10 Writing Side Hustles You Can Start This Weekend

Sometimes, you just need to figure out how to make legit money—fast. And in this economy? Whew, can’t say I blame you. But before you start Googling “best lighting for feet pictures,” let’s try something a little less…risky: freelance writing.

Here’s why: freelance writing is one of the easiest ways to start making money quickly. You can do it from anywhere, the startup costs are almost zero, and you don’t need a fancy degree. So before you rush off for that pedicure, check out these 10 simple writing side hustles you can start this weekend.

1. Get paid to blog

We all have that one thing we could talk about nonstop. Maybe it’s your obsession with baking sourdough, your love for old TV shows, or your years of experience in marketing. Whatever it is, there’s an online business in that exact niche looking for fresh blog content.

Companies hire freelance bloggers to attract readers, boost SEO, and build credibility and they’ll pay for it. On platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, you can land gigs that pay anywhere from $30–$150 per post. And once you’ve built up some samples, you can even pitch directly to businesses in your niche for steadier, higher-paying work.

2. Sell words that sell (Copywriting)

Before you panic and think, “I don’t even know what copywriting is,” let me stop you. It’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds. Copywriting is simply writing the words that sell… think ads, email campaigns, and sales pages.

If you’re naturally persuasive, good at spotting what makes people tick, or can come up with catchy hooks on the fly, this might be your lane. The best part? Every single business needs copywriting. If you practice, hone your skills, and eventually niche down, the earning potential is huge. Copywriters can make anywhere from $50 to $500 per project, depending on scope and length.

A couple of places to start looking for copywriting gigs: FlexJobs and Upwork.

3. Be the voice behind the posts

Ever wonder how CEOs, business owners, and influencers find time to run companies, attend events, spend time with family, and post witty, engaging content on social media? Here’s the secret: they don’t.

Many of them hire ghostwriters to create posts in their voice. I actually do this myself. I write social media content for two different CEOs. Do I have any formal training in creating social media content? Nope. Just a knack for creative content and mimicking their style so it sounds like them.

Ghostwriting for social media can pay anywhere from $10–$50 per post, or $200–$1,000 if you package your services into a monthly retainer. It’s flexible, creative, and surprisingly fun. Check out opportunities on LinkedIn or job boards like ZipRecruiter.

4. Proofread like a pro

Got an eagle eye and a love for grammar? Put those skills to work by proofreading other people’s writing. From blog posts to books to business reports, there’s always demand for detail-oriented proofreaders who can catch mistakes others miss.

Proofreading typically pays $20–$50 per hour, and once you build a solid reputation, you can raise your rates even higher. A couple of places to start are Reedsy and freelance job boards.

5. Create must-read newsletters

Companies are constantly looking for ways to direct current and potential customers to their websites, and newsletters are one of their go-to strategies. Whether sent by email or posted directly on a company’s site, newsletters help businesses build loyalty and drive sales.

The best part? Businesses rarely need just one. Most want consistent, ongoing content, which means steady work. Writers can usually earn $150–$500 per newsletter. Land a few regular clients, and you’ve suddenly got a reliable income stream.

Try searching “remote newsletter writer” on Indeed or SimplyHired to find opportunities.

6. Script for YouTubers and podcasters

With everyone trying to become an influencer, YouTuber, or podcaster, the demand for engaging scripts has skyrocketed. Creators need content that hooks their audience, keeps them watching or listening, and helps them stand out in a crowded space.

That’s where you come in. If you’re great at storytelling, scriptwriting might be your perfect side hustle. Pay usually runs from $50–$300 per script, depending on length and complexity.

Check out platforms like YT.Careers or Roster to start finding gigs.

Other fast ways to get paid to write

If you don’t have much time this weekend, here are four simple gigs you can start almost immediately:

• 7. Write product descriptions – Etsy shop owners and Amazon sellers are always hiring. Check out Fiverr or Upwork to land your first writing clients.

• 8. Publish a mini eBook –  Have a how-to guide or short story you’re itching to write? Share it on Amazon KDP. It’s free to upload and you could start earning royalties in weeks.

• 9. Content mills – Not glamorous, but they’ll get you writing fast. Try Textbroker or WriterAccess for quick practice and a few dollars per piece.

• 10. Revamp resumes & cover letters – Job seekers will happily pay for polished documents. You can list your services on LinkedIn, FlexJobs, or create a gig on Fiverr.

Ready to start earning?

Whether you’re blogging, proofreading, or ghostwriting for CEOs, there’s an opportunity out there for you to earn side-hustle income (or even build a full-time business.)

So instead of spending hours scrolling job boards or searching for “quick ways to make money,” pick one of these writing hustles and dive in this weekend. Who knows? It could be the start of something big… the side hustle that changes everything.

Want the tools to start earning from hustle #1 by Monday?

Start downloading all your tools to get started right here.