Let’s be real: you don’t need another “how to become a writer” guide that tells you to build a website, grow a huge audience, and post daily on LinkedIn before you make a dime.
You want to earn actual money from your writing — and you want to do it without spiraling into overthinking, imposter syndrome, or analysis paralysis.
This is your 90-day, no-BS guide to getting started. Not perfect. Not overwhelming. Just action.
Phase 1: Get Clear (Days 1–15)
Before you can earn from your writing, you need to get out of the “I want to do everything” mindset and choose a path. You don’t need to know your forever niche — just pick something you can commit to for the next 90 days.
Step 1: Choose your writing path
Ask yourself: What kind of writing do I want to get paid for — and what’s realistic right now?
Some quick-start options:
Writing blog posts or articles for businesses
Copywriting (like emails or website content)
Freelance writing for publications
Creating a paid newsletter
Publishing a short ebook or guide
Don't overthink it. Pick one and go with it. You can always pivot later.
Step 2: Pick a topic or niche (ish)
You don’t need to be an expert — just interested. Start with what you know or care about.
Ideas:
Mental health tips for Gen Z
Fitness content for new moms
SaaS writing for tech startups
Freelance writing about…freelance writing (seriously)
Clarity comes from doing — not from reading 30 blog posts.
Step 3: Create a tiny portfolio
No need for a fancy website. Just gather 2–3 decent samples and put them in a Google Doc, Medium page, or free portfolio site like Contently.
Tip: If you don’t have paid work yet, write a sample as if someone hired you. That counts.
Phase 2: Take Action (Days 16–60)
Okay, deep breath — this is where you actually start putting yourself out there. Not when you're “ready.” Not when your portfolio is perfect. Now.
Step 4: Start pitching, posting, or publishing
Depending on your path:
Freelancers → send cold emails or pitch 5–10 clients/publications per week.
Content writers/bloggers → publish weekly and share it in relevant communities.
Ebook writers → outline and write 500–1,000 words a day. You’ll be shocked how fast it adds up.
Don’t disappear after a week. Keep showing up — even if you’re shouting into the void at first.
Step 5: Use platforms where people are already looking for writers
Not sure where to start? These are goldmines:
Upwork and Fiverr (yes, people make real money there)
Facebook groups for business owners or freelancers
LinkedIn (post tips, share your work, comment on others)
Medium, Substack, or Beehiiv (to build an audience or show your writing style)
Remember: people need writers. You just need to be findable.
Step 6: Celebrate tiny wins
Got your first $50 client? Amazing.
Someone shared your article? Huge.
You showed up and wrote today? That’s the whole game.
Momentum matters more than money in the early days.
Phase 3: Monetize & Grow (Days 61–90)
By now, you’ll have real feedback — what’s clicking, what’s not, and where the money might be hiding. Time to lean into it.
Step 7: Turn your writing into an offer
If you’re freelancing: make a simple services list. People love clear packages like:
2 blog posts/month – $300
Welcome email sequence – $250
If you’re building a writing-based business: turn your content into a paid product (like an ebook, paid newsletter, or Notion template).
You don’t need a funnel or course. Just something valuable that people can buy.
Step 8: Make it easy to pay you
Use Gumroad, PayPal, Stripe, or a simple Google Form. No excuses like “I haven’t built a website yet.”
You don’t need fancy tech. You need an offer, a price, and a way to say: Here’s how to work with me.
Step 9: Reflect, tweak, repeat
What worked in the last 90 days?
What felt fun? What drained you?
Double down on what worked. Ditch what didn’t. That’s how you find your groove — not by planning, but by doing.
A Few Final Words
You’re not behind.
You’re not too late.
You’re not underqualified.
You just haven’t started — yet.
If you take imperfect action every week, stay consistent, and keep learning as you go, you can absolutely be earning from your writing in 90 days. Not “someday.” Not “when you're ready.” Now.
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