Introduction

Letter writing as a side hustle has gained popularity in 2025. With the increasing demand for personalized communication, many people are turning their writing skills into a profitable income stream. But is it really a viable way to make money?

This guide explores whether letter writing is a legitimate side hustle, how much you can earn, where to find clients, and how to avoid scams. If you’re looking for a flexible way to monetize your writing skills, keep reading!

Looking for more ways to monetize your writing skills? Check out these profitable writing side hustles.

Workspace with a laptop, coffee, and an open notebook filled with handwritten notes or writing a letter.

Key Takeaways

  • Letter writing is a legit side hustle with multiple income opportunities.
  • Earnings range from $10 to $300 per letter depending on niche and experience.
  • Freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Etsy are great places to find paid letter-writing gigs.
  • Building a strong portfolio and marketing yourself can help increase your income.
  • Avoid scams by working with verified clients and using trusted platforms.

💰 What If ONE Link Could Pay You 7 Times?

  • Traditional affiliate links pay only one commission per sale.
  • One link = One income stream in standard affiliate marketing.
  • This system breaks the norm—it doesn’t use a regular affiliate link.
  • Instead, it uses a Mega Link that generates 7 different commissions.
  • Now, one link = 7 income streams, multiplying your earnings effortlessly!

1. Is a Letter Writing Side Hustle Legit?

Yes! Writing letters can be a real and profitable side hustle. Many businesses and individuals seek professional writers for personalized messages, business correspondence, and creative writing projects.

Some of the most in-demand letter-writing niches include:

  • Love Letters & Apologies – Helping clients express their emotions through heartfelt messages.
  • Handwritten Thank-You Notes – Businesses and professionals pay for customized, handwritten notes.
  • Business Letters & Proposals – Formal correspondence like client proposals or resignation letters.
  • Wedding Vows & Speeches – Writing personalized wedding vows or anniversary speeches.
  • Fan Mail & Poetry – Writing creative letters for fan clubs or poetry commissions.

By choosing a niche and marketing your services effectively, you can turn letter writing into a sustainable side hustle.

Want to know even more ways to make money writing letters? Read this detailed guide on 15 legit ways to get paid for writing letters.

2. How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary based on experience, niche, and client demand. Here’s a breakdown of typical pay rates:

  • Beginner: $10–$50 per letter
  • Intermediate: $50–$150 per letter
  • Expert (custom or premium projects): $150–$300+ per letter

Some letter writers earn $1,000+ per month by offering premium services like handwritten calligraphy or customized stationery.

Tip: Increase your rates by showcasing strong writing samples and offering bundled services, such as editing or personalized delivery.

Woman working on a laptop with a written notebook and coffee cup in a cozy workspace.

3. How to Start a Letter Writing Side Hustle

Starting a letter writing side hustle doesn’t require a big budget or years of experience. What it does require is clarity on your offer, consistency in your presentation, and platforms that connect you to the right clients.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you go from idea to income.

Choose Your Letter Writing Niche

Specializing makes you more findable and more valuable. A clear niche shows potential clients exactly what you offer and how you stand out.

  • Romantic and emotional writing (love letters, apologies, affirmations)
  • Business communication (proposals, resignation letters, professional bios)
  • Event-based writing (wedding vows, anniversary speeches, thank-you notes)
  • Creative commissions (fan mail, fictional letters, poetry-driven notes)

Pick the one that aligns with your writing strengths and your ideal client type.

Set Your Rates & Packages

Pricing can be hourly, per project, or in structured tiers. Keep it simple when starting—then expand as demand grows.

  • Offer tiers like “Basic Letter,” “Custom Premium Letter,” or “Handwritten & Mailed”
  • Base your pricing on length, delivery time, tone complexity, and add-ons
  • Include rush delivery or bulk letter packages for premium pricing

Build a Sample Portfolio

A strong portfolio builds trust—even if it’s just a few examples. Clients want to see how you handle tone, clarity, and emotional nuance.

  • Create mock letters for different scenarios in your niche
  • Host your samples on a simple website, Google Drive, or LinkedIn profile
  • Use Medium, Contently, or personal blogs to showcase work if you’re just getting started

Find Clients on the Right Platforms

Where you promote your service depends on who you’re trying to reach.

  • Fiverr and Upwork: Best for custom gigs and recurring writing clients
  • Etsy: Ideal for handwritten, gift-style letter packages
  • LinkedIn: Great for business writing opportunities and direct outreach
  • Instagram or Facebook: Use visual storytelling to promote romantic or poetic letter services

Deliver Like a Pro and Upsell Smart

Great writing is only half the job—client experience matters just as much. Deliver on time, over-communicate, and look for ways to increase order value without adding stress.

  • Offer handwritten versions or special delivery options
  • Include optional edits or revisions
  • Suggest subscriptions or repeat services, like weekly motivational letters or seasonal greetings

Starting your letter writing hustle is about clarity, not complexity. Focus on one niche, offer a clean presentation, and give every project your full attention. From there, momentum builds naturally—and so does income.

4. Avoiding Scams & Red Flags in the Letter Writing Space

While letter writing is a legitimate side hustle, it’s important to navigate it carefully—especially when working online. Like all freelance opportunities, this space has its share of low-quality gigs, unrealistic offers, and outright scams.

Protect your time, your work, and your income by watching for these common red flags.

  • Steer Clear of “Too Good to Be True” Offers: If someone promises hundreds of dollars for minimal effort—especially with vague project details or no clear client background—it’s likely a scam. Real clients pay for value, not hype.
  • Stick to Trusted Platforms: Work through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Etsy, and PeoplePerHour that offer built-in payment protections, review systems, and dispute resolution tools. These platforms may charge a fee, but that fee helps ensure you get paid.
  • Request Partial Payment Upfront (When Off-Platform): If you’re working directly with a client through LinkedIn, social media, or referrals, always request a deposit before starting the work. This is common practice among professionals and helps weed out non-serious clients.
  • Check Client Reviews and Activity: On freelance platforms, review client ratings and past hiring behavior. Look for clients with a history of completed jobs, positive feedback, and verified payment methods.
  • Avoid Vague or Shady Communication: Clients who avoid answering questions, ask you to “just trust them,” or try to move you off-platform too quickly are waving red flags. Communication should be professional, clear, and mutually respectful from day one.

Use Verified Job Boards When Pitching

If you’re pitching outside of freelance marketplaces, rely on trusted job boards like:

These sites vet employers before publishing listings, reducing your risk.

Taking a few precautions upfront can save hours of wasted time—or worse, lost income. As with any freelance work, your process is your protection. Work with clarity, stay professional, and treat every project like a business transaction.

5. Top Platforms to Get Paid for Letter Writing

The right platform can make the difference between struggling for visibility and getting steady work. Whether you’re offering creative letters, handwritten notes, or formal business correspondence, there’s a platform designed for your style.

Here are the most effective platforms for turning your letter writing skills into a paid service:

Upwork: Ideal for business-focused letter writing, such as proposals, resignation letters, or client outreach. Upwork allows you to apply for projects or get invited by clients once your profile gains traction.

  • Great for: Ongoing business communications, ghostwritten letters, professional copy

  • Pro Tip: Create a profile that highlights your tone-matching ability and communication skills

Etsy: Perfect for handwritten or gift-style letters that feel personal and artisanal. If you enjoy calligraphy, packaging, or decorative presentation, Etsy gives you access to a buyer base that values creativity.

  • Great for: Romantic letters, occasion notes, or subscription-based offerings

  • Pro Tip: Use high-quality photos and creative packaging to stand out in search

Reedsy: Primarily designed for authors and literary professionals, Reedsy is a more curated platform—but letter writers with a background in ghostwriting or storytelling may find premium clients here.

  • Great for: Narrative-style letters, memoir-style commissions, or story-based writing

  • Pro Tip: Only apply if you have a strong portfolio and literary experience

PeoplePerHour: A flexible freelancing platform with short-term and long-term writing gigs. You can post your services or respond to client briefs in a variety of industries.

  • Great for: One-off projects, business letters, or mixed creative-business requests

  • Pro Tip: Write clear service descriptions that emphasize emotional tone or professionalism

Textbroker: Known for shorter-form writing gigs, Textbroker sometimes offers assignments related to product descriptions, business letters, or client correspondence.

  • Great for: Entry-level writers looking to build experience quickly

  • Pro Tip: Your rating determines what level of assignments you can access, so focus on quality and consistency early on

Finding the right platform is about matching your style with the audience each site serves. Whether you’re drawn to creative writing or professional communication, choose a starting point and build from there. Once you have reviews, samples, and confidence, it’s easier to branch out—or raise your rates.

6. Letter Writing Side Hustle Success Stories

Writers across different platforms are quietly turning letter writing into meaningful side income.

On Upwork, some freelancers offer business writing services like proposals and formal emails, gradually building repeat clients and monthly earnings. Their success comes from positioning themselves not just as writers, but as communication specialists.

Creative sellers on Etsy take a different approach—offering handwritten love letters, thank-you notes, and poetic messages. With thoughtful packaging and seasonal themes, these services stand out and often generate steady sales from customers looking for something more personal.

Others use platforms like Medium or personal blogs to share letter-writing tips and templates. Over time, this content builds trust, attracts traffic, and creates monetization opportunities through ads, affiliates, or sponsored collaborations.

These examples show that letter writing can be more than a passion—it can be a profitable, flexible way to earn with your words.

“Wooden blocks spelling ‘FAQs’ with communication icons and a keyboard and mouse in the background, symbolizing frequently asked questions about writing side hustles.”

7. FAQs About Letter Writing as a Side Hustle

Can you really make money writing letters?
Yes, you can. Many freelancers earn consistent income by offering custom letter writing services online. Some focus on professional correspondence, while others specialize in creative or emotional writing like love letters, thank-you notes, or wedding vows. Earnings vary depending on skill level, niche, and how well the writer markets their service.

Is this side hustle beginner-friendly?
Letter writing is one of the most accessible writing gigs for beginners. You don’t need formal experience to get started. With a few well-written samples and a clear service offering, you can begin taking on small projects and build from there. Platforms like Fiverr, Etsy, and Upwork allow new writers to showcase their skills and connect with paying clients quickly.

What’s the best platform for letter writing gigs?
The best platform depends on your niche. If you’re writing formal letters for business or career purposes, Upwork or PeoplePerHour offer great opportunities. For handwritten or creative projects, Etsy is ideal because of its focus on personalization and presentation. Some writers even find success by offering their services directly through LinkedIn or personal websites.

How do I market myself as a letter writer?
To market yourself, start with a simple portfolio showcasing different letter styles. Post writing samples on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn, and optimize your service listings with clear, emotion-driven descriptions. Visual platforms like Instagram also work well for handwritten or romantic letter offerings. Building credibility starts with clear messaging, consistency, and a niche focus.

What’s the best way to increase earnings over time?
Writers who want to earn more should focus on increasing the value of each offer. That could mean offering handwritten versions, bundling services like revisions or editing, or creating subscription-style packages for recurring clients. Raising your rates becomes easier as you collect positive reviews, sharpen your niche, and position your work as both personal and professional.

💰 What If ONE Link Could Pay You 7 Times?

  • Traditional affiliate links pay only one commission per sale.
  • One link = One income stream in standard affiliate marketing.
  • This system breaks the norm—it doesn’t use a regular affiliate link.
  • Instead, it uses a Mega Link that generates 7 different commissions.
  • Now, one link = 7 income streams, multiplying your earnings effortlessly!
A wooden desk featuring a notebook, a tablet, and a coffee mug with a pencil beside them.

Conclusion: Start Your Letter Writing Side Hustle Today

Letter writing isn’t just a nostalgic art—it’s a real, flexible way to earn money with your words. Whether you’re helping someone express a heartfelt apology, craft a professional email, or deliver a handwritten note with impact, your writing can carry meaning that matters. And in 2025, that meaning has value.

You don’t need a publishing deal, a huge following, or years of experience to get started. You need a clear offer, a few polished samples, and a willingness to show up with intention. From platforms like Upwork and Etsy to direct outreach on LinkedIn, there are opportunities waiting for writers who know how to capture voice, tone, and purpose in a letter.

Choose your niche, start building your presence, and focus on doing great work. With consistency, clarity, and smart positioning, your letter writing skills can become a steady income stream—and a fulfilling creative outlet.

For even more ways to get paid for writing, check out this list of websites that pay writers.

Categories: Side Hustles

Ismel Guerrero.

Hi, Ismel Guerrero, here. I help aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow their digital and affiliate marketing businesses.

2 Comments

Writing Letters for Money: How to Get Paid in 2025 - Ismel Guerrero. · February 9, 2025 at 8:04 pm

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