So you want to start an online writing business.
Welcome to the club. Population: everyone with a Wi-Fi signal and a story to tell. But here's the thing: while the internet is bursting at the seams with writing advice (and ChatGPT-generated fluff), actually building a sustainable, profitable writing business? That takes more than a caffeine addiction and a Medium account.
Let’s get real: if you're here, you're probably wondering how to actually turn your writing into a business. One that doesn’t burn you out, bankrupt you, or become just another unfinished Google Doc.
Good news: I’m here to walk you through what works, what’s a waste of time, and how to build something real without selling your soul (or your voice) to the content mill gods.
What Is an Online Writing Business?
Let’s start with the basics. An online writing business isn’t just “writing on the internet.” It’s a structured ecosystem that generates income through your words whether you’re offering services, selling products, building digital assets, or (gasp!) doing all three.
Think of it like this:
- You’re not just a writer.
- You’re a publisher. A teacher. A brand. A business owner.
You’re running the show, even if your current office is your couch and your co-worker is a very demanding cat.
Business Models: How Writers Make Money Online
Here are a few models I’ve tried, tested, or seen others profit from:
1. Freelance Writing (a.k.a. The Gateway Drug)
This is where most of us start. Pitching articles, ghostwriting, content writing for brands. It pays the bills—sometimes well—but it’s also time-for-money. Scale is limited.
2. Self-Publishing Books
You write. You publish. You keep most of the profits. It’s not passive (despite what some YouTube bros claim), but it’s powerful.
→ Here’s my step-by-step guide to self-publishing if you're ready to dive in.
3. Digital Products
Think writing templates, mini-courses, PDF workbooks, Notion kits. These scale well and can be sold on autopilot (with the right funnel). Yes, I said funnel. No, don’t run. We’ll get to that.
4. Content Platforms
Newsletter + blog + social = your media empire. You grow your audience and monetize via ads, affiliate links, or paid subscriptions.
5. Courses & Coaching
Once you’ve got proof of concept and a little authority, you can teach what you know. People pay for clarity, not just content.
6. Brand Partnerships & Sponsored Content
Once your platform grows, brands will pay for access to your audience. Just make sure you're not selling your soul for $45 and a free planner.
Monetization Tactics (That Don’t Feel Gross)
You’ve got the business model. Now how do you actually make money?
✅ Build Your Email List
Start yesterday. Social media is rented land; email is yours. I use Beehiiv to send my weekly newsletter. It’s where I get the most engaged readers, honest feedback, and sales.
👇 Subscribe to The Writer’s Code — it’s free, fun, and full of hot takes on writing, habits, and creative work:
✅ Package Your Knowledge
Turn your writing process into a guide. Turn your niche into a template. People want shortcuts—they’ll pay for what you’ve learned the hard way.
✅ Sell the Result, Not the Process
People don’t want “10,000 words on storytelling.” They want to finish their damn novel. Always lead with outcomes, not effort.
✅ Diversify, but Don’t Overwhelm
One offer at a time. Nail it. Automate it. Then build the next thing. Don’t try to sell books, a course, a mastermind, and a mug in week one. You’ll cry. I did.
Marketing Strategies (That Don’t Make You Cringe)
Let’s be honest: most writing business marketing either feels spammy, scammy, or like shouting into the void.
1. Create Evergreen Content
Blog posts, newsletters, and YouTube videos live longer than Instagram reels. Write things people will Google a year from now.
2. Use Social Media Strategically
Pick one platform. Learn the rules. Batch your content. Don’t live there. Social media should bring people into your world, not trap you in theirs.
3. Repurpose Like a Lazy Genius
That blog post? It’s a Reel, a newsletter, and five tweets. Be consistent, not original 24/7.
4. SEO Isn’t Dead. It’s Just Wearing Glasses Now.
Use keywords that real humans search. Like “how to write a book” or “how to self-publish”—not “synergistic narrative empowerment.” Bonus points if you fact-check your content and edit AI writing like a real human. Google eats that up now.
Real Talk: What to Expect
Building an online writing business is not a weekend project. You’ll battle self-doubt. You’ll question if anyone’s reading. Some months will be crickets.
But eventually? You'll get an email from a reader who says, “Your writing helped me.” And that? That makes it all worth it.
TL;DR: Your Game Plan
- Pick your writing business model.
- Create one great offer.
- Build your email list.
- Share useful content.
- Rinse. Repeat. Profit (eventually).
And don’t forget—if you’re serious about this, bookmark my self-publishing guide. It’s your roadmap to going from writer to published author.
You don’t need permission to start a writing business.
But hey, if you’re looking for a sign… this is it.
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