content writing jobs and salary

Average Content Writer Salary

The average salary for a Content Writer is $54,355 in 2024

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What is the pay by experience level for content writers .

An entry-level Content Writer with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $41,631 based on 96 salaries. An early career Content Writer with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $49,674 based on 1,140 salaries. A …Read more

What Do Content Writers Do?

Content writers are responsible for the creation, writing, and editing of many types of content. They work for a variety of industries, such as marketing or technical fields. The typical task assigned to content writers is to take a topic and follow a series of steps to produce accurate, relevant, and well-written content. These steps include researching and analyzing the issue to generate ideas and obtain relevant facts; writing and collaborating with other writers to produce a draft; and …Read more

How do Content Writers Rate Their Jobs?

Common health benefits for a content writer, gender breakdown for content writers.

FAQs About Content Writers

What is the highest pay for content writers.

Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Content Writer is $82k / year

What is the lowest pay for Content Writers?

Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Content Writer is $38k / year

How can Content Writers increase their salary?

Increasing your pay as a Content Writer is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Content Writer that oversees more junior Content Writers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.

Content Writer salary

Average content writer salary, how much does a content writer make.

Content writer salary is impacted by location, education, and experience. Content writers earn the highest average salary in California.

Where can a Content Writer earn more?

Content writer salary estimates from across the web, average content writer salary by state.

The highest-paying states for content writers are California, Idaho, and Massachusetts. The lowest average content writer salary states are South Carolina, Hawaii, and Virginia.

• County View

Highest paying states for content writers

Highest paying cities for content writers

The highest-paying cities for content writers are San Francisco, CA, Boston, MA, and Logan, UT.

Content Writers are the most in-demand in these five cities:

• San Francisco, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, ME
• Madison, WI

Content Writer salary details

A content writer's salary ranges from $40,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $84,000 at the 90th percentile.

What is a content writer's salary?

Highest paying content writer jobs

The highest paying types of content writers are managing editor, senior writer, and content manager.

Top companies hiring content writers now:

• Microsoft Jobs (27)
• Yahoo Jobs (9)
• VMware Jobs (6)
• Intuit Jobs (8)
• Brafton Jobs (66)

Which companies pay content writers the most?

Content writer salaries at Cisco and Atlassian are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average content writer salary at companies like VMware and Kronos Incorporated are highly competitive.

Wage gap by gender, race and education

Content writer salary by industry.

The average content writer salary varies across industries:

• The average content writer salary in the finance industry is $97,968, the highest of any industry.
• The average content writer salary in the finance industry is $63,449.
• Content writers in the internet industry earn an average salary of $55,943, the lowest of any industry.

Highest paying industries for content writers

High Paying Content Writer Jobs

Content writer salary trends.

The average content writer salary has risen by $9,875 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average content writer earned $49,043 annually, but today, they earn $58,918 a year. That works out to a 10% change in pay for content writers over the last decade.

Compare content writer salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.

Average content writer salary over time

Compare content writer salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.

Content Writer salary by year

Recently added content writer salaries

Content Writer salary FAQs

What state pays content writers the most, how do i know if i'm being paid fairly as a content writer, how much do entry-level content writers make, how much money does a content writer make, how much should content writers be paid.

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Content Writer Related Careers

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How much does an Online Content Writer make in the United States?

• Online Content Writer Salary The average Online Content Writer salary in the United States is $127,428 as of May 28, 2024. The range for our most popular Online Content Writer positions (listed below) typically falls between $48,953 and $205,904. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

• Digital Content Writer III Produces written content for various online platforms, including website articles, blog posts, social media posts, email newsletters, and more. Researches, validates, and develops clear and compelling content that adheres to required branding and style guidelines. Works closely with the marketing and creative teams to brainstorm ideas, develop content strategies, and ensure consistency in tone, style, and messaging across all channels. Incorporates search engine optimization best practices in all materials produced. Ensures that all grammar, spelling, flow, tone, and style are appropriate for the writing project. Utilizes content management tools to prepare materials. Requires a bachelor's degree in english, communication, journalism. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View Digital Content Writer III Salary Alternate Job Titles :Online Content Writer III, Senior Digital Content Writer, Web Copywriter - Senior, Digital Content Writer III Categories : Internet and New Media , IT - All
• Digital Content Writer I Produces written content for various online platforms, including website articles, blog posts, social media posts, email newsletters, and more. Researches, validates, and develops clear and compelling content that adheres to required branding and style guidelines. Works closely with the marketing and creative teams to brainstorm ideas, develop content strategies, and ensure consistency in tone, style, and messaging across all channels. Incorporates search engine optimization best practices in all materials produced. Ensures that all grammar, spelling, flow, tone, and style are appropriate for the writing project. Utilizes content management tools to prepare materials. Requires a bachelor's degree in english, communication, journalism. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Digital Content Writer I Salary Alternate Job Titles :Entry Digital Content Writer, Junior Content Writer, Online Content Writer I, Web Copywriter - Entry, Digital Content Writer I Categories : Internet and New Media , Entry Level , IT - All
• Digital Content Writer IV Produces written content for various online platforms, including website articles, blog posts, social media posts, email newsletters, and more. Researches, validates, and develops clear and compelling content that adheres to required branding and style guidelines. Works closely with the marketing and creative teams to brainstorm ideas, develop content strategies, and ensure consistency in tone, style, and messaging across all channels. Incorporates search engine optimization best practices in all materials produced. Ensures that all grammar, spelling, flow, tone, and style are appropriate for the writing project. Utilizes content management tools to prepare materials. Requires a bachelor's degree in english, communication, journalism. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Digital Content Writer IV Salary Alternate Job Titles :Online Content Writer IV, Specialist Digital Content Writer, Web Copywriter - Specialist, Digital Content Writer IV Categories : Internet and New Media , IT - All
• Digital Content Writer II Produces written content for various online platforms, including website articles, blog posts, social media posts, email newsletters, and more. Researches, validates, and develops clear and compelling content that adheres to required branding and style guidelines. Works closely with the marketing and creative teams to brainstorm ideas, develop content strategies, and ensure consistency in tone, style, and messaging across all channels. Incorporates search engine optimization best practices in all materials produced. Ensures that all grammar, spelling, flow, tone, and style are appropriate for the writing project. Utilizes content management tools to prepare materials. Requires a bachelor's degree in english, communication, journalism. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Digital Content Writer II Salary Alternate Job Titles :Intermediate Digital Content Writer, Online Content Writer II, Web Copywriter - Intermediate, Digital Content Writer II Categories : Internet and New Media , IT - All
• Digital Content Curator I Curates content used for a variety of web, mobile, and other platforms. Researches, coordinates, edits, and integrates the work of writers and designers to produce layouts that meet established branding and style guidelines. Organizes content in a way that makes sense/is most useful for target customers. Stays up-to-date on best practices and make recommendations for content strategy. Analyzes content needs and studies content consumption data to optimize content. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Digital Content Curator I Salary Alternate Job Titles :Digital Content Specialist I, Web Content Analyst I, Web Content Curation - Entry, Web Content Specialist I, Digital Content Curator I Categories : Internet and New Media , Entry Level , IT - All
• Digital Content Curator II Curates content used for a variety of web, mobile, and other platforms. Researches, coordinates, edits, and integrates the work of writers and designers to produce layouts that meet established branding and style guidelines. Organizes content in a way that makes sense/is most useful for target customers. Stays up-to-date on best practices and make recommendations for content strategy. Analyzes content needs and studies content consumption data to optimize content. Identifies and tracks metrics to measure the success of content curation efforts. Develops a schedule for updates, archiving, and ongoing production of content. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Digital Content Curator II Salary Alternate Job Titles :Digital Content Specialist II, Web Content Analyst II, Web Content Curation -Intermediate, Web Content Specialist II, Digital Content Curator II Categories : Internet and New Media , IT - All
• Digital Content Writing Manager Manages and mentors a team of digital content writers that produce written content for various online platforms. Organizes and maintains a schedule of deliverables and ensures all deadlines are met. Develops ideas for compelling content that adhere to required branding and style guidelines. Ensures that search engine optimization best practices are applied to maximize web search results. Reviews and edits final products to add value and improve presentation. Collaborates with stakeholders and cross-functional teams. Requires a bachelor's degree in english, communication, journalism. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Digital Content Writing Manager Salary Alternate Job Titles :Online Content Writing Manager, Web Copywriting Manager, Digital Content Writing Manager Categories : Internet and New Media , IT - All , IT - Manager
• Digital Content Curation Manager Manages the overall curation activities required to produce content for web, mobile, and other platforms. Leads the research, coordination, and editorial work of curators and writers. Ensures that established branding and style guidelines are implemented correctly. Develops relationships with vendors and other sources needed to produce the quantity and quality of required content and negotiate terms and pricing. Designs methodologies used to analyze content consumption data and to define content needs. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Digital Content Curation Manager Salary Alternate Job Titles :Manager of Digital Content, Web Content Curation Manager, Digital Content Curation Manager Categories : Internet and New Media , IT - All
• Digital Content Writing Director Directs the research and development of digital content strategy and provides the creative direction for content developed for online platforms. Leads and mentors a team of digital content writers and leaders. Collaborates with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to understand objectives and to conceptualize stories and content that achieve objectives. Guides creative production workflows and oversees a schedule of deliverables to ensure all deadlines are met. Develops branding and style guidelines and provides the technical tools required to produce compelling content. Incorporates search engine optimization best practices and monitors results for continuous improvements in search results. Requires a bachelor's degree in english, communication, journalism. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. View Digital Content Writing Director Salary Alternate Job Titles :Online Content Writing Director, Web Copywriting Director, Digital Content Writing Director Categories : IT - Manager , Internet and New Media , IT - All
• Technical Writer II Creates and publishes technical documentations and manuals. Collects and interprets technical data or information and coordinates layout for publication. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. View Technical Writer II Salary Alternate Job Titles :Intermediate Technical Writer, Technical Product Documentation Writer II, Technical Writer II Categories : Printing and Publishing , Biotechnology , IT - All , IT - Computers, Hardware , IT - Computers, Software , Pharmaceuticals , Public Relations , Science and Research , Training

9 High-Paying Writing Jobs for Word People: Editors, Writers, and Beyond

Thanks to the “starving artist” stereotype, most people don’t consider writing a lucrative career path. Outside of the few writers who luck out and make it big with a New York Times bestseller or an award-winning screenplay, people might picture a Dickensian peasant who can’t afford fingers for their gloves or, more modernly—someone like Nick from New Girl , forever mooching off his friends with quote-unquote real jobs and swearing that he’s working on his zombie novel. 

But the truth is, you don’t need to choose between your love of writing and a stable, profitable career. There are plenty of writing-centric jobs out there that pay well; you just need to know where to look.

We’ve compiled a list of nine high-paying jobs you should definitely consider if you love to write. For the purposes of this article, we’re defining a high-paying job as one where the average salary, based on data from the compensation resource PayScale , is above the median salary for all occupations in the U.S.—which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , was $55,068 in 2022. In many cases, the salary range and more senior roles along the same path mean your long-term earning potential is even higher.

Average salary : $57,164 Salary range: $38,000–$85,000

Editors oversee a piece of writing from inception to publication. Depending on the type of writing they’re editing (and the writer they’re working with), this can include honing the thesis, framing, and structure; ensuring the facts are accurate and the sources credible; making suggestions about how to improve the writing (for example, calling out inconsistencies in voice or tone); eliminating unnecessary sentences or paragraphs; and correcting grammar and spelling mistakes. Editors can work in a variety of settings, including for book publishers, media companies, magazines, newspapers, and any organization that produces written content or communications. 

Editors need to have an in-depth understanding of all things writing—including grammar, style, narrative, and structure. As such, most editors are writers themselves and/or hold a degree in a writing-related field (like English or journalism). The financial opportunity for editorial professionals increases as you progress in your career—with senior editors making an average of $75,646 per year and editorial directors pulling in an average of $100,936 annually.

Find editor jobs on The Muse

2. Content marketing manager

Average salary : $71,590 Salary range: $49,000–$104,000

Content marketing managers lead the charge when it comes to developing and executing content for a company. While some content marketing managers take a generalist approach, many specialize in creating and overseeing specific types of content—such as blog posts, ebooks, white papers, website content, and social media posts.

While content marketing managers do spend a significant amount of time creating content (including writing), they also spend a good amount of time on strategy—making this a great role if you love to write, but don’t want to spend all your time tapping at a keyboard. You’ll also have a chance to think about the bigger picture and figure out how content can support an organization’s overall mission and goals.

Some companies want their content marketing managers to hold degrees, but many are more interested in a candidate’s ability to strategize, create, and promote content—so as long as you’re a solid writer and understand the basics of content marketing, there are definitely opportunities to get into the field. Content marketing managers also have the opportunity for upward mobility (and the increased salary that goes with it)—with content marketing directors making an average of $103,327 per year.

Find content marketing manager jobs on The Muse

3. Communications manager

Average salary : $69,856 Salary range: $46,000–$109,000

Communications managers are, as you might guess, in charge of a company’s communications—often both internal and external. Responsibilities could include defining and developing the company’s voice, developing and managing the company’s communication strategy, writing internal guides and resources, managing client- and customer-facing communications (such as press releases, press conferences, or other media opportunities), and ensuring that all business communications, internal and external, are in line with the company’s mission and goals.

Because a communication manager is managing the company’s communication, a lot of writing and editing is involved—but there are also plenty of strategic responsibilities and opportunities to interact with colleagues and external partners to keep things interesting.

To get your foot in the door as a communications manager, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. And while communications managers demand competitive salaries, the financial opportunities will only increase as you grow in your career—with senior communications managers making an average of $105,624 per year and VPs making an average of $156,617.

Find communications manager jobs on The Muse

4. Technical writer

Average salary : $63,929 Salary range: $46,000–$91,000

Technical writers are responsible for writing copy that translates complex technical ideas into something a general audience can read and understand—including for instruction manuals, tutorials, journal articles, and educational resources.

As the title implies, writing is the main part of any technical writing gig. But to succeed in this role, you’ll need more than writing chops; you’ll also need a deep understanding of tech-related concepts—and the ability to communicate those concepts using nontechnical language. As such, technical writers often have a degree in English, communications, journalism, or similar, along with background knowledge relevant to the subject matter they’ll be writing about, such as computer science, information technology, scientific research in a certain field, environmental policies, or manufacturing processes (although, depending on the role and company, a degree might not be required to land a job). For senior technical writers, the average salary jumps up to $86,122.

Find technical writer jobs on The Muse

5. Medical writer

Average salary : $78,571 Salary range: $60,000–$108,000

Similar to a technical writer, a medical writer takes extremely complex concepts and ideas and translates them into easier-to-digest copy—only medical writers have a particular focus on all things healthcare. Medical writers can work in a variety of environments, including businesses (for example, pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, supplement companies, or health tech startups), medical associations, or healthcare providers. They may work on a number of project types, including medical articles, policy documents, or training and educational materials.

Because medical and scientific know-how is a must to succeed, most medical writers have an academic background in biology or other sciences and some have experience in the medical field (for example, as a nurse). However, depending on the role, having impeccable research skills and the ability to understand medical concepts and translate them for the target audience may be enough to get into the field. And while medical writers make a great salary from the get-go, there’s also room for growth—with senior medical writers making an average of $97,850 per year.

Find medical writer jobs on The Muse

6. PR manager

Average salary : $73,930 Salary range: $50,000–$108,000

Public relations managers (also commonly referred to as PR managers) are responsible for building brand awareness and driving positive brand sentiment for a person, company, product, or service. They might accomplish those goals by building relationships with the media, drafting press releases, developing and leading consumer-facing campaigns, and minimizing the impact of negative press—among other strategies.

PR managers may work for an independent business (like a restaurant), a business group or corporation (like a hotel chain or a book publisher), a nonprofit (like a food bank), an academic or other institution (like a university), or an individual (like a politician, celebrity, or author) and generally need a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field. And while PR managers enjoy a great average salary, candidates who prove they can drive brand awareness and positive press can typically demand higher compensation packages—and PR directors make an average of $100,660.

Find PR manager jobs on The Muse

7. Copywriter

Average salary : $56,592 Salary range: $40,000–$79,000

Copywriters are responsible for writing material that persuades the reader to take action—whether that’s in the form of an advertisement, a website landing page, or a sales letter. Ultimately, copywriters create the content that helps businesses drive sales—making them an incredibly valuable asset to companies looking to engage their customers and move the needle on conversions and revenue.

While some companies will require their copywriters to hold a degree, many are primarily concerned with their ability to write copy that drives results. It should be noted that while the average copywriter demands a solid salary, many companies out there are willing to pay big bucks for results—so if you’re gifted at writing sales copy, you’ll likely be able to demand a higher salary. A senior copywriter, for example, makes an average of $79,618.

Find copywriter jobs on The Muse

8. Research analyst

Average salary : $59,644 Salary range: $44,000 - $85,000

Research analysts are responsible for collecting, verifying, organizing, and analyzing data—and using it to reach key business conclusions and make data-backed recommendations to their employer. Research analysts can work in a variety of fields and departments (including finance, marketing, economics, and operations).

While much of a research analyst’s job has to do with data, another major part of their role is sharing their analysis and findings to stakeholders within the company—and that means writing detailed reports and preparing and giving presentations. So if you’re looking for a job that combines your love of research and data with your love of writing? This could be the opportunity for you.

Generally, you need at least a bachelor’s degree to get started as a research analyst, but once you’ve got your foot in the door, there’s serious opportunity for growth—with senior research analysts making an average of $71,185 per year and, for those who want to eventually take on more of a leadership role, research directors making an average of $108,966 per year.

Find research analyst jobs on The Muse

9. Curriculum developer

Average salary : $69,161 Salary range: $48,000–$98,000

Curriculum developers are responsible for researching and writing academic, educational, and/or training materials, including textbooks, digital and college course materials (such as outlines and syllabi), and other resources to aid in teaching and/or training. Depending on the type of curriculum they specialize in, curriculum developers may work for universities, research institutions, nonprofits, or corporations.

Most curriculum developers have at least a bachelor’s degree, top-notch research and writing skills, and in-depth knowledge in their area of focus (for example, a curriculum developer writing a textbook on math would need to have an in-depth understanding of the subject matter). Next steps on your career path might include curriculum director (with an average salary of $76,049) or training director (with an average salary of $92,412).

Find curriculum developer jobs on The Muse

Freelance Content Writer Salary

How much does a Freelance Content Writer make? The average Freelance Content Writer salary is $51,390 as of May 28, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $49,146 and $55,108 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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More From Forbes

7 chatgpt prompts to improve your writing.

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Photo by NICOLAS MAETERLINCK/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images

On writing , author David Sedaris once said, “You need to do the best that you can do, and then you need to take the best that you can do and you need to rewrite it, and rewrite it, and rewrite it.” That’s the dynamic essence of the writing process. Writers refine their drafts, just like they continually refine their craft. I didn’t study writing or literature, so I was intimidated when I began contributing to major publications. But my confidence grew with each byline, and I began to find my voice.

While ChatGPT can be an impressive imitator, it can never generate your unique voice and perspective. It can, however, be a powerful tool for improving your writing, whether you’re penning business articles or important emails. It all starts with the right prompts.

Here are seven that you can use to level up your writing skills.

Automate Your Busywork

There are no shortcuts to becoming a better writer. The prolific author Stephen King once said, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” That said, you can use AI tools to eliminate some of the tedious tasks involved in writing and leave more time for honing your craft. Here are some prompts to delegate your writing “busywork” to ChatGPT.

1. Generating Ideas And Topics

AI shouldn’t do your writing for you. It lacks the necessary human context and isn’t immune to errors. But it can be a powerful writing partner. As Wharton professor Christian Terwiesch (who challenged ChatGPT to come up with product ideas and compared those ideas to student ideas —ChatGPT won), has said , “Everybody should be using ChatGPT to help them generate ideas.” At worst, you reject all of them. At best, you enrich your pool of ideas.

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Here is a prompt you can use to help get the idea wheels turning:

"I'm an [role/title] writing for [outlet description] targeting [target audience]. Can you suggest some fresh and engaging topics that would appeal to this audience?"

If you’d like ideas related to a certain topic or tailored to a specific style (e.g., a “hot take” versus a personal essay), remember: the more context you provide, the more concise the results.

2. Editing For Grammar And Style

Whether you’re sending an email or publishing an article on a high-traffic website, typos are an embarrassing—and avoidable—faux pas. In today’s world, where internet content exists in perpetuity, anything attached to your name should be error-free. ChatGPT can be a near-instantaneous proofreader. Test out the following prompt:

"Can you proofread this [content] for grammar, punctuation, and style consistency? The intended audience is [audience/recipient]. Please provide a list of any suggested improvements.”

3. Hitting The Right Tone

Spelling and grammar are a crucial part of editing, but they’re relatively objective. Perfecting the tone is more subjective and sometimes more challenging—but just as crucial.

The proper tone can ensure that your text is engaging. It can foster trust and understanding with colleagues and business partners. It can persuade your audience to get on board with your viewpoint. Writing that misses the mark on tone, however, can cause misunderstandings, hurt feelings, damage your credibility, and lose your reader’s interest.

With that in mind, here’s a prompt that can help you achieve the right tone in your writing:

"Can you help me rewrite this [content] for [audience], ensuring it maintains a [describe the desired tone]?

Add context to make ChatGPT’s reply more helpful. For example, if your content should show sensitivity to a certain issue or audience, add it to the prompt.

4. Adding Data And Research

One lesson I’ve learned from contributing to Forbes and other widely-read publications is that my word alone is rarely enough. I can share my personal experiences, but research and data can strengthen any piece of writing.

Instead of researching the traditional way—reviewing your writing and identifying facts that need outside sourcing, then Googling for relevant insight—ChatGPT can speed up the process, leaving you more time to polish those personal anecdotes. Try this prompt:

"I’m writing [describe the content and subject matter] for [target audience] and want to include relevant data and research. Can you review the following text and provide researched-backed statistics and insights on this topic?"

Importantly, always check the sources that ChatGPT generates. It will almost certainly come up with helpful results but they’re not always accurate—that’s where you, human editor, come into play.

Refine Your Craft

To continually improve your writing skills, you can take a page from the habits of professional writers. The following prompts can help you develop practices to become a stronger writer.

5. Daily Writing Prompts

I’ve written before about my morning pages . It’s a great way to clear my head before the day begins and to practice fluidly translating my thoughts into words on paper. If a blank page feels intimidating, writing prompts are a great way to get started. ChatGPT can generate writing prompts in an instant. You can keep it general:

“Can you suggest a couple of writing prompts that I can use to practice the craft of writing?”

Or, if you have a goal in mind, add more context. For example:

“I'm trying to improve engagement with my readers. Can you generate a couple of writing prompts to practice writing engaging content?”

6. Experiment With Different Styles And Voices

If you call your grandmother on the telephone, I’d bet your voice and speaking style sound vastly different from when you’re chatting with your best friend. Writing is the same.

ChatGPT can help you practice toggling between different styles and voices, and in doing so, help you find yours. You can ask ChatGPT for writing prompts to practice a certain style. For example:

“Can you generate three short exercises to help me practice writing in different voices and styles?”

ChatGPT will not only generate exercises, it will also break down the structure and elements of different writing styles and specify the tone.

Or, you can submit text to ChatGPT and ask it to analyze the style and voice. Try this prompt:

“Can you analyze the voice and style of the following text: [insert text].”

I used this prompt to assess the introduction to one of my recent Forbes stories, and ChatGPT said it was “Conversational and Relatable,” “Encouraging and Reassuring,” and “Informative and Practical”—encouraging feedback from my AI editor.

7. Rewrite, Rewrite, Rewrite

In A Moveable Feast , Ernest Hemingway wrote, “The only kind of writing is rewriting.”

If you want to become a writer, you have to embrace rewriting, whether you’re retyping every word or pouring over (and over) a Google Doc draft. Here are a couple of prompts you can use so that ChatGPT can assist in the rewriting process, one excerpt at a time:

“Rewrite this paragraph in the style of [Ernest Hemingway or any other author]."

“Rewrite this introduction so that it sounds like a story in [publication]”

“Rewrite this email so that it will resonate with [audience].”

“Rewrite this paragraph for clarity and concision.”

Importantly, ChatGPT only does part of the work. It falls to the writer to analyze the results, apply those lessons in future drafts, and, of course, to keep writing.

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