Out of the Box, Into the Money: 3 Writing Projects You’ve Never Heard Of

If you’ve ever wanted to stand out from the competition or try something fresh, these “out-of-the-box” writing gigs could be the answer.

When most people hear the term “freelance writing,” they think of articles, blogs, or marketing emails. And with good reason, because these fantastic opportunities have launched the careers of thousands of successful Barefoot Writers.

But today, let’s talk about something different — something out of the box. 😊

Because there’s an entire world of paid writing work that doesn’t get talked about very much. These are projects that don’t require a full sales pitch or lengthy research. Many are short, fun, and fast. Most importantly, real clients are paying good money for them.

These Projects Are Hiding in Plain Sight

Companies, entrepreneurs, and content creators are busier than ever. They need help with everything from social media presence to podcast production to personal branding.

And the best part? These niche projects often come with less competition, quicker turnaround, and more variety than traditional writing gigs.

Many clients don’t even know where to look for someone to help with these tasks — so when they find you, you become their go-to expert.

It’s a great way to…

• break into the industry without needing massive portfolios,

• work on short, lower-pressure projects,

• stand out in a crowded market, and

• build long-term client relationships doing something creative and fun.

Let’s take a look at three out-of-the-box writing gigs that are growing fast… and paying well.

1. Turn Profiles into Profit: LinkedIn Optimization

There’s no doubt LinkedIn is the place for professionals to connect. Often, business owners will use LinkedIn to give clients and colleagues an idea of their background, skills, and company culture. Writing all of this information in an engaging and compelling way isn’t always easy.

That’s where you come in…

As a LinkedIn optimization writer, you can help professionals — ranging from new job-seekers to high-level entrepreneurs — craft bio and About sections on their LinkedIn profiles. You’d write the words to help them represent themselves well so they can connect with the right people.

LinkedIn optimization writers typically charge between $25 and $100 per hour to work with clients who need help with their profiles. If this interests you, start by learning the ins and outs of how LinkedIn works. Create a strong profile for yourself and then start letting others know you’re ready to help them, too.

2. Give Thought Leaders Their Voice: Ghostwriting LinkedIn Posts

While we’re on the topic of LinkedIn, let’s look beyond the information people post in their profiles and see the actual content they create.

Thought leaders like speakers, authors, executives, consultants, and coaches often want to build their personal brand by posting articles directly on LinkedIn. Some people will also use the newsletter feature to write regular articles that other members can subscribe to for free through LinkedIn.

Just like a normal website blog, these articles are there to educate readers on important issues, share opinions, and even compel others to take action. Often, these thought leaders don’t have the time or talent to keep up with regular article posting.

As their ghostwriter, you can write articles in their voice for between $250 and $1,000. Or, you could bundle monthly articles together into a retainer that easily gives you a reliable income each and every month.

It’s a powerful niche for anyone who enjoys writing short, thought-provoking content in a casual, insightful tone.

3. Recap Conversations That Matter: Podcast Show Notes

Another emerging niche is podcast show notes and summaries. If you’re a fan of podcasts, you know there’s an enormous variety of shows to download and enjoy. Content ranging from comedy to education to true crime is at your fingertips!

Podcast creators do a lot to publish high-quality content consistently. But to do this, they have to first think of intriguing topics their listeners will love. Then, they have to arrange for guests to join them during a recording session. Afterward, the audio must be edited to sound great.

But there’s another aspect of podcast production they’re missing… writing!

Almost every single podcast has a written description of the episode’s content. This might include an eye-catching headline, a show summary, important bullet points, and a call to action.

Many podcast creators also want an email written that they can send to their subscribers to let them know about each new episode when it’s posted. As their podcast writer, you can depend on reliable work to go along with each and every new episode.

Rachael Kraft is one AWAI member who writes regularly for a podcast in the peak performance space. She earns $200 per episode to write out an episode title, audio introduction for the host to record, episode summary, top quotes, and YouTube titles.

All in all this work takes her less than one hour to complete. Not too shabby!

Take things one step further by writing full podcast scripts for content creators. With this type of work, you could earn up to $500–$1,000 per minute of script writing.

Hit the Ground Running

To get started with your “out of the box” writing project, pick just one opportunity that sounds like fun. Write a sample (even just for a fictional company), then start reaching out to prospects on LinkedIn or an online job board. Many clients don’t even realize writers offer these services — so when you show up confidently, you’ll stand out immediately.

Don’t be surprised if that “small gig” turns into an ongoing client. These projects often lead to bigger things once clients see how good you are.

So don’t just think outside the box. Write outside of it, too. Your next best writing gig might be one nobody else is paying attention to.