I have been a professional technical writer for almost two years now. This has taught me which are the best companies to write for and to get in touch with them. This represents a huge opportunity, especially considering that a growing number of companies and startups have a program to let guest authors publish tech articles on their websites.
As you can imagine, this is not only a great way to grow as a developer but also a way to make extra money. After all, you do not need to be a writer or a native English speaker to deliver high-quality technical articles.
Let's now dive into the top five websites I publish for or use to find new clients interested in technical content, backed by my experience as a technical writer.
1. Auth0
Auth0 is an easy to implement, adaptable authentication and authorization platform — Auth0's website
Auth0 comes with a blog that is now one of the most read developer blogs in the world. Developers can write for them by joining Auth0's Apollo Program.
Topics covered
Identity & Security
Mobile (Native & Cross Platform)
Python, Electron, Java, .NET
What they are looking for
You will be expected to write detailed tutorials or in-depth blog posts of 2,000+ words (excluding code) somehow related to security. You are likely to be asked to support your article with a real-world demo stored in a GitHub repository.
Payment
Articles are paid up to $450. They pay via PayPal or wire transfer.
Where to apply for the program
How you will deliver your articles
If accepted into Auth0's Apollo Program, you will receive an invitation to the Auth0 Guest Authors Slack server. Then, they will create a Slack channel with your name. Here, you will be able to discuss the topics of your next articles together with Auth0's editors. After finding a topic fitting Auth0's needs, you will have to write an outline. Once approved, they will ask you to deliver the article in Markdown format as a pull request to their GitHub repository dedicated to technical writing.
2. LogRocket
LogRocket combines session replay, performance monitoring, and product analytics, empowering software teams to create the ideal web and mobile product experience — LogRocket's website
LogRocket's blog is a highly respected resource by frontend developers all over the world. Their focus is on releasing technical content aimed at helping frontend developers reach their daily goals and stay up to date on new frontend technologies, frameworks, and libraries.
Topics covered
Tutorials on React, Redux, Node.js, Wasm, GraphQL, Rust, Flutter, and more
Frontend development best practices
Product/UI/UX design
What you will be asked for
You will have to write articles of 1,800-2,000 words (excluding code) about frontend technologies. Articles will have to contain many code snippets, and when required a CodePen and/or a GitHub repository to your demo application.
Payment
Articles are paid up to $350. They will pay you via ShortList.
Where to apply for the program
Become a LogRocket guest author - LogRocket Blog
How you will deliver your articles
If accepted into LogRocket's technical writing program, you will receive a link to their Trello workspace and a LogRocket's editor will contact you. You will be free to either pitch ideas for new articles or ask to be assigned to one of their open topics. After finding a convincing topic, you will have to write the article and deliver it via DropBox Paper.
3. SitePoint
SitePoint is a hub for web developers to share their passion for building incredible Internet things — SitePoint's website
SitePoint's blog is one of the best technology-related blogs on the net when it comes to web development, design, and productivity tools.
Topics covered
The next web technologies, such as Jamstack, Gatsby, Eleventy, Deno, Rust, WebAssembly, and more
Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, and any other tool that can help developers become more skilled at design
Tutorials on how to use knowledge, thought, and productivity tools like Notion, Roam Research, Foam, Obsidian, Zapier, and Airtable
What you will be asked for
You will be expected to write articles between 1,200 and 2,000 words (excluding code). You are likely to be asked to add to your article one or more CodeSandBox live demos.
Payment
Articles are paid from $100 to $200. You will be paid via PayPal or wire transfer.
Where to apply for the program
How you will deliver your articles
After being accepted into SitePoint's guest authors program, they will invite you to their GitHub repository dedicated to technical writing. Then, one of their editors will email you and ask you to pitch new ideas. After finding a good topic, they will ask you to deliver the article in MarkDown format as a pull request.
4. Medium
Medium is a place to write, read, and connect — Medium's website
Although Medium is not a developer blog, there are many Medium publications covering technology, programming, and everything related to the IT world.
Topics covered
You are free to write about whatever you want. You are the one who is in charge of choosing the topic.
What you will be asked for
Medium publications look for quality. Any publication has its own rules and guidelines, but they all respect Medium's rules that you can find here.
Payment
At the time of writing, you earn money based on Medium member engagement. They will pay you via Stripe.
Where to apply for the program
Getting started with the Partner Program
How you will deliver your articles
After completing your draft, you will be able to submit it to Medium publications by following this guide.
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network on the internet — What is LinkedIn and How Can I Use It?
LinkedIn cannot be considered a writing platform or a blog. On the other hand, it definitely represents one of the best channels to get in touch with companies that want to see their technology blog populated with quality content.
Topics covered
You can offer to write articles about the technologies you know best.
What you will be asked for
Based on my experience, companies tend to look for technical writers willing to deliver blog posts to attract new users and improve their website's SEO. Usually, the articles contain a supporting GitHub repository, are no longer than 1,000-1,200 words (excluding code), and are meant for an audience that may not be native English speakers.
Payment
You decide how much you want to charge, but do not expect more than $500 per article. They will pay you via PayPal or wire transfer. Both are up to you.
Where to apply for the program
LinkedIn now allows you to select the professional service you offer to your clients. If you want to attract companies needing technical content, all you have to do is add "Technical writing," "Blogging," "Writing," and "Copywriting" as your services as explained here. This will make it easier for companies to contact you if needed.
How you will deliver your articles
What usually happens is that companies ask you to deliver your article in a shared editable document, for example via Google Document, DropBox, or similar services.
Conclusion
Writing is a calling, but technical writing is far more accessible. Any developer can write technical content, and here we looked at the best websites to write for based on my experience. This allows you to make extra money and make yourself known in the IT community. The most relevant developer blogs in the world are waiting for you. This article covered what you should expect, how to apply, and how to get started with their paid programs.
Thanks for reading! I hope that you found my story helpful.
The post "Best Websites To Make Money With Technical Writing for Developers" appeared first on Writech.
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