Seeking to start a business with writing skills but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build a creative service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own business with writing skills, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable business ideas for entrepreneurs who love to write, that you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start a video production company ($7.2M/year)
Hope Horner from Los Angeles, California, USA started Lemonlight almost 7 years ago, a video production company.
- Revenue: $600,000/ month
- Founders: 3
- Employees: 45
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
I grew up in Johnson City, TN - a small town in the northeast corner of the state. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of moving to Los Angeles and starting my own business. When I was 18, I moved to LA to attend college and haven’t left yet.
I started my first business in 2008 when the startup culture was very limited in Los Angeles. Resources were scarce and it was difficult to learn how to start and run a company with no experience. Nonetheless, I trudged through the journey for a few years trying to figure it out. It was filled with some success and a lot of learning lessons, but ultimately, it didn’t end the way I had hoped. I spent a few more years working with startup companies and learning more about the landscape and how to hone my skills as a leader and entrepreneur.
In April of 2014, I started my second company, Lemonlight, out of a second bedroom with my two co-founders, Daniel Marlow, and Chad Rogers. Lemonlight’s mission was to offer small and medium-sized businesses access to high-quality, affordable video content that they could use to advertise their brand online.
2. Become an author ($168K/year)
Nick Thacker from Colorado, USA started Nick Thacker about 4 years ago, a author.
- Revenue: $14,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 1
- Location: Colorado, USA
I’ve always been a fanatic reader, specifically in the thriller genre. I discovered Dan Brown as a kid, then James Rollins, and I’ve always love action movies that combine adrenaline and history (think National Treasure, Indiana Jones, etc.).
I decided to write a book (my first was called The Golden Crystal, and it has been re-launched as The Atlantis Stone) when my grandfather passed away. He had always been a strong positive influence in my life, and he, my dad, and I often swapped paperbacks we liked. That first book was intended as a gift for my dad for Christmas, and it was going to be the only one I ever wrote -- just to see if I could do it.
I had no idea what I was doing (arguably, I still don’t…). I just thought it would be fun to combine technology with the discovery of Atlantis… in some way. When I got started, I was naive enough to think that books simply happen, but the book very quickly got the best of me. I took a six-month break and consumed as much as I could on the subject of the craft of writing fiction. I’d never really written anything before, so it was an eye-opening experience to learn about structure, plot tropes, character development, and everything else that goes into a good, cohesive story.
3. Start a consulting business ($240K/year)
Akhil Suresh Nair from City of Westminster, England, United Kingdom started Xena Intelligence by Parzenn Partners almost 3 years ago, a consulting business.
- Revenue: $20,000/ month
- Founders: 3
- Employees: 0
- Location: City of Westminster, England, United Kingdom
I had a couple of years of experience working for a large corporation back in India. I genuinely felt that I was just a cog in the wheel and that whatever I did had little to no impact in the real world.
We were at a crossroads at that time – filled with constant self-doubt about the career path we wanted to take. We could have easily applied for corporate jobs in the US or in India, but we chose to follow our hearts by continuing to work in our consulting business.
I reached out to a few small businesses I had developed good relationships during my corporate career and started helping them out on developing marketing strategy to scale their businesses and also to instill robust operational efficiencies in their business processes. I realized that I was able to add considerable value to their businesses and that I felt a sense of satisfaction in being able to make their lives better. I soon started consulting for over 20 small businesses in India.
4. Start a freelance writing business ($960K/year)
David Tile from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started Article-Writing Co almost 10 years ago, a freelance writing business.
- Revenue: $80,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 12
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
In 2011, coming out of college, I miserably tried to start a penny auction website. I studied Political Science at University, which had absolutely no bearing on this idea. I knew I wanted to do something entrepreneurial and was consumed by this auction model. I had my own specific mechanics that I thought would make the game a lot more fair for the average consumer. But alas, 6-8 months later, after burning through thousands of dollars trying to get the technology right, I was absolutely nowhere.
I was resigned to not give up, but the mechanics of the auction are critical to the smooth operation of the website and if you can’t get it right you don’t have a business. So I decided to start taking on some freelance writing work, just to get some cash in.
One thing led to another and I started getting some bigger clients with bigger asks. Eventually, I snowballed hiring some writers and copy editors. Turning this thing into a full-time business operation.
5. Start a journal business ($480K/year)
Ollie Aplin from Brighton, England, United Kingdom started MindJournal almost 5 years ago, a journal business.
- Revenue: $40,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 2
- Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom
I’ve personally kept a journal for 10 years now, ever since I first went into therapy to recover from PTSD. My mum took her own life 2 years prior to my breakdown, and I never really got to grips with my emotions or how to process everything that had ever happened.
When I started therapy I was still stuck in the mindset that talking about how I felt was not something I should do. So talking therapy was the most unnatural experience for me. So to help, my therapist recommended I tried journaling – as a way of privately thinking about how I felt and what was on my mind. It was a game-changer of a moment for me.
My mum took her own life 2 years prior to my breakdown, and I never really got to grips with my emotions or how to process everything that had ever happened.
6. Become a niche blog ($205K/year)
Starter Story from New York, New York, USA started Starter Story over 3 years ago, a niche blog.
- Revenue: $17,100/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 2
- Location: New York, New York, USA
- Lean SEO: This is our framework for growing the site to 500k monthly readers
- Guide: How To Grow Your Audience With Interviews
- How I Published 142 Blog Posts in 12 Months (a bit outdated)
7. Become a proofreader ($24K/year)
Lenny Bron from New York, New York, USA started The Blog Proofreader over 4 years ago, a proofreader.
- Revenue: $2,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 0
- Location: New York, New York, USA
This business idea was born in 2016, but the journey really began in 2014.
After working for a company for 8 years, I hadn’t really gotten far financially and felt stuck. I decided to find a job with better financial prospects and the possibility of advancement. After 6 months of searching, I was hired at a new employer and managed to double my salary in one fell swoop!
Just start! That little voice inside your head giving you doubts will always be there. Push through that voice and keep going until you reach a point where you’re lost.
8. Start a fashion columnist business
Examples of a successful fashion columnist business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a fashion columnist business:
- How To Get Into Fashion Journalism With Alexa Chung
- How To Become A Freelance Writer In 2020 (For Total Beginners)
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Fashion Design Business
- Vegan Ventures: Start And Grow An Ethical Business
9. Start a screen writing business
Examples of a successful screen writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a screen writing business:
- The Business Of Screenwriting
- I Hated Outlining Screenplays Until I Joined A Screenwriting Group - Kenneth Castillo
For further info, check out these books and products:
10. Start an online researching business
Examples of a successful online researching business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online researching business:
- How To Do Market Research – Basic Online Market Research For Your Business
- Online Research Jobs: Make Money With Your Smarts
For further info, check out these books and products:
- So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love
- Hbr Guide To Buying A Small Business (Hbr
11. Start a resume writing business
Examples of a successful resume writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a resume writing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
12. Start a speech writing business
Examples of a successful speech writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a speech writing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Lost Art Of The Great Speech: How To Write One--How To
- How To Start A Home-Based Writing Business
13. Start a pr consulting business
Examples of a successful pr consulting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a pr consulting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start And Run A Successful Consulting Business
- Consulting Success: The Proven Guide To Start, Run And
14. Start an e-book writing business
Examples of a successful e-book writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a e-book writing business:
- How To Create And Sell An Ebook
- How To Write An Ebook And Make Money (How To Make Passive Income From Ebooks)
For further info, check out these books and products:
15. Become a ghost blogger
Examples of a successful ghost blogger:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a ghost blogger:
For further info, check out these books and products:
16. Start an online newsletter writing business
Examples of a successful online newsletter writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online newsletter writing business:
- What Is A Newsletter? 💌 5 Tips For Writing The Best Email Newsletters
- 5 Tips 👉🏼 How To Write A Newsletter That Your Subs Want To Read 😍🙌🏼
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Writing Business (Home-Based
- Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business: The Complete Guide To Starting And Scaling From Scratch
17. Start a direct mail service consulting business
Examples of a successful direct mail service consulting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a direct mail service consulting business:
- Roland Frasier Reveals How To Start, Grow, And Scale Your Business Fast!
- Internet Direct Marketing Creative & Consulting - Hennerberg.Com
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Direct Mail In A Digital World: 9780615993812: Business
- An Eye For Winners: How I Built One Of America's Greatest
18. Start a content marketing business
Examples of a successful content marketing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Content Marketing Works: 8 Steps To Transform Your
- Content Marketing Works: 8 Steps To Transform Your Business
19. Start a business plan writing business
Examples of a successful business plan writing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Business Plan: Quickstart Guide - The Simplified Beginner
- How To Start A Business: What You Need To Know
20. Start a social influencing business
Examples of a successful social influencing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a social influencing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Social Media Marketing Mastery 2020:3 Books In 1-How To
- 33 Million People In The Room: How To Create, Influence
21. Start an online ad creation business ($600K/year)
Examples of a successful online ad creation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online ad creation business:
- How To Start A Online Billboard Advertising Business - Be Your Own Boss Tips
- How To Start An Online Business In 2020
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start An Online Business: A Step By Step To Make Money From Your Computer Even If Your Starting From Scratch!
- How To Start An Online Business: Create A Business Around Your Lifestyle
22. Start a writing workshop teaching business
Examples of a successful writing workshop teaching business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a writing workshop teaching business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
23. Start a social media management business
Examples of a successful social media management business:
24. Start a grant writing business
Examples of a successful grant writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a grant writing business:
- How To Make Money At Home As A Grant Writer
- Grant Writing For Nonprofits 101. 10 Things You Should Know Before You Get Started!
For further info, check out these books and products:
25. Start a magazine publishing business on amazon kindle store
Examples of a successful magazine publishing business on amazon kindle store:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a magazine publishing business on amazon kindle store:
- How To Start A Self-Publishing Business On Amazon
- Is Kindle Publishing Finally Dead In 2020??? - Watch Before You Start
For further info, check out these books and products:
26. Start a playwriting business
Examples of a successful playwriting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a playwriting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start And Run A Copywriting Business
- Start Your Own Self Publishing Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Success
27. Start a copywriting business
Examples of a successful copywriting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a copywriting business:
- How To Become A Freelance Copywriter & Get Your First Client
- The #1 Way To Start Your Copywriting Career
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start And Run A Copywriting Business
- How To Launch A Freelance Copywriting Business: Creative Writing For A Living
28. Start a novelist business
Examples of a successful novelist business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a novelist business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start An Online Business: A Step By Step To Make Money From Your Computer Even If Your Starting From Scratch!
- How To Start A Small Business In 2019: 10,000/Month Ultimate Guide - From Business Idea And Plan To Marketing And Scaling. Including Funding Strategie
29. Start an online course creation business
Examples of a successful online course creation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online course creation business:
- The Simplest Online Business To Start Online Course Creation
- 3 Lessons About Course Creation - Start A Widely Successful Online Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start An Online Business: Create A Business Around Your Lifestyle
- How To Build Your Successful Online Teaching Business ...
30. Start a letter writing business
Examples of a successful letter writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a letter writing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- 300+ Successful Business Letters For All Occasions (Barron
- How To Write Better Business Letters (Barron's How To
31. Start a language translation service ($615K/year)
Examples of a successful language translation service:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a language translation service:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start A Business In Language Translation Within 24 Hours: Own A Business Today And Be Successful With No Prior Experience!
- The Entrepreneurial Linguist: The Business
32. Start a zine publisher business
Examples of a successful zine publisher business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a zine publisher business:
- How Do Zines Make Money?
- Online Magazine Publishing For Beginners // How To Publish A Magazine // Start Your Own Magazine
For further info, check out these books and products:
33. Start a short-story writing business
Examples of a successful short-story writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a short-story writing business:
- Young Entrepreneurs Success Story - Motivational Video
- Ricky Gervais Tells A Story About How He Learned To Write
For further info, check out these books and products:
34. Start a podcasting business ($204K/year)
Examples of a successful podcasting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a podcasting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Podcast: Learn How To Stop Babbling & Start Podcasting Like A Pro
- Podcast Launch: How to Create & Launch Your Podcast: Plus FreePodcastCourse.com!
35. Start a gaming storyboard creation business
Examples of a successful gaming storyboard creation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a gaming storyboard creation business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Ultimate Guide To Video Game Writing And Design: Dille
- Video Game Storytelling: What Every Developer
36. Start a market researching business
Examples of a successful market researching business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a market researching business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Entrepreneur's Guide To Market Research: Wenzel, Anne
- The Market Research Toolbox: A Concise Guide For Beginners
37. Start a comic writing business
Examples of a successful comic writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a comic writing business:
- How To Start A Comic Book Company
- Promoting And Publishing Comic Books - Advice For Independent Comic Writers And Artists
For further info, check out these books and products:
38. Start a marketing consulting business
Examples of a successful marketing consulting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a marketing consulting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start And Run A Successful Consulting Business
- Start Your Own Consulting Business, Third Edition (Startup
39. Become an affiliate marketer
Examples of a successful affiliate marketer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a affiliate marketer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
40. Start a SEM business
Examples of a successful SEM business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start An Online Business: A Step By Step To Make Money From Your Computer Even If Your Starting From Scratch!
- How to Start a Business
41. Become a song writer
Examples of a successful song writer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a song writer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Beating Songwriter's Block: Jump-Start Your Words And Music
- How To Get Started As A Singer-Songwriter: Building A Career From The Ground Up In 7 Months Or Less
42. Start a website editing business
Examples of a successful website editing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a website editing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Complete Website Planning Guide: A Step By Step Guide For Website Owners And Agencies On How To Create A Practical And Successful Scope Of Works For Your Next Web Design Project
- How To Start An Online Business: Create A Business Around Your Lifestyle
43. Start a product description writing business
Examples of a successful product description writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a product description writing business:
- How To Start A Product Description Writing Business In 2019
- Writing Product Descriptions That Make Sales From Day 1!! Shopify Dropshipping 2020
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Art Of Product Management: Lessons From A
- Breaking Into Product Management: A Product Manager Hq
44. Start a story blogging business
Examples of a successful story blogging business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a story blogging business:
- My Blogging Story: How I Got Started And Grew My Blog
- Our First Student To Achieve Six Figures Blogging!!! Natalie Bacon's Awesome Story
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Blogging Business: Generate Income From Advertisers, Subscribers, Merchandising, And More
- How To Start A Home-Based Blogging Business
45. Start a transcribing service business
Examples of a successful transcribing service business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a transcribing service business:
- Copytalk Digital Dictation Business Transcription Service
- Make $60/H From Home Transcribing – 7 Freelance Transcription Jobs
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Jump-Start Your Work At Home General Transcription Career
- How To Start A Service Business - A Step By Step Guide To Starting A New Small Service Company

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