If you’re an aspiring freelance writer, one of the questions you might ask yourself is “How much should i get paid for writing an article?” The answer depends on how long you need to write, your experience level and your expertise.
Generally, the more you’re willing to write, the more you can make. If you’re a new freelancer, it’s best to start off with lower-paying jobs. It’s important to build up your experience and portfolio before you charge high rates.
Contently’s user-submitted per-assignment rates suggest that in 2019, freelance writers were making about $300 per 1,200 words for some publications, and as little as $25 for other publications. It’s not always easy to know the right rate for a particular project, though, so it’s worth having a good understanding of your client’s copy requirements before you quote them.
Listverse
This platform works with freelance writers to craft click-worthy articles that include well-researched information on a variety of topics. It accepts submissions in both “quick tips” and full tutorials on topics such as Photoshop, which it pays between $50 to $300 for each accepted article.
Narratively
If you enjoy authentic storytelling and the human experience, you might consider submitting your work to Narratively. They accept a range of content, from personal essays to human-interest pieces and short news stories.
AMC Outdoor
This outdoor magazine is looking for articles that feature a compelling angle, showcase a specific sport in a unique way or offer a sense of place and culture. They also prefer articles with anecdotes and vivid visual images.
They pay $250 to $1,500 for features, depending on the length and complexity of the piece. You can read the submission guidelines on their website to see what type of writing they’re looking for.
Informed Comment
If you’re a political writer, you might want to consider writing for Informed Comment, which curates content about foreign policy and international politics. They accept essays about US and international politics as well as other issues such as religion, climate change and workers’ rights.
The Sun Mag
If writing about a wide range of topics appeals to you, The Sun Mag might be the perfect fit for you. Its submission guidelines note that it’s “looking for a wide variety of articles including, but not limited to, essays, reviews, fiction, poetry and nonfiction.”
A List Apart
If you love the web, you might enjoy writing a list piece for A List Apart. The site accepts thoughtful submissions from all sorts of web professionals, including designers, developers, strategists and writers.
Getting published on big publications like Forbes, Fortune and Business Insider can increase your clout as a writer. Having bylines on these platforms can help you find new clients in the future, and they’ll also give you the chance to build your freelance portfolio.
A List Apart’s submission guidelines state that the site seeks well-researched articles, “which are not merely a collection of tips and tricks.” They look for essays with clear thesis statements that can be supported with facts and research.
