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College Essay Guy One-on-One Consulting Services & Pricing

Work with one of our experienced college essay coaches that specialize in helping students brainstorm, draft, and craft their best possible college essays and applications..

Each year, our team helps rising seniors craft outstanding college applications and essays, assisting them on their journey to amazing colleges and universities around the country . . . and the world.

Ready to get started? Reach out to your Program Advisor, or fill out the form linked above and we'll be in touch.

Lasya • Former Student

Aarón (he/him) is a first-generation college graduate based in South Texas. He holds a B.A. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University and, currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, where he is working on a thesis that centers on US-Mexico border life. Aarón is passionate about access to higher education, and he is especially excited to help students articulate their dreams, desires and struggles in what he argues is one of the most challenging literary forms–the personal essay. He believes in radical "word vomit" stages to writing just as much as in incisive editing ones. He is also mindful of the need for creative rest, which allows one to destress from the pressure of churning out ideas by taking time to appreciate and enjoy the creative work of others. Away from his computer you can find Aarón at the gym, at the beach, or reading a book. He loves novels, and he loves talking about them just as much! He is happy to "talk books” anytime. He is currently working on his own fiction novel inspired by the small village communities in Mexico where his parents grew up.

Allison R. (she/her) holds a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from the Savannah College of Art & Design, where she achieved the singular Master’s Outstanding Academic Achievement award for the School of Liberal Arts. A lifelong storyteller and established playwright, Allison has over a decade of experience working with students on their college essays, Musical Theater and Acting auditions, and SAT/ACT preparation. Her goal as an essay coach is to provide every student with the tools to carry them far beyond college applications as both a writer and confident champion of their own story. She firmly believes that every student has a story worth telling and that if they can get their authentic self, unique personality, and humor to shine through on the page, anything is possible. She currently lives in Los Angeles, where she can be found writing in coffee shops, performing with her musical improvisational comedy team, and continuing her pursuit of storytelling at the highest level in theatre and television.

Andy (he/him) attended Stanford and Oxford, earning degrees in Political Science and Drama. He has taught college classes in Los Angeles in Critical Thinking, Sociology, Anthropology of Media, English Composition, and Public Speaking, has helped students gain entrance to Stanford, the Ivies, U Chicago, Northwestern, and other top 25 schools every year for the past decade, and is particularly interested in working to address issues of equity and access in higher education. He has worked with hundreds of students over his career and has spent time living in California, England, Montana, and briefly New Zealand. Over his career, he’s developed a passion for intentional wandering, both in life and in the wilderness. Some of his most valued experiences in that regard include trekking 100km with his brothers to Machu Picchu during a 100-year storm, joining a Maori tribe in New Zealand, and wandering through Patagonia with his wife, Sage.

Brendan (he/him) holds an MA from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, and a newly acquired MBA from the University of Maine. As an educator, he taught in various locations ranging from the bustling streets of Brooklyn to the sunny boulevards of Florida. He is always eager to help students discover and hone their unique writer's voice. He founded a college essay club to assist students in preparing for academic endeavors of the application process and beyond. His preferred method involves collecting sparks, gathering bursts of inspiration, then methodically exploring the ideas, refining thoughts, and refining authentic stories, enabling students to unearth the golden and arduous moments and craft narratives as captivating as any novel. Brendan believes every student has a symphony of thoughts worth hearing; his job is to conduct them in harmony.

Calvin (he/him) studied English Literature at Vassar College and went on to graduate from the prestigious Columbia Teacher’s College at Columbia University. He is a passionate advocate of college access and has guided hundreds of students through the college admissions process and helped students craft essays that have helped them gain admission to some of the most selective colleges in the U.S. He is a passionate reader, writer, and all-around communicator with a deep love of narrative. Having worked in both a classroom setting as an English instructor and through one-on-one college counseling and mentoring, Calvin seeks to leverage structure in writing to elevate students’ stories and help them access their highest college aspirations.

Cat (she/her) is an educator, student advocate, and writing coach with twenty years of experience teaching, editing, and writing. Using what she's learned from teaching every grade level from kindergarten through college, she aspires to meet each writer where they are in the process. She loves to work with students to create written work that is both authentic and intentional. Cat grew up in New England, lived in the Marshall Islands and then California for many years, and now resides in Northwest Montana, where she teaches writing at a tribal college. She spends her free time outside hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, and camping with her family. She loves baking desserts, taking really long road trips, and listening to all kinds of music. Cat earned a BA in English from Dartmouth College and an MA and PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Courtney (she/her) has worked in college admissions and college counseling for nearly a decade. After earning her B.S.B.A and MBA from Elon University, Courtney found herself in a critical leadership position within college admissions, influencing recruitment strategy, scholarship review and strategic planning. While her leadership grew, Courtney missed making authentic connections with students and decided to became a college counselor. Empowering students to realize and tell their stories is a passion for Courtney. Her energy, empathy and professional experience lends itself to her coaching style that leaves students feeling confident after every session. She has read thousands of essays as a reviewer and assisted hundreds in crafting their story. Courtney is active within the profession serving on regional professional boards, leading national identity-based groups and serving on college admissions counselor advisory boards. When Courtney is not navigating the college admissions process, you can find her at OrangeTheory Fitness, walking her dog, Simba, on the phone with friends, or trying new restaurants in Atlanta.

Diane (she/her) has worked as a university English professor, taught literature and cultural studies at an independent secondary school, and directed writing programs. But coaching and running workshops on college essays the past decade has been her most joyful and meaningful work. Her approach to coaching is both collaborative and inquisitive, with a goal of seeing this writing as an opportunity to help writers develop their unique, most powerful voice and to understand their own value and dreams through the process of personal writing. After 25+ years in teaching, she started a new career path as a freelance writer. Her current writing project explores the relationship between Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, their music and their fans, questioning if and how this relationship is establishing a new wave of feminism. A native Californian, Diane received her B.A. in English from UC Santa Barbara, then moved East where she earned her M.A. in English at Boston College and her Ph.D. in American Studies from Boston University. Ask her which of her Boston alma maters she roots for in the annual Beanpot hockey tournament. Currently, Diane lives in central New Hampshire, but dreams of living in London and Florence someday. When not writing or collaborating with writers, Diane can be found spinning new vinyl of all genres, hiking and skiing every mountain in New England and beyond, getting her zen on doing yoga and surfing, or playing with her SEVEN pets. She is so excited to get to work with you.

Elica (she/her) was born and raised in Southern California. She attended an arts high school, where she specialized in creative writing, and holds a BA from UCLA and an MA from CSULB (both in linguistics). While pursuing a PhD, she researched topics in the field of Writing Studies and taught academic writing at UC Santa Barbara. Beyond academics, Elica has been an essay coach and specialist for over seven years, working with students who were applying to four-year universities as well as various types of graduate school. She is committed to and passionate about helping students navigate the admissions essay genre while helping them gain confidence in their agency as young writers. You can find her (still) living in Southern California with her partner (+ two Italian greyhounds & lovebird), where she likes to spend her time reading, writing, and printmaking.

Jennifer (she/her) holds two degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, a BA in East Asian Studies and an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School. She worked as an analyst on Wall Street for eight years before leaving to focus on raising her two daughters. She began her work in college admissions consulting as a volunteer for ScholarMatch, an organization dedicated to helping high-achieving low-income students through the college admissions process. She also tutors students preparing for the ACT and SAT. Students she has worked with have received acceptances to Harvard, Williams, Yale, Brown, U Penn, Cornell, Dartmouth, and UVA, among others. Outside of work she is a member of the Board of Trustees of her local public school and a docent for school groups at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Cloisters location. She serves on the board of Graham Windham, a child welfare organization, and the Bronxville Historical Conservancy.

Jon (he/him) knows well the value and power of writing from a place of personal truth. Originally from Houston, Texas, he holds a BA in English from Harvard University and an MFA in Acting from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. He teaches English, Writing, Script Analysis and SAT/ACT Prep classes throughout California. As an essay coach and college admissions consultant, he has helped thousands of students from various backgrounds gain admission to top colleges and universities, including the Ivies, the UCs, MIT, CalTech, UChicago, NYU, Williams, Swarthmore, UMichigan and many, many more. As a storyteller, he is committed to helping students find their personal voices to craft authentic stories that reflect the range of human experience.

Jade (she/her) brings nine years of professional college admission experience to her coaching role with College Essay Guy. After graduating from Loyola University New Orleans with an English Degree, she began an exciting and fulfilling career in college admission. Jade has worked in multiple admission offices, most recently Agnes Scott College, where she served as Associate Director of Admission and made final admission and scholarship decisions. Driven by a desire to work more closely with students and supporters, Jade transitioned to school-based college counseling and most recently served as the Dean of College Counseling at Atlanta Girls’ School. Jade leverages her experience in selective college admission to counsel students on how to develop competitive applications, while encouraging wellness, self-advocacy, and celebration in their process. Jade recently completed three years of service on the Southern Association of College Admission Counseling (SACAC) Board of Directors, an organization that awarded her the 2020 Rising Star Award. Jade is an active NACAC member and has been selected for the 2024-2025 NACAC Next cohort of emerging admission leaders. When she isn’t helping students confidently and creatively craft their stories, she enjoys getting lost in novels, bragging about New Orleans to anyone who’ll listen, and spending time with a little black cat named Elphaba!

Mahika (she/her) hails from the bustling streets of New York City. She attended a competitive Ivy League Prep School in NYC and later graduated from the University of Chicago. There, she earned a BA in both Psychology (Honors) and Comparative Human Development before fast tracking her way to an MA in Social Science during her senior year. Now, as a behavioral scientist, she works to craft lasting change in a variety of prosocial contexts. An avid reader and seasoned traveler, she's traversed landscapes both literal and literary, soaking up stories from every corner of the globe. But her true passion lies in guiding others through the labyrinth of college applications. Having felt the frustration of brilliant ideas lost in translation, she's made it her mission to help students unlock the perfect prose to tell their tales. So, whether you're struggling to find the right words or just need a sounding board, Mahika’s got your back.

Laura G has been in education for over a decade, with ten years of experience as a classroom teacher of students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She has worked in general education as a middle school English teacher, and as a special education teacher and case manager in a variety of settings, including as a high school math co-teacher, elementary resource teacher, and middle school modified language arts teacher. As a tutor, she has spent the past eight years working with students on test prep for standardized tests (SAT/ACT/ISEE/HSPT), college essays, and executive functioning and study skills. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northeastern University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Tufts University, and also maintains teaching certifications in California and Massachusetts, having taught in both states. She has worked extensively with students with learning differences (ADHD, autism, specific learning disabilities, dyslexia, etc), and loves breaking down challenging concepts into concrete steps, as well as leveraging student strengths and interests to build success. She strives to figure out what level of understanding students are coming in with, and meets them where they’re at to create a gradual but meaningful learning plan targeted to each student’s individual needs. In 2023, she transitioned from full-time classroom teaching to working with students primarily online, which has allowed her to provide more individualized instruction, support students at their own pace and instructional levels, work with students and families across the US, and learn from incredible educators from around the world. In every session, Laura aims to create a relationship-based non-intimidating learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and making mistakes to learn in the way that works best for them. When she is not working with students and families, she sings in a choir and two rock bands, writes music, and enjoys hiking around Los Angeles.

Marvin (he/him) is an education enthusiast and advocate. His parents cultivated his interest in learning at a young age and he strives to cultivate that same curiosity in young people today. After graduating from the Trinity School in NYC, Marvin studied Sociology and French at Colgate University. He also completed a graduate degree in Education Entrepreneurship at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the College Essay Guy team, Marvin served as a teacher, college admission officer and university development officer. He worked at various institutions, including Babson College, American University and MIT. As a nonprofit professional with a background in K-12 and higher education, Marvin thinks about the full education lifecycle of a learner. He strongly believes that the college admission process is about reflecting and taking stock of one's goals, interests, skills and personal mission. As a college counselor, Marvin has helped many students pursue their postsecondary education goals who have attended top colleges all around the US.

Rene (she/her) is a veteran educator who has taught academic writing courses at Duke University for a decade as well as advised faculty there on increasing inclusivity through effective intercultural communication. As a writing coach, she has supported Duke undergraduate students, law school students, and Ph.D. candidates in addition to working privately with high school students on their college application essays. She enjoys guiding students to develop narratives that share personal insights and that invite their readers into another world. Rene has worked with students who have been accepted to some of the country’s top schools. Her past experience includes teaching undergraduates in Puerto Rico as well as serving as an undergraduate admissions reader for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives out in the countryside near Chapel Hill.

Sofia (she/her) is committed to helping students making education count and living bigger lives. She has worked with hundreds of students, designed and led college application essay workshops and helped students write powerful stories to gain admission to the college of their dreams. Sofia is the author of Journeys to the Heart, a book about social entrepreneurs, failed ideas and change-makers in Indonesia. She has lived in Asia and Europe and has worked as a strategy consultant in Washington DC. Sofia graduated from Brown University majoring in international relations. She holds a masters in European political science from L’institute des Sciences Politiques and a Masters in diplomacy and international business from Georgetown University. She loves theater, any kind of science and politics, modern art, board games, painting, mindful practices, kickboxing, a good read, empowering conversations and her amazing family. She believes in the power of young people’s ideas and creativity to make positive impacts throughout their lives.

Semilore (she/her) is a doctoral candidate in the English Department at Brown University. She holds a B.A. in African & African-American Studies and Comparative Literature from Stanford University, as well as a M.A. in English from Brown. As a graduate student, she has worked on both research and teaching, leading her own seminar classes as well as working one-on-one with students as a writing center associate for the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning. She's been lucky enough to work with students applying to various levels of postsecondary institutions and fellowships, but keeps a special place in her heart for the undergraduate college application experience. Semilore is excited to continue to help introduce students to one of her favorite genres of writing: the personal essay. Other things that excite her include trashy romance novels, blue raspberry slushies, and Mariah Carey. She is currently working on adding yoga to that list.

Tom (he/him) is an eternally "extra" Gemini who has spent the past seven years helping students and families navigate the college admissions process. Before joining College Essay Guy full-time as our inaugural Community Manager, he worked as a college counselor at a selective Seattle independent school and an admissions officer at Pomona College and the College of the Holy Cross (his alma mater). After college, Tom spent a year as a Jesuit Volunteers/AmeriCorps member at Catholic Charities Spokane, where he served as an Operations Assistant for a family services program called CAPA (Childbirth and Parenting Assistance). During this program, Tom lived with fellow volunteers who committed themselves to four core values: simple living, community, spirituality, and social and ecological justice. Tom first connected with CEG after reading a poignant essay from a Matchlighters student during his time in admissions at Pomona, and — thanks to additional advocacy from Ethan and some fighting spirit in the admissions committee room — this student was admitted on a full scholarship! He stans em dashes and semicolons, Kacey Musgraves (all eras, not just star crossed and Golden Hour), superior breakfast burritos, and alliterative moments. He works out begrudgingly, sings and dances feverishly, complains about space tourism incessantly, and uses way too many exclamation points. (He just took one out of that last sentence). Sitting here penning this bio, he’s reminded how challenging writing about oneself can be and how high stakes and it can feel — so you’ll find nothing but empathy and solidarity from him as you embark on your college essay journey!

Julia Byrd (she/her) graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University and earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University. One of her first jobs was as a copy editor and proofreader for a major stock brokerage firm (despite no formal editing or financial background), where she became even more enamored with effective, accurate communication. For 20 years, she’s been a content marketer, helping businesses tell their stories through compelling website and blog copy. She began as an essay specialist in 2018 and loves partnering with students on their admissions journey to help them recognize their worth; draw unique connections among their life experiences, values, and college and career goals; and develop writing skills that will last students a lifetime. Students with whom she’s worked have been accepted to (and found homes at) their top-choice institutions, including Columbia, NYU, USC, UT-Austin, University of Miami, and Washington University. When she’s not writing and editing, she enjoys traveling with her daughter to see Imagine Dragons, watching and analyzing “Shark Tank” with her son, and relaxing with her husband and Carolina Dog.

Margaret (she/her) is a passionate English educator who has worked in New York City public schools for more than a decade. As English Department Chair of her school, she provided Instructional Coaching for her department, growing other English teachers into more effective educators. She received two Bachelor of the Arts degrees, one in Comparative Literature and one in Spanish Language, from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and she is fluent in Spanish. Afterward, she went on to study English Education at Teacher’s College, Columbia University. Margaret has taught countless writing courses, including AP English Language and Composition, as well as several Creative Writing classes. She also developed a College Essay writing curriculum herself, gently guiding hundreds of students through the process. Margaret firmly believes that creating an emotionally safe learning environment is essential to student growth and as a result, works hard to make sure students see her as a trustworthy ally and cheerleader. Her main objective always is to build her students’ confidence and empower them to feel comfortable taking academic and creative risks. Personal Narrative is her favorite genre to teach, as she sees it as an opportunity for incredible developmental and academic growth.

Helena (she/her) has over 35 years experience working in higher education at colleges and law schools where she focused on admissions, student counseling, student leadership programs and community development. After many years as an independent education consultant working with high school students, she now brings her calming presence and warm, student-focused approach to helping students and families during the college application process. She also serves as a seasonal admissions application reader for a liberal arts college in Los Angeles. (As a native New Yorker, she is constantly surprised by how much she enjoys living in LA!) When not at work, Helena rides her road bike (longest ride - 70 miles!), loves the beach, reads books recommended by her daughters, lifts medium-heavyish weights, and is mildly obsessed with American Ninja Warrior. She is a graduate of Wesleyan University with a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and earned her Masters of Education degree from Harvard University with concentrations in higher education planning and counseling.

Morgan is the Director of College Counseling at College Essay Guy after spending her entire 20+ year career in college admissions and counseling. During her eight-year tenure in college admissions, she was an application reader and oversaw admission to an undergraduate business school as a Senior Assistant Director of Admissions. She also spent 13 years supporting domestic and international students through the college admissions process at two independent day and boarding schools in Massachusetts and North Carolina. At CEG, she prioritizes helping students be as successful as possible in the competitive landscape of highly selective admissions, while building rapport and trust with both students and parents. Recognized as a ‘Counselor That Changes Lives’ by the Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) organization, Morgan promotes “a college search that focuses on the individual student and finding a college that will cultivate the student's lifelong love of learning.” Her students have been accepted at a wide range of colleges, including most of the Top 50 (US News Rankings) and many highly selective liberal arts colleges. Here are just a handful of the colleges she’s had students admitted to recently: NYU, USC, Tufts, Georgia Tech, CMU, UNC-Chapel Hill, all UC campuses, UVA, MIT, Emory, Princeton, Columbia, Duke, Villanova, Wisconsin, Lehigh, Middlebury, Northeastern, University of Florida, University of Rochester, Boston College, McGill, Purdue, RPI, Case Western, Loyola Marymount, George Washington, UC Boulder, TCU, UGA, University of Washington, and many more. Not only is Morgan competitive with her approach to college admissions, but she also loves playing cards and board games, having fun with her spunky 9-year-old daughter, and traveling with her family. She’s a New England transplant based in the amazing college town of Chapel Hill, NC.

Cindy R • Parent

Hattie b. stanford university, aarav m. cornell university, nira k. parent, john • parent, up to 3 schools/ programs.

• Common App main personal statement (650 words)
• Supplemental essays for up to THREE schools/programs (Typically 5-10+ essays)
• Common App Activities List
• Common App Additional Information statement (650 words)
• Internal Committee Team Reviews of Your Essays
• Dedicated Family Liaison
• Bonus: Access to our signature college essay courses for students

Up to 6 Schools/ Programs

• Supplemental essays for up to SIX schools/programs (Typically 8-12+ essays)

Up to 10 Schools/ Programs

• Supplemental essays for up to TEN schools/programs (Typically 15-20+ essays)

Premium Essay Support

• All components in our essay coaching packages
• Feedback and guidance from Ethan throughout the process
• Regular sessions with your essay specialist
• Package customized to your needs
• CEG’s Admissions Committee Review™

Applying to more than 10 colleges? Adding schools after getting started? Additional schools can be added on at the start for an additional fee of $600 per college.

The University of California application system requires extensive essay and activities list requirements, so is counted as two schools/programs in essay packages, but may be used to apply to all 9 UC campuses

If students are applying to specialized programs that require additional essays beyond the required essays for their undergraduate admissions application, we may often consider those as two colleges. These programs may include but are not limited to honors colleges, BS/MD programs, specialized business programs, the US service academies, film, theater, arts, or other creative programs. Inquire for more details about your specific programs. See below in the FAQ for a longer list of programs. Please note that most scholarships and honors colleges do not require additional essays.

The packages above include assistance with the college essay components noted in the packages above and do not include college admissions counseling or college list development guidance, which is a separate service provided by our veteran college counselors. See more below about these options, or ask us to learn more.

Intake & Review

Your college counselor will review your background, including transcripts, school profile, resume, college preferences, and more.

One-on-One Meetings

You'll work with your counselor over several 1:1 meetings to get strategic support on your college list, ED/EA strategy, major selection, and or more, depending on your needs.

Comprehensive Follow-Up Report

We'll follow-up from your meetings with a comprehensive report that summarizes our recommendations and outlines next steps for you.

Adrienne (she/her) has over a decade of experience in selective college admissions, as both a college admissions counselor and a high school counselor. She previously served as a Senior Admissions Counselor at Vanderbilt University, where she evaluated thousands of applications while also being charged with various recruitment initiatives. Most recently, Adrienne has counseled high school students in a selective private school in Nashville, where she aims to help students and families navigate all aspects of the college search and application process. Before entering into college counseling, Adrienne earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Delaware and a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Peabody at Vanderbilt University. Outside of her work, Adrienne is a highly accomplished professional figure skater and coach, having toured and performed in various countries around the globe. She also loves running, writing and keeping up with her two daughters.

• B.A. Philosophy and Political Science
• M.Ed. Interdisciplinary Education
• Graduate Certificate in Counselor Education

• B.A. Psychology
• M.A. School Counseling
• Ed.S. Educational Leadership & Administration

Scott brings extensive experience in university admissions and high school college counseling. He was an admission officer at Middlebury College in Vermont for eight years, handling all facets of both domestic and international admissions. Eager to experience the high school side of admissions and to live abroad, Scott moved overseas in 2014 and spent the following nine years working as a university counselor at independent schools in Hong Kong (five years) and Vancouver, Canada (four years). Scott has worked closely with American and international students and families, and has extensive knowledge of the admissions processes of the US, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and Europe. He believes strongly in the philosophy of "best fit" in university admission, and loves getting to know his students and their families to help make the university admissions process as positive, comfortable, and stress-free as possible for all involved. The father of two (now adult) children, Scott has an understanding of the process from both the parent and counselor perspective. Born and raised in Maine, Scott earned a BA in social anthropology from Harvard University, and spent most of his adult life in Vermont before moving abroad. Scott’s interests include cycling, Nordic skiing, travel, food/wine/cooking, music, and good conversation. He currently splits time between Hong Kong and New England.

College Counseling Add-On Service

• Comprehensive & actionable follow-up report
• Custom college list development
• EA/ED strategy, intended major selection, and more
• Other admissions topics of your choice, as time allows

12th Grade College Counseling Package

• Longer-term planning and support
• Support on waitlists, letters of continued interest, admissions decisions, financial aid & appeals, and more.

- Donna J. • Parent

Yep! Though the company is called College Essay Guy (because that's what Ethan has become known for in the industry), we have a good deal of expertise (a combined 150+ years experience) counseling students through the process, as well as counselors on our team with decades of experience working with students and in college admissions offices. In short: we can do it all.

Online via Zoom, email and Google docs. We have an essay management platform to help you stay organized and collaborate with us throughout the process.

After we have a chance to review the pre-work of your student, we like to assign coaches based on each student's individual personality, writing style, targeted schools, and the “parent homework” questionnaire. All of the coaches I work with are amazing at what they do and have experience working with students of various writing abilities and learning and working styles, so you are in great hands no matter who you work with. But we know that chemistry is an important factor to the essay coaching process so we like to make sure it’ll be a good fit.

• Scholarship programs with essays beyond the requirements for the undergraduate application (UNC's Morehead Cain scholarship, etc.)

Each year, we have dozens of students that go on the Ivies, as well as every other top school. See links at the top of this page our most recent acceptances. We’re fortunate to work with lots of highly motivated and high-achieving students.

It's important to note that our services are advisory in nature and we can't (of course) guarantee admission to a highly selective school. But we can help you put together the best possible application and essays to demonstrate your gifts, skills and values.

No. Beyond being unethical, that would be doing you a great disservice to you and also undermine the transformative element of this process. The essays submitted will be the original work of the student. 

We work with students through a tried-and-true process of brainstorming topics to polishing the final drafts. We find it super important that the college essay and application be grounded in an in-depth brainstorming process and some discussion to help you get to the point where you’ve found your deepest stories and are comfortable tackling your first draft. And that sometimes takes a session or two or three.

As a result of this, we don’t offer hourly help and prefer to avoid giving essay feedback without the context of all of the other things that you’ve accomplished or experienced in your rich and colorful life. We’ve also found that it’s so important to have the flexibility to meet as many times as necessary to help you have great essays. It gives you (the student) and our specialist the freedom to spend time getting to know each other, to experiment and get creative, and to try things out without concern for how much time you’ve spent so far, or have left.

The process may take a bit longer. That’s okay with us.

We highly recommend developing a balanced college list. Most students, for example, fixate on 1 or 2 highly selective (usually Ivy League) schools, but we find the students who are most happy with the process are those who have developed a wide range (usually 8 - 12 schools) with around 3 reach, 4 maybe, and 3 likely.

In terms of sample essays,  here are a few essays written by past students.

Students are welcome to upgrade their package at any point by paying $600 per additional college.  

We recommend that students try to have at least 3 of the colleges they’ll be working on with us prior to their first meeting, and to finalize all of the colleges they’ll be working on with us prior to the 4th meeting to help set students up for effective brainstorming and essay content strategy. This also helps us to guarantee that our coach will be available to assist with any additional colleges.

Most importantly, this will help students and coaches to work most effectively in their initial brainstorming meetings to select topics and map out a strategy that will allow them to see where there is opportunity for overlap on topics. In our experience, this helps students reduce the overall amount of writing, focus their energy more efficiently, and ultimately write better college essays.

Absolutely. We’ll be happy to set up a call to walk you through the process and answer any questions you have.

Get Paid to Write: 13 Sites That Pay Up to $450 per Article

Our readers always come first.

The content on DollarSprout includes links to our advertising partners. When you read our content and click on one of our partners’ links, and then decide to complete an offer — whether it’s downloading an app, opening an account, or some other action — we may earn a commission from that advertiser, at no extra cost to you.

Our ultimate goal is to educate and inform, not lure you into signing up for certain offers. Compensation from our partners may impact what products we cover and where they appear on the site, but does not have any impact on the objectivity of our reviews or advice.

Paid freelance writing is a lucrative way to get paid to write from home. You don’t need a degree or even the most eloquent prose to have a lucrative side hustle as a freelance writer.

• Side Hustles

Our mission at DollarSprout is to help readers improve their financial lives, and we regularly partner with companies that share that same vision. If a purchase or signup is made through one of our Partners’ links, we may receive compensation for the referral. Learn more here .

When I started a blog four years ago, I had no idea I could get paid to write about anything. Fast forward three years. Now I get paid to write about things I love, and I make a full-time living doing it.

Freelance writing can be a great way to make money from home. But with any business, there’s a steep learning curve. You have to know what editors want, where to find jobs that are legitimate, and what to charge as you progress.

A Look at the Best Freelance Writing Websites

When you’re building your writing portfolio, there are some freelance writing sites that stand out for offering legitimate jobs and paying writers a living wage. They’re the best freelance writing websites for beginners.

Upwork is a freelancer marketplace and go-to source for business owners looking for all kinds of digital services. You can find hundreds of paid writing jobs in dozens of subjects.

One of the benefits of using Upwork is that you won’t have to chase down payment from clients. All invoices and payments happen through Upwork, and you’re guaranteed payment for the work you do.

The downside is that Upwork charges a 20% fee on your first $500 earned with each client, 10% up to $10,000, and 5% beyond that. It’s a good place to get started, but you won’t want to use it for long.

Known for offering services starting at $5, Fiverr is a marketplace for freelancers to showcase their services to prospective clients. You create a profile, list a “gig,” and then it becomes available to a global audience.

All communication and payments are processed through Fiverr, but it also charges a steep 20% fee on all earnings. If you’re nervous about reaching out to clients yourself, Fiverr can be a good platform where they come to you.

But you’ll have to do something to make yourself stand out in a sea of other writers. That’s where specializing in one subject matter can be your strength.

3. Textbroker

Textbroker only offers content and writing services on its platform. Writers who sign up with Textbroker will find many resources on how to improve their writing, including editors to review articles, writing tutorials, and videos on how to get the most out of Textbroker.

Earnings per word depend on your quality level. You can earn from $0.07 per word up to $0.50. You choose from thousands of orders available based on your quality level, and there are no additional fees. Textbroker also offers milestone and quarterly bonuses when you achieve different word counts.

Writers, designers, videographers, and other creatives can all find jobs on Skyword . Skyword is a marketplace where you can find jobs and be found by clients. It works with both small and high-profile clients and is a great way to make the jump from lower-paying job sites.

You can’t just sign up for Skyword clients. Fill out a profile and wait until you’re hand-selected for jobs, meaning your profile can sit in Skyword for a long time before you’re submitted to clients or able to view job opportunities. You can increase your chances of being picked by editors by keeping your social media relevant and updated.

5. ClearVoice

ClearVoice connects qualified writers with job opportunities based on the writer’s CV or ClearVoice portfolio. Once you complete your CV, you’ll be able to join ClearVoice’s Talent Network and have your CV sent to prospective clients.

Writers are then handpicked for opportunities based on their CV, so there’s an incentive to create one that stands out. You set your own rates and are paid via PayPal upon assignment approval, so you get the security of going through a marketplace without the fees typically associated with them.

6. Contently

Contently is an online writing agency that connects freelance writers with businesses. Many writers use the site for its free portfolio service, but Contently editors use these portfolios to handpick freelancers for clients.

Many high-profile websites and companies use Contently to source writers, so the jobs pay well. These jobs tend to go to the most experienced candidates, and it can take years for an editor at Contently to refer you to a client. But if you’re patient, Contently can offer lucrative writing opportunities.

Another place experienced freelance writers can find high-paying jobs is on nDash . nDash is a content platform where writers can create a profile and pitch ideas for blogs, articles, and whitepapers to prospective clients.

nDash claims the average writing assignment on its platform pays between $175 to $450. Once an assignment is approved, payment is deposited directly into the writer’s bank account within two to three business days.

It’s a relatively new site so not as many companies are using it, but writers have reported that if you’re willing to pitch more, you’ll make a decent income.

8. SmartBug

SmartBug is a content marketing company specializing in B2B (business to business) marketing and copywriting. Its writers produce content for the web, social media, email, sales pages, and more.

This is a great site for writers who aren’t beginners but may not have the experience or portfolio to compete for jobs with other top writers. There’s no direct way to apply, but you can fill out a general interest application on the website.

9. NewsCred

NewsCred is a community for experienced freelance content creators. In-house editors pair creators with customer programs, but you can also view freelance positions on the platform. Then NewsCred’s editorial team serves as your managing editor for all client work.

You can find high-profile Fortune 500 companies from a variety of industries using NewsCred, the most popular being tech, healthcare, and financial services. There’s currently no button to apply on NewsCred’s website, but you can contact the company via the contact form on its website.

10. The Writer Finder

Growth Machine is an SEO-focused content marketing company with a freelance writing platform called The Writer Finder . Growth Machine works with a variety of clients in AI, travel, wellness, dogs, weddings, and more.

What sets The Writer Finder apart is the Slack group for freelance writers. It lets you communicate with other freelance writers on the team. Rates are competitive, and you’ll also have the chance to learn sought-after SEO skills.

Related: 51 Freelance Jobs Websites with the Best Remote Work Opportunities

Apply for Assignments on the Best Freelance Writing Job Boards

Job boards are easy places for companies to post their jobs. The job board doesn’t vet freelancers, handle payments, or make promises on behalf of clients.

There are some things to be aware of when applying and taking a job from a job board. Because the service is free for writers, you’re competing against thousands of other bloggers for a limited number of jobs.

Job boards are also notorious for phishing scams. “Clients” may ask you to download a zip file of their payment terms or writing guidelines and ask you to invoice them via PayPal. The zip file is actually a keystroke logger allowing them to steal your PayPal credentials. Be careful when applying to jobs on these boards.

11. ProBlogger

The ProBlogger job board is updated daily with blogging and article writing jobs across all subjects.

Businesses have to pay ProBlogger to post their job ad, meaning the writer isn’t paid through ProBlogger. They don’t charge the writer any fees for joining or getting paid.

Another job board filled with many freelance writing opportunities is Indeed . You can find full-time, part-time, and freelance remote writing jobs across all subjects, and because of the vastness of the board, competition isn’t as high compared to others.

You can sign up for job alerts based on your searches. Simply enter your email address and activate emails to see them as soon as they hit the website.

13. MediaBistro

Journalists and anyone else in media will find MediaBistro helpful for finding jobs in the industry. If you’re looking for paid writing jobs in marketing, advertising, television, or news, you can find hundreds of jobs from recognizable names on MediaBistro’s job board.

There are entry-level positions listed, but your best move is to get enough writing experience to make a professional-looking resume before you start applying for jobs on this site.

How to Get Paid to Write (Step by Step) 

Before you apply to get paid for writing, there are a few things you should do to make yourself stand out to potential clients.

1. Choose What to Write About

When you’re writing for money, you might think that only writing about a couple of topics limits your options, but it actually expands them. Sites and companies that pay well don’t want freelancers who write about anything, they want experts in their field. When you stick to a single niche and become known for it, you’ll become a sought-after writer.

Choosing one topic also allows you to scale your business faster. You learn your subject thoroughly, research less, work faster, and can take on more clients. All this leads to being able to earn a higher hourly rate for your work. The key is to pick a profitable niche.

2. Create a Portfolio

There are several ways to create a portfolio. The first is with a blog. Every new writer should have a blog, especially if you don’t have many clips to show potential clients.

Once you choose your niche, write five to ten blog posts on various topics within it. This shows potential clients your writing style, expertise, and gives them a place to contact you.

You can also make money with a blog . One way is to find products and services related to your niche that you like using and see if they have an affiliate program. Then every time someone makes a purchase through your affiliate link, you’ll earn a small commission.

3. Create Profiles on Multiple Sites

Once you’ve written a few articles for other sites or publications, you can create profiles and portfolios on multiple professional freelance writing sites. Clippings.me is a portfolio site for journalists, Contently is used by many web-based content writers, and LinkedIn is a go-to place for businesses looking for expert writers.

Having a presence on a few different sites makes it easier for clients to find you and your work. They may also learn personal facts about you that give you an edge over other writers so don’t underestimate including things like your alma mater, pets, and hobbies.

4. Post on Social Media

Building a social media presence around your niche can also put you ahead for freelance writing jobs. Twitter is most popular for journalists and print publications while Instagram is becoming a popular place for e-commerce businesses to find writers.

You don’t have to make another social media account just for your writing. Post facts, breaking news, advice, and stories related to your niche and tag them with relevant hashtags. It’ll help brands find you, and it can further reinforce to potential clients that you’re knowledgeable and stay current about the topics you write about.

Related: How to Become a Social Media Manager

5. Accept Smaller Jobs While Building Your Reputation

While you’re building your portfolio and expertise in your niche, you’ll have to be willing to accept lower-paid writing jobs. Think of them as practice that you’re getting paid to do. The more organizations, editors, and platforms you work with now, the more you’ll be able to impress high-paying clients in the future.

You can also pitch websites to guest post. You won’t get paid to write guest posts, but you may be able to add links to your blog posts in your article. This will help your posts rank higher in Google, and potential clients may be able to find you through simple Google searches.

Related: How to Get Paid to Write Reviews

 6. Learn to Network

You can start freelance writing on your own, but if you want to build a business and make a living writing, you need a network of other writers. Your network should be filled with writers and editors in your niche who are a little ahead of you and a little behind you in the journey.

Your network can also help you find sources for stories, give you feedback on pitches, advise you on rates to charge, and help you to feel like you’re not alone in this often isolating industry.

Related: How to Make More Money as a Freelance Writer

Resources on How to Get Paid as a Writer

When you’re running your freelance writing business, you’ll want to have some resources to make it easier to write and get paid.

Freelance Writer’s Den

Started by veteran freelance writer Carol Tice, the Freelance Writer’s Den is a membership site just for freelance writers. You have access to over 300 hours of freelance writing education including eCourses, webinars, and podcasts.

There’s also a forum for networking with other writers and a job board with new writing jobs posted every Monday and Thursday, all with a minimum rate of $50 per article.

Membership for the Freelance Writer’s Den only opens twice a year. If you’re interested in joining, sign up for the waitlist to be notified.

Get Paid to Write for Blogs (Course)

This is a course geared towards new freelance writers that was created by Cat Alford (who, coincidentally, has been a freelance writer on DollarSprout in the past).

The course features eight video modules covering beginner-level lessons, including how to create a portfolio that will attract high-value clients. The course also covers everything you need to know about running the business side of things. 

Related: The Best Online Writing Courses for New Freelance Writers

Getting Paid to Write is Possible

You can get paid to write in any field at any level. Like any business, it’s difficult to get started.

However, if you work your way through the many content marketing agencies and job boards, you’ll be able to find steady work and grow your business.

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19 Websites That Pay You To Write (Updated for 2024)

Many budding and seasoned writers look for reliable websites that pay you to write.

That’s why we researched 20 websites offering excellent opportunities for content writers and bloggers alike.

The only catch with websites is you need to be patient. Getting your submission selected often takes a while.

Let’s dive to help you find a few websites that pay writers.

🤑 Want more?   Get access   to 500+ sites that pay writers.  👇

As its name suggests, this website focuses on listicles, so freelance writers should submit their articles in list format. Listverse has been around for ages and still looks for unique pitches and submissions focusing on uncommon knowledge, rare finds, and offbeat news.

The website also takes everyday topics with a quirky or unique approach. Avoid listicles related to self-help, sports, gaming, or personal stories, as your chances of getting published decline.

The pay is  $100 per submission , and your listicle needs to be around 1,500 words. Payment is usually processed via PayPal.

Note:  Listverse only accepts submissions from Ireland, Canada, Australia, the US, UK, NZ, and South Africa.

Listverse is also highly open to inexperienced freelance writers with a keen sense of humor and a love for unusual topics.

Pay:  $100 per submission contains at least ten items per list.

Niche and topics:  General, Offbeat

Submission guidelines :  Listverse

Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan doesn’t need a formal introduction. Writers can pitch their ideas for both online and print publications.

Before pitching, we highly suggest perusing their website or previous volumes to see whether they have covered the same topic in the past. If yes, we advise presenting the subject from a fresh angle for a unique story. Your pitch should also have a proper headline, and the body should have the article summary with no more than 200 words.

However, pay attention to the acceptance rate before shooting a pitch email. The print publication always takes 1-2 pieces, while the digital magazine allows a maximum of 10-15 articles per month.

Your chances of selection increase if you attach a few links to your previous work related to the topic. Since Cosmopolitan is well-known, you must put your best effort forward to cut the crowd.

Pay:  $250 per 1,000-word submission

Niche and topics:  Sex, Health, Beauty, Fashion, LGBTQ+, Work-life

Submission guidelines :  Cosmopolitan

3. Transitions Abroad

This website is dedicated to travel and takes submissions that fit their exact criterion.

Since the website is unlike your regular travel blog, the article needs to follow a particular writing style to get published.

You can refer to their submission guidelines and previously published articles.

Transitions Abroad mostly lean towards submissions with a journalistic writing style. The topics mainly include working abroad, volunteering abroad, studying and student travel abroad, and cultural immersion travel topics. Since Covid, however, this website prefers articles related to virtual internship programs, virtual learning, virtual volunteering, online teaching, etc.

Payment is  $75 to $150 per post,  depending on the submission’s topic, length, and content. You can opt either for a PayPal transaction or a check.

Pay:  $75 to $150 for 1,250-3,000+ word count

Niche and topics : Travel

Submission guidelines :  Transitions Abroad

4. What Culture

What Culture offers entertainment coverage, news, and opinions to millions of users each month. This UK-based magazine famously covers the popular zeitgeist around the world.

You can submit drafts related to gaming, music, sports, television, film, and more. Wha Culture team publishes nearly 700 articles weekly, giving you a high chance of acceptance.

Their primary focus is listicles, but they are open to galleries, quizzes, news pieces, or video submissions. Payment is usually processed via PayPal.

Pay:  $25-$500 per submission

Niche and topics : Listicles, Quizzes, News pieces, Soft News on Film, TV, Gaming

Submission guidelines :  What Culture

5. Vibrant Life

Vibrant Life is a health and wellness-related website that accepts submissions related to mental health, spirituality, healthy living, stress prevention, nutrition, and more.

The articles should have a gender-neutral flair that attracts both male and female demographics while reading. We highly suggest contributing to the site if you have a few rough ideas or write-ups related to a holistic approach with a purely Christian perspective.

Pay varies depending on the topic, but the standard rate is  $100-$300 per submission . However, ensure that you avoid hard-to-understand medical terminology so readers can understand and enjoy the article.

Pay:  $100-$300 per submission

Niche and topics : Health, Self-help, Family, Spiritual Balance, Environment

Submission guidelines :  Vibrant Life

If Listverse has caught your attention, meet the big fish of the listicle world—Cracked.

The website has been serving fresh, funny content since 2007 and is famous for publishing articles by new writers.

Cracked usually accepts articles in listicle form. Apart from that, you can write on any topic under the sun, from science, technology, history, sex, and movies. The article needs to be highly creative or funny to publish.

The site also pays to create charts, infographics, memes, and more.

The pay differs based on the topic and article type, but writers usually receive  $50-$200 per submission .

Pay:  $50-$200 per submission

Niche and topics : General, Humor

Submission guidelines :  Cracked

7. Chicken Soup for the Soul

You’ve probably heard of Chicken Soup for the Soul’s book series, but now you can get the opportunity to have your writing featured in an upcoming edition.

The book requires you to write a funny, heartwarming, or exciting story in first-person narrative.

The only drawback of the publication is you must wait several months or even years to get your write-up published in the book. Once published, you will receive  $200 for your story  or poem and ten free copies of the book.

If you have a decently heartwarming story or an anecdote that you can turn into a story write-up, we highly recommend submitting it.

You may not receive instant payment, but you’ll be a part of a long tradition of touching stories once published.

Pay : $200 per submission

Niche and topics : First-person essays

Submission guidelines :  Chicken Soup for the Soul

8. Money Pantry

Money Pantry is a well-known personal finance blog that usually covers money-related topics and ways to earn and save money.

If you have decent ideas on saving money, paying off debt, and retirement preparation, consider submitting your idea to the website.

The strategies and ideas related to your article need to be unique and should have a fresh personal perspective that people can implement with ease.

Consider running a quick search on the website to see whether a particular topic has been covered.

Money Pantry only accepts previously unpublished content, and payment is sent via PayPal as soon as the post goes live.

Pay : $30-$150 per submission

Niche and topics : Finance

Submission guidelines :  Money Pantry

9. Barefoot Writer

The Barefoot Writer is a freelance writing-based website that seeks articles on interesting yet practical topics that writers can use in their daily life.

You can contribute to their ongoing series of monthly motivators, productivity secrets, becoming a better writer, or thinking like a writer.

Payment is  $100-$300 per submission , and you can get published quickly if the content follows their content style and guide.

Niche and topics : Motivation, Freelance writing

Submission guidelines :  Barefoot Writer

10. Edible Seattle

Edible Seattle primarily relies on freelancers for most of their food stories across departments.

Since the website has no strict rules related to the topics, writers have complete freedom to select their favorite food-related topics.

However, we highly recommend keeping an eye on their submissions call page as the editor sometimes asks for specific topic-related assignments based on the issue.

The rates of your article usually depend on your experience and department.

Payment is always sent when the article is published, along with a copy of the issue.

Pay:  $0.20-$0.30 per word

Niche and topics : Food

Submission guidelines :  Edible Seattle

11. Strong Whispers

Strong Whispers offers a wide range of articles related to the environment, lifestyle, and various societal issues. The content range is vast, and so are your chances of getting published.

Your articles can cover education reform, environment, world leadership, and exploitation of resources. The minimum rate per submission is between  $50-$150 , but the final rate is negotiable depending on the topic and research.

To submit, we recommend following their guidelines: send a neat outline of your article along with your pay expectation. You can also attach your previous published work if it’s relevant.

Once the idea gets approved, try to write according to their style guide. As soon as the publication decides to publish, you will receive your payment via PayPal.

Pay:  $50-$150 per submission

Niche and topics : Social Issues, Environment, Lifestyle

Submission guidelines :  Strong Whispers

12. Focus On The Family

Focus On The Family is a Christian ethics-based website that promotes good behavior, ethics, parenting, faith, and culture via well-written articles.

Currently, they have a few topics that you can explore and write about.

The new issues include parent-kid time, gratitude, gift-giving, candy and young children, historical Thanksgiving fiction based on family stories, hacks, facts, and biblical worldview.

Each topic has a detailed submission guideline wherein the editor explains the topic, word count, payment, due date, format, audience, and much more in extreme detail.

These details can help you whip out the perfect content based on their liking and guidelines.

Pay : $0.25/word for 1,200-1,500-word articles

Niche and topics : Parenting, Faith, Culture, Marriage

Submission guidelines :  Focus On The Family

Extra Websites Worth Exploring

13.  Blog Paws

14.  Lady Qs

15.  Rova

16.  Reader’s Digest

17.  One Story

18.  Healthy Mummy

19.  Gray’s Sporting Journal

🤑 Want more?   Get access   to 500+ sites that pay writers.

We hope our list helped you find a few websites worth pitching. To curate this list, we have thoroughly checked the background of each website so we can vouch for their reliability.

We highly recommend visiting  Who Pays Writers  to better understand rates before pitching. This website contains a crowd-sourced list that is frequently updated, so you get a list of the websites and their standard payment rates.

Additionally, you can browse through the directory to find more websites that take submissions based on your niche and get paid. Happy hunting!

Tomas Laurinavicius

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8 Online Writing Sites That Pay You [Ranked For 2024]

Are you looking for online writing sites to jumpstart your freelance writing career? Check these 8 websites that offer writing gigs across all skill l

Are you looking for ways to earn money with your writing skills but don’t have the experience? You’re not alone!

The onset of COVID-19 brought freelance writing gigs to the forefront of remote employment opportunities. Research reveals over 70 million Americans did freelance work in 2022.

Of that number, 82% are freelance writers. That’s around 54 million people in the U.S. alone! Now you’d think that’s too much competition for beginners to handle, but the truth is the opposite.

Finding online writing sites that pay money doesn’t have to be taxing, and most are open to beginners!

This article introduces you to 9 freelance writing sites with extensive job postings fit for your skill level.

Key Takeaways

• Freelance writing platforms streamline job searches and connect writers with clients.
• Key features include trust ratings, pay ranges, job listings, and application processes.
• Upwork, Blogging Pro, and Fiverr are top choices for beginners and niche writing.
• Higher-tier sites like Contently cater to experienced writers seeking premium gigs.

Best Online Writing Sites [At A Glance]

The internet has many opportunities for freelance writers, but only a few stand out for bringing in real profit and helping you become a successful freelance writer.

Here are our top picks for 2023:

• Upwork : Our Pick
• Blogging Pro : Runner-Up
• Fiverr : Also Great
• Contently : Best for Experienced Writers
• Writers Work : Best Pooled Writing Jobs
• iWriter : Best for Tiered Writing Gigs
• WriterAccess : Best for Long-term Writing Jobs
• ProBlogger : Best for Blog Writing

An Overview of Online Freelance Writing

There is no official date when freelance writing started because freelance writers have been around even before digital platforms were created.

But it’s safe to consider the early 2000s as the dawn of the online freelance writing job trend. Notable sites like ProBlogger shares their small-scale origins , which have become a huge success over time.

What are Online Freelance Writing Sites?

Freelance writing sites are the one-stop shop for businesses and startups seeking writing services. They’re central hubs for hiring writers and finding job boards with quality writing gigs.

Some more intuitive websites have features that allow clients to match their writing jobs with the ideal candidate. This results in a mutually beneficial arrangement that guarantees satisfaction for both the business and the content writers.

Why Are Freelance Writing Sites Important?

A freelance writing website reduces the need for companies to shoulder all the legwork involved in hiring talents. They don’t need complex contracts to engage experienced freelance writers.

On the writer’s side, accessing these freelance platforms streamlines the job search process and helps boost their writing portfolio.

You can have multiple freelance writing jobs in a few months, which allows you to gather referrals and recommendations from happy clients.

Do I Need an Online Writing Site to Build a Freelance Writing Career?

Freelance writing sites aren’t required to build a writing career, but they help speed up the process.

Taking on multiple writing jobs within this active community builds up your reputation, skill, and network — factors that help you stand out from the competition.

The Best Online Writing Sites at a Glance

We’ve rounded up our best picks for freelance writing websites and come up with two all-rounders.

What is the Best Online Freelance Writing Site?

With approximately 5 million clients using the platform, Upwork is our best pick for starters looking to understand how freelance writing works.

Its ‘Writing & Translation’ job board category boasts 146k+ active contracts, with clients giving an average 4.8 -star rating to writing professionals.

This includes a range of talents like proofreaders, content writers, translators, ghostwriters, and more.

What is the Best Free Online Writing Site?

Blogging Pro is our top choice for niche-focused freelance writing gigs.

It’s a job board that prospective freelancers can use for free, minus the need to create an account.

One of the things we like about this portal is its straightforward application process that details everything you need to know about a job with just a click.

Clients of this site must pay their writers a minimum of $15 per project, eliminating the risk of getting scammed.

Features to Look for In an Online Writing Website

Freelance writing opportunities have attracted many full-time professionals, so the competition is high.

This can result in some people, especially those with no experience, agreeing to jobs that don’t honor their contracts.

To avoid falling into freelance scams , you must be critical in assessing whether or not the portal you’re signing up for is legit.

Here are features to look for before taking on online writing jobs:

1. Trust Rating

Be wary of freelance websites with a Google review star rating of less than 3. While online ratings are ultimately subjective, they reflect the user experience that professionals and clients have for the platform.

You also want to check review sites like TechRadar or online forums like Reddit and Quora to see what other users think of freelance writing websites.

2. Pay Range

Online freelance writing jobs vary in pay range, and it’s primarily driven by the fact that clients have their specific project budgets. Some portals require businesses to offer a specific job price range, while others leave it to the client.

3. Job Listings

The best freelance writing sites have extensive job boards. This allows them to attract clients from all sectors and freelancers of different skill sets.

4. Application Process

Check the requirements for signing up with a portal and see if you fit their eligibility. You’re better off starting small and building your portfolio rather than trying to break the big game without a solid portfolio to back it up.

5. Online Courses or Blogs

The freelance writing industry is saturated with talent. And while there is a global demand to match that up, beefing up your skill set is necessary to ace the competition.

Check for platforms with built-in writing tools or knowledge bases. Do they have a blog you can subscribe to stay current with the freelance writing landscape?

Best Online Writing Sites: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

Here are our top 3 freelance writing sites, handpicked for their combined reach, user reviews, and job opportunities.

1. Upwork : Our Pick

Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects businesses or startups with individual professionals. It hosts a variety of industries that include writing.

It’s a marketplace where the main currency is your skill. Housing over 12 million freelancers as of 2023, Upwork’s an attractive platform to boost your professional network too!

Key Features of Upwork

Below are features that make Upwork a powerhouse in freelancing:

• Global Network: Upwork is available in over 180 countries, making connecting with global clients easier.
• All-In Mediation: Upwork handles all the contracts, billing, and invoicing processes. This helps you focus on your craft instead of tracking all admin-related requirements before getting paid.
• Robust Writing Job Board: Upwork has 80 writing-related categories under its filter, giving you more options to check if your first few don’t work.
• Upwork Connects: A “Connect” serves as your internal currency and allows you to send client proposals or applications. Upwork’s free plan grants you 10 connects per month, while its Freelance Plus gives you up to 80 connects.
• Top Rated Badge: This one’s given to Upwork’s top freelancers who have built a strong reputation on the platform and consistently get positive feedback from clients. Acquiring this badge gives you access to Upwork’s exclusive features like premium support and in-house talent scout assistance.

Pros of Upwork

• Hassle-free Onboarding: All you need is an email address to start creating an account for free. No need for samples and exams to start searching for writing jobs.
• Seamless Portal Interface: Upwork has intuitive navigation that helps you sift through job listings without getting lost.
• Location Flexibility: Compared to some platforms that require you to be within the state or city near your client, Upwork supports fully remote jobs.

Cons of Upwork

• High Competition: Landing the first gig remains challenging for any new freelance writer. Clients looking for content writing services often look for a solid portfolio before hiring their freelancer.
• Commission Fee: Upwork takes 20% of the first $500 you bill to your clients. This can be too hefty, especially for starters with minimal projects.
• Dispute Resolution: Users report difficulty connecting with Upwork’s resolution team to settle payment disputes.

Upwork Income

Content writing jobs on Upwork have an average pay of $15 to $40 an hour. Some companies who want a long-term arrangement with writers pay a flat fee of $800 a month.

Final Verdict

Upwork is a great job search engine that offers freelance writing jobs globally. It can take a while to build a solid reputation and attract regular clients, but it is nonetheless the most robust platform for writing gigs that pay.

2. Blogging Pro : Runner-Up

Blogging Pro is an easy-to-navigate job site for professional writers looking for trusted clients. Unlike most platforms that require you to create user profiles, Blogging Pro gives you total control over when and to who you want to apply.

Key Features of Blogging Pro

Here are the top features why we recommend Blogging Pro:

• Multiple Job Setup: Most job listings in this platform are remote, though a few require onsite arrangements. They also offer freelance, contract, or part-time setups.
• Writing Tips & Tutorials: Blogging Pro has quick links to articles that help you enhance your freelance work quality. Access is free with no sign-up requirement.
• In-demand Writing Categories: The platform only advertises writing jobs such as content writing, journalism, and copywriting. This saves you time from having to sort through vast, non-writing jobs.
• Direct Apply: Once you select a writing gig, you’ll get a comprehensive list of responsibilities and requirements and a snippet of the client’s background. Hitting ‘Apply for job’ leads you to the client’s website to complete the application.
• Fast Response Time: Blogging Pro requires clients to respond to applications within 24 to 48 hours. This guarantees you’ll get a response whether you make it or not.

Pros of Blogging Pro

• Free to Use: You don’t pay anything with Blogging Pro. No add-on costs, hidden fees, or cutbacks for commissions.
• Transparent Pricing: Most jobs in this portal provide their exact pay range. If not, their websites will, which you can access when you apply.
• Reliable Clients: Blogging Pro’s client list is a combination of established companies and startups with either brick-and-mortar stores or a legitimate online presence.

Cons of Blogging Pro

• Minimal Job Updates: Unlike bigger portals with daily job streams, Blogging Pro only updates when clients choose to advertise on their platform. They do an average of weekly updates with fewer than 20 new jobs.
• Requires Experience: While all positions are open to beginners, many clients indicate specific writing experience in their eligibility requirements. This can be tough to break for anyone with no portfolio to show.
• Inconsistent Income: Blogging Pro doesn’t set any price range guideline for clients apart from the minimum $15 requirement. It’s up to you to determine if the company’s offering a competitive price for the writing service required.

Blogging Pro Income

Blogging Pro guarantees a minimum of $15 hourly pay for writers as part of its initial agreement with clients. Some jobs, like social media writers, can pay up to $300 per project.

Blogging Pro is an excellent choice for finding freelance writing jobs covering different niches.

Its direct link to clients gives you full control of the application process and an overview of the job budget, so you won’t have to do the guesswork in finding out how much you’ll earn.

Still, it doesn’t offer many jobs, and you’ll often need to showcase proof of writing experience to land a gig.

3. Fiverr : Also Great

Fiverr is the perfect platform for individuals who prefer working with other individuals instead of a large-scale company.

This website is an ideal entry-level choice since you won’t have to bid or negotiate for jobs.

You’ll also have access to a potential client or buyer’s requests, including instructions and files to assist you in delivering their expected result.

Key Features of Fiverr

Let’s look into the features we like best about Fiverr and see if it fits your ideal freelance writing website:

• Worldwide Reach: Fiverr is available in 190 countries, with 42% of its users based in the U.S. It also houses clients from Canada, India, and the U.K.
• Seller Levels: You can climb up the levels if you constantly deliver quality tasks on time.
• Pro-verified Feature: If you have the background and experience of a trusted writer, then Fiverr might approve you as part of their ‘Pro Services’ feature. You can charge higher and increase the potential of attracting high-paying clients.
• Extensive Filter Customization: Fiverr wants an ideal match for their clients, so their filters are extensive. You can consider this feature when setting up your profile, delivery timelines, price range, and writing style.
• E-learning Products: If you’re looking to enhance your skills, try enrolling in Fiverr’s business and technical courses led by niche experts.

Pros of Fiverr

• Admin-free Experience: The platform handles the admin side of things like producing invoices, promotions, transaction recording, etc.
• Option for Early Payout: While only available to select sellers, the feature is an advantage. It’s an advantage if you need cash immediately instead of waiting for the typical 14-day clearing period.
• Opportunities to Broaden Skills: Fiverr’s writing jobs range from simple content writing to more challenging gigs like technical writeups. You’ll encounter task requests you haven’t tried before that can be a great learning opportunity.

Cons of Fiverr

• Low-paying Gigs: While you can charge your services for up to $995 per project, only top-rated and long-time freelancers enjoy that profit. Most starters will have to settle for the low price of $5.
• Issues with Scams: There are reports of freelancers not getting paid by clients claiming they have yet to receive their orders. It can be difficult to dispute this unless you have complete and detailed communications with the client.
• Commission Fee: Fiverr takes 20% off your earning regardless of your seller level or service cost. If you earn $5, you’ll only receive $4 as your take-home pay.

Fiverr Income

Your Fiverr income depends on the number of services you deliver. You can price it from $5 per project up to $995.

Fiverr’s a great place for freelancers who want to start small, minus all the hassle of promoting their services. By setting up an account, your profile’s automatically pooled under your chosen gig category.

It’s entry-level at best, which might not be the best option for advanced writers with considerable writing experience.

Notable Mentions: Other Writing Sites To Check Out

If you’re looking for alternative options other than our top 3 picks, you can try out these freelance writing sites:

4. Contently – Best for Experienced Writers

Contently is for expert freelance writers looking at landing a gig with big companies. Some of their clients include Coca-Cola, Dell, Walmart, and Google.

Unlike the other platforms on our list, you don’t apply for a writing job to be a part of their team. Their in-house talent scouts choose writers from all around the web and invite them for an interview.

That being said, having a solid creative platform that showcases your diverse writing portfolio is an essential factor to be considered for any of their gigs.

Why is Contently a Great Option?

Landing a gig at Contently is a surefire way to skyrocket your freelance career. You can add your experience with them to your portfolio along with the brands or companies you worked with.

Best of all, you can negotiate your rate. If you think they’re offering lower than your regular rate, you can demand higher pay.

Drawbacks to Contently

Its obvious drawback comes from the fact that it isn’t for beginners. Contently only contacts specialists with years of experience whose consistent portfolio speaks for their work quality.

Contently Income

Contently has a proprietary rate sheet that dictates the price range options for their projects. While we can’t divulge the specifics, online writers share earnings between $300 and $1,200 per piece.

5. Writers Work – Best Pooled Writing Jobs

Writers Work is a paid freelance writing platform that offers real-time data on writing gigs worldwide. They offer a lifetime subscription of $47 or a monthly option of $15.

It’s an excellent platform allowing you to do all your writing tasks in it. It has a built-in text editor and work tracker feature to help you organize your workload and set writing goals.

Writers Work also has one of the most diverse types of writing requests, such as writing stories for magazines or even fishing equipment reviews.

Why is Writers Work a Great Option?

One thing that Writers Work does well is its writing-only job board. You won’t find other popular gigs like graphic design or video production in its pool.

It’s a great platform for getting a constant stream of gigs you can easily filter by categories like finance, tech, and entertainment.

Drawbacks to Writers Work

There’s high competition in this platform, which may deter freelancers who are looking at quick payments. While there are varied writing options, landing those high-paying gigs requires skill and experience.

Writers Work Income

Writers get paid between $20 to $65 an hour. Other projects offer a fixed rate of $100 per project.

6. iWriter – Best for Tiered Writing Gigs

iWriter is an excellent platform that offers opportunities for writers to upgrade their skills and earning potential while writing more.

The platform offers four writing levels – Standard, Premium, Elite, and Elite Plus. Accessing higher levels mean higher-paying gigs.

We found iWriter to have a diverse niche in terms of topics and ideas, with clients providing specific writing instructions, including required keywords and formatting.

Why is iWriter a Great Option?

It’s easy to join iWriter as a freelancer. You’ll only need to pass two 200-word writing tests to complete the registration. Once done, you can start using the platform to find gigs.

Happy clients also have the option to give you tips for a job well done, helping you increase your income. You also have the opportunity to get paid weekly or biweekly, with a minimum of $20 in earnings.

Drawbacks to iWriter

A significant drawback of iWriter is its steep commission. The platform takes 35% of your total earnings, which is higher than other platforms in our list charge.

Rising through the ranks may also be challenging for new writers as you must deliver 30 articles with a minimum of a 4-star rating before leveling up a step.

iWriter income

Depending on your writing tier, you can earn between $1.25 to $260 in iWriter. There’s a fixed price assigned to word counts across the board, which varies in level.

7. WriterAccess – Best for Long-term Writing Job

WriterAccess is home to over 40,000 brands, all looking for quality writers. Many freelancers who start working with the platform often receive repeat orders from companies, agencies, and small businesses they’ve worked with.

This platform’s an excellent starting point for skilled writers looking for a freelance job with the potential for long-term employment.

Why is WriterAccess a Great Option?

WriterAccess is excellent for building a freelance writing career with reliable clients. You can get hired for all sorts of jobs, from writing blogs to writing short stories.

The platform screens all interested writers. If you pass, you’re automatically given a star rating, unlocking jobs within that level. The higher the rating, the bigger the pay.

Drawbacks to WriterAccess

While joining WriterAccess is free, getting approved can be a challenge. You must provide at least two public web pages as sample works on top of your general and industry experience.

WriterAccess income

All writers are paid 70% of what the client pays for each project.

8. ProBlogger – Best for Blog Writing

ProBlogger is a must-try platform if you’re into SEO writing and blogging. Most of its job postings are from website owners who want to outsource the writing part of their content marketing strategy.

This platform is ideal if you enjoy writing across different topics and are fine communicating directly with the client or managing your workload.

Why is ProBlogger a Great Option?

ProBlogger is great because of its real-time job listings and quality clients who pay well for your services. Joining the platform is easy, and you don’t have to pay anything.

All you need is to register to create your online resume. From here, you can bookmark jobs and create job alerts to get up to speed with the most recent job ads.

Drawbacks to ProBlogger

ProBlogger’s quality clientele attracts the most talents, so expect tough competition. The fact that these clients pay $80 to post their job ads on the platform means they’re willing to pay, but they can also be picky in hiring freelance writers.

ProBlogger income

Writers earn from $25 to $200 per piece, depending on the complexity and research work required. In-house or full-time bloggers earn between $45,000 to $90,000 annually.

Other Online Gigs to Check Out

Is online writing too tough for starters? Here are alternative options to earn money online.

• High-paying Surveys: Do you like answering surveys or giving quality feedback for products and services? This article introduces you to online surveys that pay well.
• How to Get Paid Playing Video Games: Bring your gaming experience to a new level and get paid! Know websites and apps that pay money, gift cards, and other rewards.
• Get Paid to Text: This is perfect for anyone who wants easy side hustles you can do any time, anywhere, even while on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do online writing jobs pay well.

ZipRecruiter reports an average $38 hourly rate for online writers, a decent figure for remote work. The total compensation, however, will depend on other factors like the number of hours you write, the employer, and fees taken out of your earnings.

What is the Best Writing Niche?

The popularity of writing niche fluctuates, but top picks this 2023 include digital marketing, cryptocurrency, e-commerce, healthcare, and personal finance.

Wrapping Up

The freelance writing business is booming, and bagging a gig that pays well is possible if you know where to look.

Upwork is our top pick for the sheer volume of writing opportunities. Its thousands of jobs and multiple subcategories remain unbeatable, even with competitors like Fiverr.

Blogging Pro is also a favorite if you’re looking for niche-focused writing with clients that pay well.

Overall, checking out the online writing platforms we’ve listed opens you to opportunities to earn money by writing, even with little experience.

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