Contena is a membership-based platform built specifically for freelance writers, combining a curated job board with a writing academy and personal coaching. It’s invite-only, which keeps the writer pool from getting overcrowded, and it pulls writing gigs from across the internet into one clean dashboard. What you’re really paying for is the time it saves you searching, plus the Contena Academy modules that walk you through building a pitch, finding clients, and growing your writing business from scratch. Membership costs $497 for a year, which is a real investment, but writers who commit to it and land even one or two long-term clients quickly cover that cost.
How You Make Money
You use the curated job board to find and pitch writing gigs. Pay comes directly from clients with no commission taken by Contena.
Withdrawal Speed
N/A, client payment terms apply
Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate (academy is geared toward newer writers)
Pros
1. Invite-only model means less competition for each listing compared to open boards
2. Contena Academy provides step-by-step guidance from zero experience to paying clients
3. Personal writing coach included in the Platinum plan for individualized support
4. Customizable job alerts deliver matching listings directly to your inbox daily
5. 30-day money-back guarantee if you genuinely work through the program and don't see results
Cons
1. Membership costs $497 per year, which is steep if you're just starting out and unsure
2. Many listings are also findable on free job boards if you're willing to put in the search time
3. Job freshness varies and some listings can be a few weeks old
4. Better suited to writers with some existing samples, complete beginners may struggle early on
Best For
Writers who want a structured system and coaching support to launch or grow their freelance writing business without manual job hunting
