The following is a list of magazines that pay writers. All of these magazines accept pitches, queries, and/or submissions directly from freelance writers. All of them have specific requirements, needs, etc.
For even more magazines that pay, be sure to get your free copy of the Paid Publishing Guidebook.
1. HOW is a magazine for graphic designers that discusses the business and industry. Since it’s 75% freelance written, the publication is always seeking articles that discuss industry figures, trends, issues, and more. They accept both queries and unsolicited manuscripts via postal mail. They pay $250 to $800, depending on complexity and experience. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
2. Canoe & Kayak, the world’s largest paddling magazine, accepts article queries from freelance writers. They largely depend on their existing writers, but are open to new writers from time to time. According to WritingCareer.com, they pay up to $800 an article. To learn more, be sure to read their contributor guidelines.
3. Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine publishes articles on Arizona wildlife and wildlife management, habitat issues, outdoor recreation, and historical articles. E-mail queries are preferred over manuscript submissions. Payment for features varies by length from $450 to $800 per accepted article. To learn more, read their contributor guidelines.
4. Sail Magazine is the magazine for sailing. They “write, edit, and design for everyone who sails – aboard a one-design boat or an offshore racer, aboard a daysailer on a tiny lake or a cruiser crossing great oceans and great distances.” According to our research, they pay $200 to $800 per article. They particularly want “small stories with punch.” 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. 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.
7. Nebraska Life is Nebraska’s only statewide general interest magazine. They “publish stories that span every region of the state with special attention to its wonderfully diverse environments, cultures and communities.” They pay $130-$975 for feature articles, and $75-$125 for department articles. To learn more, read their submission guidelines
