The Smart Set is a wonderful publication that features intelligent writing about contemporary culture, often written in the form of a personal essay.

Even better: They accept pitches directly from freelance writers. According to payment reports, they pay $200 per essay, though they they state the rate is negotiated.

Recent essays they’ve published include topics such as Bruce Springsteen, ballet & #metoo, travel in Istanbul, and an essay on simile vs. metaphor.

According to their website:

The Smart Set is an online magazine covering culture and ideas, arts and science, global and national affairs — everything from literature to shopping, medicine to sports, philosophy to food. Named for the turn-of-the-century literary magazine edited by H.L. Mencken and George Nathan, the Smart Set strives to present big ideas on the small, the not-so-small, and the everyday.

To learn more, read their submission guidelines.