10 Ways to Make Money Creating Lists

If you enjoy putting together lists of your favorite books, gift ideas, places to visit, or things to pack for a trip, there are several ways you could turn that into extra money!

Some options pay commissions when people shop your recommendations. Others let you sell useful lists or get paid for writing list articles.

I've grouped the ideas below so you can start with the more casual, creative options and work your way toward the writing opportunities.

Some require experience, but you don't need a writing portfolio for every idea on this list!

Earn From Recommendation Lists

These options let you share things you love and earn from qualifying purchases. Be clear with your readers when your links can earn you a commission.

1 – Benable – Earn commissions on recommendations

Benable lets you create shareable lists of products, places, services, and activities you recommend. This would be similar to gift ideas for crafty friends, cozy home finds, or supplies for a favorite hobby and stuff like that.

It's free to use, with no minimum follower count. When you add recommendations from participating brands, Benable automatically adds affiliate links so you can earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

You can include recommendations that don't earn commissions, also The fun part is putting together a useful collection around something you genuinely enjoy.

Benable currently describes itself as invite-only, with existing members able to invite others.

Remember you will only earn from this one if someone buys something from one of your lists.

2 – Bookshop.org – Earn commissions from book lists

If you're always recommending books, Bookshop.org gives you a way to organize those recommendations into lists on your own affiliate storefront.

The US affiliate program pays ordinary affiliates 10% on qualifying book sales they generate.

Your account will go through a verification process before your storefront is approved.

So if you like recommending books to people and aren't too excited about actually writing, this one might be good for you. You have to have at least $20 in your account to get a payout.

Sell Useful Lists You Create

3 – Printable Lists on Etsy – Earn from digital product sales

If you like making things organized and pretty, you could turn your lists into printable downloads to sell on Etsy.

Packing lists, seasonal bucket lists, cleaning checklists, and scavenger hunts are a few ideas to play with. A clear, useful PDF gives the buyer something they can print and use right away.

Etsy requires digital products to be made or designed by you. You set the price and earn when a customer buys your download, so creating something people want is part of the work.

There are seller fees, including listing, transaction, and payment processing fees, and a setup fee may apply.

Want to learn more about creating and selling printables? Julie and Cody from Gold City Ventures are hosting a free workshop today, September 30, at 11 AM and 8 PM Eastern.

They’ll share product ideas, beginner mistakes to avoid, and some helpful AI shortcuts!

👉 Go here to save your spot for the free workshop.

4 – Custom Lists on Fiverr – Charge for a personalized list

Some people would rather pay someone else to do the searching! On Fiverr, you could offer a service creating custom lists around a buyer's interests, budget, or plans.

For example, you might research things to do on a weekend trip, gift ideas for a particular hobby, or local activities within a set budget. Fiverr already has sellers offering travel research and similar services.

Make your offer specific. Explain how many recommendations the buyer gets, whether links and short descriptions are included, and how long delivery takes.

You set your service price, and Fiverr currently lets sellers keep 80% of completed order amounts.

Get Paid to Write Lists

5 – Points in Case – $10 per accepted humor list

If you enjoy finding the funny side of everyday life, Points in Case could be worth a look. They publish original humor and welcome both new voices and experienced writers.

Short lists preferably run 200 to 600 words and pay $10 if accepted. Longer articles and listicles preferably run 600 to 1,000 words and pay $35 if accepted.

Read some of their published work first to get a feel for the style.

Submissions are open on a rolling basis, and the standard submission option is free. Your work must be original, unpublished, and polished. They don't accept AI-assisted writing.

This is a small paid writing opportunity, and acceptance is not guaranteed.

6 – Book Riot – $50 or $100 per post

Book Riot publishes book lists and other articles for readers, with typical posts running 600 to 900 words. Its listed rates are $50 or $100 per post, depending on the topic and length.

Their contributor page mentions interests such as romance, children's books, and comics.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You'll need two original, unpublished book-related writing samples that are ready to run, plus your resume or CV.

The application asks for files shared through Google Docs or Dropbox.

Payments are made with PayPal. Accepted contributors pitch monthly, but getting approved doesn't guarantee assignments.

7 – Longreads – $350 per reading list

Longreads pays $350 for accepted reading lists built around a specific theme. These lists bring together longform articles that people can read for free online, along with an essay-style introduction and commentary.

They welcome timely topics and unusual angles. You'll need to spend time finding good articles from different writers and publications. Lists made up entirely of books aren't accepted.

Writers from around the world can pitch, and the guidelines don't list a degree or minimum number of years of experience. However, this is a selective publication, so acceptance isn't guaranteed.

Payment terms are Net-60, and Longreads does not accept pitches or submissions written or edited with generative AI.

More Involved List-Writing Opportunities

8 – WritersWeekly – $60 per original article

WritersWeekly pays $60 for original articles of around 600 words. They specifically welcome lists of paying writing markets within a particular genre, with links to each publication's guidelines and details about its rates.

They don't list a minimum number of years of experience, but do check that your idea hasn't already been covered recently.

Send a query with your writing credits through their contact form before submitting a complete article. They also ask you to subscribe to their free newsletter and read past issues before pitching.

Writers outside the US are welcome if they can receive PayPal payments. Payment is on acceptance, and AI-written queries and articles aren't accepted.

9 – House Digest – 8 to 10 cents per word

House Digest, part of Static Media, hires freelance Home and Lifestyle Feature Writers for articles about home improvement, decorating, and DIY. Some assignments use a numbered-list format.

They pay about 8 to 10 cents per word, starting at 8 cents. Features are at least 2,600 words, which works out to $208 at the starting rate.

Writers must complete at least one feature per week.

You'll need at least one year of writing experience and relevant home or DIY knowledge. Applications require a resume, LinkedIn profile, brief cover letter, and three relevant published samples.

There's a $60 paid trial, with regular payments twice monthly.

10 – FundsforWriters – $100 per original article

FundsforWriters pays $100 for original articles of 550 to 650 words about earning a living as a writer. You can submit a list if it includes specific examples, useful links, and your own experience making money from writing.

This opportunity is for experienced writers. Its guidelines require paid publication credits, links to published work, and an online writing presence. Beginners and students aren't eligible.

Writers generally must live in and write for markets in the US, UK, or Canada, with rare exceptions for strong experience.

You can query first, although acceptance depends on the completed article. Submissions need a full bio with links and a statement that no AI was used.

Payment is through PayPal. Read the full guidelines before sending anything.