30+ Websites to Write and Get Paid Instantly

If you have a flair for writing, why not turn this into an income stream?

Whether you want a side gig or are looking to replace your full-time income, there are some great opportunities to get paid instantly for writing content.

Freelance writing allows you to do something you enjoy with the flexibility to work around your current schedule. However, it can be a challenge to find places that will pay you to write. Although there are many content mills around, they tend to be very low-paying. Because freelance writing is hard work, it can become demotivating if you struggle to earn fair compensation for your time.

The websites listed here may not offer the highest-paying writing opportunities (although some are very good), but if you’re struggling to find writing jobs, these opportunities could serve as a way to gain more experience while still making money. Higher-paying writing assignments could come with time.

Opportunities to Write and Get Paid Instantly

1. Listverse

Listverse is considered the original Top 10 website, which not only makes for an interesting read, but also a potential source of income and getting paid instantly. Listverse will pay $100 for your list. You will need to compile an interesting and unique list and send it in. If Listverse approves it, you will receive a reply confirming it will be published and $100 into your PayPal account. You will need a list with at least a paragraph or two per item, so get creative. The worst-case scenario is that your list will be rejected and you will be encouraged to try again.

Learn more here: http://listverse.com/write-get-paid/

2. Wonderslist

Another list site that pays freelance writers for submissions is Wonderslist. If you have a unique, different idea, then turn it into a list. Your list needs to be 10 things with a word count of more than 1500 words. The content needs to be interesting and not have been previously published. You will not only get paid instantly, but also get an author credit on the post, which can be a great line on your freelance writing resume. You will need to get your article approved by the Wonderslist editorial team, and there are some topics that are not permitted, such as gambling, adult content, drugs, or violent content.

Learn more here: https://www.wonderslist.com/write-us/

3. Cracked

Cracked is a popular comedy site with content that is seen by lots of people. While the site is picky about what they will publish, there are no credentials for writers. This means that if you have writing skills and a good idea, you can get paid. Cracked is famous for list-style features, so if you have lots of ideas, it is worth trying to write articles and get published. All you need to do is sign up for the Cracked writers’ forum and follow the submission guidelines.

Learn more here: https://www.cracked.com/write-for-cracked/

4. Tuts+

Tutsplus helps students to learn technical and creative skills through courses and tutorials. So, if you have specialist knowledge or skills, you can get paid to share your experience and ideas. You will need to create a tutorial that can inspire people to learn a new skill. You will need to submit a request and follow the submission guidelines.

Learn more here: https://tutsplus.com/teach

5. SitePoint

Sitepoint produces information hubs with a focus on creating content for a linear path for skills, such as web performance and React. The content is determined in advance and assigned to authors, but ideas are welcome. The site has an embedded form to apply, and if you’re approved, you will be added to the contributor pool and contacted when the editors are planning new hubs. You will need to be prepared to meet specific guidelines and produce engaging, high-quality content.

Learn more here: https://www.sitepoint.com/write-for-us/

6. Smashing Magazine

Smashing Magazine is a publication for web developers and web designers, so if you have an interest or experience in this niche, you could earn extra cash as a contributor. Smashing Magazine publishes tutorials, opinion pieces, case studies, and longer guides. The editors prefer to see initial outlines before you submit a completed article, so the content can be refined to something acceptable. You will not only be paid for your content but receive a byline, which boosts your freelance writing profile. Read through the writing process guide and use the contact form to submit your ideas.

Learn more here: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/write-for-us/

7. Photoshop Tutorials

Photoshoptutorials.ws allows you to share a tutorial with thousands of site visitors each day. You can earn anywhere from $50 to $300 for quick tips through to full tutorials. You don’t need to have a tutorial ready before submitting the form, so you can check if it qualifies for publication.

Learn more here: https://www.photoshoptutorials.ws/money-photoshop/

8. InstantShift

As a freelance writer, you can make money online writing articles for InstantShift. They require articles on design-related topics, and they pay based on the quality and volume of the content. You don’t need specific experience or requirements, but you need to produce fresh, creative content that is well-researched. You will need to provide some information to identify yourself as the writer of the post and use the website form for submissions.

Learn more here: http://www.instantshift.com/contribute/

9. DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean supports tech-focused charities and non-profits, and the Write for Donations program supports creating content for the site’s public knowledge base. You can earn $300 for a typical tutorial, and the site matches every payout with a charitable donation.

Learn more here: https://www.digitalocean.com/write-for-donations/

10. Make A Living Writing

Make A Living Writing pays for guest posts about the business of freelance writing for $75 to $150 per post. This includes posts about blogging, copywriting, ghostwriting, work-life balance, marketing, moving up to earn more, productivity, self-publishing, and writing craft. You will need to pitch your ideas and follow the Facebook page for notifications of when the pitch programs open.

Learn more here: https://www.makealivingwriting.com/why-i-pay-writers/

11. Writers Weekly

Writers Weekly focuses on articles about making money writing and pays $60 for 600-word articles. You will need to avoid generic topics and think about whether your article will help the reader make money from writing. You will need to submit a query letter and will usually receive a reply within a week.

Learn more here: https://writersweekly.com/writersweekly-com-writers-guidelines

12. Funds for Writers

Funds for Writers require articles about earning a living writing. The articles need to be 500 to 600 words with a payment of $50 for original articles. Avoid rambling when you write articles, as the editors want concise content that gets to the point. Your article must be themed around earning your living as a writer, so avoid generic subjects and think about unique tips and ideas, unusual income streams, success stories, and pointers for winning contests.

Learn more here: https://fundsforwriters.com/submissions/

13. The Barefoot Writer

Earn money writing articles for Barefoot Writer, which is a popular subscription magazine helping people to make money from home as freelance writers. You can get $100 to $300 for a published article, but you will need to follow the submission guidelines carefully. You should also be aware that The Barefoot Writer does receive lots of pitches each week, so it is not possible to respond to everyone. Generally, if you’ve not heard back within two weeks of submitting your pitch, consider it rejected and try to think of another article idea to submit.

Learn more here: http://www.thebarefootwriter.com/submission-guidelines

14. FreelanceMom

If you’re a mom looking for freelance writing jobs, The FreelanceMom just might be it for you. This community supports freelance or solopreneur moms. They enjoy content that offers actionable, practical advice, tips, or case studies between 900 and 1500 word count. It is a good idea to use your personal experience, so this is really more suited to writers who are parents. The content must be original, and you will receive $75 to $100 via PayPal.

Learn more here: http://www.freelancemom.com/guest-post-guidelines/

15. IncomeDiary

If you’re a professional writer, you can start writing for IncomeDiary and get paid by sharing your expertise. Articles need to be of the highest standard, but you can receive up to $200. You can use the online form to submit your post idea, and you will receive writing instructions.

Learn more here: https://www.incomediary.com/write-for-incomediary

16. The Penny Hoarder

Share your writing skills on The Penny Hoarder and earn money online. They want original articles on a variety of topics from cricket farming to couponing. The posts need to be between 700 to 900 words, practical and fun, particularly if they are based on personal experience.

Learn more here: https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/contributor-guidelines/

17. Money Pantry

Money Pantry looks for posts of 700 words or more written in a friendly “blog” style that helps the reader. You can add a short bio to promote your writing, and you’ll be paid $30 to $150 per blog post depending on the quality and usefulness of the content.

Learn more here: https://moneypantry.com/contribute/

18. The Dollar Stretcher

The Dollar Stretcher is a collective of publications promoting “living better for less,” providing readers with ways to save money and time. You can write and get paid on this frugal living blog but you need to query your post idea before submission, and it should be up to 800 words. There are hundreds of articles already on the blog, so pitching an idea is crucial before you start to draft your post. The Dollar Stretcher will not accept articles that repeat already published content, so wait until your pitch is checked. If the concept is approved, you’ll receive $0.10 per word, so that is $100 for a 1000-word article.

Learn more here: https://www.stretcher.com/menu/writers.cfm

19. International Living Magazine

The International Living magazine offers writing jobs that are focused on living, retiring, real estate, and traveling around the world. This is not a travel magazine, so tips, tricks, and insider insight articles work best. Approved articles can command a rate of $225 for a 900-word piece, and if your photographs are used, you will receive an additional $50 for one-time use.

Learn more here: https://internationalliving.com/about-il/write-for-il/write-for-international-living-magazine/

20. International Living’s Daily Postcards

Another area where you can make money with International Living is with the Daily Postcards section. If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen overseas, you can earn money online telling your story. Generally, postcards are at least 600 words and published postcards are paid at a rate of $100. It is worth signing up for the Daily Postcards archive to familiarize yourself with the style before you submit your ideas.

Learn more here: https://internationalliving.com/about-il/write-for-il/write-for-international-livings-daily-postcards/

21. Fund Your Life Daily and The Savvy Retiree

The third area where you can make money with International Living is the Fund Your Life Daily e-letter. Stories range from 500 to 700 words and are paid at a rate of $100.

Learn more here: https://internationalliving.com/about-il/write-for-il/write-for-fund-your-life-daily-and-the-savvy-retiree/

22. The Travel Writer’s Life

The Travel Writer’s Life publishes articles on getting paid to travel. So, if you have enjoyed success in travel writing or photography, you can share your insider tips. Submissions should be up to 600 words, and you can receive $50 to $200 depending on the type of content.

Learn more here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/writers-guidelines/

23. Matador Network

The Matador Creator community is a collective of writers, photographers, filmmakers, and editors. There is a board of the latest writing jobs, so you may find a project that is perfect for your location, interest, and skillset. Remuneration depends on the specific project, but you can expect great rates.

Learn more here: https://creators.matadornetwork.com/

24. Great Escape Publishing

Great Escape Publishing looks for articles on getting paid to travel. The pay is $150 for personal stories, articles, and interviews. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the publication to meet the subscription guidelines.

Learn more here: https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/writers-guidelines/

25. Clubhouse Magazine

The Clubhouse Magazine inspires and teaches Christian values to children aged 8 to 12. The team offers freelance writing jobs focusing on contemporary stories, historical fiction, choose your adventure, and non-fiction. Generally, the pay is 15 to 25 cents a word, depending on editing requirements.

Learn more here: https://www.clubhousemagazine.com/submission-guidelines

26. Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family looks for practical, hands-on parenting content of up to 300 words. This includes tips and tricks that you were surprised worked, and guidance to help children become motivated or calm their emotions. The pay is $50 on acceptance.

Learn more here: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/magazine/call-for-submissions

27. Dame

Write and get paid by Dame, which looks for features covering reproductive rights, civil rights, politics, race, gender, disability, cultural trends, and LGBTQ. They offer competitive rates depending on the type of feature. You need to promote a strong viewpoint with an original voice, but the reported pay is $200 per post.

Learn more here: https://www.damemagazine.com/about/

28. Her View from Home

Her View from Home covers categories including parenting, family, relationships, and faith. You can submit original and previously published pieces in 600 to 800 words. The pay is related to the number of views, but it can be up to $100.

Learn more here: https://herviewfromhome.com/contact-us/write-for-her/

29. JustParents

Earn money writing for Just Parents, which publishes information for primarily first-time parents and pregnant couples. Articles are typically informational pieces or lighthearted opinion articles between 700 and 1500 words. Just Parents provides a style guide to help you to familiarize yourself with suitable content. You will need to submit a pitch and get approval before you start writing, but payment is via PayPal within a day of the article’s approval.

Learn more here: https://www.justparents.co.uk/write-for-justparents/

30. This Old House

If you’ve renovated your home and completed most of the work yourself, you can share your experience and earn $250. You must send copies of a floor plan, a description of the work, and before and after pictures. You’ll receive a payment if your project is featured.

Learn more here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/tell-us-your-story

31. EatingWell

Get paid to write for EatingWell, which is a food magazine focused on eating healthily. The publication is looking for ideas for articles that fit into a specific department. This includes food stories, good health, travel, trends, and good life. On approval, there is a lead time of up to 6 months and a pay rate of $1 per word.

Learn more here: http://www.eatingwell.com/article/290691/writers-guidelines/

32. The Change Agent

The Change Agent is focused on adult learners. Submissions must meet the publication deadline and be up to 1000 words. Publishing calls are published twice each year, typically in August and February for submission in November and May respectively. Submissions are reviewed, and approved articles are paid at $50.

Learn more here: https://changeagent.nelrc.org/write-for-us/

32. Dropzone

Dropzone provides factual, quality content in different styles from general articles to reviews and press releases. There are word counts for specific categories and different rates. You will need to contact Dropzone for further details and compensation.

Learn more here: https://www.dropzone.com/articles/about/dropzonecom-article-submission-guidelines-r688

33. Eureka Street

Eureka Street accepts submissions of up to 800 words, but you need to adhere to the writer guidelines. The articles need to provide commentary or ethical analysis of religion, politics, current events, and popular culture around the world. Approved articles are paid at $200 for up to 1000 words. Before submission, you need to familiarize yourself with the Eureka Street style to increase the chances of your article being published.

Learn more here: http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=33927#.VjraH2SrT

Final Thoughts

Starting a new career is not easy and kickstarting your freelance writing career is no exception. Although it is possible to grind out a part-time income writing for content mills, if you want to earn a serious wage, you need to look around for sites that will pay for your efforts.

It can be overwhelming to think about where to start, but these 30 plus sites that pay you instantly for your writing should be a great stepping stone to a fantastic new career. Even as a newbie with no writing experience, you can still get paid good rates for your original and interesting writing ideas. Hopefully, this list has shown where you can start, but it is just the tip of the iceberg, with hundreds of sites that pay for contributing writer content.

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