If you enjoy writing and have a knack for researching, you can turn your hobby into a money-making side hustle by writing articles for magazines. But before you start writing, it’s important to know what types of publications will accept your work and how much money you can earn from article writing gigs.
Whether you’re interested in writing about feminism, business, or a niche subject like health, there are plenty of magazines that will pay for your freelance writing services. The key is to know where to find these lucrative opportunities and how to pitch your ideas.
Family Circle: This national women’s magazine is a great place to begin because it pays well and has a huge readership. They publish articles about home, family, kids, fitness and lifestyle, so they’re looking for articles that address issues that women face in their everyday lives.
Common Ground: This Canadian publication focuses on health and wellness topics, but they also seek writers with a Christian perspective. They’re looking for articles on healthy eating, exercise, self-help, family, spirituality and environmentalism.
Narratively: This platform is a great place to start if you’re an authentic storyteller and want to share your experiences with others. They accept a variety of articles that include personal essays, memoirs, blog posts and book reviews. They also support ongoing investigative projects and long-form journalism.
Writers in Charge: They pay between $35 and $350 per article depending on the topic. They’re looking for articles that are between 1,000 and 2,500 words.
Parenting: They’re paying between $35 and $350 per article and they’re looking for features that are between 1,500 and 2,000 words. They also prefer to receive submissions within a month of publication.
AARP: This magazine is published for people over 50 and they pay $1 to $2 per word, according to their website. They publish news, features, how-tos and essays about money, health and fitness, food, travel and relationships.
Popular Science: If you’re a fan of science and technology, this magazine is an excellent choice for a freelance writing gig. It’s one of the oldest magazines still in circulation with a large readership and a big budget to pay freelancers.
Bitch Media: This feminist-focused blog publishes discussion-provoking pieces that are backed up with evidence and statistics. They’re looking for articles that make a connection between your own personal experience and larger social forces, and they want them to be a strong feminist response to pop culture.
Smashing Magazine: If you’re a writer who enjoys web design, graphics design or UX design, this is a good option for you. They pay between $50 and $200 per article and they tend to accept articles that are between 1,500 and 2,000 words.
A List Apart: This website curates articles about the internet, coding, design and marketing. They pay between $200 and $250 per article and they’re looking for content that is between 1,500 and 2,000 words.
iWriter: This online writing platform pairs you with clients based on their performance on a trial test and their star rating. They’re willing to pay 65% of the total price their clients pay them for article writing.
