will often have a separate submissions or contact page on their websites with pitch guidelines. These pages are often found in the footer or under sections like “Write for Us,” “Pitch Us” or “Contribute,” often found in the website footer or about us section. 

Some outlets also list individual editors, helping you tailor your pitch to the right person. So, make sure you tailor your pitch accordingly — don’t send an arts piece to the sports desk. If no contacts are listed, tools like Muck Rack, LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) can help you find the right editor. 

4. Ask About Payment 

Before you pitch, find out if the publication pays, and if so, how much. Some places list their rates publicly, but if not, don’t hesitate to ask upfront or search up crowd-sourced rate databases online. 

Knowing the rate ahead of time can help you decide whether the assignment is worth your time. 

5. Track Your Work 

Freelancing involves staying organized. Create a basic spreadsheet to track: 

• Where and when you pitched 

• Accepted stories and deadlines 

• Invoicing and payment status 

When a piece is accepted, ask who handles invoices and what details they need. If payment is late, follow up. You’re not being difficult, you’re being professional. 

Pro tip: you can find and customize free invoice templates with a quick Google search. 

Freelance writing isn’t a dream — it’s a job. Like any job, it comes with logistics, paperwork and practice. The more seriously you treat your work, the more seriously others will too.