Top 5 Paying Platforms for Beginner Writers

As a beginner writer, finding platforms that pay for your work can be challenging. Here are five writing platforms that offer payment opportunities for new writers, categorized into audience-based and client-based platforms.

### Audience-Based Writing Platforms

#### 1. Medium

**Overview:**
Medium is a hybrid between a social media platform and a blogging site. Writers post content, and they get paid based on the number of views from Medium members.

**How It Works:**
- **Sign Up:** Create an account and set up your profile.
- **Write and Publish:** Start writing and publishing your stories.
- **Payment:** You get paid through Stripe based on member views. On average, writers earn around $20 per thousand views, or roughly two cents per view.

**Pros:**
- **No Ads:** The platform focuses on the relationship between writers and readers.
- **Flexibility:** Writers can publish content on any topic.
- **Community Engagement:** Engaging with other writers and readers can help you grow your following.

**Cons:**
- **Follower Threshold:** You need 100 followers to start earning.
- **Limited Payment Options:** Stripe is available only in certain countries.
- **Content Focus:** To maximize earnings, you often need to write about popular topics.

**Earnings Potential:**
I have personally earned between $50,000 and $100,000 on Medium. However, earnings depend on content popularity and engagement.

#### 2. Simily

**Overview:**
Simily is a new platform focused on creative writing, paying writers two cents per view.

**How It Works:**
- **Sign Up:** Create an account and start publishing immediately.
- **Payment:** Writers earn money based on views, with a minimum payout threshold of $10.

**Pros:**
- **Creative Writing Focus:** Great for fiction, short stories, and personal essays.
- **Beginner Friendly:** Easy to get started with no follower requirements.

**Cons:**
- **Unclear Promotion System:** How stories reach readers is not transparent.
- **Minimum Payout:** Requires at least 500 views to receive payment.
- **Uncertain Business Model:** Payment rates may change as the platform grows.

**Earnings Potential:**
I've earned $1.64 on Simily, which shows its potential for creative writers looking to monetize their work.

#### 3. Vocal

**Overview:**
Vocal is a mix between Simily and Medium, with a focus on both creative and general content. Writers get paid based on views and can participate in writing challenges.

**How It Works:**
- **Sign Up:** Create an account and submit your stories.
- **Payment:** Writers earn $6 per thousand views if they join the Vocal+ program ($10/month). Without Vocal+, the rate is lower.

**Pros:**
- **Writing Challenges:** Offers high-payout competitions for additional earnings.
- **No Membership Restriction:** Earn money from any reader's view, not just members.

**Cons:**
- **Lower Pay Rates:** Earnings per view are lower than on Medium and Simily.
- **Vocal+ Costs:** Requires a subscription for higher earnings.
- **Submission Process:** Stories undergo a review process, causing delays.

**Earnings Potential:**
Vocal's writing challenges can offer substantial payouts, though regular earnings per view are lower compared to Medium and Simily.

### Client-Based Writing Platforms

#### 4. Scripted

**Overview:**
Scripted is a job board for writers where clients post job briefs. Writers must apply and be accepted to access jobs.

**How It Works:**
- **Application:** Writers apply and, if accepted, join the pool of writers.
- **Jobs:** Writers receive job invites and can accept or propose rates for client briefs.

**Pros:**
- **Fair Pay:** Minimum pay rate of seven cents per word.
- **Variety:** Access to a wide range of job opportunities across different industries.

**Cons:**
- **High Entry Barrier:** Only about 5% of applicants are accepted.
- **Time Sensitivity:** Quick responses needed for job invites.
- **Proposal Work:** Some jobs require upfront proposals without guaranteed pay.

**Earnings Potential:**
Scripted offers a steady flow of work and fair pay, making it a good choice for serious writers looking to build a portfolio and earn consistent income.

#### 5. Textbroker

**Overview:**
Textbroker is a well-known platform where writers can take on various short writing assignments. Writers are rated and paid based on their quality level.

**How It Works:**
- **Application:** Writers apply and receive a star rating.
- **Job Board:** Writers accept jobs from a board, join teams, or get direct orders.

**Pros:**
- **Entry-Level Friendly:** Easy to start with short assignments.
- **Immediate Work:** Direct acceptance of jobs without lengthy proposal processes.

**Cons:**
- **Low Pay:** Rates are generally low, especially for lower-rated writers.
- **Janky Interface:** The application process and website can be confusing and outdated.
- **Limited Growth:** Higher earnings require a higher star rating, which can be difficult to achieve.

**Earnings Potential:**
Textbroker is best for beginners looking to gain experience quickly. However, the pay is low, and it’s advisable to move on to higher-paying platforms once you’ve built some confidence and experience.

### Conclusion

These five platforms offer a variety of opportunities for beginner writers. Medium, Simily, and Vocal pay based on audience engagement, while Scripted and Textbroker function as job boards connecting writers with clients. I recommend trying all five platforms to see which suits your style and needs best. Remember, diversifying your efforts can help you find the best opportunities and maximize your earnings. Happy writing!