In 2019, I was a newbie freelance writer with no qualifications, no experience, and no idea how to find creative writing jobs.
Fast-forward three years, and I’m a full-time writer at a marketing agency and a Smart Blogger freelancer on the side.
So I can tell you it is possible to find creative writing jobs and start a lucrative side hustle or full-time business — even without experience or qualifications.
This post will round up the 22 best places to land your first paid writing gig.
Many of these platforms have helped me find work, and they can do the same for you.
What Types of Jobs Can You Find in Creative Writing?
Creative writing is a broad term that covers a range of writing types and jobs, including:
- Blogging
- Content marketing
- Copywriting
- Freelance writing online
- Self-publishing
- Ghostwriting
- Video game writing
- Screenwriting
- Greeting card writing
- Editing
- And more
For most of these, all you need is hard work, confidence, and a pinch of luck – no prior work experience or degree required!
21+ Places to Find Creative Writing Jobs
Whether you’re looking for a remote writing job, aspiring to be a screenplay writer, or dreaming of life as a creative copywriter, you’ll find something on this list.
1. Upwork
Upwork is where many freelance writers land their first gigs, and there are even some success stories. Here, you’ll find technical writing, short story writing — and everything in between.
Clients looking for freelance writers post job listings here, and pay rates vary. To access these opportunities, sign up for an Upwork account, download the app, complete your profile, and submit proposals. If selected, the lister will contact you.
2. Blogging Pro
Blogging Pro is a job board that posts creative writing opportunities from around the internet. You’ll find pretty much any type of writing work on here, such as ongoing contract positions and one-off freelance jobs.
Posters pay a hefty $199 to list their job, so you’re more likely to find high-quality jobs here. Each listing contains the job description and a link to the job poster’s website.
3. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is a global platform listing a variety of online and remote jobs. It’s an excellent place to look if you want to specialize in a specific niche, such as food, finance, or health.
Pay rates vary depending on the job. To apply, first register as a member, then choose your subscription option for full access to job postings — prices start at $9.95 per week.
4. ProBlogger
ProBlogger has a special place in my heart, as it’s where I landed my first-ever freelance gig, writing for a coaching website that paid me $100 per article. It’s an online job board where people look for everything from content writers for big data analysis to YouTube video script writers.
Pay rates and application processes vary depending on the job poster. To apply, you’ll need to register as a member.
5. IWriter
IWriter is an online marketplace that connects freelance writers with businesses that need them. Here’s how it works.
Clients request an article on a specific topic, and the platform assigns a writer to create it. Writers earn 65% of the price of the article, with a sliding scale depending on the quality of the work. You receive an additional 5% if the requester asks explicitly for you.
To apply, go to the “Write Content” section, fill out the application form, and answer two writing prompts. Once approved, IWriter will assign you to content requests.
6. Freelancer
Freelancer is another marketplace that connects businesses with freelance writers. Categories include SEO, finance, ghostwriting, brochure writing, gaming, review writing, legal, and more.
Rates depend on the client and project. To apply, simply create a profile, browse job posts, and submit your bid.
7. Contena
Contena is a membership platform that provides training and resources for freelance writers, but their USP is their job board. Now, Contena rounds up some of the best-paid gigs from around the internet, and it’s common to see jobs that pay $3,000-$5,000 per month.
The Contena job board has a bit of everything, including:
- Web copy
- SEO blog posts
- Content manager roles
- Non-fiction books
- Wellness
- Video games
Membership starts at $40 per month.
8. Craigslist
Craigslist is a classifieds website that began in New York in 1995 and now serves over 700 cities in 70 countries.
It’s a great way to connect with local businesses looking for writers in your area — but exercise caution and vet any opportunities carefully before applying, as the platform is notorious for scams (more on this later!).
9. Freelance Writing Jobs
Freelance Writing Jobs gathers opportunities from around the web and posts them daily. Listers can also post a job for 30 days by paying $30.
Categories of writing opportunities include:
- Content and copywriting
- Editing
- Journalism
- Grant writing
- Technical writing
- Miscellaneous
Rates depend on the job posting but can range anywhere from $25 to $150 per day. Each listing takes you to the client’s website, so the application process depends on their requirements.
10. Freelance Writers Den
Freelance Writers Den is a membership website providing resources and training to help freelance writers launch or uplevel their careers.
Membership costs $40 per month, which gives you access to the website’s curated list of publications, websites, and blogs looking to hire content writers.
11. Constant Content
Constant Content is a “write-to-play” marketplace where writers pre-write articles on topics of their choice, then clients browse and buy them.
Job posters generally pay .10 cents per word per article, and the writer receives 65% of the total fee.
To apply, fill in the sign-up form, take a quiz, and submit your first article.
12. Scripted
Scripted is also a marketplace, offering jobs across a broad array of content types, including:
- Blog posts
- Web copy
- Press releases
- Product descriptions
- Newsletters
- Transcriptions
- Social media posts
- Video scripts
Writers set their own rates, meaning you have more control over your income. In addition, Scripted encourages writers to apply based on subject matter expertise and develop long-term relationships with agencies and clients.
Once your application is approved, you can bid on opportunities, attract clients with your profile and portfolio, or accept jobs instantly through their SmartMatch system.
13. Online Writing Jobs
Online Writing Jobs is another platform that connects companies with US-based writers. Clients request projects, and writers submit their proposals. There are even opportunities to work on multiple-month projects for consistent income.
Sectors include:
- Automotive
- Science
- Education
- Technology
- Health
- Travel.
Pay ranges from $15 to $50 per article. To get started, complete the writer application form, then submit your writing sample, W9 tax form, and proof of US residency.
14. Mediabistro
Mediabistro is a job board specifically for media professionals —including creative writers!
Writing jobs include:
- Copywriting
- Proofreading
- Editorial
- Social media management.
Rates depend on the client. To apply, sign up for membership for $14.99 per month. You’ll get access to courses, webinars, and Freelance Connect, their service that connects freelancers with editors, agencies, and media companies.
15. Writers Work
Writers Work’s mission is to help you launch your freelance writing career. They gather writing jobs from their partners at job agencies to offer content writing jobs, including blogging, copywriting, and social media. Writers Work’s dashboards and writing tools help you manage your work, deadlines, and clients.
Rates range from $20 to $65 per hour. Sign up with a one-time payment of $94 or a monthly fee of $15. Complete your profile and portfolio, and start receiving relevant job matches on your dashboard.
16. All Freelance Writing
All Freelance Writing is an online job board that also provides resources for building your freelance writing career. You’ll find opportunities from around the web, with topics as varied as cigars, disability law, and finance, as well as calls for submissions from online publications like Bustle and Greatist.
Rates range from $1-$750 per article. To apply, fill out the online form and attach your resumé and cover letter.
17. Medium
Medium is a blogging platform where writers can publish their content and earn money through the Partner Program. One writer earned $16,685.50 for a single story!
To be eligible for the Partner Program, you must be in one of the countries listed on the Medium website. If you are, create a Medium account, write at least one post, and gain 100 followers. Then, submit your bank account and taxpayer information, put articles behind a paywall, and publish at least once every six months to stay active.
Pay depends on how many people read your member-only stories, how long they spend reading them, and how many people you refer to Medium. Pro tip: If you refer someone, you get half their monthly membership fee!
18. American Writers and Artists Institute
The American Writers and Artists Institute specializes in direct response copywriting. It provides training courses on building your direct response copywriting business and access to their job board, WritersWanted.
You’ll find all kinds of content and copywriting jobs, including health, graphic design, B2B, and more. To apply, join Writers Wanted for $49 per month.
19. LinkedIn
On LinkedIn, you can browse job postings and connect with business professionals around the world who might just need a writer like you.
Set up a job alert to be notified when opportunities matching your criteria are published. You can also generate inbound leads by regularly posting great content and building your online presence.
20. Indeed
Indeed is a global job platform where you’ll find all kinds of remote and in-person writing jobs.
Rates depend on the position and employer. To apply, sign up for an Indeed account, search for job listings by job type, location, or salary, and submit your application.
21. Gotham Ghostwriters
Gotham Ghostwriters specialize in, well, ghostwriting jobs. Here you’ll find clients who need writers for:
- Books
- Speeches
- Thought leadership articles
- Blog posts
- Screenplays, and more.
To apply, fill out your online application form, and you’ll receive opportunities that align with your skills and expertise. To bid on one, submit your proposal, and the client will select the writer who aligns most closely with their requirements.
22. ISA Writing Gigs
ISA Writing Gigs is a platform specifically for screenwriters. They list opportunities for everything from low-budget dramas to dark comedies. Most don’t state pay, but market rates apply.
Become an ISA Connect member for $10 per month to submit applications. You’ll also gain access to resources that will help you hone your craft and build your career.
How Much Can Creative Writers Earn?
How much you can earn as a creative writer depends on your writing skills and experience level, but it’s safe to say you can make a decent living as a writer.
Estimates vary, but the average salary for a freelance writer seems to be around $50-$70,000:
- Salary.com places it at $53,286 (range: $39,277-$66,770)
- Recruiter.com estimates $78,680 (range: $35,880 to $133,460)
- Zippia puts it at $73,095 (range: $46,000-$114,000)
Since many creative writing jobs are remote, there are no geographical limits to how much you can earn. So, for example, if you live in India, there’s nothing to stop you from taking a freelance writing gig with a company based in the US or UK.
BEWARE OF SCAMS: Red Flags To Look Out For
Like most things online, there’s a degree of risk involved in looking for creative writing work, as some people are out to hoodwink unsuspecting would-be writers.
With time, you’ll get better at spotting scams and be able to avoid them. But when you’re starting out, be aware of these red flags.
Spam or Fake Job Postings
Some people out there might want to take your work without paying you for it. If you’re not sure about an opportunity, look for one or more of the following in a job post:
- Spelling mistakes and typos
- A lack of detail about the work, rates, company, or payment
- Email addresses that don’t match the company name
- Opportunities that seem too good to be true
Now I could be wrong, and it might be legit, but this post on Upwork checks a lot of those boxes. Plus, the payment is unverified, the user created their account the previous day, and it’s only received 10-15 proposals (quality jobs usually get dozens of applicants).
Charging Fees to Work for Them
Let’s be clear: clients should pay you, not the other way around. If a job listing asks you to pay to submit your work or sign up for a subscription fee, run away fast.
The only exception to this rule is reputable membership platforms — like the ones mentioned above — that provide value and help you build your career.
Dirt Cheap Pay Rates
Honestly, this is why I personally don’t use sites like Upwork or Fiverr. It’s hard to find gigs that pay decent rates on these platforms. Just look at this example I found on ProBlogger where the job poster offers $20-$25 per 1,000 word article. That’s only .02 cents per word!
Slow or Late Payment
Reputable platforms state their pay cycles on the website — if you don’t see that info, it’s a red flag.
When dealing with a private client, make sure you agree on payment terms in advance, ideally in writing. A best practice is to request 50% payment upfront and 50% upon delivery.
You Don’t Get a Say in What You Write
One of my first gigs was with a content mill that paid poorly and assigned me topics I knew nothing about and had zero interest in.
Needless to say — I only lasted a month.
So, focus on writing what you know about and have at least a passing interest in if you want to be a successful freelance writer.
You’re Swimming in a Sea of Creative Writing Jobs — Get Fishing
Three years ago, I never imagined I would be one of those people writing about how they became a successful freelance writer — let alone on a platform like Smart Blogger with an audience of millions.
Yet here we are.
Start today, and in a few months from now, you might be writing one, too — even if you don’t have a creative writing degree or relevant work experience.
So what are you waiting for? Cast your net, and get fishing for your first creative writing job.
