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.
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.
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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.
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.
Handwritten vs. Digital Letters: Which Pays More?
| Type of Letter | Typical Earnings | Best Platforms | Why Clients Pay More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handwritten Letters ✍️ | $25–$150+ per letter (premium calligraphy or keepsakes can reach $300+) | Etsy, Instagram, Local gift shops | Tangibility & personalization: clients value the one-of-a-kind feel, luxury stationery, and presentation. |
| Digital Letters 💻 | $10–$100 per letter | Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn | Speed, flexibility, and affordability: great for business letters, job applications, and quick delivery. |
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.
Choosing Your Niche: At a Glance
| Niche | Who It Serves | Earning Potential | Best Platforms to Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romantic & Emotional (love letters, apologies, affirmations) | Couples, individuals who struggle to express emotions | $20 – $150+ per letter | Fiverr, Etsy, Instagram |
| Business & Professional (proposals, resignation letters, formal correspondence) | Small businesses, professionals, job seekers | $30 – $200+ per project | Upwork, LinkedIn, PeoplePerHour |
| Event-Based (wedding vows, thank-you notes, speeches) | Couples, wedding planners, small businesses | $50 – $300+ per piece | Etsy, Wedding forums, Social Media |
| Creative & Literary (fictional letters, fan mail, poetry) | Fans, creatives, collectors | $15 – $500 depending on scope | Etsy, Reedsy, Personal Website |
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:
- FlexJobs (www.flexjobs.com) for verified remote gigs
- ProBlogger (www.problogger.com/jobs) for writing jobs
- PeoplePerHour (www.peopleperhour.com) for global freelance work
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.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Letter Writing Side Hustle
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | What to Do Instead ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Underpricing your work | Makes your service look low-value and limits income growth | Start with fair rates, then raise as you build reviews & portfolio |
| Skipping a portfolio | Clients can’t trust your style or tone without samples | Create 3–5 mock letters (romantic, business, thank-you) to showcase |
| Ignoring client instructions | Leads to revisions, bad reviews, or lost repeat clients | Use a questionnaire or confirm tone/purpose before writing |
| Taking every random gig | Spreads you thin and hurts your credibility | Focus on 1–2 niches (romantic, business, handwritten) to stand out |
| Moving off-platform too soon | Risks not getting paid and losing protection | Stay on Fiverr/Upwork/Etsy until you’ve built direct client trust |
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.
🌐 Platforms at a Glance
| Platform | Best For | Strengths | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | Business & professional letters (resignation, proposals, client outreach) | Large client base, trusted payment system | High competition, platform fees |
| Etsy | Handwritten, creative, or gift-style letters | Visual marketplace, good for artisanal & romantic niches | Success depends on strong visuals & presentation |
| Fiverr | Quick gigs like love letters, apologies, thank-you notes | Easy to set up, beginner-friendly, global reach | Prices can be low until you build reviews |
| Professional letters, business communications | Direct access to business clients & decision-makers | Requires proactive outreach, less built-in gig system | |
| Reedsy | Creative/literary commissions (fictional letters, story-based writing) | Premium clients, high-paying gigs for strong portfolios | Selective platform, not beginner-friendly |
| PeoplePerHour | Mix of creative & business writing gigs | Flexible projects, global audience | Less visibility compared to Fiverr/Upwork |
| Textbroker | Shorter professional or business-related letters | Great for beginners to gain experience | Lower pay rates, limited creative work |
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.
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.
💰 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!
FAQs About Letter Writing as a Side Hustle
Can you really make money writing letters online?
Yes. Letter writing is a legitimate side hustle in 2025. Freelancers get paid to write love notes, business correspondence, thank-you cards, wedding vows, and even fan mail. Many earn $10–$30 per letter starting out, and experienced writers charge $100–$300+ for premium projects.
What types of letters pay the most?
Handwritten letters, wedding vows, and formal business correspondence often pay the highest rates. Clients value emotional impact, personalization, and professional polish making these niches more profitable than casual notes.
Do I need experience to start a letter writing side hustle?
No. You don’t need professional experience to get started. Many clients care more about tone, authenticity, and creativity than credentials. A simple portfolio of sample letters is enough to begin attracting paying clients.
Where can I find clients who pay for letter writing?
Freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour are great for custom requests. Etsy is ideal for handwritten or artistic letters. LinkedIn works well for business writing, while Instagram and TikTok can help market creative or romantic niches.
How much can I earn as a beginner letter writer?
Beginners usually earn $10–$25 per letter. As you gain experience and positive reviews, you can scale to $50–$150 per project. Premium services such as handwritten letters, calligraphy, or vow writing can bring in $200–$300+ per job.
Is writing letters a legit work-from-home job?
Yes. Letter writing is a flexible, creative, and low-cost freelance service. You can work from home, set your own schedule, and grow it into consistent income as long as you avoid scams and work with verified clients or trusted platforms.
Which niches are best for letter writers in 2025?
The most in-demand niches are:
- Romantic writing (love notes, apology letters, affirmations)
- Event-based writing (wedding vows, anniversary letters, thank-you notes)
- Professional letters (business proposals, resignation letters, follow-ups)
- Creative projects (fictional letters, poetry, fan mail)
How can I market myself as a letter writer?
Build a small portfolio, post your services on freelance platforms, and share samples on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Etsy. Offering bundles, handwritten upgrades, or subscription-style packages (like monthly motivational letters) can help you stand out and earn more.
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