Newsletter Writer
Some people open one particular email every week with a cup of coffee, like reading a letter from a smart friend. ☕✉️
That email was written by a newsletter writer.
It's a quiet, writing-based way to build something of your own. Let's see how it works.
What is this job, really?
The simple version: a newsletter writer writes a regular email newsletter that people subscribe to, free or paid.
Think of it like a small magazine with one author, delivered straight to people's inboxes. Readers subscribe because they like you: your topic, your opinions, your way of writing.
What does a newsletter writer actually do?
Chooses a topic: travel, money, food, books, an industry, life abroad...
Writes regularly: every week or every month.
Grows the list of subscribers.
Uses newsletter platforms like Substack, Beehiiv or Kit.
Earns from paid subscriptions, sponsors or selling their own products.
Who reads, and how does it earn?
Readers subscribe to a person and their views. Money comes from paid subscriptions, sponsors, or selling services and products to readers. Again: only after you have enough readers.
Is this a job or a business?
Mostly your own business. Some writers also write newsletters for companies, which is a more stable job.
How much talking is involved?
Low. Mostly writing, plus replies from readers.
How hard is it to learn? How long does it take?
Starting is easy: a few weeks to learn a platform and write your first issues. Growing a real audience takes months or years of regular writing.
You'll probably enjoy it if you:
Love writing.
Have opinions and a topic you care about.
Are patient and consistent.
How is AI changing this job?
AI impact: Human-first 🤖
AI can write generic newsletters, and many exist. But readers subscribe to a real person and their views. Your personality is the product.
Honest downsides
Slow growth.
Uncertain income for a long time.
Deadlines every week, forever. Even when you're on holiday.
Lots of competition for attention.
Try it before you choose it
Here's a secret nobody tells you: you don't have to choose a profession for the rest of your life. You're picking something to try. Like a new dish at a restaurant. If you hate it, you order something else next time. No drama.
And honestly? You can't know if you'll like a job until you try it. Reading about it is like reading about swimming. Useful, but you stay dry.
So here's the tiny, safe step:
Take one short beginner course. Watch a few lessons in the evening, after work. Try a small practice task. Then ask yourself one simple question: "Do I want to do more of this?"
Yes? Great. Now it makes sense to look for a deeper, more serious course.
No? Also great. You just saved yourself months, and you can try the next job on your list.
Either way, you keep your current job while you test the waters. No quitting, no big risks, no throwing your stapler out of the window.