Let’s talk about something that holds way too many talented writers back.
You love to write. You’ve got ideas, maybe even a few unfinished drafts sitting in Google Docs. But deep down, there’s this quiet thought that whispers:
“I’m not a real writer yet.”
Maybe you’ve never been published. Maybe you haven’t made a dime from your words. Maybe you’re just afraid someone’s going to say, “Who do you think you are?”
Sound familiar?
If so, I want to tell you something that could change everything:
That thought is a lie.
And the sooner you let go of it, the sooner you’ll start getting paid to write.
The Lie That Keeps You Stuck
We’ve been taught that to call yourself a “real” writer, you need credentials:
A journalism degree. A book deal. An Instagram-worthy desk setup. Thousands of followers.
But here’s the truth: none of that makes you a writer. Writing does.
If you can write clearly, thoughtfully, and reliably—even just one solid piece—you have a skill that people are actively looking for and willing to pay for.
You don’t have to wait until someone gives you permission.
You’re allowed to start now.
What Happens When You Let That Go
When you stop holding yourself back with this idea that you’re “not ready,” things start to shift—quickly.
Suddenly, you feel confident enough to:
Share your writing publicly (even if it’s just on Medium or LinkedIn)
Apply to beginner-friendly freelance gigs
Offer to write blog posts or emails for small businesses or creators
Introduce yourself as a writer without apologizing or overexplaining
And from there? Things build.
That first $50 gig might not feel huge. But it’s proof. Proof that your words have value. And from that moment on, it gets easier to believe it.
How Real People Are Getting Paid to Write
Let’s keep this grounded. This isn’t about becoming the next viral Substack star overnight.
It’s about doing what real writers are already doing:
Writing blog posts for small businesses
Creating social media captions or email newsletters
Ghostwriting articles or LinkedIn content
Writing eBooks or helpful guides
Freelancing through sites like Upwork, Contra, or ProBlogger
Some people start with $20 gigs. Others land $150 articles. A few months in, they’re making $1K/month or more. It’s not magic—it’s momentum.
Your First Step? It's Smaller Than You Think
You don’t need to go all-in tomorrow. Just take one real step today:
Write something. One blog post, one list, one opinion piece. Done is better than perfect.
Put it somewhere. Medium, Substack, LinkedIn—or even just a public Google Doc.
Tell someone. Post about it. Share it with a friend. Let people know: “Hey, I write.”
Apply to one thing. One writing job, one guest blog spot, one freelance pitch.
Start where you are, with what you have. Don’t wait for the “right” time. There’s no secret door to walk through—just a few small steps in the right direction.
Here’s What I Hope You Remember
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to be an expert.
You don’t need permission.
You just have to stop believing the lie that you’re not a real writer—and start acting like someone who believes their words matter. Because they do.
And once you believe that? The rest will come.
You can get paid to write.
You just have to give yourself the chance to prove it.
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