How to Start Earning as a New Writer (Even If You’re Totally Lost)

Ever stare at a blank page, wondering how the heck you’re gonna make money writing? Like, you’ve got ideas, but no clue where to start? I’ve been there, and it’s overwhelming. Good news: you don’t need to have it all figured out to start earning. I’m sharing simple steps that helped me and others go from stuck to making real money in three months. Stick with me—you’ll see how doable this is.

Stop Chasing Your “Passion”

Okay, forget the whole “find your passion” thing. It’s a trap. Most writers I know didn’t start with a burning love for one topic. They figured out what they’re good at while getting paid.

Here’s what worked for me: I listed skills I already had, like explaining tricky stuff simply or telling a good story. Then I looked at what’s in demand—like, businesses need clear blog posts or snappy social media content. I tried a few small gigs to see what clicked. One friend of mine thought she’d write deep personal essays, but she found out she’s a rockstar at breaking down techy stuff for startups. She made $800 in two months writing their newsletters.

Write down five things you’re naturally good at (storytelling, researching, whatever). Google three industries that need those skills (like tech, health, or finance). Test one with a small project, like a blog post for a local business. See what feels good and pays.

Your Portfolio Isn’t About Fancy Words

Big mistake I made early on? My portfolio was all “look at my pretty writing!” Nobody cared. Clients want solutions, not poetry. They’re asking, “Can you fix my problem?”

I helped a buddy, Jake, redo his portfolio. He was writing tech articles that showed off his smarts but got zero bites. We switched it up to highlight results: “Wrote guides that cut customer complaints by 20%.” Boom—he landed a $500 gig in weeks.

Try this: Pick three pieces you’ve written (even if they’re just samples). Rewrite the descriptions to show what problem they solved. Like, “This post got 50% more clicks for a small biz.” No results yet? Make up a realistic example and write a sample that fits.

Don’t Just Write Every Day—Experiment Smart

“Write every day” sounds nice, but it’s useless if you’re writing stuff that goes nowhere. I wasted months churning out productivity tips because I thought I should like it. Spoiler: I didn’t.

Instead, I started doing two-week experiments. First, I tried lifestyle blogs—meh, okay. Then I wrote about the writing life, and it flowed like crazy. Readers loved it too. Data from Substack in 2025 shows writers who test niches early grow audiences 30% faster than those who stick to one topic blindly.

Try this: Plan six weeks, split into three two-week chunks. Each chunk, try a different niche or style (like how-to guides or personal stories). Notice what’s fun and gets traction. Don’t aim for cash yet—just learn what works.

Find Your Secret Sauce (AKA Micro-Expertise)

You don’t need to be an expert in something huge. You’ve got unique knowledge—stuff others would pay for. I call it your micro-expertise. Maybe you’re a pro at meal prepping or you’ve navigated a career change. That’s gold.

I know a mom who started writing parenting tips based on her chaotic life with twins. She wasn’t an “expert,” but her real-talk guides got picked up by a local blog for $200 a pop. Everyone’s got something—your old retail job, a hobby, or even surviving 2024’s craziness.

Try this: Jot down past jobs, hobbies, or challenges you’ve crushed. For each, ask: “What do I know that others struggle with?” Test one idea by pitching a short article to a blog or Substack in that niche.

Balance Your Time Like a Pro

You can’t try everything at once, so I use this trick called the 30-30-30-10 rule. Spend 30% of your time testing writing you enjoy, 30% learning hot skills (like SEO—trust me, it’s easier than it sounds), 30% connecting with other writers or clients, and 10% messing around with fun projects.

For example, I spent a month like this: I wrote career advice posts (testing), took a free SEO course online (skills), joined a writers’ group on X (networking), and wrote a goofy short story just for kicks (fun). That mix kept me sane and helped me land my first $300 gig.

Try this: For the next month, split your writing time this way. For the 10% fun part, try something wild, like a poem or a fanfic. You might discover a hidden strength.

Your First 90 Days Are About Finding You

The biggest mistake new writers make? Copying others or waiting for the perfect plan. Your first three months are about figuring out what you’re great at and what pays. Don’t stress about nailing your “forever niche.” Just start.

In 2025, platforms like Medium and Substack are goldmines for new writers—posts that solve specific problems (like “how to budget on a tight income”) get shared like crazy. Focus on small wins: one paid gig, one post that gets traction. That’s how you build momentum.

One last thing: Start today. Seriously, write one paragraph. Pitch one idea. You don’t need to know it all—just take the first step. What’s one tiny writing move you can make right now? Drop it in the comments or shoot me a message—I’d love to cheer you on.