If you want to be paid to write greeting cards, this is for you. Greeting cards can be one of the most gratifying forms of publishing. Your words get to be front and center in meaningful parts of people’s lives.
The following is a list of 13 publishers that accept submissions of greeting cards. Writing greeting card verse is a great way to complement your other gigs. These links will get you started.
1. Blue Mountain Arts is looking for prose and poetry that captures powerful emotions and communicates them effectively. They want only sincere sentiments written from a unique perspective, and they do not accept rhymes, religious verse, one-liners, or humor. They pay $300 per poem published in a greeting card and $50 per poem published in a book. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
2. Snafu Designs publishes humorous cards for a smart adult audience. Their cards focus on words and not images, so they require compelling, laugh-inducing writing. They pay $100 per idea used. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
3. Oatmeal Studios publishes humorous cards that are family-friendly and conversational. They accept freelance submissions that cover major occasions in life and appeal to a wide range of readers. According to our sources, they pay around $75 per idea used. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
5. DaySpring publishes gift cards as a ministry. They focus on bringing “hope, encouragement, and comfort to those who are hurting.” They accept freelance submissions for verse that implement a positive message and Scripture. Writers must be previously published to be considered. They pay $60 per piece of purchased copy. To learn more, read their submission guidelines. (UPDATE: DAYSPRING IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS
6. Peaceable Kingdom publishes humorous cards for kids. They accept submissions of card ideas (namely birthday card ideas) that feature lighthearted verse. They pay $50 per idea used. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
7. Warner Press produces boxed greeting cards that “inspire, encourage, and uplift.” Warner Press is the publishing house of the Church of God, and their cards reflect their faith outlook. They’re looking for cards that provide Christian inspiration in a casual tone. They pay $35 upon acceptance. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
8. Papyrus publishes cards that “elevate everyday living” and celebrate moments of all sorts. They accept freelance submissions for verse via postal mail only. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
9. Amber Lotus is an independent greeting card publisher that focuses on the Buddhist principle of Right Livelihood. The environmentally-minded company accepts freelance submissions for verse that reflects their holistic outlook. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
10. Freedom Greetings produces both traditional and contemporary cards for an African American audience. They focus on social expression and invite freelance submissions. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
11. Calypso Cards publishes “sophisticated, contemporary and innovative greeting cards.” They have several lines of cards, and they accept freelance submissions for card copy. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
12. Viabella (who owns Marian Heath) publishes a variety of greeting cards for all occasions. They accept freelance verse submissions and have provided an editorial calendar for those interested. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
13. Brush Dance publishes a variety of unique greeting cards and boxed holiday sets. They accept writing submissions for card ideas that reflect their perspective of mindfulness. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.
