In an increasingly digital world, the power of a well-crafted letter still holds immense value. Whether it’s a persuasive sales letter, a heartfelt thank you note, or formal business correspondence, the ability to write effectively can be a monetizable skill. If you have a knack for words and an eye for detail, you might be wondering: “Can I actually get paid to write letters?”
The answer is yes! While it might not be as simple as scribbling notes and cashing checks, there are legitimate avenues for freelance writers and wordsmiths to earn money writing letters and similar forms of correspondence. From crafting compelling marketing messages to providing personalized letter-writing services, the opportunities are more diverse than you might think.
Ready to explore how your writing skills can translate into income? Let’s dive in. And remember, if you’re looking for other flexible ways to earn online, consider sharing your opinions for rewards by signing up for SurveyNow today!
What Kind of Letter Writing Can You Get Paid For?
The term “writing letters” can encompass a wide range of tasks. It’s not always about penning personal missives. Here are some common types of letter writing that can earn you money:
- Direct Mail and Sales Letters: This is a huge field for skilled copywriters. Businesses often hire freelance writers to create persuasive letters for direct mail campaigns designed to sell products or services. This requires understanding marketing principles and consumer psychology.
- Business Correspondence: Companies may outsource the writing of professional letters, such as customer service responses, official communications, thank you letters to clients, or internal memos.
- Cover Letters and Resumes: Many job seekers pay professionals to write compelling cover letters that make their applications stand
- Grant Proposals and Fundraising Letters: Non-profits and organizations often need skilled writers to craft persuasive letters and proposals to secure funding.
- Personalized Letter-Writing Services: There’s a niche market for individuals who want to send unique, often handwritten, letters for special occasions (e.g., wedding thank yous, bespoke invitations, letters from “Santa,” or even character letters for fans – though be mindful of intellectual property rights with the latter).
- Advocacy and Political Campaign Letters: Organizations and campaigns sometimes hire writers to draft letters to constituents, policymakers (like letters to Congress), or for awareness campaigns.
- Greeting Card Sentiments: While not strictly “letters,” greeting card companies often pay for clever, heartfelt, or humorous verses and sentiments.
It’s important to distinguish these professional writing opportunities from some “paid per letter” schemes that might appear online, which can sometimes be misleading or related to less reputable activities like mass-mailing for sweepstakes.
How Much Do Letter Writers Make?
This is a common question, and the answer is: it varies significantly. “How much do letter writers make?” depends on several factors:
- Type of Letter: Writing a complex sales letter for a major campaign will command a much higher fee than a simple thank you note.
- Experience and Skill: Established freelance writers with a strong portfolio and specialized skills (like direct response copywriting) can charge premium rates.
- Client/Company: Working directly with large businesses or established marketing agencies usually pays more than one-off gigs for individuals.
- Scope of Work: Is it a single letter, or an entire campaign? Is research involved?
- Pricing Model: Some writers charge per project, per hour, or even per word (though “paid per letter” in a simplistic sense can sometimes be a red flag for certain schemes).
For instance, a freelance copywriter crafting a sales letter might charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the potential ROI for the client. Someone offering personalized handwritten letter services on a platform like Etsy might charge
10−
10−
50+ per letter. Those writing for greeting card companies might earn
25−
25−
150 per accepted sentiment.
Where to Find Opportunities to Get Paid Writing Letters
Finding legitimate work writing letters involves looking in the right places. Here are some avenues to explore:
- Freelance Writing Platforms:
- Upwork: (https://www.upwork.com/) You can find a wide range of writing gigs, including copywriting, business writing, and cover letter creation.
- Fiverr: (https://www.fiverr.com/) Writers can offer specific “gigs” for letter writing services, from sales letters to personalized notes.
- Freelancer: (https://www.freelancer.com/) Similar to Upwork, it hosts various writing projects.
- Contena: (https://contena.co/) A premium platform that curates higher-paying remote writing jobs, which can include specialized correspondence.
- ProBlogger Job Board: (https://problogger.com/jobs/) Often lists freelance writing opportunities, some of which might involve letter or email copywriting.
- Greeting Card Companies:
- Many companies accept freelance submissions. It’s best to search for “greeting card writer submissions” or “[Greeting Card Company Name] writer guidelines.” Examples include:
- Blue Mountain Arts: (https://www.sps.com/corp/contact-us/writers-guidelines) (Known for contemporary prose and poetry)
- Leanin’ Tree: (https://www.leanintree.com/artist-guidelines) (Also accepts verse submissions)
- Always check the specific company’s current submission guidelines as they can change.
- Many companies accept freelance submissions. It’s best to search for “greeting card writer submissions” or “[Greeting Card Company Name] writer guidelines.” Examples include:
- Direct Outreach & Networking:
- Identify businesses or non-profits that might need your services and reach out with a portfolio.
- Let your professional network know you offer letter-writing services.
- Niche Platforms & Marketplaces:
- Etsy: (https://www.etsy.com/) If you offer personalized or handwritten letter services (like “letters from Santa” or artistic calligraphy), Etsy can be a good marketplace.
- Specialized job boards for non-profits or political campaigns might list roles involving advocacy letter writing.
A Note on “Apps That Pay You to Write”:
When people ask “What is the app that pays you to write?”, they might be thinking of broad freelance platforms (like the Upwork or Fiverr apps) rather than a dedicated “letter writing app.” Most opportunities will be found through websites or direct client work.
Spotting and Avoiding Letter Writing Scams
Unfortunately, the idea of easy money writing letters from home can attract scams. Be cautious of:
- “Paid Per Letter” Schemes: Some operations, particularly in the sweepstakes entry niche or those resembling Multi-Level Marketing (MLM), promise payment for simply handwriting and mailing letters. Reddit communities like r/antiMLM often discuss these. While some people do participate in sweepstakes AMCAS (Alternative Method of Entry), the income is often minimal and the business model can be questionable.
- Handwriting Jobs Requiring Upfront Fees: Legitimate employers or clients won’t ask you to pay for materials or a “starter kit” to begin writing letters for them.
- Vague Job Descriptions: If the work involved and the payment structure are unclear, proceed with caution.
- Unrealistic Income Claims: If it sounds too good to be true (e.g., “earn thousands a week just writing simple letters!”), it probably is.
Always research any company or platform thoroughly before committing your time or personal information.
Building Your Career as a Letter Writer
If you’re serious about earning money writing letters, consider these steps:
- Define Your Niche: What kind of letters do you excel at or enjoy writing? (Sales, personal, formal business?)
- Build a Portfolio: Create samples of your best letter writing work.
- Develop Your Skills: For professional letters (sales, business), consider courses in copywriting or business communication.
- Market Yourself: Create a professional online presence (e.g., LinkedIn profile, simple website) and actively seek clients or opportunities.
While some people ask, “How to get paid for writing immediately?”, building a sustainable income from writing, including letters, usually takes time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I get paid to write letters?
A: Yes, there are various ways, from freelance copywriting (sales letters) to providing personalized letter services, or writing for greeting card companies. - Q: What is the company that pays you to write?
A: Many companies do, depending on the type of writing. This includes marketing agencies, businesses needing direct mail, greeting card publishers, and platforms that connect freelancers with clients. - Q: Do newspapers pay for letters to the editor?
A: Generally, no. Letters to the editor are typically seen as civic engagement. - Q: Is it common for professors to receive payment for writing letters of recommendation?
A: No, this is considered part of their professional and ethical duty and they are not paid extra for it. - Q: How can I find a job that pays me to write letters to Congress?
A: Look for positions with advocacy groups, lobbying firms, political campaigns, or non-profit organizations that engage in legislative outreach. These roles usually require more than just letter writing, often involving research and policy understanding. - Q: Is the simple Handwriting work from home job genuine?
A: Many advertised “handwriting jobs” can be scams or related to very low-paying activities like writing for sweepstakes entries. Always research thoroughly and be wary of upfront fees or unrealistic promises. - Q: What about writing letters to prisoners?
A: Writing letters to prisoners is typically a volunteer activity focused on providing support and connection, not a paid job.
Your Words Have Value
The art of letter writing is far from obsolete. In many contexts, a well-penned letter can be incredibly impactful. By honing your skills and seeking out the right opportunities, you can indeed get paid to write letters and transform your passion for words into a rewarding income stream.
And if you’re looking for another straightforward way to make money online with your opinions, don’t forget to check out SurveyNow. Sign up and start earning today!
