Which Article Topics Earn the Most Money at Yahoo! Contributor Network?

As a freelance journalist and writing peer mentor here at YCN and elsewhere, I get asked often which topics are the best to write. What brings in the best upfront payments? What topics pull in page views? What topics does Yahoo! Contributor Network want to see before giving high paying assignments? Overall, which topics make the most money?

If I Write About Celebrities Will I Make More Money or Get Featured?

Yes and no. Celebrity content can be popular, but so can seasonal content, news, parenting tips, and a whole host of other topics. It's not about the topic, but how that subject is handled by each writer and whether or not what that person writes is applicable to the intended Yahoo! property. Also, writing about any particular subject matter is not a guarantee to getting featured. What will get you featured is quality content and professionalism. For more on getting featured on Yahoo! sites, click here .

Which Topics are Most Profitable?

The thing is, I cannot give the same answer to each person on this. Why? There is not just one topic or type of article that does well. The fact is that what earns the most money will be different for everyone. Also, there are destinations for a variety of topics. There is no need to hone in a specific topic for all Yahoo! Sites and in fact, you shouldn't. There are plenty of Yahoo! destinations for a wide variety of topics. Write to those you are interested in.

There is no magic topic. What makes the most money for each person is whatever they write best - those where their skills and writing personality will shine through. This is because when you write to a topic without any knowledge or interest in it, a reader can see right through it. But when you write about something you have a passion for, readers can feel that too. It gives them something to connect with and they will keep coming back for more.

Establishing Your Niche Topics

To figure out what topics work for you, think about your passions. What do you enjoy writing about? Is there a topic that won't let your fingers stop typing? That's the topic that will do the best for you. Gear that topic toward its intended audience and write on unique slants that are not overdone.

Start out by writing about things you go through in your day to day life. Did you teach your child his letters with a unique method? Perhaps that method will help another parent. Write about it. If you enjoy it and do well, that could be your niche topic for turning a profit.

More From Lyn:

How to Get Your Work Published on Your Favorite Yahoo! Sites

Maximizing Performance Payments at Yahoo! Contributor Network

Writing for Yahoo! Contributor Network: Authentic Voice Importance