8 Side Hustles for Writers and Journalists

Last updated: January 2026

In this article: Youth Writing Instructor | Private Tutor | Business Writing Coach | Publishing Consultant | Brand Marketing Consultant | Social Media Manager | Paralegal | Passion Projects | FAQs

Also on Mediabistro

Find job new field no experience

How to Find a Job Before It’s Posted

When you think of side jobs for writers, freelance reporting, blogging, and editing come immediately to mind. But beyond the obvious options, there are many other fields where journalists and writers can thrive—either as side gigs or full career transitions.

Here are eight side hustles for writers and journalists, along with advice from professionals who’ve successfully pursued them.

1. Youth Writing Instructor

Freelance writer Ellen Engelke was teaching dance classes at a cultural arts center in Torrance, California, when she noticed the city was looking for a literary arts teacher for children. With just her resume, a writing sample, and a curriculum outline, she secured the gig despite having no prior teaching experience.

Now she teaches several eight-week classes that meet once a week for a few hours. The schedule leaves plenty of time for freelance work.

“It is really fun,” she says. “I have students who are really loyal and they come back over and over. And I was able to branch out and teach a class about knitting and crochet, too.”

2. Private Tutor

If you don’t want to create a curriculum for a whole class, you can tutor students privately. Since the SAT includes an essay section, many high schoolers need help with writing skills and test-taking strategies.

You can also offer college entrance essay coaching or help college students and recent grads with resume and cover letter writing.

3. Business Writing Coach

By focusing on professionals who already have established careers, you can turn part-time tutoring into a full-time venture. That’s what Candace Talmadge, owner of Copy-Clinic and a former journalist and publicist, did.

“I spent my years as a journalist mostly as a business reporter,” she explains. “I have a lot of experience writing about business topics and doing PR for businesses, so it was a natural for me.”

Now she works with clients one-on-one through a members-only website, charging a monthly fee for coaching time. She also works with businesses like accounting firms, teaching their employees writing, editing, and research skills.

4. Publishing Consultant

You know how to pitch, right? So you can coach others through the process—and they’ll pay you for it.

Author and publishing consultant Maryann Reid started her own company, Books & Buzz, after noticing a pattern. “A lot of my friends and people I was meeting at networking events were always asking me how I was able to get an article in Glamour, how I was able to write five novels, and how I was able to get on 20/20. They were willing to pay to improve their skills.”

She developed a niche doing speaking engagements and private coaching about increasing visibility and publishing books.

5. Brand Marketing Consultant

Freelance writer Isha Edwards also works as a brand marketing consultant through her company, EPiC Measures. She says working in marketing gives her “more leverage” and makes her more valuable to potential clients.

“Journalists are a dime a dozen, but when you’re marketing brands for other companies, you have credibility on another level,” she says. “The revenue is more solid, more consistent, and you have more diverse product offerings.”

Edwards does marketing consulting, communications, brand management, strategy, and branded events for both individual and organizational clients.

6. Social Media Manager

Working with a brand to develop their social media strategy puts you at the intersection of PR and marketing, and typically requires original content creation and some blogging.

“Journalists have an even bigger opportunity to get into social media now, because there is always something new and more hands are always needed,” says Douglas Marshall, a journalist turned social media manager who has worked with Saks Fifth Avenue and consults for brands like Bond No. 9.

“Journalists are currency in the social media world, probably more than they think they are. Always market yourself as your own brand, have a point of view, know that you are an expert (even if you don’t yet believe it), and people will start asking YOU to work for them rather than you having to find it.”

7. Paralegal

A few years after graduating from journalism school, Gaye Weintraub earned her paralegal certification and joined top law firms, where her journalism skills gave her a significant advantage.

“As a paralegal, you do a lot of research and a lot of writing,” she explains. “When attorneys see that you have writing capabilities that others don’t have, they ask you to do more work. I’ve had attorneys ask me to write briefs, and I was hired by a sitting judge to be a research assistant. I was even able to interview potential clients, which most paralegals don’t handle because they don’t have interview skills.”

Though paralegals can work long hours (sometimes 60-80 hour weeks), many receive four weeks of vacation, bonuses, and other benefits. And as Weintraub pointed out, many journalists already work those hours for less pay.

8. Turn Your Passion Into a Side Gig

Former Good Morning America anchor Lisa McRee decided to put the same passion and dedication she brought to reporting into improving her health and that of her family. Her journey led to a website, a video series for Everyday Health, weekly newsletters, and an upcoming book—a whole new career she never anticipated.

“You have to find something that you’re passionate about, because it’s not going to pay your bills out of the gate,” McRee says. “You have to be doing it for your health.”

Whatever you’re passionate about—fitness, cooking, personal finance, travel—your journalism skills can help you build an audience and eventually monetize it.

Quick Comparison: Side Gigs for Writers

Ready to explore new opportunities? Browse jobs on Mediabistro.

FAQs About Side Gigs for Writers

What are the best side hustles for writers?

The best side hustles for writers include tutoring, freelance editing, content writing, social media management, copywriting, business writing coaching, and publishing consulting. The right choice depends on your skills, interests, and how much time you can commit.

How much can writers earn from side gigs?

Earnings vary widely. Private tutors charge $50-$200 per session. Social media managers can earn $ 500 to $5,000 per month per client. Consultants often charge $ 75 to $200 per hour. The key is to specialize and position yourself as an expert.

Can journalists transition to marketing careers?

Yes, journalists have highly transferable marketing skills—strong writing, research, storytelling, interviewing, deadline management, and an understanding of audiences. Many journalists successfully transition to content marketing, brand strategy, PR, and social media management.

Do I need certifications to tutor or coach?

For general tutoring and writing coaching, certifications aren’t typically required—your experience and writing samples demonstrate your expertise. However, some roles, like paralegal work, do require formal certification. For tutoring platforms, you may need to pass their vetting process.

How do I find clients for writing side gigs?

Start with your existing network—former colleagues, sources, and professional contacts. Use LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. Join relevant professional organizations. Register with platforms like Wyzant (for tutoring) or freelance marketplaces. Speaking engagements and content marketing can also attract clients over time.

Is it realistic to start a side gig while working full-time?

Yes, most of these gigs offer flexibility. Tutoring, coaching, and consulting can be scheduled around your full-time job. The key is to set boundaries and be realistic about your capacity. Many people start with one or two clients and grow gradually.