How to Start your Writing Career in 2025

Take a moment to think about the success stories of authors like Amish Tripathi, Jhumpa Lahiri, or Arundhati Roy. These writers didn’t just write books—they built successful careers from their words. From being invited to prestigious literary fests to speaking at high-profile conclaves and conferences, these authors are living proof that writing can be incredibly rewarding. And let’s not forget about the fan clubs they’ve built, the loyal readers who eagerly await their every book release, and the global recognition they enjoy.

For most people, The dream of being a writer somewhere aligns with long hours connecting over words, hoping for writing something engaging. The traditional narrative says that writing careers either involve publishing a bestselling book or writing SEO blog everyday for a better reach. But here’s the truth—those paths are just the tip of the iceberg.

Whether you’re an experienced writer or just getting started, there are countless opportunities to earn well with your writing skills. You don’t have to wait for a publishing deal or work for pennies per word. Here’s where the real money is:

1. Medium Partner Program

Medium is one of the best platforms for making money with your writing and many people start their writing journey through this platform. The Medium Partner Program allows you to earn based on the engagement your articles generate.

The platform is very multidimensional where personal essays, niche productivity hacks, and even deep dives into unique topics perform exceptionally well here. The key is engagement—the more people interact with your content, the more you earn. So, remember to reply to comments, share your articles on social media, and engage with other writers. Write content people can’t resist sharing. Your earnings grow as your articles get more eyes.

It is extremely essential to understand what constitutes valuable content within the community of the platform. You will gain a better understanding of the content strategies after exploring successful Medium Publications. There must be authenticity, insightful analysis and clear articulation of the content to cultivate a dedicated readership.  Try to post relevant content consistently while also engaging with other writers to build a following.

2. NewsBreak

NewsBreak might be the perfect platform for you if you know how to capitalize on current events. This news app rewards writers with compensation based on the number of views their articles receive. The catch? News moves quickly, so you have to be able to write quickly and post content while it’s still relevant.

You are supposed to write about trending topics, local news and substantiate a unique perspective on viral events. You will earn on the basis of number of views your post gets. The quicker you publish, the higher your chances of grabbing attention.Use NewsBreak’s trending section to spot hot topics early. Your ability to publish fast will give you a major advantage.

NewsBreak’s focus on trending news necessitates a different skill set than platforms like Medium. One must have journalistic integrity and accuracy to maintain a crucial credibility of the content. Writers who offer personal interpretations and insights are likely to attract significant audience. It’s also important to be aware of NewsBreak’s content guidelines and avoid publishing sensationalized or misleading information.

3. Substack

What’s better than writing? Writing for yourself. Substack upholds a standard to remain leading platforms for writing whatever you want. You can create a newsletter and make money directly from your readers. You set the terms—whether it’s a paid subscription or a free preview with premium content.

It’s one of the most effective ways to establish a personal brand. There is no set algorithm of the content so your success is totally based on what you deliver to the audience. Focus on building your first 100 subscribers from your existing network. Once you’ve got that foundation, promote your work unapologetically and watch it grow.

4. Upwork & Fiverr

Upwork and Fiverr are classic platforms for those who can potentially deliver tailored content to clients These platforms are ideal for freelance writers who specialize in ghostwriting, copywriting, or editing.

What sets successful freelancers apart? To stand out on these platforms, you shouldn’t just apply got gigs but also create mock samples to attract clients who pay more.  

Build an impressive portfolio with personalized writing samples. The more specific you get about your niche, the more likely you are to land big-paying gigs.

5. LinkedIn Articles

If you are addicted to Linkedin scrolling then you might have found out a  marketing expert, tech-guru, or business consultant who provides a high-quality thoughtful content. Well-researched articles on LinkedIn can catch the eye of potential clients, employers, or collaborators.

On platforms like Linkedin, the first two lines of your article matter most. If they don’t grab attention immediately, people will scroll right past. Start with a compelling hook—pose a question or state a bold opinion. This increases your chances of getting noticed and potentially landing paid opportunities.

6. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers a platform where you can self-publish your work and earn money per sale. Those who dream of writing books, whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, Amazon makes it easier than ever to sell your book to a global audience. It is essential to make sure that one thing that can one make or break your success is presentation—a bad book cover can resist your sales before you even get started. Invest in professional book design to make your book stand out in a global marketplace.

7. Patreon & Ko-fi

Patreon and Ko-fi allow you to get paid directly by your audience. If you have a loyal following, These platforms are perfect for offering exclusive content if you have a loyal following. For as little as INR 300- 400 per month, readers can subscribe to your content, giving you a steady stream of income. It is better to start with a low-cost subscription tier to attract more people, and offer premium content that entices them to upgrade.

8. Build a Personal Brand

If you are someone who is creative and willing to contribute significantly among various genres of writing then you can always think of working towards building a personal brand. You should first organize and plan for the kind of content you want to provide the audience. Build a team, create a professional website, maintain active social media profiles, and engage with your audience to build trust and credibility.

It requires consistent effort and strategic planning to cultivate a personal brand. The overall website designing and content of your professional website serves as a central hub for showcasing your work, highlighting your expertise, and providing contact information. Social media platforms offer valuable avenues for engaging with your target audience, sharing your insights, and building relationships with potential clients or collaborators. It is suggested to avoid simply self-promoting; instead, focus on providing value to your audience through insightful content and meaningful interactions.

9. Continuous Learning and Improvement

Your writing reflects how well read you are. It is crucial to read everyday for developing critical understanding of the act of writing. Engage yourself in workshops and events to improve your writing. Attend conferences and conclaves to be in touch of the current affairs. Connect with people from different backgrounds and learn new skills from them. The more you learn, the better your writing will become which will further lead to more opportunities and higher earnings.

10. Network with Other Writers

There are many writing communities, both online and offline where you can share your work and have a look at what others are doing too. Networking can lead to collaborations, referrals, and valuable feedback that can enhance your writing career.

The idea that writing doesn’t pay is simply a myth. But it is crucial to understand that building a sustainable writing career requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape. Strategic approach towards developing content significantly contributes to achieve financial success. Networking with other writers and engaging with writing communities across globe can provide invaluable support and guidance. The thing is that achieving financial success by writing is not just a dream; it is an achievable goal for those who are willing to invest the necessary time, effort, and strategic thinking.

Whether it’s through Medium, NewsBreak, or platforms like Substack and Upwork, the potential to earn is immense. The key is to learn how to monetize your skills in the right way.

What’s your next step? Which platform are you going to explore first? Let us know in the comments!