Though the phrase “write what you know” is somewhat of a cliché, it rings true. We’ve listed eleven regional publications here, so if you live in one of these areas, you’re in an ideal position to submit your writing. These magazines cover all of North America, from Canada to New Mexico and everything in between.
1. BELLA covers the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut tristate area. They provide the “inside scoop about beauty, wellness, and life in the New York area.” They’re accepting queries for feature articles, which run from 500 to 1,000 words. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
2. Portland Monthly Magazine covers the Portland metro area and publishes pieces on its vibrant culture. They’re accepting pitches for all of their departments and for feature articles. Features should discuss news, culture, or lifestyle, and pitches should be sent via email. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
3. Chicago Magazine is a monthly print magazine and digital publication that showcases the best Chicago has to offer. They’re accepting pitches for stories with a Chicago angle that are “different, newsworthy, and compelling.” To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
4. AMC Outdoors covers the Northern Appalachian region from Maine to Virginia. They focus on recreation but also publish pieces on topics such as environmentalism and education. They pay $500 to $700 for features and $150 to $400 for columns. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
5. Vermont Life publishes articles that reflect “the unique heritage, countryside, traditions and people of Vermont.” They’re looking for writing that celebrates Vermont culture in an engaging fashion. They pay $600 to $800, depending on the length and complexity of the article. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
6. Okanagan Life is a “regional character magazine” that covers the Okanagan Valley from Salmon Arm to Osoyoos. They’re accepting queries for pieces that celebrate the people and places of the region, with emphasis on its pastoral nature. They pay 20 to 25 cents per published word ($100 to $125 for a 500-word article). To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
7. New Mexico Magazine is published monthly by the New Mexico Tourism Department. They’re looking for opinionated stories on New Mexico experiences that inspire readers to visit places and participate in regional activities. They pay 35 to 40 cents per word ($175 to $200 for a 500-word article).To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
8. DeSoto Magazine is an “upscale lifestyles publication” that covers the Mississippi, Memphis, and the Southeast. They’re accepting queries for articles that feature the region in a variety of perspectives. Possible topics range from the arts to southern culture. They pay 15 cents per word ($75 for a 500-word article). To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
9. 1859 Oregon’s Magazine publishes pieces that celebrate the region’s unique history, destinations, and more. They’re accepting queries for articles that demonstrate a love for Oregon and an appreciation for its culture. They pay 30 to 50 cents per word ($150 to $250 for a 500-word article), though web-only articles are paid at a lower rate. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
10. Colorado Life Magazine is Colorado’s only statewide general interest publication. Published six times on a bimonthly basis, the magazine uses anecdote-based storytelling to paint a vivid picture, and they’re accepting queries for articles that do so. They pay $75 to $125 for departments and $130 to $975 for features. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
11. Alaska Magazine is the region’s most respected publication. They’re accepting queries for pieces that demonstrate an excellent narrative slant and focus completely on Alaska and its culture. They pay $200 to $700, depending on word count. Writers who publish both articles and photographs may receive up to $1,500. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
If you don’t live near one of these publications, don’t worry. Just go to a local coffee shop, restaurant, or cafe, and look for a local weekly magazine. Nearly every small city has a weekly publication, and they almost always are looking to publish talented freelance writers.
