Top 21 Literary Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

best literary magazines that pay freelance writers

If you’re a professional writer who’s hoping to be compensated for their creative efforts, literary magazines are an excellent source to begin with. Most established magazines compensate for poems, short fiction, essays, and more—and in the present day, it is easier than ever.

In this article, we’ll cover the top literary magazines that pay freelance writers. Also find submission guidelines, payment rates, and tips to increase your chances of getting published. Let’s dive in.

top paying literature magazines

1. Granta

Granta publishes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from new and established authors. They’re recognized for their high-quality storytelling.

What They Pay:

  • Fiction/Essays: $500−$2,000
  • Poetry: $200−$500

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit through their website.
  • Open submissions at some times (check their site).
  • No genre limits, but literary style is desired.

How to Get Accepted:

  • Strong stories with emotional resonance.
  • Avoid extremely experimental styles unless highly well-done.

2. The Paris Review

The Paris Review has featured legendary authors such as Jack Kerouac and Philip Roth. They publish fiction, poetry, and interviews.

What They Pay:

  • Fiction: $1,000+
  • Poetry: $200−$500

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit via Submittable.
  • No simultaneous submissions.
  • Response time: 4-6 months.

How to Get Accepted:

  • Polished, literary writing.
  • Avoid genre fiction (sci-fi, romance, etc.).

3. The Sun Magazine

The Sun specializes in personal essays, short fiction, and poetry. They pay well and have a faithful readership.

What They Pay:

  • Fiction: $1,000+
  • Poetry: $200−$500

Submission Guidelines:

  • Email submissions (look on their website).
  • No simultaneous submissions.
  • Response time: 3-6 months.

How to Get Accepted:

  • Raw, honest storytelling.
  • Avoid academic or overly formal writing.

Read: How To Get Paid Freelance Writing Jobs With No Experience

4. One Story

One Story publishes one short story per issue. They pay well and are ideal for new writers.

What They Pay:

  • Essays/Stories: $500 per story

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit through Submittable.
  • Word limit: 3,000-8,000 words.
  • No genre limit.

How to Get Accepted:

  • Strong character-driven stories.
  • Do not use very long descriptions.

5. Ploughshares

Emerson College supports ploughshares and publishes excellent fiction, poetry, and essays.

What They Pay:

  • Fiction/Essays: $45 per page
  • Poetry: $50 per poem

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit through Submittable.
  • Open submissions at specified times.
  • Simultaneous submissions are permitted.

How to Get Accepted:

  • Literary, refined writing.
  • Do not use genre writing unless it’s literary.

6. AGNI

AGNI publishes experimental and traditional writing. They’re open to new voices. AGNI considers only work written in English or translated into English.

What They Pay:

  • Fiction/Essays: $20 per page
  • Poetry: $40 per poem

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit online via their site.
  • No simultaneous submissions.
  • Response time: 3-5 months.

How to Get Accepted:

  • Unique, provocative work.
  • No clichés.

7. Kenyon Review

Kenyon Review publishes fiction, poetry, and essays. They prefer literary to commercial work.

What They Pay:

  • Fiction/Essays: $80−$200
  • Poetry: $50−$100

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit via Submittable.
  • Open submissions in fall and spring.
  • No simultaneous submissions.

How to Get Accepted:

  • Strong, lyrical writing.
  • Avoid genre fiction.

8. Electric Literature

Electric Literature features innovative fiction, essays, and criticism. They pay well and have a large readership.

What They Pay:

  • Essays/Stories: $100−$300
  • Poetry: $50−$100

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit through their site.
  • Open to experimental work.
  • Simultaneous submissions are okay.

How to Get Accepted:

  • Bold, contemporary themes.
  • Avoid overly traditional forms.

9. The Sun

A reader-supported magazine publishing raw, personal essays, fiction, and poetry that tackles life’s difficult truths.

What They Pay:

  • Essays: $300−2,500
  • Fiction: $300−$1,500
  • Poetry: $100−$200
  • “Readers Write” section: $100−$300

Submission Guidelines:

  • No simultaneous submissions
  • Response time: 3-6 months
  • “Readers Write” has a 500-word limit

How to Get Accepted:

  • Write vulnerable first-person narratives
  • Avoid academic or flowery language
  • Study their “Readers Write” section for tone

10. Subtropics

University of Florida’s journal publishes literary fiction, poetry and essays with Southern flair but open to all voices.

What They Pay:

  • Fiction: $500 per story
  • Poetry: $100 per poem
  • Annual contest: $1,000 prize

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit via Submittable
  • Reading periods: Sept-Nov & Jan-Mar
  • Accepts simultaneous submissions

How to Get Accepted:

  • Submit experimental forms
  • Include Southern themes (but not required)
  • Perfect your first paragraph

11. Gulf Coast Literary Journal

Houston-based print journal publishing innovative poetry, fiction and nonfiction with beautiful production values.

What They Pay:

  • $50-$300 per page
  • Online exclusives: $250 flat rate
  • Annual prizes: $1,500 awards

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit via their website
  • Open Aug-May
  • Accepts hybrid genre work

How to Get Accepted:

  • Submit visually striking work
  • Include Texas/Gulf Coast themes (bonus)
  • Perfect your bio note

12. Boulevard

Prestigious print magazine publishing established and emerging literary voices.

What They Pay:

  • Poetry: $100−$300
  • Fiction: $150−$500
  • Nonfiction: $200−$400

Submission Guidelines:

  • Mail submissions only
  • Reading period: Oct-May
  • No electronic submissions

How to Get Accepted:

  • Submit short short fiction (under 5k words)
  • Include SASE for response
  • Perfect your mailing package

13. The Threepenny Review

Quarterly arts magazine paying professional rates for concise, powerful writing.

What They Pay:

  • Fiction/essays: $400 flat rate
  • Poetry: $200 per poem

Submission Guidelines:

  • Mail submissions only
  • Accepts simultaneous submissions
  • Responds in 8-12 weeks

How to Get Accepted:

  • Keep pieces under 4,000 words
  • Handwrite cover letters (they appreciate this)
  • Submit seasonal pieces early

14. Colorado Review

CSU’s journal publishes literary fiction/poetry with Western sensibility.

What They Pay:

  • $30 per page
  • Nelligan Prize: $1,000

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit via Submittable
  • Reading periods: Sept-April
  • Accepts long works (to 10k words)

How to Get Accepted:

  • Submit Rocky Mountain themes (bonus)
  • Appreciates detailed cover letters
  • Mention if CSU alum (not required)

15. Allegory

Semi-pro mag specializing in literary speculative fiction.

What They Pay:

  • $15-50 per piece
  • Pays on publication

Submission Guidelines:

  • Email submissions
  • 60-day response time
  • Accepts reprints

How to Get Accepted:

  • Submit genre/literary hybrids
  • Perfect your hook
  • Avoid cliché tropes

16. American Poetry Review

One of America’s most widely distributed poetry journals, publishing established and emerging voices.

What They Pay:

  • $50 per page
  • $250 minimum per poem

Submission Guidelines:

  • Mail submissions only
  • No simultaneous submissions
  • Responds within 6 months

How to Get Accepted:

  • Submit polished, publication-ready poems
  • Avoid overly academic language
  • Include professional bio

17. Ancient Paths

Christian-themed literary magazine open to spiritual explorations in poetry/fiction.

What They Pay:

  • Poetry: $20 per poem
  • Fiction: $50 per story

Submission Guidelines:

  • Email submissions preferred
  • Accepts simultaneous submissions
  • Annual reading period: August-November

How to Get Accepted:

  • Submit subtle faith-based themes
  • Avoid preachy/conversion narratives
  • Myth retellings favored

18. Bennington Review

Biannual print journal affiliated with Bennington College, known for innovative literary work.

What They Pay:

  • Poetry: $100 per poem
  • Prose: $250 per piece

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submittable submissions only
  • Reading periods: September & March
  • No previously published work

How to Get Accepted:

  • Submit right when the reading period opens
  • Experimental forms encouraged
  • Mention Bennington connection (if any)

19. Copper Nickel

University of Colorado’s journal with a special interest in translations and visual art pairings.

What They Pay:

  • $30 per page
  • $500 for featured translations

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit via Submittable
  • Bilingual submissions welcome
  • Responds within 4 months

How to Get Accepted:

  • Submit with accompanying art
  • Highlight multicultural elements
  • Include translator bio if applicable

20. Grain Magazine

Canada’s acclaimed literary journal publishing bold, inventive poetry and prose with a focus on crisp imagery.

What They Pay:

  • Poetry: 50 CAD per poem
  • Fiction: 50−250 CAD per story
  • Annual Short Grain Contest: 1,000 CAD top prize

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit via Submittable
  • Reading periods: Sept-May
  • Fiction under 5,000 words preferred

How to Get Accepted:

  • Focus on vivid sensory details
  • Submit during their “open reading” months
  • Mention if you’re a Canadian writer (though international submissions are welcome)

21. Ninth Letter

University of Illinois’ award-winning print/online hybrid known for innovative design and literary excellence.

What They Pay:

  • Poetry: $25 per page
  • Prose: $100 per piece
  • Web exclusives: $50 flat rate

Submission Guidelines:

  • Online submissions only
  • Reading periods: Sept-Feb
  • Simultaneous submissions are allowed with notification

How to Get Accepted:

  • Submit work with visual/design potential
  • Mention any multimedia components
  • Perfect your first page – they prioritize strong openings

More on Freelance Writing Jobs:

Final Checklist Before Submitting Articles to Literary Magazines:

  • Format Perfectly – Each magazine has specific requirements
  • Track Submissions – Use a spreadsheet or Duotrope
  • Simultaneous Strategy – Only when allowed
  • Cover Letters Matter – Keep them professional but personable

Conclusion: These literary magazines pay well and actively seek new voices in 2025. Choose a few that suit your style, edit your work, and begin submitting.

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