50 Magazines that Pay for Articles

Magazines can be a fantastic way for freelance writers to build their careers and make money writing, sometimes $500 or more per article.

The pay scale for print magazines can vary. Many smaller or regional publications pay between $50 and $150 for articles. These types of rates can be good stepping stones for new writers to build a portfolio and gain experience.

To write for magazines and land the higher-paying freelance rates and gain a prestigious byline, focus on magazines that work with freelancers, study their submission guidelines, and develop fresh, unique story ideas.

Whether you’re covering cultural issues, business trends or writing personal essays, mastering the pitching process is the gateway to magazines that pay writers well. Keep reading to find magazines that pay writers.

How can I start writing for magazines?

If you want to get paid to write for magazines, here’s a simple plan to help you get started and reduce pitch anxiety.

Build your writing portfolio

Many online magazines that pay for articles want to see examples of your work first. Start by writing personal essays, feature stories or short articles on topics like mental health, cultural issues or current events. These samples show editors you can write well and understand how to write for a specific audience.

Become familiar with submission guidelines

Every magazine has guidelines for pitching and submitting articles. Some want a query with a clear headline, others ask for full stories on spec and some simply ask for a few ideas. Reading submission guidelines carefully and following instructions gives you a much better chance of having your article accepted.

Pitch good story ideas

To write articles that editors want to publish, pitch stories that fit the magazine’s topics and style. Whether it’s environmental issues, business trends or service journalism, make sure your pitches are clear and focused. A strong query letter with a solid story idea grabs the attention of editors.

Keep pitching and improving

Successfully pitching and writing for magazines takes practice. Don’t get discouraged by rejections—use these experiences to improve your pitches. Keep writing and submitting to find the right fit and get paid for your work.

Following these steps helps you start writing for magazines and find publications that pay freelance writers well. Ready to send your first pitch?

How much does it pay to write for a magazine?

Payment for writing articles can vary widely depending on the magazine, topic and your experience as a freelance writer. You’ll find some magazines offering a flat rate of $50 and others paying upwards of $500 or more per assignment.

Smaller publications often pay on the lower end due to having small budgets and limited funding. In contrast, larger magazines like National Geographic, Business Insider, Entrepreneur Magazine or Smithsonian Magazine can pay freelance contributors higher rates for well-researched, in-depth articles or feature stories.

Trade magazines and literary magazines also provide opportunities to pay writers well, especially for stories covering industry topics, publishing literary fiction or showcasing personal essays. Some women’s magazines or men’s health publications pay well for reported features or personal stories related to health, fashion trends or personal growth.

Magazines that pay freelance writers typically publish a rate chart or provide payment details in their submission guidelines. Knowing where to look and how to pitch stories that fit the magazine’s preferred topics and readers will increase your chances of landing assignments.

So if you want to write for many magazines and get paid, focus on pitching strong story ideas, following submission guidelines and aiming for publications known to pay writers fairly.

What online magazines pay $1 per word?

For writers aiming to write for magazines that pay well, hitting $1 per word can feel like a major milestone. There are magazines that pay this rate or more, but keep in mind this is for well-researched feature articles, essays or in-depth reported pieces.

Magazines like The New York Times Magazine and The Paris Review pay competitive rates for high-quality writing that covers cultural issues, political topics and literary fiction. Trade magazines or specialty publications focusing on business, environmental issues or mental health sometimes also offer this level of pay for expert freelance contributors.

Keep in mind that magazines paying $1 per word usually expect pitches to be polished, tailored for their target readership and carefully adhering to their submission guidelines.

50 magazines that pay for articles

If you want to earn money by writing for magazines, aim for publications with clear pay rates and a strong editorial reputation. It takes effort, but for the writers who stick with it and keep practicing, this dream can become a reality.

Here is a list of a few magazines and publications that pay for articles to get you started.

1. AARP, The Magazine

AARP The Magazine welcomes freelance submissions, but only pitches, not full drafts (unless it’s a personal essay). Focus on issues relevant to readers over 50, including healthy eating, retirement, relationships and inspiring stories.

Writers must submit pitches via email, with no attachments. This is one of those few publications that still pay writers and cover topics ranging from personal growth to consumer trends.

NOTE: No pitches accepted from outside North America.

2. Alaska Magazine

Alaska Magazine invites freelance submissions that spotlight authentic Alaskan life, including wildlife, culture, outdoor adventure and off-the-beaten-path travel. This literary magazine accepts both pitches and completed pieces, plus photos. Writers must include samples and follow each issue’s theme.

3. The Atlantic

The Atlantic accepts freelance pitches covering valuable information like politics, foreign affairs, science, education, culture and global issues. This is one of the more prominent magazines that welcomes articles, especially well-researched, reported features and essays.

Additionally, they welcome both fiction and poetry—submit via email as a Word doc or PDF. Freelance writers should study the magazine’s submission guidelines and past work before pitching stories on cultural issues or current events.

4. Chatelaine Magazine

Chatelaine is a top women’s magazine in Canada, covering personal stories, fashion trends, mental health and current events. This publication pays writers who pitch timely, tailored ideas rather than completed articles. Submit a one-page query via email, along with links to previous work. Use Canadian stats and diverse sources. Chatelaine is a strong pick for those seeking women’s magazines that accept pitches on social issues, personal growth or cultural criticism.

5. Hoof Beats

Hoof Beats focuses on Standardbreds and harness racing, making it a great fit for writers passionate about the sport. They accept both pitches and manuscripts, plus photos. Topics include equipment innovations, veterinary care, personal stories and historical pieces.

This is one of those trade magazines that pay freelance writers up to $500 for features. Query by email with writing samples, and get familiar with the magazine’s voice before sending your story idea.

6. Discover Magazine

Discover looks for exciting science stories with strong narratives and wide appeal. Pitches should be concise, highlight fresh research, and show your science-writing chops. Web stories pay $300 for 600–1,000 words; print pays up to $1/word.

7. Earth Island Journal

Earth Island Journal publishes deeply reported environmental journalism with a focus on justice, advocacy and solutions. Topics include climate change, biodiversity, agriculture, energy, conservation policy, eco-innovation, animal rights and environmental activism.

This publication is especially interested in global stories, frontline reporting and underrepresented voices. Pay is $0.50/word for print (typically 2,800–4,000 words) and $400 per online article.

NOTE: No poetry, fiction or AI-generated submissions.

8. Eating Well

EatingWell is a trusted digital destination for food lovers who care about health, sustainability and science-backed nutrition. While the print version has closed, the website reaches 10+ million monthly readers with deeply reported features, wellness tips, healthy recipes and special edition issues on stands.

They’re known for celebrating global cuisine, seasonal ingredients and culinary traditions, with a strong focus on dietitian-approved meal plans (examples include heart health, diabetes or inflammation) and farm-to-table values. Based in Vermont, the team includes award-winning journalists, chefs and nutrition experts. Writers interested in food writing, sustainable agriculture and nutrition science may find freelance opportunities here.

9. enRoute

Air Canada enRoute is a travel magazine that reaches over one million monthly readers aboard Air Canada flights and in lounges. Writers should pitch original, narrative-driven stories with a strong sense of place focused on Air Canada or Star Alliance destinations.

This airline publication seeks timely, first-hand travel features—both short (200–550 words) and long (1,200–1,700 words), covering food, culture, design, technology and social trends.

10. The Open Notebook

The Open Notebook is a non-profit providing essential tools and resources for science, health and environment journalists. They welcome pitches for reported features and story-behind-the-story interviews, especially for their Diverse Voices in Science Journalism series. They pay $1,800–$2,400 for 1,500- to 2,000-word pieces.

11. KITPLANES

KITPLANES loves hearing from both professional journalists and hands-on aircraft builders! If you’ve got a story about kit or amateur-built aircraft, whether it’s design tips, flight trials or construction techniques, send a quick query first. They’re looking for focused articles (around 2,000 words) and good photos showing your process. AI-generated content is not accepted.

12. Sierra

Sierra Magazine seeks writers passionate about environmental justice and cultural issues. Pitches for feature articles, essays and reported stories must follow the submission guidelines, focusing on well-researched, in-depth pieces that spark conversation. Emerging writers who want to write may find Sierra a rewarding publication to work with.

13. Smithsonian

Smithsonian Magazine welcomes freelance submissions with a focus on cultural criticism, current events and stories ranging from historical insights to environmental issues. Writers interested in pitching feature stories or short-reported pieces should carefully follow the submission guidelines and tailor their pitches to fit the target audience.

14. The Sun

The Sun invites freelance writers to submit personal stories, essays and literary fiction with emotional depth and honesty. First-time authors and marginalized voices find a welcoming platform here. Submission guidelines highlight pay rates and focus on narrative writing that sparks personal growth and meaningful cultural criticism.

15. Teen Vogue

Teen Vogue seeks freelance pitches on youth culture, pop culture criticism, mental health reporting, reproductive rights and social justice. Focus on reported stories or op-eds on culture, identity, style, beauty and politics. Submit clear, timely pitches highlighting unique angles and expert sources. Ideal topics include fast fashion ethics, climate change coverage and long-form investigative journalism.

16. Long Now

Long Now seeks pitches on long-term thinking, civilizational perspectives, climate change, AI, science history and speculative fiction. Submit essays, reported features, interviews, poetry or fiction focused on deep time and future foresight. Payment starts at $600 for features. Email your ideas with headlines, bios and story relevance to temporal and cultural themes for best consideration.

17. PublicSource

PublicSource invites local freelancers and community members to pitch story ideas, essays, tips and questions. Use their detailed pitch form to submit reported stories or a short form for first-person essays. Payment varies by story. If you don’t hear back in a week, your pitch wasn’t selected.

18. The Objective

The Objective is a nonprofit newsroom focused on journalism equity, newsroom culture, media power and underrepresented voices. Freelance writers can pitch original stories, investigations and critiques that align with these themes. Payment is $0.50 per word, with varied project rates. Response time may be slow due to a volunteer leadership team. Pitch clearly and wait one week before following up.

19. Wellbeing

WellBeing Magazine loves soulful, surprising stories about holistic health, spirituality, sustainability and natural therapies. They don’t accept promotional or advertorial pieces, so focus on empowering, well-researched articles that inform and inspire. Submissions usually range from 800 to 2,500 words. Send your original work with proper references and a short bio in a Word file.

20. Amazonas Magazine

AMAZONAS is a top freshwater aquarium magazine accepting expert-level freelance articles and underwater photography. Writers must pitch first—send a short email with your idea, qualifications and low-res images. Articles pay $100–$600 and photos pay up to $150. Blog posts pay $25. Focus on fishkeeping, aquatic science or aquarium technology.

21. Stanford Social Innovation Review

Stanford Social Innovation Review accepts pitches from freelance writers and professional writers on political and cultural issues or environmental justice with fresh perspectives. Submission categories include Field Report ($1,500), What’s Next ($600) and Case Study ($3,500).

22. American Craft Council

The American Craft Council is one of those publications that celebrates creativity and connection. Writers can pitch essays, reported features or personal stories on handmade art, community and craft culture. It’s perfect for writers who want to write articles with meaning. Pay ranges from $0.50 to $1 per word.

23. Analog

Analog publishes articles focused on science fiction and fact-based content. Freelance writers can pitch short stories where science or tech drives the plot and features smart, strong storytelling. This literary magazine pays up to $0.10 per word.

NOTE: AI-written content will not be accepted.

24. Audubon

Perfect for writers who want to write articles on topics related to environmental justice, birds and cultural issues. Audubon pays up to $1.50 per word for well-researched feature stories. They are looking for personal essays, reported features and fresh perspectives.

25. Discover

Discover accepts freelance pitches year-round. This magazine is looking for fresh, engaging science stories for broad audiences. Keep your pitches short, one idea per email, and include your background and writing samples. Discover pays up to $1 per word or $300 per web piece.

26. WIRED

WIRED seeks long-form features about how science, tech or innovation shapes our world. Pitches should tell a clear, compelling narrative with strong characters and a clear arc. This publication pays $2,500 for most features of about 5,000 words. Include clips and a brief bio with your pitch and make sure to send it to the appropriate editor. Shorter freelance work for science, business or gear sections is accepted but limited.

NOTE: WIRED doesn’t assign breaking news stories to freelancers.

27. Writer’s Digest

Writer’s Digest accepts article and pitch submissions focused on the writing craft, publishing business and writer inspiration. Submit full manuscripts or detailed pitches with bios and clips. Key sections include Inkwell, technique pieces, author profiles, market reports and new columns on nonfiction and kidlit writing. Pay is $0.50 per word for print. Web pieces may be unpaid.

28. The American Gardener

The American Gardener seeks article proposals focused on sustainable, regionally appropriate gardening, plant profiles, garden design, horticultural history and community impacts. Submit a detailed pitch with your topic, relevance to a national audience and key points. Include writing samples and your gardening experience. Features run 1,500–2,500 words and columns are 900–1,000. Payment ranges from $150–$700 upon publication.

29. Science

Science is accepting freelance pitches for breaking news, features, profiles and investigative stories in all areas of science and science policy. Submit tight pitches (three to four paragraphs) outlining story scope, key characters or places and why it matters. Include relevant clips if new. Pay starts at $1 per word for online stories and $1.25 per word for print stories.

NOTE: Some stories pay flat fees.

30. Herizons

Herizons accepts pitches from women, non-binary and Two-Spirit writers based in Canada. This feminist magazine pays $125–$600 CAD for features, essays and reviews on gender, culture or politics. Writers can get paid to write for magazines with strong feminist views by submitting pitches year-round.

NOTE: No simultaneous submissions.

31. Gray’s Sporting Journal

Gray’s Sporting Journal accepts complete manuscripts—no queries—on hunting, fishing or travel adventures. Writers can get paid to write for magazines with vivid stories or yarns. Pay ranges from $600–$1,250 for features, $600 for yarns and $100 for poetry.

32. Backcountry Magazine

Backcountry Magazine invites writers to pitch sharp, relevant stories with a strong backcountry hook. If you want to write for magazines that cover mountain skills, travel, profiles and mishaps then make sure to check out this magazine. Pay is typically $0.35 per word.

33. JSTOR Daily

JSTOR Daily pays writers for well-researched, engaging stories grounded in scholarly sources. Pitch ideas that use JSTOR, Reveal Digital or JSTOR Collections to explore current events, historical moments or classroom use. Submit detailed pitches via the site’s Contact the Editors form. Stories run about 2,000 words.

34. The New Yorker

The New Yorker accepts fiction, poetry, Shouts & Murmurs and cartoons. Fiction and humor pieces must be PDF attachments sent via email. Poetry and cartoons go through Submittable. Submit only unpublished work.

35. New York Times Magazine

New York Times Opinion welcomes guest essays that present strong arguments grounded in fact and personal expertise. Essays should focus on newsworthy topics or issues of public concern. They accept submissions covering current events in text, video, audio, illustration or data.

36. Bon Appétit

Bon Appétit invites pitches for food stories with strong angles, personal voice and cultural relevance. Writers should propose specific, timely ideas with sample headlines and a brief explanation of the story, angle and reporting plan. Rates start at $250 for short pieces. Include writing clips and optional social media ideas.

NOTE: Bon Appétit encourages submissions from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ writers.

37. Longreads

Longreads accepts original nonfiction pitches that sustain reader interest over long-form storytelling, typically between 2,000 and 6,000 words. They publish reported features, critical essays, personal essays (completed drafts only) and curated reading lists.

Pitches should clearly outline the story’s shape, evidence, reporting plan and relevance to Longreads’ audience. Essays require polished drafts and pay $500. Reading lists focus on timely or unique themes and pay $350. Reported features start at $0.50 per word, while critical essays start at $500, depending on length and research. Fiction is not accepted.

38. Good Housekeeping

Good Housekeeping seeks writers with fresh voices and strong ideas for long-form narratives, deeply reported service pieces and essays rooted in home, health, family and personal struggles. Stories should offer compelling points of view, personal stories behind the news or practical guides that improve readers’ everyday lives.

The tone is positive, hopeful, smart, often funny and approachable, avoiding preachiness or judgment. Topics range from timely social issues and personal experiences to home-centered stories and service guides.

39. The Paris Review

The Paris Review accepts unsolicited prose submissions in February, June and October, and poetry in January, April, July and October. All work must be in English and unpublished. They allow simultaneous submissions with notification upon acceptance elsewhere. Prose should be under 40 pages. Submit up to six poems or one prose piece per period.

40. The Rumpus

The Rumpus publishes original fiction, poetry, essays, literary humor, comics, interviews and book reviews. All work must be unpublished and submitted during open reading periods, which occur several times yearly. Writers may submit simultaneously elsewhere but must notify if accepted. Contributors earn $50 per published piece.

41. Animal Wellness Magazine

Animal Wellness, North America’s top natural pet health magazine, welcomes unsolicited articles and story outlines focused on holistic healing—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Articles should be 500–1,500 words. Familiarize yourself with the magazine before submitting, and ensure health facts come from reliable sources. Send original, unpublished work (no multiple submissions unless cleared). Include contact info and a brief bio.

42. The Horse

The Horse does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Writers must submit a resume and samples to the managing editor before pitching article ideas. The magazine prefers how-tos, technical topics and interviews for horse owners, avoiding first-person stories unless assigned or from veterinary professionals. Articles range from 250 to 1,800 words, with payment based on length.

43. Family Business Magazine

Family Business Magazine seeks practical, insightful articles from advisers and consultants focused on family business issues in large, multigenerational companies with revenues in the tens of millions and above. They do not accept general business advice, promotional content or small business topics.

Articles (up to 1,800 words) should offer fresh perspectives on succession, governance, family policies, and leadership. Writers must conduct candid interviews with multiple family members and non-family executives. Manuscripts must be exclusive, unpublished and submitted via email as Word files (no embedded images).

44. ADDitude

ADDitude seeks blog posts from parents, adults with ADHD, educators, spouses and experts sharing unique, personal experiences and helpful strategies in 500–800 words. For webinars, contributors must hold advanced degrees, be recognized ADHD authorities, and propose relevant, non-promotional topics. Webinars reach large audiences and become on-demand podcasts. Writers should focus on fresh, practical content that supports and informs the ADHD community.

45. SELF

SELF publishes service-focused health and wellness stories, with strong reporting and practical tips readers can apply. Freelancers can pitch reported advice, personal experience with takeaways or opinion pieces backed by insight. Stories should fit core topics like health, fitness, food, beauty and relationships. No general personal essays, Q&As or diet content. Pay starts at $450.

46. Bustle

Bustle seeks timely, voice-driven pitches, essays, experiments, interviews and cultural features, covering lifestyle, wellness, fashion and entertainment. Pitches must include a headline, summary, access to sources, why it matters now and a rate.

This publication doesn’t accept listicles, how-tos or roundup-style pieces. Writers should show familiarity with Bustle’s tone and include clips. Stories should start conversations, offer fresh angles and resonate with Bustle’s millennial and Gen Z audience.

47. HuffPost

HuffPost seeks diverse voices to tell original, inclusive stories across politics, essays, culture, wellness, life, food and style. Pitches should include a headline, a two or three paragraph paragraph summary, a reporting plan, timeliness and why you’re the right writer. They welcome first-person stories, reported features and unique cultural takes.

NOTE: No PR or agent pitches.

48. Mental Floss

Mental Floss accepts short pitches for quirky, well-researched lists and reporting features in areas like history, science, pop culture, language and art. Include a possible headline, story summary, examples (for lists) or angle and sources (for features), plus a short bio and links to clips. No news stories, essays or political takes. Email only one relevant editor. Payment starts at $125–$200+, depending on story type and length.

49. Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan rarely accepts unsolicited pitches and typically assigns stories to regular contributors. However, new writers may still submit 1,000–1,500-word articles by email or mail and can expect a response within a month. Print features pay $200–$400, with additional payment for high-quality photos. Online submissions earn around $100.

50. BuzzFeed News

BuzzFeed News Culture Desk is open to freelance pitches. They’re looking for cultural criticism that explains trends and offers clear insights, feature stories about people, places or events with strong storytelling, and essays that have a unique voice and relevant message. Essays should be 1,500 to 2,500 words, while features run 2,500 to 4,000 words. They offer competitive pay.

Final tips on how to write for magazines

Want to write for magazines and get paid? Publications like National Geographic accept submissions and pay freelance writers $500 or more per article, with some offering $1 per word for the right story.

If you’ve only written for small publications up until now, don’t stop there—bigger opportunities open quickly with the right pitch and solid research.

Use tools like this website to find freelance writing jobs that pay professional rates, especially for well-researched features, book reviews, foreign affairs or in-depth articles.

Don’t overlook custom publications! These types of magazines also accept submissions from freelancers and can pay top dollar for articles on business, fashion trends, outdoor adventure, political and cultural issues and more. Whether writing about cultural criticism, mental health or current events, focus on story ideas that deliver new ideas and spark conversation.

To increase your chances of getting an assignment, find a few magazines in your area of interest or expertise that accept freelance pitches. Then study their submission guidelines and craft your pitch. Your email query should include a strong subject line, hook, links to similar articles you’ve written and a bio. Follow up politely if you don’t hear back.

If you want to write for magazines just remember it takes patience and persistence. With focused pitching and following submission guidelines, you will find yourself turning ideas into paid assignments in no time.

Join Freelance Writers Den

If you’re looking for a community to support you, consider Freelance Writers Den! This community offers advice on pitching (and will help you polish that National Geographic pitch!), finding magazines that pay good rates and courses on pitching. It’s a great place to find likeminded colleagues and improve your writing skills.

This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.