Top 18 Environment Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

Do you care deeply about the planet and love to write? If yes, freelance environmental writing might be the perfect fit for you. The good news is that many respected environment magazines pay freelance writers for stories that inspire, inform, and make a difference.

Whether you’re passionate about climate change, conservation, wildlife, or sustainable living, there are opportunities for you to earn money while spreading awareness.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Why writing for environmental magazines is rewarding
• What editors look for
• How to pitch your story
• A list of top-paying environment magazines
• Tips to get published
• Resources for success

Let’s get started!

Why Write for Environmental Magazines?

Environmental writing is more important than ever. These magazines help people understand climate issues, protect nature, and inspire action.

Here’s why it’s a great niche for freelance writers:

• Make an Impact: Your words can educate readers and inspire them to take action for the planet.
• Get Paid for Your Passion: Many magazines pay $200–$1,000 per article, depending on your experience and topic.
• Build a Strong Portfolio: Getting published in environmental magazines adds credibility to your writing career.

What Editors Look For in Environmental Writers

To get published, you need more than just good grammar. Editors are looking for:

• Fresh story ideas with a clear focus
• Real-life reporting or research-based facts
• Personal voice or unique perspectives
• Solutions-driven content (not just problems)
• Articles that match their tone and audience

Tip: Read a few recent articles from the magazine before pitching. It shows you’ve done your homework.

How to Pitch to Environmental Magazines

Pitching is simply proposing your idea to an editor. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Do Your Research:

Visit the magazine’s website. Read their submission or contributor guidelines.

2. Craft a Simple Pitch Email:

• Introduce yourself
• Share your story idea in 2–3 lines
• Explain why it’s a good fit
• Include links to writing samples

3. Be Professional

Use a clear subject line. Keep your message short and polite.

4. Follow Up

If you don’t hear back after 7–10 days, you can send a friendly follow-up email.

If you are seriously interested in making money as a freelance writer, having a personal blog is a must. Check out our article on how to create a blog easily to make money online.

18 Environment Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

Here is a list of environment/ outdoor magazines that pay freelance writers.

1. Alternative Journal

Pay: 10 cents per word.

This Canadian environment magazine is being published since 1971. They feature articles about environmental issues, including their ecological, social, and economic dimensions.

They invite articles within the range of 500-1,200 words. You would receive the payment upon publication.

This environment magazine has specific submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

Suggested Read: How to Get a Freelance Writing Job

2. Outside Bozeman

Pay: 20 cents per word

This environment magazine is a seasonal publication that features the outdoor world of southwest Montana. There are various departments under which you can feature your submissions, such as Local Lore, Flora & Fauna, Area Attractions, Seasonal Activities, etc.

They invite feature articles within the range of 800-1,600 words. You would receive the payment upon publication.

Furthermore, this environment magazine has specific submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

3. Alpinist Magazine

Pay: 25 cents per word

This environment magazine celebrates world alpinism and adventure climbing. They prefer first-person accounts in their articles. They also encourage their readers to send their submissions.

In addition to this, this environment magazine invites articles within the range of 250-1,00 words in length. They prefer queries first before completing manuscripts. You would receive the payment upon publication.

4. Outside Magazine

Pay: unspecified

”Outside is a monthly national magazine dedicated to covering the people, sports, activities, politics, art, literature, and hardware of the outdoors.” They prefer queries before complete submissions.

Additionally, they expect articles between 100-5,000 words.  This environment magazine has specific submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

5. Cross Country Skier

Pay: unspecified

This magazine provides informative and well-researched articles about ski resorts, trail systems, and winter vacation destinations in North America.

Furthermore, they accept pitches instead of complete submissions. For more information, we would suggest you go to their website.

6. Highline Magazine

Pay: unspecified

This publication covers content about the environment and culture of Canada’s Rocky Mountains.

They prefer pitches before complete submissions. They would also suggest you familiarize yourself with the content before pitching your story ideas.

Also, this environment magazine has specific submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

7. Montana Outdoors

Pay: unspecified

This is a bi-monthly publication published by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. They welcome pitches instead of complete submissions.

Furthermore, this environment magazine has specific submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

Also, you would receive the payment upon acceptance.

8. Mountain Life Magazine

Pay: 30 cents per word

This environment magazine features content on the mountain and cultural lifestyle. They prefer queries first before completing manuscripts.

Furthermore, they invite articles to be 250-3,000 words in length. You would receive the payment upon publication.

9. Backcountry Magazine

Pay: 35 cents per word

This environment magazine features articles on hiking, skiing, avalanche skills, and gear. They prefer queries first before completing manuscripts.

Additionally, this environment magazine has specific submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.  You would receive the payment upon publication.

10. Backpacker Magazine

Pay: $1 per word

This environment magazine focuses on hiking and other forms of human-powered modes of travel.  They require content within the following topics: Features on destinations, gear, personality, etc.

They invite articles to be 5,000 words long. You would receive the payment upon publication.

Furthermore,  this environment magazine has specific submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

11. Central Coast Farm & Ranch

Pay:  $1 per word

This is a quarterly environment magazine that features content on Central Coast agriculture, agri-tourism destinations, local history, and edible gardening. The primary readers of this magazine are members of the Central Coast agricultural community.

In addition to this, they invite writers to send articles within 500-1,500 words in length. You would receive the payment upon publication.

12. Trapper and Predator Caller

Pay: unspecified

This publication provides informative content about trapping and predator calling. They prefer queries before complete submissions. They expect articles within 2,500 words.

Furthermore, this environment magazine has specific submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

Also, you would receive the payment within 45 days of publication.

13. Mount Baker Experience Magazine

Pay: $150

This quarterly environment magazine covers articles on skiing (both downhill and Nordic) and snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking, kayaking, biking (both road and mountain biking), and scuba diving – any sport or activity that takes place outdoors in the Pacific Northwest.

Additionally, they invite articles between 300 and 1,500 words in length. You would receive the payment upon publication.

14. Northern Woodlands

Pay: $150

This environment magazine covers articles on ‘woodlot management, wildlife species, scat, chainsaw maintenance, woodworking, and reflections on natural landscapes.’ They prefer queries first before completing manuscripts.

Furthermore, they invite feature articles to be within 3,000 words. You would receive the payment upon publication.

15. Outdoor Canada

Pay: $400

This environment magazine features articles on outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, and other conservation issues in Canada.

In addition to this, they invite articles between 300 and 2,500 words in length. You would receive the payment upon publication.

16. The Contemporary Sportsman

Pay: $750

This environment magazine features articles on fly fishing and wing shooting. They invite feature articles to be within 3,000 words. You would receive the payment upon publication.

Furthermore,  this environment magazine has specific submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

17. Coral & Amazonas Magazine

Pay: $5

This wildlife magazine concentrates on content related to marine aquariums and freshwater aquariums. They encourage writers to pitch their ideas if they are willing to get commissioned articles.

In addition to this, they prefer queries before complete submissions. This environment magazine has specific submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest you read through that carefully.

18. Coastal Review

Pay: $200

Coastal Review mainly deals with environmental issues on the North Carolina Coast. The article length should be between 800 to 2000 words. If your article is accepted, they pay you $200 per article.

Also, Read: Top Food Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Published

• Start small: Pitch shorter essays or front-of-book pieces before full features.
• Be original: Find a new angle or an under-reported topic.
• Be timely: Relate your story to current environmental events.
• Use real examples: Interviews, quotes, or personal experiences add depth.
• Practice clarity: Keep your writing clean and easy to understand.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all magazines are equal. Stay away from:

• Publications that don’t pay or offer only “exposure”
• No editorial process or clear submission terms
• Asking for free trials or sample work
• No bylines or credit for your work
• Always check reviews or forums before pitching to unfamiliar publications.

Resources for Environmental Writers

Here are some tools and platforms to support your freelance journey:

• Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) – Grants, fellowships, job boards
• Earth Journalism Network – Training, pitch calls, and story grants
• Who Pays Writers – Check rates and reviews from other freelancers
• Substack or Medium – Publish your own nature blog
• Facebook & LinkedIn groups – Join freelance or green writing communities

Final Thoughts

Writing for environmental magazines is a powerful way to combine purpose with income. You don’t need a science degree—just strong ideas, clean writing, and a passion for nature.

So pick a few magazines from this list, read their articles, and send your pitch. The planet needs your voice—and yes, you can get paid for it.

FAQs

Can beginners write for environmental magazines?

Yes. Many magazines welcome fresh voices if you have a strong pitch.

Do I need a degree in environmental science?

No, but a basic understanding of the topic helps.

How much can I earn?

Rates range from $100 to over $1,000, depending on the magazine and article length.

Can I pitch the same idea to multiple magazines?

Only if you mention it’s a simultaneous submission in your email.