Can a writer make money?
Being a writer.
What Is a 1099 Independent Contractor?
What a 1099 Contractor Is
A 1099 independent contractor is a self‑employed worker who provides services to a company without becoming an employee. Instead of receiving a W‑2 at tax time (like traditional employees), they receive a 1099 form that shows how much they earned during the year.
Being a 1099 contractor means:
✔ You work independently, not as an employee
You control how you work, as long as you meet the company’s quality and delivery expectations.
✔ You are responsible for your own taxes
This includes federal income tax, state tax, and self‑employment tax.
The company does not withhold taxes from your payments.
✔ You can write for multiple companies
You are not tied exclusively to Why Didn’t You Write.
✔ You use company‑provided supplies
For this specific role, we provide the paper, envelopes, postage, and stationery you will need.
✔ You get paid per completed assignment
You earn money for each letter you handwrite and mail.
How do you make money?
How Payment Works
Writers earn a percentage of each completed order.
Payment Formula
- Start with total customer payment
- Subtract the flat $1.25 expense deduction (supplies and overhead)
- Split the remainder:
- 50% to the writer
- 50% to the company
Example Breakdown
Let’s say a customer buys a letter for $10.00:
- $10.00 – $1.25 = $8.75 (remaining after expenses)
- Revenue split:
- Writer receives $4.38
- Company receives $4.37
When You Get Paid
- Payments go out once per week.
- You are paid for all letters that are:
- written
- photographed and approved
- mailed during that week
Payments can be sent by any method we support (PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer, etc.).