How to Get Paid for Writing Greeting Cards

Have you ever wondered how you can get paid to write greeting cards? This sounds like very fun, interesting work to me because as we all know, greeting cards are very short and to the point. Usually you don't need to write more than three or four lines max.

Almost all greeting card companies (with the exception of Hallmark who doesn't openly accept submissions) will consider work from freelancers. You may also be in luck if you're an artist or a photographer because many of these places will accept freelance submissions in those fields too!

Is writing greeting cards as easy as it sounds?

While it may seem easy, I keep reading that it's actually NOT easy at all — even if you're a very experienced writer. Most greeting card companies are very picky about what they will accept and even though what you write doesn't have to be long, it has to be catchy and engaging.

Think about it — how long does it take you to decide whether or not you like a particular greeting card when you're browsing around in the store before you put it down and go find another? Probably not that long. So your writing has to be really, really good! It may also help if you can be funny since so many greeting cards are humorous.

How much does writing greeting cards pay?

Your pay for accepted greeting card submissions will vary depending on the company you're writing for. In most cases, the amount is anywhere from $25 up to $300 per approved submission.

How selective are the greeting card companies?

They are all pretty selective, and they have to be because they need to know their cards will sell. But the ones that are the most selective are the more well-known companies like American Greetings.

For more tips and advice in getting started in the greeting card industry, I'd recommend giving this page from the Greeting Card Association a read. There is also an interview with greeting card writer Lynda Schab here at Creative-Writing-Now that has some tips and information on getting started for people new to greeting card writing.

What companies look for freelance greeting card writers?

Remember that these companies may or may not be actively looking for submissions at this time. This is just a list to get you started. Each link below will take you to the submissions page for each greeting card company so you'll know what they require if you're interested in sending them some of your work:

American Greetings – This link will take you to their contact page. Scroll down until you see where it says “Idea Submissions.” You have to download and sign their disclosure agreement and then submit ideas before you can just send your work. They do not accept unsolicited writing or artwork submissions.

Blue Mountain Arts – Read Review – This company pays up to $300 for submitted work and has a very detailed list of guidelines to read before you submit. Very helpful!

It Takes Two – You can email them six to twelve verse ideas at one time for consideration. They state however that most of their card writing is done at their headquarters. You can also submit card artwork here.

Paper Magic Group – Paper Magic does accept submissions from freelance greeting card writers. However, their guidelines are not visible on their site. You have to contact them to get the guidelines.

Oatmeal Studios – Oatmeal is looking for original, funny writing for their cards. Very detailed guidelines available on exactly what they are looking for.

Many more listings for greeting card opps can be found in my directory.

Want to write electronic greeting cards?

There is money to be made here, too, although from what I've read you can't earn as much money with electronic greeting cards. Writing-World has an insightful interview here with Nadia Ali, an experienced greeting card writer who has done work for both the online and offline markets.

For more help and tips …

There have been a few highly-rated e-books written about making money with greeting cards. Here are some  with good reviews:

• 7 Mistakes Greeting Card Writers Make – What to avoid when submitting verse to publishers.
• How to Write Humorous Greeting Cards – Written by someone who has had success writing humorous greeting cards.

Hopefully this list can help you get started! If you're lucky enough to get your work published in a greeting card, it would be awesome to add to your writing resume or artist/photography portfolio! Good luck if you decide to give it a go.