Have you ever noticed?
You often connect with various writing platforms, putting in significant efforts to attract substantial traffic. Experiment with different genres and formats to create engaging content, yet feel as if your words have vanished into the void.
The earnings from your published poems, stories, blogs, and articles don’t match your immense efforts.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, my writer friend. You may just be applying your efforts on some platforms incorrectly. You just need a guide to select the right platform.
It is a fact that writing can pay your bills. But not all writing is created equal. From screenwriting to blogging, every writing style opens a unique door to generating income.
Whether you’re a beginner or a passionate writer, this writer’s income-guiding blog breaks down exactly how each form of writing can earn you real money and how writers get paid for their work.
How Does a Writer Get Paid?- Facts that No One Tells You
In 2025, there are more opportunities than ever for writers to earn real income, not just from publishing books but through freelancing, digital platforms, storytelling apps, and even scriptwriting.
Let’s dive into it.
1. FREELANCING ON TRUSTED PLATFORMS
If you’re good at writing blogs, web content, newsletters, or product descriptions, freelancing is your easiest entry point.
Many platforms are well-known for offering various types of gigs.
- Upwork
Upwork is an ideal platform for writers looking for long-term projects. You can either bid on jobs posted by clients or receive direct invitations based on your profile.
How You Get Paid
- Writers earn either through an hourly rate, ranging from ₹800 to ₹ 3,000 per hour, depending on their experience.
- Pays fixed project fees, such as ₹10,000 for an eBook and ₹2,000 for a blog post.
Upwork charges a flat 10% service fee on all earnings. Once a project or milestone is approved, payments are processed and can be withdrawn via Payoneer, Wise, or Direct Bank Transfer, usually within 3–5 business days. It means if you complete a blog project worth ₹20,000, Upwork will deduct ₹2,000 as its fee, and you’ll receive ₹18,000 in your account.
- Fiverr
Fiverr is a fantastic platform for beginners who build their portfolios and attract clients. Instead of bidding for work, you create “Gigs(I will write a 1000-word SEO blog post),” and clients browse and place orders directly.
How You Get Paid:
- You have complete control over your pricing, which can range from ₹1000 to ₹50,000 or more per gig. You can also add optional services, such as express delivery or in-depth topic research to increase your earnings.
Fiverr charges a flat 20% fee on every order. Once the client approves the order—or automatically after 3 days of delivery—you can withdraw your earnings through PayPal, the Fiverr Revenue Card, or directly to your bank account.
It’s an excellent platform to gain experience, grow your reputation, and gradually increase your rates.
- Reedsy
Reedsy is a premium, invitation-only platform for experienced writing professionals, such as editors, ghostwriters, and book designers. Reedsy connects you directly with authors who browse through carefully verified profiles.
How You Get Paid:
- Project fees are considerably higher, ranging from ₹30K to ₹3 lakhs, depending on the complexity and length of the manuscript.
Reedsy charges a 10% platform fee, deducted from your final payout. Payments are processed through Stripe and then transferred to your bank account.
This platform is best suited for seasoned professionals and high-paying serious projects.
Freelance writers can explore more platforms like these to earn real money.
2. AUTHORING
Writers today can earn through three prominent publishing paths—Traditional Publishing, Partner (Hybrid) Publishing, and Self-Publishing—each offering distinct income models along with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
1. Traditional Publishing
In traditional publishing, you sign a contract with a reputable publishing house. Here’s how the money flows:
- Advance Payment: A one-time small payment is given by writers before the book is published, depending on your profile and the publisher. Some publishers provide this process as a free service.
- Royalties: After the publisher recovers the advance, you earn 7–10% of the MRP on every book sold.
- Subsidiary Rights: If your book gets optioned for a film, translated, or converted into an audiobook, you also earn from those rights.
If your book’s MRP is ₹300 and you have a 10% royalty, you earn ₹30 per copy.
Pros:
- Prestigious and credible, suitable choice for debut authors.
- Nationwide bookstore distribution at low cost or no cost.
- Editorial, design, and marketing support.
Cons:
- Lengthy approval and publication process(can take two years or more)
- Lesser creative control
- Lower royalty rates compared to other models
2. Partner Publishing
In this model, you share the publishing costs but retain a higher share of the earnings.
- Upfront Investment: You pay ₹15,000–₹80,000+ for editing, design, ISBN, and distribution services.
- Royalties: Higher than traditional—usually 30–70% of the profit.
If your book sells for ₹300 and production/distribution costs are ₹120, profit = ₹180. You might earn ₹90–₹126 per sale.
Pros:
- Faster publishing timelines.
- Higher royalty than traditional publishing.
- Creative control over the book’s content and design.
Cons:
- You bear the financial risk.
- Marketing and sales are your responsibility.
- Some publishers may charge a very high amount.
3. Self-Publishing
It is the most flexible and independent route where you do everything—from writing to publishing—yourself.
- Platform: Tools like Amazon KDP for global reach or Pothi for Indian print-on-demand.
- Royalties: Up to 70% for eBooks priced ₹99–₹449. No upfront investment. For example, an eBook priced at ₹199 with 70% royalty = ₹139.3 per sale.
Pros:
- Highest royalty potential.
- The writer has full creative and pricing control.
- Global reach, especially for eBooks.
Cons:
- You handle everything (editing, cover, formatting).
- No built-in marketing—100% of your effort.
- High-time commitment upfront.
Take the time to thoroughly explore each publishing option before making a decision.
The right choice begins with the right understanding.
3. AUDIO STORY SCRIPTWRITING
Audio storytelling is booming both in India and globally, opening exciting new doors for writers and storytellers. Platforms like Pocket FM, Kuku FM, and Pratilipi FM are actively seeking fresh and engaging content.
Whether you’re a novelist, screenwriter, or hobbyist storyteller, you can apply to these platforms and earn through per-episode payments, royalties, or direct story commissions.
How you get paid.
1. Pocket FM
A pioneer in India’s audio entertainment industry, Pocket FM is known for its long-format fiction series that hooks listeners episode after episode.
How writers get paid:
- Per Episode Payment – Writers typically earn ₹500 or more per episode, while full series payments can range from ₹20,000 to over ₹1 lakh, depending on factors such as the story’s length, agreed payment per word, and popularity.
- Royalty/Revenue Share – If your story is offered as premium content, you earn a share every time a listener pays to unlock it.
- Fixed Project Fee – Pocket FM also commissions original stories and pays upfront amounts between ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakhs+, based on your writing experience and the series scope.
Payments are made through bank transfer, either every month or according to the specific agreement.
2. Kuku FM
Kuku FM is rapidly gaining popularity as a hub for Hindi and regional language audio content, catering to listeners interested in self-help, motivation, biographies, and compelling fiction.
How writers get paid:
- Flat Project Fee – Writers receive a fixed payment per series based on the genre, length, and word count agreed upon.
- Per Script or Chapter Payment – Payments may also be structured per completed script or chapter, offering flexibility for serialised storytelling.
Payments are made via direct bank transfer or through third-party agencies Kuku FM collaborates for content development.
3. Pratilipi FM / Pratilipi App
Pratilipi FM, an extension of the popular storytelling platform Pratilipi, is a remarkable space for Indian-language writers, especially in romance, fantasy, and fiction genres.
It offers writers the chance to turn their stories into immersive audio experiences that reach millions of listeners.
How writers get paid:
- Episodic Payment – Writers typically earn ₹300 to ₹1000+ per script episode, with rates varying based on episode length and complexity.
- Long-Term Series Benefits – Writers who create ongoing or long-format series can see increasing earnings over time as their story gains traction.
- Novel-to-Audio Adaptations – If you’ve published a written story on Pratilipi, they may adapt it into an audio drama and offer you a share of the revenue generated from listens.
Payments are processed through direct bank transfers or in partnership with third-party agencies managing content production.
Writers can explore even more audio storytelling platforms to write and earn. New platforms are emerging regularly, offering diverse opportunities based on genre, language, and payment models.
Just remember: always research thoroughly first and choose the one that aligns best with your goals, genre, and payment expectations.
4. MEDIUM & RELATABLE PLATFORMS
Platforms like Medium, Substack and more are suitable for writers who create content based on personal experiences, knowledge related(healthy lifestyle, historical facts, spirituality, psychological facts, etc.), articles, blogs, short stories, storytelling, etc.
Medium
A powerful platform where writers can earn by simply doing what they love. Through the Medium Partner Program (MPP), writers get paid based on how deeply their content connects with paying readers.
Medium Partner Program (MPP)
Step 1: Publish your story as a “Members-Only” post.
Step 2: Medium tracks how long paying subscribers spend reading it.
Step 3: You earn based on the total reading time, engagement (claps, comments), and the followers you bring.
If Medium pays ~$0.03–$0.06 per minute, a 2-minute read by 1,000 members can earn you ₹2000–₹5000.
- Paid monthly via Stripe (linked to your bank account)
- Minimum payout: $10 (₹800)
- Payment is in USD, automatically converted to INR.
You can also explore similar platforms, such as Substack, Vocal Media, HubPages, Wattpad, LinkedIn, and more.
Remember: your words have value. Find the right platform, write consistently, and let your voice earn for you.
5. SCREENWRITING
Screenwriting is no longer limited to Bollywood blockbusters — it’s thriving across the web, YouTube, indie cinema, and OTT platforms.
Writers can earn between ₹2,000 and ₹14,00,000 per script, depending on the platform, script format (short film, feature film, or web series), and the rights sold.
The income models vary widely — from selling full story rights to commissioned writing and even residuals.
How Writers Get Paid:
1. Script Purchase / Story Rights
- You pitch and sell your script directly to a producer or platform.
- Earn up to ₹15 lakhs+ (one-time fee). In India, screenwriters typically get less than 2% of the total film budget.
2. Commissioned Projects
- Hired by studios, OTTs, or directors to write based on their brief.
- ₹20,000–₹1L+ per web series episode and ₹1L–₹10L for full feature film scripts.
- YouTube scripts: ₹5,000–₹50,000 per script
Based on budget, genre, and experience of a writer.
3. Web Series / OTT Deals
Collaborate with major platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, SonyLIV, and others.
Earning:
- ₹20,000–₹1L per episode
- ₹5L–₹25L+ for a full-season writing team.
4. Short Films / YouTube / Indie Projects
- Create for indie filmmakers, influencer content, and branded shorts.
Earning:
- ₹2,000–₹20,000 per short film.
- ₹5,000–₹50,000 per branded content script.
6. PAID GUEST BLOGGING
Guest blogging is a fantastic entry point for writers looking to earn while building their portfolio and authority. Many established blogs and digital magazines pay between ₹1000 to ₹5000 per article, depending on the topic, quality, and platform.
How writers get paid:
1. Paid Guest Blogging
Paid guest blogging is when you write articles for other websites or blogs in exchange for payment.
It helps you showcase your writing skills to a wider audience while earning money per post.
- Earnings: ₹1000–₹5000 per article.
- Platforms: The Write Life, Women’s Web, Write to Done, Cracked, The Establishment.
2. Display Ads
Display ads are visual advertisements placed on your blog through platforms like Google AdSense.
You earn money based on impressions or clicks, depending on your traffic volume and niche.
- Once you reach around 10,000 monthly visitors, your earnings can be between ₹100 and ₹500 for every 1,000 visitors.
3. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is promoting products or services through special links on your blog.
You receive a commission each time someone makes a purchase using your referral link.
- Promote tools, books, or courses using affiliate links
- Earnings: 10%–60% per sale
- Popular affiliates: Amazon, Grammarly
4. Sponsored Posts
Sponsored posts are paid articles you write for brands to promote their products or services on your blog.
You earn money per post, with rates depending on your blog’s traffic, niche, and influence.
- Get paid to review or feature a brand/product.
- Earnings: ₹1000–₹1,00,000+ per post.
7. COPYWRITING & BRAND WRITING
Copywriting is one of the most in-demand and high-paying skills for writers in 2025. From crafting landing pages and email campaigns to writing product descriptions, Instagram captions, or brand slogans, copywriting helps businesses connect with their audience and sell effectively.
Many brands pay up to ₹20,000 per project, and even more if you have a strong grasp of marketing or branding.
How Writers Get Paid:
1. Agency Work / In-House Copywriter
You can work:
- As a freelance copywriter for an agency
- As a part-time/full-time in-house writer
- On a monthly retainer (clients pay you regularly)
Earnings:
- ₹15,000 – ₹80,000/month (freelance/retainer-based)
- ₹30,000 – ₹2.5 lakhs/month (full-time based on experience)
- Clients pay between ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 per month for services such as blogs, emails or social media content.
2. Platforms That Pay for Copywriting Jobs
| PLATFORM | STRATEGIES | PAYMENT |
| UPWORK | Long-term gigs & content strategy | Bank Transfer, Payoneer |
| FEVERR | Quick copy gigs (ads, landing pages) | PayPal, Bank Transfer |
| Direct leads via networking | Direct bank or UPI | |
| CONTRA/POLYWORK | Portfolio-based client work | Bank, Stripe |
| PEOPLE PER HOUR | UK/Europe clients | Bank, Stripe |
8. GHOSTWRITING
Ghostwriting is a powerful and well-paying writing career for those who don’t mind staying behind the curtains. Coaches, creators, influencers, CEOs, and thought leaders need skilled writers to articulate their ideas.
The money, however, is very real — ghostwriters can earn ₹50,000 to ₹7 lakhs+ per project, depending on the scope, research, and storytelling depth.
How Writer Get Paid:
For instance, writing a non-fiction book of 30,000 to 50,000 words can earn you anywhere between ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 in India, while global rates range from $1,000 to $30,000.
A fiction novel commands even more, with Indian writers earning ₹1 lakh to ₹7 lakhs or more and international rates going up to $50,000.
Shorter projects, such as blogs or articles, typically pay ₹1000 to ₹5000 in India and $50 to $300 globally.
All earnings are usually received through bank transfer or PayPal, depending on the platform or client.
Whether it’s ghostwriting, blogging, audio storytelling, or copywriting, remember — your words have the power to earn, influence, and transform. All you need to do is trust yourself and research thoroughly to find the writing path that truly aligns with your unique writing style and voice.
The right platform is out there — it just needs the real you to show up.
I hope you found this blog both helpful and inspiring.
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So tell me — which platform are you planning to start with?
Drop your thoughts, questions, or feedback in the comments, through the feedback form, or connect with me on Instagram @writersimranthakur.
Also, feel free to suggest your next topic — I’d love to create an informative blog that serves your writing journey.
Simran Thakur
Audio Story Scriptwriter| Author| Blogger| Poet
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