Are you a freelance writer looking to get paid fairly for your work? You’re in the right place. Many magazines today are offering $200 per article or more. Whether you love storytelling, teaching, or sharing personal experiences, you can write for these publications and get paid well.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Why writing for magazines is a smart income stream
- What editors expect from freelance writers
- How to pitch your idea the right way
- A list of high-paying magazines
- Tips to improve your chances
- Helpful writing resources
Let’s dive in!
💡 Why Write for Magazines That Pay?
Writing for magazines is a great way to:
- Earn good money (many pay more than content mills or blog gigs)
- Build authority in your niche (parenting, travel, environment, etc.)
- Get published in trusted media brands
- Work from anywhere on your schedule
It’s also a way to create a steady stream of writing income, especially if you’re pitching regularly.
👀 What Do Editors Look for in Freelance Writers?
Before you pitch, it helps to understand what editors want. Here are the top things they expect:
- A clear, fresh idea
- Well-structured, easy-to-read writing
- Understanding of their audience
- Examples or experiences to support your story
- Professional communication and timely delivery
They also prefer writers who read the magazine and follow the guidelines.
✉️ How to Pitch Your Article
Pitching is the first step to getting published. It’s a short message to the editor explaining your idea. Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Do Your Research
Read 3–4 articles from the magazine. Understand their tone, format, and what kind of topics they publish.
Step 2: Craft a Short, Focused Pitch
Include:
- A one-line intro about who you are
- Your article idea in 2–3 sentences
- Why it’s a good fit for their readers
- A link to your writing samples or blog
Step 3: Use a Clear Subject Line
Example: Pitch: “How Gardening Healed My Anxiety” for Mindful.org
Step 4: Follow Up
If you don’t hear back in 10–14 days, send a polite follow-up. Editors are often busy.
💰 Top Magazines That Pay $200 Per Article
If you’re serious about making money as a freelance writer, targeting high-paying magazines is the smartest move. These publications value quality writing and are willing to pay well for unique stories that engage their readers. Whether you’re into travel, parenting, lifestyle, or in-depth journalism, there’s a magazine that fits your voice and expertise.
🟩 1. The Sun Magazine
The Sun is known for its powerful personal essays and deep storytelling. They welcome new voices and often pay much higher than the average market rate. If you enjoy writing honest, emotional, and real-life stories, this is a great place to submit.
- Topic: Personal essays, memoir, nonfiction, interviews
- Pay: $300 to $2,000 per accepted piece
- Website: https://www.thesunmagazine.org/submit
🟩 2. Chicken Soup for the Soul
This popular series still accepts freelance stories and pays a flat rate for accepted entries. They want true, heartwarming, and inspiring stories that connect with everyday readers. It’s one of the most accessible platforms for new writers.
- Topic: Inspirational personal stories (nonfiction)
- Pay: $200 flat per accepted piece
- Website: https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/submit-your-story
🟩 3. Narratively
Narratively focuses on untold human-interest stories with strong emotional or cultural appeal. They favor deep dives, unique perspectives, and longform storytelling. If you have a story that hasn’t been told elsewhere, Narratively might be the perfect fit.
- Topic: Narrative nonfiction, interviews, long-form features
- Pay: Starts at $200 per story article
- Website: https://narratively.com/pitch-us/
🟩 4. Parents (Parents.com)
Parents.com is a go-to resource for new and experienced parents, and they actively commission freelance content. They look for real stories, expert tips, and advice that connects with today’s families. If you’re a parent or write about family life, this is a great place to pitch.
- Topic: Parenting, pregnancy, child development, family life
- Pay: Around $200 per article (varies by topic and length)
- Website: https://www.parents.com
🟩 5. The Writer Magazine
The Writer has been guiding writers for over 100 years and is still open to freelance contributions. They focus on helping writers improve their craft, understand the business, and stay inspired. This magazine is ideal for writers who want to share expertise or industry insights.
- Topic: Writing craft, freelance business, author interviews
- Pay: $200 per article and more
- per article
- Website: https://www.writermag.com/contact-us/
🟩 6. Travel + Leisure (Online)
Travel + Leisure is a premium travel magazine with a strong digital presence. Freelancers can pitch unique travel stories, personal essays, and destination features. They’re selective, but if your story is fresh and engaging, you could land a high-paying spot.
- Topic: Travel, destinations, lifestyle, food culture
- Pay: $250 and up per article
- Website: https://www.travelandleisure.com
🟩 7. EatingWell
EatingWell offers a blend of food, health, and sustainability content. They publish expert-backed articles, recipes, wellness trends, and personal essays. Writers with knowledge in health and food writing will find this a strong platform.
- Topic: Nutrition, healthy eating, recipes, sustainability
- Pay: $200–$500 per article
- Website: https://www.eatingwell.com
🟩 8. AARP: The Magazine
AARP is one of the most widely circulated magazines in the U.S., focusing on life after 50. Their content includes health, finance, travel, relationships, and inspiring personal stories. They pay some of the highest freelance rates in the lifestyle category.
- Topic: Lifestyle, health, money, retirement, personal essays
- Pay: Up to $1 per word (typically $500–$1,000 per piece)
- Website: https://www.aarp.org/magazine/
🟩 9. Modern Farmer
Modern Farmer is a unique digital magazine that blends agriculture, food, and culture. They accept feature stories, interviews, and essays related to farming and rural life. It’s a great fit for writers with a background or passion for sustainable living.
- Topic: Farming, rural communities, food systems, sustainability
- Pay: $0.50–$1 per word
- Website: https://modernfarmer.com
🟩 10. Slice Magazine
Slice is a literary magazine that publishes work with a strong voice and literary quality. While their issues are themed, they often accept stories, essays, and interviews. If you write thoughtful, creative nonfiction or cultural commentary, this is a great outlet.
- Topic: Creative nonfiction, essays, culture
- Pay: $250 per piece
- Website: https://slicemagazine.org
🟩 11. Guideposts
Guideposts focuses on uplifting and faith-based personal stories. They look for narratives with emotional depth, transformation, and inspiration. If you’ve experienced a life-changing event or personal breakthrough, this could be your outlet.
- Topic: Inspirational, spiritual, personal stories
- Pay: $250+ per article
- Website: https://www.guideposts.org
🟩 12. High Country News
A respected magazine focused on environmental issues and public lands in the American West. They publish in-depth reporting, essays, and indigenous perspectives. Writers passionate about conservation, rural life, or policy will find great opportunities here.
- Topic: Environment, public policy, land, Indigenous affairs
- Pay: $0.50–$1.50 per word
- Website: https://www.hcn.org
🟩 13. Writer’s Digest
Writer’s Digest helps writers improve their skills, understand publishing, and grow their careers. They welcome service articles, how-to guides, and trend-based insights from industry professionals. Freelancers with writing experience can pitch smart, practical content.
- Topic: Writing, publishing, freelancing tips
- Pay: $200–$500 per article
- Website: https://www.writersdigest.com
🟩 14. Earth Island Journal
This magazine highlights environmental stories that aren’t covered elsewhere. They focus on grassroots movements, wildlife, and ecological justice. Perfect for freelancers with an environmental beat or interest in activism.
- Topic: Environment, conservation, activism
- Pay: $200–$500 per article
- Website: https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/submit
🟩 15. Cracked
Cracked is known for its humorous and offbeat takes on pop culture, history, and weird facts. They love writers with personality, wit, and the ability to turn facts into fun reads. If you’re clever and love surprising people, this site is a fun place to pitch.
- Topic: Humor, pop culture, unusual facts
- Pay: $200–$300 per article
- Website: https://www.cracked.com
🟩 16. One Story
One Story publishes just one piece of fiction per issue and pays well for it. While it focuses on short stories, its submission standards are high, and they look for fully polished work. Writers looking to break into fiction with strong narratives and character work should apply.
- Topic: Short literary fiction
- Pay: $500 per accepted story
- Website: https://www.one-story.com/index.php?page=submit
🟩 17. Extra Crispy (now archived under The Takeout)
Extra Crispy, now part of The Takeout, was a food and breakfast culture site that paid well for essays and fun food pieces. The Takeout still publishes unique food stories, restaurant takes, and culinary commentary. Writers with a strong, entertaining voice will do well here.
- Topic: Food, recipes, food culture
- Pay: $250–$500+ per article
- Website: https://thetakeout.com
🟩 18. Healthy Living (Rodale Publishing – check for niche wellness verticals)
Healthy Living outlets often publish science-backed wellness, fitness, and nutrition content. They welcome freelancers who can provide expert-driven, well-researched articles. If you have a background in health, wellness, or fitness writing, they pay competitive rates.
- Topic: Health, wellness, fitness, nutrition
- Pay: $200–$500+ per piece
- Website: https://www.rodaleinstitute.org
🟩 19. Alaska Magazine
Alaska Magazine explores life, adventure, and travel in the Last Frontier. They accept freelance articles on nature, people, and outdoor activities in Alaska. Strong photography or personal experiences in Alaska can boost your pitch.
- Topic: Travel, outdoor adventure, wildlife, Alaska lifestyle
- Pay: $400–$500 per feature
- Website: https://alaskamagazine.com/about-us/writers-guidelines
🟩 20. The American Scholar
A respected quarterly publication known for essays on public affairs, literature, history, and culture. It seeks thoughtful, in-depth, and beautifully written nonfiction. Perfect for experienced writers with intellectual, essay-style content.
- Topic: Culture, current events, history, essays
- Pay: $500–$1,000 per article
- Website: https://theamericanscholar.org
🟩 21. Discover Magazine
Discover covers science, technology, and the mysteries of the natural world. They accept freelance features and front-of-book pieces that are fun, informative, and accessible to a general audience. Writers with a science background or science curiosity are encouraged to pitch.
- Topic: Science, health, technology, space
- Pay: $1 per word (up to $2,000 per feature)
- Website: https://www.discovermagazine.com
🟩 22. BuzzFeed News (Opinion/Personal)
BuzzFeed pays freelance writers for strong, personal essays and opinion pieces with emotional resonance or cultural insight. They look for bold perspectives and real-life stories that make people think or feel. Even if you’re not famous, your story can still make an impact here.
- Topic: Personal essays, opinion, cultural commentary
- Pay: $300–$500+ per article
- Website: https://buzzfeednews.com
🟩 23. DAME Magazine
DAME focuses on feminist perspectives on politics, culture, and society. They welcome experienced voices and emerging writers alike, especially those who challenge mainstream narratives. Their articles often blend personal narrative with sharp analysis.
- Topic: Feminism, politics, essays, culture
- Pay: $200–$500 per article
- Website: https://www.damemagazine.com/submissions/
🟩 24. Recoil OffGrid
Recoil OffGrid is a magazine for preppers, survivalists, and those interested in emergency preparedness. They welcome how-to guides, gear reviews, and expert commentary. Writers with military, outdoors, or survival training are a great fit.
- Topic: Survival, prepping, gear, self-reliance
- Pay: $0.25–$1 per word ($200 per article minimum)
- Website: https://www.offgridweb.com
🟩 25. Modern Love – The New York Times
Modern Love publishes heartfelt personal essays about love, relationships, and family. It’s one of the most prestigious and competitive places to get published. If accepted, your story reaches millions—and earns you a generous paycheck.
- Topic: Personal essays on love and relationships
- Pay: $500 per accepted essay
- Website: https://www.nytimes.com/modernlove
More Related Articles:
- Sports Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers
- Literary Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers
- Lifestyle Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers
✍️ Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Published
Here are some tips that can help you stand out:
- Tailor your pitch to the magazine’s style and audience
- Make sure your idea is timely or unique
- Avoid common topics like “How to Stay Healthy”—offer a fresh spin
- Use a conversational tone unless the magazine is formal
- Don’t give up after one rejection—keep pitching
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending a generic pitch to many editors
- Ignoring the magazine’s submission guidelines
- Not including writing samples
- Failing to research the magazine before pitching
- Being unprofessional or impatient in emails
📚 Helpful Resources for Freelance Writers
Here are a few tools and platforms to help you succeed:
- WhoPaysWriters.com – Check real rates from other writers
- Submittable.com – Find open writing opportunities
- Sonia Weiser’s Newsletter – Weekly pitch calls
- Writer’s Market Book – Yearly listing of paying markets
- Facebook Groups: Freelance Writers, Binders Full of Writing Jobs
🧾 Final Thoughts
Freelance writing can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding. By pitching the right magazines, you can earn $200 per article and more, build your portfolio, and gain recognition.
Start by choosing 2–3 magazines from this list. Read their recent work. Then write a thoughtful pitch. Your first paid article might be just an email away.
🙋♀️ FAQs
Can beginners pitch to these magazines?
Yes. Many accept pitches from new writers with a good idea and writing samples.
How do I find editor emails?
Check the “Contact,” “About Us,” or “Masthead” section of the magazine’s website.
Do I need to submit the full article first?
Usually, no. Most editors prefer pitches. But some (like Chicken Soup) accept full drafts.
How long should my article be?
Most magazines want 800 to 1,500 words. Always check their guidelines.
What if my pitch is rejected?
Keep going. Edit it and try another magazine. Rejections are part of the writing journey.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.