The following is a list of magazines that pay writers $500 per article.
Keep in mind that all of these magazines have very specific requirements. If you’re new to freelance writing, I highly recommend enrolling in the No B.S. Course on Freelance Writing. You’ll get individual instruction and concrete actions, so you can start building your writing career. Learn more here.
1. High Times publishes articles about marijuana cultivation and counterculture lifestyle. They have a special interest in marijuana legalization. They publish both in print and on their website. They pay $500-$1,000 for features. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
2. The Nation is a liberal political magazine. They accept submissions of political commentary as well as articles. They have a very dedicated readership. In fact, they’re supported by 30,000 donors. This is in addition to their 145,000 weekly circulation. They pay $150 for commentary, and between $350 and $500 for articles. They also accept submissions of art as well as poetry. To learn more, and to submit, be sure to read their full submission guidelines.
3. Alaska Airlines Magazine is the monthly in-flight magazine for Alaska Airlines. They are 75 percent written by freelance writers. They pay between $150 and $700. They also occasionally reimburse for expenses. They have thorough guidelines, including an editorial calendar, on their website.
4. The American Scholar covers public affairs, literature, history, and culture. They have been around since 1932. They are published quarterly by the Phi Beta Kappa Society. They pay up to $500 for print articles. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
5. PTO Today is the magazines for leaders of parent-teacher organizations. They’re published 6 times a year. They publish articles about parental involvement, leadership, fundraising, working with school staff, etc. They pay $200 to $700 for features. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
6. Sport Fishing magazine accepts queries from freelance writers. They pay $250 for their “from the pro” department, and $750 for longer features. They have a very thorough submission guidelines page, with great tips writers. It’s worth a read, even if you’re not submitting. To learn more, be sure to read their submission guidelines.
7. MotorHome, the magazine for RV enthusiasts, covers all aspects of the RV lifestyle. They accept queries, and pay writers up to $900 an article. According to their guidelines: “The easiest way to sell your work to MotorHome is to query us on an interesting and tightly focused motorhome story.” Learn more here.
8. Hoof Beats Magazine is one of the top harness racing publications. They exclusively cover harness racing and the Standardbred industry, and freelancers are welcome to submit queries for such articles. The magazine is 70 percent freelance written. They pay $100 for departments and $500 for features. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
9. Planning: Those who contribute to this publication–which is organized by the American Planning Organization–will writing about urban, suburban, rural, or small town planning. Planning news can focus on projects like neighborhood revitalization, social planning, and more. Writers can expect to be paid between $100 and $1,000 for successful submissions. Check out the contributor guidelines to learn more.
10. Early American Life is a history magazine, centered on American history through the mid 1800s. They publish articles about history, architecture, antiques, crafts, and travel. They pay around $500 for feature articles from new writers. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
