Looking for a creative writing service online

[Sw431]

Okay, so I’ll just say it, I’m completely stuck.

I’ve got this short story assignment for my creative writing class, and no matter how many Pinterest boards or writing prompts I try, nothing’s clicking. I’ve rewritten the first paragraph like 30 times, and it all still sounds flat or way too try-hard. So now I’m considering getting help, like, actually trying one of those creative writing services online that work with students or freelance writers. But there are sooo many options, and I’m not trying to waste money on something generic or AI-spun.

Has anyone here tried to hire creative writing service online before? Any recs for the services that are legit, affordable, and won’t just hand me something formulaic? I’ve looked into WritePapers and their site looks clean, and they seem to offer full-on story development, not just editing. Also saw Studybay mentioned a few times but don’t know how they are for more fiction-style stuff.

Ideally, I’d want someone to either:

- Help me build out my story idea from scratch (based on my rough outline), or
- Rewrite/expand what I already have into something with stronger structure and voice.

Not looking to cheat. I just want a creative push that actually teaches me something in the process. If anyone’s found a service that delivered great work or even surprised you in a good way, please lmk!

Also curious:
How much did you pay?
Did you get to work with a specific writer?
Did the final draft actually sound like you?
Throw your experience at me, good or bad

 

[Nursing is hell]

YES, I’ve been in that exact situation. Used WritePapers earlier this year for a creative nonfiction piece and honestly? Worth every cent. I gave them my rough draft, some notes about tone, and they helped shape it into something I’d actually be proud to submit.
The best part: the writer asked clarifying questions before starting. Felt more like a collaboration than outsourcing.

 

[Alexander Born]

I tried Studybay once for a poetry project and it was... okay. They delivered fast and the language was decent, but it didn’t feel super personal. Might depend on the writer you get, though. If you're gonna hire someone for fiction or narrative stuff, I’d definitely go for a creative writing service that lets you upload samples of your tone or past work.

 

[StarrySky]

I’m also in the market for help and been hunting for the best creative writing services. Almost went with a random gig on Fiverr, but then I read a bunch of horror stories about AI content and recycled phrases.
Following this thread for recs because I’m too broke to gamble on fluff.

 

[Katykat]

Tbh I was super skeptical about using any online creative writing service until I had three writing assignments due at once. Ended up using one (can’t remember the name) but it was way too polished. Like, if I handed that in, my prof would 100% know it wasn’t me lol.
Just a heads-up: if you do go for it, send them a sample of your real writing voice. Makes a big difference.

 

[Sw431]

Tbh I was super skeptical about using any online creative writing service until I had three writing assignments due at once. Ended up using one (can’t remember the name) but it was way too polished. Like, if I handed that in, my prof would 100% know it wasn’t me lol.
Just a heads-up: if you do go for it, send them a sample of your real writing voice. Makes a big difference.

That’s super helpful, thanks! I’ve got some old journal entries and story snippets that sound like me, so I might send those in if I go through with it. I like the idea of it being collaborative vs just a ghostwritten thing. Did you find WritePapers affordable? I saw their pricing page but wasn’t sure if they sneak in extra charges.

 

[Normal Brain]

+1 for personalization. I hired a creative writing service online last semester and made the mistake of just uploading my assignment brief without context. The result wasn’t bad, but it didn’t sound like me at all.
Second time around, I gave the writer backstory, what I was struggling with, and a sample paragraph - HUGE improvement.

 

[Zephyr Carter]

Quick PSA: if you ever stumble across creative writing services online that promise “instant” results or don’t ask any questions… run. Those are the ones that just remix blog content or use AI generators. You’ll end up rewriting half of it anyway.

 

[Sw431]

Noted!! That’s my worst fear tbh! Getting something polished but soulless. I want to learn from the structure and flow, not just pass the class. I think I’ll give WritePapers a try and maybe hold off on Studybay unless I see more fiction-based feedback.

 

[Kingdoms_32]

Honestly love that you’re using this to grow, not just to “get it done.” That’s the best use of any creative writing services IMO. Sometimes we just need a creative nudge, not a replacement brain. Let us know how it turns out; I’m lowkey curious now

 

[NoSleepNate]

Last semester I panicked two nights before my story draft was due and tried one of those writing services. I don't even remember the site's name, but the writer sent me a draft that had the weirdest metaphors. Like, who compares heartbreak to "a broken Wi-Fi connection"? Lesson learned: always send samples of your own style. Otherwise, they'll just improvise in ways that don't vibe with your voice.

 

[CineBro22]

Does anyone here know if these services ever specialize in genres? Could you find someone who only writes sci-fi or horror short stories, or is it more general? I’d be more willing to pay if I knew the writer already lived in that style

 

[PaperPioneer]

hot take: relying on someone else to write for you at all might kill your originality. yeah, they can 'teach' you structure, but isn't the struggle part of the process?
some of the best stories come from fighting through the flat drafts - if you outsource too much, you risk never finding your own voice

 

[PixelQueen]

I once worked with a freelancer (not through a service) and she asked me to record a voice memo explaining my characters. I rambled for 20 minutes in the middle of the night, half-asleep...She turned that into an actual short story draft that felt shockingly like me! Sometimes explaining out loud is easier than typing your outline.

 

[sarahjohnson]

Curious about the money side too. Has anyone ever found a gem that’s affordable for broke students but still legit? I feel like most of the sites people namedrop are mid to high cost. Would be cool to hear if someone tried a budget friendly one and it actually worked out

 

[LeoScholar]

hot take: relying on someone else to write for you at all might kill your originality. yeah, they can 'teach' you structure, but isn't the struggle part of the process?
some of the best stories come from fighting through the flat drafts - if you outsource too much, you risk never finding your own voice

That’s a fair point about originality. I don’t wanna lose my voice in the process, which is why I’m more drawn to collaborative setups. I’d never just hand over the whole assignment.

What I really want is someone to nudge me past the “everything sounds flat” stage and maybe show me tricks for pacing and structure. Like a mentor-lite. If it ends up feeling like I’m cheating myself, then it’s probably the wrong service anyway