“I have not started to write yet… and I don’t know how and where to start, so reading about opportunities is awesome.”

This was a recent email I got from a reader.

It reminded me of where I was several years ago.

Twenty browser tabs of contradictory writing advice open. Cursor blinking on a blank document. Wondering if I’d ever make a single dollar from my words.

New writers often don’t know where to start for three main reasons:

1. They’re overwhelmed by endless niches and platforms

2. They haven’t discovered which type of writing energizes rather than drains them

3. They’re paralyzed by the myth that they must “find their passion” before making money

I’ve spoken to dozens of writers through this exact problem, and I’ve noticed something surprising: the ones who start earning fastest aren’t those who know their passion from day one.

Instead, they’re intentional explorers. They know how to test audience markets while discovering their strengths along the way.

It’s not about talent or passion. It’s about intentional exploration.

And this is something most “how to make money writing” articles miss.

1. Don’t search for your passion

The biggest myth in writing is to “find your passion first, then figure out how to monetize it.”

Reality check: Most successful writers discover their true writing strengths while earning, not before.

What works is to find the overlap between your natural abilities and what readers will pay for.

But how do you actually do that?

Some time ago, I spoke to a freelance writer who thought she only loved writing personal essays. (I get it because I write lots of those too).

When we mapped her strengths, we discovered she was exceptionally good at explaining complex topics in simple language: a skill that financial companies desperately need. I nudged her to explore that direction.

She made her first $1,000 writing newsletters for financial advisors two months later.

By working towards a direction that was even remotely in line with her natural skills, she found a valuable strength she didn’t know she had.

The pattern I’ve seen work repeatedly:

• Week 1–2: Map your existing strengths (not just topics you like)

• Week 3–6: Test those strengths in 2–3 different markets with small projects

• Week 7–12: Double down on the intersection that feels most energizing AND profitable

Action step: List 5 natural abilities you already have (explaining complex ideas, storytelling, research, interviewing, etc.), then identify 3 growing markets where those abilities are in demand. This is likely where you can find your overlap.

Then start testing. Don’t fall for the usual writerly problem of procrastination and overthinking. Determine your direction and get moving!

2. Your writing portfolio doesn’t matter (your problem-solving portfolio does)

I’ve seen hundreds of new writer portfolios. Most make the same fatal mistake: they showcase writing ability instead of problem-solving ability.

Clients don’t pay for pretty words. They pay for solutions to specific problems.

“Mark” was a new technical writer struggling to land clients. His portfolio showcased well-written articles about programming concepts.

No responses from prospects.

We rebuilt his portfolio to show the problems his writing solved:

• “How this documentation reduced customer support tickets by 23%”

• “Simplified technical concepts that increased user adoption by 18%”

He landed his first paid contract within a month.

Your portfolio should answer these questions:

1. What specific problem does your writing solve?

2. How have you measured or proven this solution works?

3. What makes your approach different from other writers?

Action step: Reframe every writing sample in your portfolio to emphasize the problem it solves, not the quality of the writing itself.

3. Consistency is overrated. Focus on intentional experimentation instead

“Write every day” is probably the most repeated and least helpful advice for new writers trying to earn.

Yes, it’s important to write regularly. But here’s another truth: Consistency only matters AFTER you’ve found the right direction. Before that, it’s just consistent waste of energy.

Blind consistency won’t get you anywhere. Instead, focus on experimenting:

• Try different topics and formats in 2-week sprints

• Pay attention to which types of writing drain you vs. energize you

• Watch for early signs of reader engagement, not just your own enjoyment

When I first started writing content, I thought I wanted to write about productivity topics. Instead of writing about productivity “consistently” for months, I designed three 2-week experiments:

• Week 1–2: Wrote about productivity systems (felt somewhat forced, modest engagement)

• Week 3–4: Created work-life balance content (moderate enjoyment, better feedback)

• Week 5–6: Produced content about writing life and realities (felt completely natural, strongest reader response)

Being a lifelong reader and literature lover made the last content flow naturally for me.

Had I “stayed consistent” with productivity content, I would’ve ended up burning out writing what I don’t really enjoy.

Action step: Create a 6-week experimentation plan with three, 2-week sprints. Go back to item 1: What are your strengths and which niches can you likely target? List your top 3. Then try writing in those niches for 2 weeks each.

The goal for the first six weeks isn’t to earn money immediately. But to learn what energizes you and what readers enjoy.

Some people take longer than others in the experimentation. That’s okay. Remember: You’re trying to learn what works for you. Get that right. And as long as you’re consistent afterward, you’ll be surprised at how fast your audience growth could take.

Try not to be too hard on yourself. Take it slow now and then. Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels.

4. Use the “micro-expertise” method to discover what you’re uniquely qualified to write

Most new writers make a critical mistake: they try to compete in broad categories where they have neither passion nor a unique perspective.

The solution isn’t finding a niche you’re passionate about. Instead, identify the “micro-expertise” you already possess that others would find valuable.

Everyone has micro-expertise in something. Yes. Even you. It might be:

• Knowledge from a previous career or hobby

• Life experiences you’ve navigated

• Perspectives from your unique background

• Skills you’ve developed solving personal problems

Action step: Create a “life inventory” of your previous jobs, hobbies, challenges you’ve overcome, and subjects you research for fun.

For each area, ask: “What problems have I solved here that others still struggle with?” These are your potential micro-expertise areas to test in the market.

5. Follow the “30–30–30–10” rule to discover your ideal writing path

New writers face a paradox: you need to try different types of writing to discover what you love, but you can’t try everything at once. (Remember the Action Step in Item 3).

I encourage you to try the 30–30–30–10 rule:

• 30% of your time: Testing content types that energize you

• 30% of your time: Building skills in high-demand areas

• 30% of your time: Creating strategic relationships

• 10% of your time: Experimental projects purely for enjoyment

That last item is important because you want to enjoy the process. Otherwise, you’ll be like the rest of other would-be writers who end up quitting too soon.

Let’s say you’re a busy mom of two who has very little time to write. But you’ve always wanted to see if you can make a living as a writer because regret is a bitch.

Here’s what the process might look like:

30% testing content types:

• You write short parenting guides based on your firsthand experience raising two kids

• You experiment with different formats: listicles, how-to guides, and personal stories

• You pay attention to which topics make you lose track of time while writing

30% building in-demand skills:

• You learn basic SEO after finding that parent-focused content heavily relies on search traffic

• You study successful parenting writers to understand how they do it

• You practice writing compelling headlines that your target readers would click. You write, then publish, and evaluate the results.

30% creating strategic relationships:

• You join two parenting Facebook groups, start publishing on a parenting-related Medium publication, or even subscribe to relevant small-time Substacks on parenting.

• The focus here is to get in touch with other people in your niche. This gives you better ideas about what to write. And it also gives you a community you can rely on.

10% experimental joy writing:

• You write a short fictional story based on your children’s bedtime routine

• No pressure for it to be “good” or marketable. You just write it for your own enjoyment

Action step: Plan your next month using the 30–30–30–10 rule. For the 10% experimental time, try something you’re curious about but uncertain of. This just might reveal hidden strengths and interests you never considered monetizing.

Your first 90 days are focused on results-based discovery

Most new writers struggle because of a lack of focus and direction. So they try to simply copy others, and then they fail.

Remember: Your first 90 days are about discovering the unique overlap between your natural strengths and what the market values.

For your first 90 days, forget about:

• Finding your “one true passion” before starting

• Forcing yourself to be consistent in the wrong direction

• Committing to one niche before testing multiple

• Building a portfolio of work you don’t enjoy creating

Instead, focus on:

• Mapping your existing strengths and micro-expertise

• Testing different paths in short, strategic experiments

• Paying attention to what energizes rather than drains you

• Creating value in small, specific areas instead of broad ones

Last of all: Get started.

You now have all you need to know. The other things, you will learn along the way. Start now. Today. Not tomorrow.

Start even if it’s just a small paragraph. Good luck!

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