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All you want is to get paid to write.

Whether it’s to get paid to write articles, reviews, or short stories, you want it to be as simple as possible.

Unfortunately, it often can be difficult, time-consuming, and disappointing.

You followed their writing guidelines, learned and understood their writing styles and type of content, and finally, researched, planned, and submitted content ideas to them. When they finally responded to your pitch, you were happy. But when it came to negotiating the rates, you were disappointed. You felt you were being short-changed relative to the amount of work you must do. 

But you couldn’t work away with this much time and effort invested already. 

So, I curated this list to save you as much time and heartache as possible. 

Let’s dive right in.

These 47 Platforms Tells You How Much They Will Pay You to Write

This curated list is based on one and only one criterion: they are transparent about their rates.

Get Paid to Write About Arts, Literature, and Culture Topics

1. Informed Comment

If you’re a highly experienced professional or have previously written for major publications such as The Washington Post, The Nation, etc., give Informed Comment a shot. 

They pay $100 per original article on current events and politics. To receive payments, you need a PayPal account.

2. Longreads

Longreads is an award-winning publication dedicated to finding and publishing nonfiction stories online.

For the types of submissions and pitches, Longreads looks for detailed and in-depth articles such as:

• Personal Essays
• Researched and Reported Essays
• Critical Essays
• Columns

The rate is $500 for personal essays. The rest of the rates start at $500 and upwards. They also pay $350 for reading lists.

3. The American Scholar

The American Scholar is a magazine that publishes essays, fiction, poetry, and articles every quarter.

The topics published are:

• Public Affairs
• Literature
• Science
• History
• Culture

They pay up to $500 for accepted articles in their magazine and up to $250 for articles on their website.

4. One Story

(Currently, submissions will re-open in Spring this year, 2024.)

One Story publishes literary fiction stories for its subscribers. It also conducts online courses and workshops on reading, writing, crafts, and others.

They are looking for literary fiction and will pay you $500 and 25 contributor copies for your work.

5. LightHouse

LightHouse is a not-for-profit organization empowering the blind and visually impaired through various programs, services, and products. 

They are specifically looking for blind and visually impaired writers for the following submission categories:

• Personal Essays
• Memoirist Reflections
• Travel Writing
• Incisive Commentary
• Specific Advice
• Funny or Useful Lists
• Arts Writing
• General Humour
• Insightful Analysis and more

A beginner? No problem. They still want to hear from you!

They pay $100 for published essays and are open to negotiation for much more complex articles.

6. VQR

VQR is home to some of the best writers and award-winning authors.

They are welcoming and constantly on the lookout for emerging writers for the following types of submissions:

• Poetry
• Short Fiction
• Nonfiction 

They pay:

• Poetry: $200 per poem (up to 4) and $1,000 (group of 5 or more)
• Short Fiction: $1,000 and more
• Others (e.g., essays, literary journalism): $0.25 per word (usually $1,000 and more)

7. HowlRound Theatre

This is for the worldwide theatremakers to come together, contribute, share ideas, and connect.

They pay $200 per essay.

8. 1859 Oregon’s Magazine

1859 Oregon’s Magazine publishes everything about Oregon’s history and people’s way of life.

Do you love Oregon? If so, they want you.

They pay $0.30 to $0.50 per word.

9. The Sun Magazine

The Sun Magazine, a not-for-profit media organization, publishes personal and political stories.

They are looking for the following submission categories:

• Personal Essays
• Fiction
• Poetry

For the above, they will pay you $200 or more. (depending on the page length)

10. New Mexico Magazine

New Mexico Magazine is dedicated to educating tourists about New Mexico.

They are looking for writers with personal experiences and stories to tell. And they’ll pay you $0.35 to $0.40 per word.

Get Paid to Write About Entertainment and General Interest Topics

11. Listverse

Listverse is well-known for its top 10 lists on various topics. And for each article, they pay $100. 

And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert. 

All you need is to be proficient in English (native level), interested in unusual and interesting things, and have a good sense of humor. You must have a PayPal account.

Their categories include:

• Bizarre
• Entertainment
• General Knowledge
• Lifestyle
• Science
• Society

12. Chicken Soup for the Soul

Chicken Soup for the Soul specializes in true stories and poems about people’s extraordinary experiences. 

Although they do not pay for submissions, if your story or poem is published in one of their books, you will be paid $250 and given 10 copies of the book. You will also receive an exclusive newsletter, writing tips, and advance notice of the next contest. 

But this can take between 6 months to 2 years.

13. Reader’s Digest

Do you have a great sense of humor, an infinite library of gags, jokes, funny quotes, or a hilarious incident that happened to you?

Reader’s Digest will pay you $25 for jokes, gags, or funny quotes and $100 for any funny true story published in their print edition.

14. Scout Life Magazine

Scout Life is a general-interest Magazine that covers a wide range of topics, from professional sports, American history, and science to even how to pack a canoe.

For the following type of content submission, they pay:

• Nonfiction: $500 to $1,200
• Departments: $100 to $600

Get Paid to Write About Craftsmanship, Outdoor, and Recreational Topics

15. Blade Magazine

Blade Magazine covers everything about knives, including knives used in movies and TV shows.

For the following types of submissions, they’ll pay:

• Short Stories: $150
• Profiles: $250
• Feature Stories: $300

16. Popular Woodworking Magazine

They publish articles and commentary on woodworking, from basics to advanced techniques, tools, and projects.

So, if you’re passionate about woodworking, this is for you.

They pay $1,000 to $3,000 for features.

17. WoodenBoat Magazine

WoodenBoat Magazine publishes exclusively articles for the designers, builders, and owners of wooden boats.

Some of the submissions they look for are:

• Product and book reviews
• Built or restored wooden boats
• Narrating the process of building or restoring wooden boats
• How-to articles

They pay $250 to $300 per 1,000 words. 

18. Hoof Beats

Hoof Beats is one of the world’s most widely read horse racing magazines.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time freelance writer as long as you know all about harness racing.

They pay $100 to $500 per article.

19. The Chronicle of The Horse

The Chronicle of the Horse magazine publishes articles on dressage, hunters and jumpers, eventing, foxhunting, and steeplechase racing.

For the following types of submissions, they’ll pay:

• News Stories: $165 to $220
• Feature Articles: $150 to $400

20. Gray’s Sporting Journal

Gray’s Sporting Journal is a publication for hunting and fishing enthusiasts, covering sporting literature, art, photography, and travel content.

For the following types of submissions, they pay:

• Features: $600 to $1,250
• Expeditions: $850 to $1,000 (+$75 per picture)
• Yarns: $600
• Poems: $100

21. Sports Fishing Magazine

Sports Fishing Magazine is dedicated to publishing everything there is to know about saltwater fishing in North America. 

They are looking for fresh content ideas or angles that will make a reader say, “Wow! I didn’t know that!”

For print features, they pay $750, and if you’ve got fantastic photos to accompany them, the pay goes up to $1,500. They pay $200 to $300 for up to 1,000 or more words for digital features. 

Get Paid to Write About Lifestyle Topics

22. Vibrant Life

Vibrant Life focuses on healthy living topics such as the following:

• Exercise
• Food Recipes
• Going Green
• Family Health
• Mental Health
• Physical Health
• Spiritual Health
• Weight Management

They pay $100 to $300 per article. 

23. Bella Magazine

Bella Magazine focuses on women’s lifestyle and travel topics. 

They are only looking for real-life stories. So, if you have a great personal story to tell, send it to them. They pay up to £1000 per story.

24. Transitions Abroad

(Currently, they do not accept submissions until their site’s revision is rolled out.)

Transitions Abroad is a leading travel site for those who have traveled and lived overseas for an extended period for reasons such as studies, work, traveling, and volunteering.

The categories they’re looking for are:

• Working Abroad
• Living Abroad
• Volunteering Abroad
• Studying and Student Travel Abroad
• Cultural Immersion Travel

They pay between $75 to $150 per article.

Get Paid to Write About Finance and Business Topics

25. Elite Personal Finance

Elite Personal Finance blog offers comprehensive financial advice on all money matters.

They pay $300 per article on the following topics:

• Personal Finance
• Business
• Make Money Online
• Save Money
• Loans
• Credit Cards
• Identity Theft
• Credit Report
• Guides
• Articles
• Unique Content
• Helpful Tips

26. MoneyPantry

(As of 17th Feb 2021, they have stopped accepting guest posts and will update in the future when they start accepting again.)

Money Pantry is a finance blog focused on saving and making money. 

They pay $30 to $150 per post via PayPal for unique ideas on related topics.

27. IncomeDiary

(As of this writing, they are currently looking for an SEO expert and are paying between $150 and $300 for an in-depth article on keyword research.)

IncomeDiary is dedicated to helping people build their online businesses and websites.

Their topics focus on the following:

• Create better websites
• SEO
• Generating website traffic
• Creating content
• Entrepreneurship
• Making money online

They pay up to $200 per article. 

28. eCommerce Insiders

As its name implies, eCommerce Insiders is dedicated to serving the online retail industry. 

They are open to articles for the following categories for submissions:

• Retail-focused
• Commentary or Educational

Their rates are:

• 400 to 600 Words: $75
• 600 Words: $125
• 600+ Words: $150

29. Michelle Pippin

B. Michelle Pippin specializes in the business niche and is dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs succeed.

She pays between $50 to $150 per article.

30. iWorkWell

iWorkWell provides top-notch HR resources, tools, and services to businesses.

They want writers with deep knowledge and extensive experience on HR topics to write, review, and update articles.

They pay between $20 to $195 per review, new article, and update of an old article. In addition to the usual rates, there is an additional bonus of up to 30%.

Get Paid to Write About Writing Topics

31. Copyhackers

Copyhackers specializes in, wait for it…, copywriting.

They pay USD$300 to $1000 per article. 

As for the topics? They’ve got it all listed down, so there’s no need to guess on your part. 

32. WOW! Women on Writing

WOW! Women on Writing is dedicated to helping and supporting women at all levels of the writing process.

They pay $50 to $150 per article and via PayPal only.

They welcome all female writers to pitch on the following categories:

• Markets Newsletter
• Author Marketing Newsletter

33. Writer’s Digest

For over 100 years, Writer’s Digest has continued its mission of helping fellow writers, such as you, of all genres to further develop their craft and reach for the stars.

It truly is a one-stop shop for all you need as a writer.

They pay $0.50 per word for manuscripts. Additionally, if they intend to reprint any of your work they’ve previously purchased in formats other than electronic, you will receive 25% of the original purchase price per use. 

Get Paid to Write About Parenting Topics

34. A Fine Parent

A Fine Parent is a community of people striving to become a better parent to their children.

They pay $75 per article. 

The type of articles they are looking for are:

• Basics of Positive Parenting 
• What To Do When….
• How-to

35. Metro Parent

Metro Parent covers everything from tips for toddlers and teens to picking schools and activities for the kids. 

They want experienced freelance writers equally passionate about the parenting scene in southeast Michigan. 

They pay $25 to $200+ for your content.

Get Paid to Write About Science Fiction and Fantasy

36. Clarkesworld

Clarkesworld is an award-winning magazine that specializes in publishing science fiction and fantasy stories. It is currently accepting art, nonfiction, and short story submissions.

Their rates are:

• Fiction: $0.12 per word. 
• Nonfiction: $0.10 per word up to 2,500 words.
• Art: $400 with 2 copies of the print edition.

37. Asimov’s Science Fiction

Asimov’s Science Fiction is one of the world’s leading science fiction magazines.

They are on the lookout for short stories and poetry submissions.

They pay:

• Short stories (up to 7,500 words): $0.08 to $0.10 per word and $0.08 per word over the 7,500
• Poetries: $1 per line (max. 40 lines)

38. Fantasy & Science Fiction

Another award-winning magazine. Fantasy & Science Fiction has published numerous classics such as Stephen King’s “Dark Tower.”

They pay $0.08 to $0.12 per word and accept up to 25,000 words in length. 

39. Analog Science Fiction & Fact

Analog Science Fiction & Fact is home to some of the most prolific science fiction story writers.

Their rates are as follows:

• Short Fiction: $0.08 to $0.10 per word
• Serials: $0.06 per word
• Factual Articles: $0.09 per word
• Poetry: $1 per line

Get Paid to Write About Political, Social and Environmental Topics

40. High Country News

High Country News is a not-for-profit media organization covering political, environmental, and social matters.

They want strong, opinionated writers with great stories to tell. 

For the following types of submissions, they will pay you:

• Reportage, News, and Analysis: $0.50 to $1.50 per word
• Essays and Perspectives: $400

41. Youth Today

Youth Today is a not-for-profit news organization centered around children and young adults in the United States. 

They are looking for journalists to work together and report stories related to all issues faced by the youth, such as gun violence, mental health, child welfare, homelessness, disabilities, and many more.

They pay $1 per word for reported stories and $500 for Q&A with newsmakers and others.

42. Earth Island Journal

Earth Island Journal is a not-for-profit magazine dedicated to environmental issues such as climate change, wildlife, land conservation, public policies, etc.

For the following types of submissions, they pay:

• Online Stories: $200
• Print Features: $0.25 per word (+$65 per photo)

43. Sierra

Sierra is the magazine of Sierra Club, one of the most influential grassroots environmental groups. 

It wants stories covering all aspects of environmental and social justice issues along with various perspectives.

For the following types of submissions, they pay:

• Online Edition: $450 for stories (more if you’re a regular contributor) and $250 for Reviews and Opinions.
• Print Edition: $1 per word for Features (or $1.50 for well-known writers), $250 to $2,000 for others.

44. StrongWhispers

(Currently, the writing program is suspended until they complete the redesign and migration of their website.)

Strong Whispers covers tech, lifestyle, current events, business, entertainment, sports, etc. 

They pay $50 per guest post article, but the fees can be higher if they like you and your article.

Get Paid to Write About Freelancing, Career & Personal Development, and Tech Topics

45. FreelanceMom

FreelanceMom offers advice on a wide range of categories for freelance working moms. 

If you’re one, they want to hear from you! (Men are welcome, too!)

Their categories include:

• Business
• Interviews
• Marketing
• Money
• Personal Development
• Productivity
• Social Media
• Work at Home

They pay $75 to $100 per article. Oh, and you need a PayPal account too. And if your article is the no.1 most shared article of the month, you get an additional bonus of $150, bringing your total to $225 to $250 per article.

46. Unemploymentville

Unemploymentville is an online support community for out-of-work individuals.

They are interested in personal side hustle and business stories, resources, mindset shifts, and unique job search techniques.

They pay $25 to $75 per article.

47. Semaphore

Semaphore specializes in software development and aims to help tech companies achieve better results.

They are currently looking specifically for topics on flaky tests.

Their rates are:

• $400 for new articles
• Up to $500 for tutorials (depending on the complexity)
• $100 to $200 per update to their existing tutorials

Furthermore, if your article gets published and accumulates over 1,000 organic pageviews within 7 days, you’ll get an additional 50% bonus.

Never Be Short-changed Again for Your Writing

With this list, you will know what you’re getting paid before putting in the work.

Never again will you feel trapped or compelled to proceed to write with undesirable rates.

So, now’s the time to act and start getting paid your worth. 

Use my list, dive in, make your mark, and turn your writing into the rewarding career you’ve always wanted.