Esther Chilton

Did you know that you can earn around £200 pounds a month from writing readers’ letters? They’re a form of writing that’s often dismissed, but they shouldn’t be ignored – whether you’re new to the writing scene or a seasoned writer.

Here are five reasons why you should write one:

• Reason One: A source of income –

Whilst you can’t live off the proceeds of readers’ letters, some will earn you £25 a letter, while some publications pay up to £100 a letter. A few of those can certainly give your writing income a boost.

• Reason Two: Hone your writing skills –

If you take a look through some of the women’s weeklies, you’ll soon see that many of the letters are short – some less than 20 words long. So your writing needs to be succinct and it has to catch the editor’s eye to be chosen, meaning it’s a great way to practice short, sharp and to the point writing.

• Reason Three: The fun factor –

If you’re struggling with writer’s block or feeling bogged down in the depths of your novel, why not write a few readers’ letters? They’re fun and may be just the tonic you need to get you back on track with your writing.

• Reason Four: Quick and easy –

As many of the letters are so short, they don’t take long to write and so won’t take up a lot of your time.   

• Reason Five: Market Research –     

All magazines and newspapers differ in the type of letter they publish so it’s essential to study the publication first to get a feel for the type of letters they print. As well as looking at the readers’ letters, use it as a good opportunity to research the publication for other freelance opportunities. You may also find that some stories/articles/adverts in the publication spark off ideas for your own stories and articles.

So, what are you waiting for? Get letter writing!

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