Here are 10 publications that work with freelance writers, covering a variety of topics. We’ve researched payment rates and submission guidelines for all of these publications.
Topics include startups, the world of video gaming, culinary culture, New York’s local and state politics, various issues from a trans perspective, modern agriculture, outdoor backpacking adventures, media commentary, motorcycle travel in Texas, and life in the UK.
Be sure to carefully study each publication before sending them a pitch.
Sifted offers in-depth reporting on the startup ecosystem of Europe. They’re always on the lookout for new writers. They’re especially seeking people who can help them build contacts and uncover the real story in areas and sectors where they might not have a reporter or on topics they might have overlooked. They accept pitches for deeply reported features (1,500 to 2,000 words) on a topic or trend that is relevant to Europe’s startup ecosystem or those who work in it. They also accept pitches for exclusive interviews and news (600 to 800 words) on European startups and venture capital firms. Rate is about €250 for short pieces and €300 to €350 for longer pieces. To learn how to pitch them, refer to this page.
whynow Gaming is a video games website. They’re always seeking new contributors and lively feature pitches. They publish informative and entertaining features (800 to 1,500 words) about “the making of games, the history of games, and the culture surrounding games.” They offer a standard rate of £120 per piece. If interested, email your pitches to contact@whynowgaming.com. For details, visit this page.
Food & Wine is a monthly magazine (by Meredith Corporation) about food, recipes, drinks, restaurants, and culinary travel. They’re interested in receiving pitches from writers, recipe developers, as well as photographers. As per their commerce news/deals food editor, they pay $300 for first-person sale roundups and first-person reviews. To learn more, refer to this page.
New York Focus is a nonprofit investigative newsroom covering New York’s state and local politics. They accept pitches for stories. Their standard rate for a story is $800. They may pay more for big, intensive investigative projects and may pay less for short and newsy pieces. If interested, send your pitches to editor@nysfocus.com. For details, refer to this page.
Trans Writes is a trans led project that aims to platform trans voices. They’re accepting pitches on all kinds of topics e.g. current events, sports, news, entertainment, technology, and video games. They want pitches from people from a wide range of backgrounds and writing experiences. They pay around £100 for up to 1,000 words. To learn more, refer to their pitching guide and form.
Ambrook Research offers data-driven storytelling regarding modern agriculture. They’re looking for stories about modern agriculture. They’re presently focused on U.S.-based subject matter but will consider exceptions if a story has significant impacts or teachings that can be applied in the U.S. They generally pay between $0.50 and $1.00 per word. To learn more, refer to this page.
Trails is a quarterly, print-only magazine for “backpackers and people who sleep in the dirt.” The focus of the magazine is on “backpacking and other human/naturally-powered means of sleeping outdoors: bikepacking, canoe camping, even things like rafting or mountaineering are fair game.” The main emphasis of the magazine is on North American destinations. They’re always looking for story ideas from writers, photographers, etc. They pay writers at least $0.50 per word. For more information, refer to this page.
LatinaMedia.Co is a digital publication covering “TV, film, books, podcasts, and culture from Latina and femme Latinx perspectives.” They’re always seeking more voices to add to their community. They pay $150 for 600+ word pieces. For more information, read their pitch guide.
Ride Texas Magazine is a quarterly print and digital travel magazine for Texas’ motorcyclists. Their readers and writers ride motorcycles. They publish articles about travel within Texas and the surrounding states. As per their women’s editor, they pay $100-$400 for articles and $0.10/word for blogs (300-500 words). The articles should be accompanied by quality photographs. For more information, read their editorial submission guidelines.
The Lead is a micro-mag about politics and culture. They cover “the sharp angles that define our life in the UK today: poverty, racism, climate change, corporate and government malfeasance, the breakdown of our healthcare system and the fracturing of the state.” They accept submissions for features (1,500-2,000 words), long-reads, essays, and op-eds (800-1,200 words). As per this tweet by The Lead, they pay at least £180 for op-eds. If interested, send your pitches to pitches@thelead.uk. To learn more, refer to this page.
