Below is a list of 10 high-paying websites and platforms that are beginner-friendly and offer new writers the opportunity to earn $100 or more per article. These platforms cover a wide range of niches and offer a great starting point for building a freelance writing career. Each entry includes details on the type of content, payment rates, and tips for getting started based on current information from the web.
1. Listverse
- Focus: Listicles on unusual, interesting, or quirky topics (e.g., history, science, pop culture).
- Pay: $100 per accepted article (1,500+ words, at least 10 items per list).
- Why It’s Great for New Writers: No prior experience is required, and Listverse is open to writers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. They value humor and unique perspectives over polished writing skills.
- How to Get Started: Submit a pitch with your list idea and a brief description of each item. Avoid self-help, sports, or personal stories. Check their submission guidelines for details. Payment is made via PayPal upon publication.
2. Cracked
- Focus: Humorous articles, primarily listicles, on topics like pop culture, history, science, or entertainment.
- Pay: $100 per article for new writers; up to $200 per article after five published pieces; $100 bonus for top 10 articles of the month based on traffic.
- Why It’s Great for New Writers: Cracked has a reputation for accepting new writers with no experience as long as the content is funny and creative. Their writer’s workshop provides a supportive environment for pitching ideas.
- How to Get Started: Register on their site, join the writer’s workshop, and pitch ideas on their message board. Include the article idea, five subtopics, and a whole column. Payment is via PayPal.
3. The Penny Hoarder
- Focus: Personal finance, money-saving tips, and actionable strategies for earning money.
- Pay: Up to $75 per article (700–900 words), depending on complexity and quality; higher rates are possible for detailed pieces.
- Why It’s Great for New Writers: They accept pitches from beginners, provided the ideas are unique and practical. The large readership offers great exposure.
- How to Get Started: Pitch via their online contribution form with a detailed idea, including numbers and strategies. Avoid topics already covered on their site. Payment is made upon publication.
4. Make a Living Writing
- Focus: Articles about freelance writing, pitching tips, and strategies to earn more as a writer.
- Pay: $150+ per article, depending on the assignment.
- Why It’s Great for New Writers: They welcome both new and seasoned writers, and the niche is perfect for those learning the ropes of freelancing. It’s a chance to write about your own experiences as a beginner.
- How to Get Started: Submit a strong pitch or letter of introduction (LOI) showing familiarity with their content. Include a portfolio or samples, even if they’re self-published. Payment details are discussed with the editor.
5. Semaphore
- Focus: Software development, DevOps, and cloud technology (guides, tutorials, case studies).
- Pay: $100–$500 per article, depending on topic and depth.
- Why It’s Great for New Writers: You don’t need to be a professional writer; strong technical knowledge and clear writing are prioritized. Beginners with tech skills can break in.
- How to Get Started: Read their blog to identify content gaps, then pitch a detailed idea with a focus on tutorials or guides. Include screenshots or code samples to boost acceptance chances. Payment is via PayPal or similar platforms.
6. FreshBooks
- Focus: Blog articles for small business owners on money, tech, marketing, and growth.
- Pay: $200+ per article.
- Why It’s Great for New Writers: They seek helpful, upbeat content, and beginners with a knack for business-related topics can succeed. The platform is welcoming to clear, actionable writing.
- How to Get Started: Pitch ideas that align with their audience of freelancers and small business owners. Submit a portfolio or samples to demonstrate your writing ability. Payment is made upon publication.
7. Metro Parent
- Focus: Parenting tips, family activities, and child development for local writers in specific Michigan counties (Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne).
- Pay: Varies, typically $100–$300 per article, depending on length and complexity.
- Why It’s Great for New Writers: They accept pitches from local freelancers, including beginners, and provide editorial guidance to help polish submissions.
- How to Get Started: Pitch article ideas or submit completed drafts with parenting-related samples. Check their submission guidelines for specific requirements. Payment is made via check upon publication.
8. Great Escape Publishing
- Focus: Articles on getting paid to travel, including interviews, personal stories, and income-focused travel tips.
- Pay: $150 for interviews and personal stories; up to $200 for articles with specific income advice.
- Why It’s Great for New Writers: Beginners with travel experience can pitch personal stories or practical guides. The free newsletter helps you understand their style.
- How to Get Started: Sign up for their newsletter to study their content, then submit a detailed pitch with your angle and sources. Payment is made upon publication.
9. A List Apart
- Focus: Web design, development, and user experience (UX) with a focus on emerging trends and best practices.
- Pay: Up to $200 per article.
- Why It’s Great for New Writers: While they prefer experienced writers, beginners with knowledge of web design or development can pitch fresh perspectives. The site values high-quality, well-researched content.
- How to Get Started: Review their submission guidelines and pitch in-depth ideas with a confident, authoritative voice. Include samples or a portfolio to strengthen your pitch. Payment is made upon acceptance.
10. Medium (Partner Program)
- Focus: Any topic (health, wealth, love, etc.), including essays, fiction, or poetry.
- Pay: Varies, around $20 per 1,000 views; potential for $100+ per article with high engagement.
- Why It’s Great for New Writers: Medium is beginner-friendly, allowing you to write on any topic without pitching editors. You need 100 followers to join the Partner Program, but it’s a great way to build a portfolio and earn passive income.
- How to Get Started: Sign up, post consistently to gain 100 followers, and join the Partner Program. Use tags and publications to increase visibility. Payment is based on views from paying Medium members, processed monthly via Stripe.
Tips for Success as a New Writer
- Craft Strong Pitches: Tailor your pitch to each site’s guidelines, showing you’ve researched their content. Please include a precise angle, why it fits their audience, and any relevant samples.
- Build a Portfolio: Even without published work, create sample articles on platforms like Medium or a personal blog to showcase your skills.
- Start Small: Focus on platforms like Listverse or Medium that don’t require experience. Use these to gain clips and confidence.
- Avoid Content Mills: Steer clear of low-paying sites (e.g., $5–$10 per article) to value your time and build a sustainable career.
- Network and Learn: Join writer forums or social media groups to find more opportunities and learn pitching strategies.
Notes
- Payment Timelines: Most platforms pay upon acceptance or publication via PayPal, Stripe, or check. Always confirm payment terms before submitting.
- Niche Focus: Choose platforms that align with your interests or expertise (e.g., tech for Semaphore, parenting for Metro Parent) to increase your chances of acceptance.
- Check Guidelines: Visit each site’s “Write for Us” or submission page for up-to-date requirements, as some may have specific rules or temporary pauses on submissions.
- Caution on X Posts: Some X posts mention platforms like Draft.dev ($780 per article) or DigitalOcean ($300 per article), but these often require technical expertise and may not be beginner-friendly. Always verify claims with the platform’s official guidelines.
For additional opportunities, explore sites like Who Pays Writers to research rates and submission details. Start pitching today to turn your writing into a profitable side hustle.
If you’d like, I can provide more details on pitching strategies or help craft a sample pitch for one of these platforms. Let me know!
