The best side hustles for writers and English grads in Canada are the ones that pay for clear writing: freelance articles and copy, editing, blogging, newsletters, ebooks, and email marketing. Tutoring essay writing or English is another option. Most cost little to start beyond a laptop and a portfolio sample. The Canadian rules to know are Canada’s anti-spam legislation, if you send commercial email, and who owns the copyright in what you write.
This page is part of the side hustles by skill series. The main beginner guide is freelance writing, followed by your first writing client and writing rates. For quiet, solo work generally, see side hustles for introverts.
| Writing skill | Side hustle | Beginner guide |
|---|---|---|
| Articles and copy | Freelance writing | Freelance writing |
| Research and structure | SEO blogging | SEO blogging |
| Voice and consistency | Newsletters | Newsletters |
| Long-form | Ebook publishing | Ebook publishing |
| Persuasive writing | Email marketing | Email marketing |
What are the best side hustles for writers in Canada?
The best side hustles for writers in Canada are client work that pays per project and your own publishing, which builds slowly.
Freelance writing and editing
Blog posts, web copy, and editing for small businesses are the most direct route. Start with freelance writing and the writing tools guide. Marketplaces are compared in Fiverr vs Upwork.
Your own publishing
SEO blogging, newsletters, and affiliate marketing can earn from ads, sponsors, or commissions once you have readers. Compare newsletter platforms in Substack vs beehiiv vs Kit. Ebook publishing suits writers with a focused topic; selling directly through Gumroad TODO-AFFILIATE is one option.
Marketing writing
Email marketing and social media management pay for persuasive short copy. UGC creation suits writers comfortable on camera.
Teaching writing and English
Online tutoring for essay writing and teaching English online use the same skills. Writers who also speak French can add freelance translation; see side hustles for bilingual speakers.
What rules apply to writers’ side hustles in Canada?
Two rules come up most:
- Anti-spam. Canada’s anti-spam legislation focuses on commercial electronic messages, which ISED describes as messages that encourage participation in a commercial activity, whether or not there’s an expectation of profit. That covers cold pitches by email and newsletter marketing, so follow the consent and identification rules on ISED’s site.
- Copyright. Section 13(3) of the Copyright Act makes an employer the first owner of copyright in work an employee makes in the course of employment, unless an agreement says otherwise. Freelancers aren’t employees, so who owns the work is usually set by the contract. Read clauses that assign all rights before signing.
If you write for your employer by day, check your contract for moonlighting or IP clauses before freelancing in the same field.
How should writers price freelance work?
Price per project or per piece once you know how long a piece takes you; per-word pricing is common but easy to underprice. The writing rates guide explains the options.
Illustrative example
Assumed numbers, not market rates: a writer charges an assumed $250 for a 1,200-word blog post and spends an assumed 4 hours on research, drafting, and one revision.
- Effective hourly rate: $250 ÷ 4 = $62.50
- Per word: $250 ÷ 1,200 ≈ $0.21
What mistakes do writers make with side hustles?
- No sample in the niche. One relevant sample beats ten unrelated ones.
- Cold emailing without checking CASL. Learn the rules before you pitch.
- Signing away all rights by default. Read the IP clause.
- Unlimited revisions. Set a number.
- Waiting for a blog to pay quickly. Your own publishing builds slowly.
How is a writing side hustle taxed in Canada?
Report freelance income on Form T2125. Writing services follow the $30,000 GST/HST small-supplier test (CRA). Book royalties have their own rules, covered in ebook publishing and ebook pricing. Read how much tax to set aside and home office expenses.
This is not tax, legal, or employment advice.
Which guides sit next to side hustles for writers in Canada?
The freelance writing 30-day plan, side hustles for teachers, side hustles for graphic designers, and side hustles for students. Writers using marketplaces should read the Upwork review and Fiverr review; self-publishers, the Amazon KDP review. For client admin, see how to invoice clients.
What are the common questions?
What's the best side hustle for an English grad in Canada?
Freelance writing and editing are the most direct fits. SEO blogging, newsletters, ebooks, email marketing, and tutoring essay writing or English are other options.
Does Canada's anti-spam law apply to cold pitching clients?
It can. CASL covers commercial electronic messages, which ISED describes as messages encouraging participation in a commercial activity. Check ISED's consent and identification rules before sending cold emails.
Do freelance writers own their work in Canada?
Usually, unless the contract assigns the rights. The Copyright Act's employer-ownership rule applies to employees working in the course of employment, not to freelancers, so the contract decides.
How should a new writer price work?
Price per project once you know how long a piece takes. Per-word pricing is common, but it's easy to underprice research-heavy pieces.
Do I need to charge GST/HST as a freelance writer?
Once your taxable revenue passes the $30,000 small-supplier threshold, you must register and charge GST/HST. Below that, registration is optional.
Which sources support this guide?
The rules, rates, and platform requirements in this guide are checked against these primary sources. Retail price ranges are labelled as ranges to verify locally, and they are not quotes.
- Canada's anti-spam legislation — Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
- Copyright Act, section 13: Ownership of copyright — Justice Laws Website
- Form T2125, Statement of Business or Professional Activities — Canada Revenue Agency
- When to register for and start charging the GST/HST — Canada Revenue Agency