Dear Writers,
One of the best things about Writing Launch, aside from our courses, is the database of publishing opportunities we maintain for our members. Every month we add hundreds of new calls for writers, in addition to the 1,850 publisher listings in our directory.
Below is a sample of some of the latest calls for writers in our database. You’ll notice that each of the listings includes payment rates, and contact information.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to approach these publishers with a high-quality pitch, and you may still need to negotiate payment rates as well.
If you’re a Writing Launch Member, please send us a draft of your pitch, before sending it to the editor. We can often spot simple ways to improve a pitch, and increase the likelihood that you’ll get your pitch accepted.
Note that we’re not currently open for enrollment. If you want access to the full database, you’ll have to join the waiting list here.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us: support@writinglaunch.com
– Jacob Jans
The Progressive is a monthly magazine and a website that is a “bold voice for peace, social justice, and the common good.” Their web editor is seeking writers to cover climate issues or review political documentaries. Their web rates are $100 to $150 for about 800 to 1,200 words. If interested, email your pitches to kassidy@progressive.org. They strongly encourage Native, Black, and writers of color to pitch. For more information, read their editor’s Tweet and their writers guidelines.
From A Climate Correspondent is a weekly newsletter that publishes stories of the climate crisis from reporters based outside the United States, Canada, and Europe. Their audience is largely based in the UK. They are seeking pitches for stories of 600 to 800 words (maximum 1,000 words) that shed light on an aspect of the climate crisis that their audience may not know that much about. Their stories are published in English but do not hesitate to pitch if your written English is not perfect. They also accept pitches in Spanish and translate articles from Spanish to English. They pay €100 for a story. If interested, send your pitches to reporter@climatecorrespondent.com. For details, refer to this Tweet and their guide for writers. To learn more about them, refer to this page.
Southern California News Group (SCNG) is a media company in Southern California. Their senior editor of engagement/premium content is seeking a freelancer with experience writing about science/climate change issues. They will pay $100 to $400 per article. If interested, DM their editor on Twitter or email sdunn@scng.com. To learn more, refer to their editor’s Tweet. To contact them, refer to this page.
The Boulder Reporting Lab covers local news of Boulder, CO. They are hiring freelancers to write stories on: COVID-19 and health in Boulder, local economy, schools, climate and open space issues, and community. They will pay $250 to $1,000 for stories. If interested, send your resume and clips to stacy@boulderreportinglab.org. To read their Tweet, click here. To visit their website, click here.
Liberal Currents is a publication that is devoted to the defense of liberal ideals. Their editor is “accepting pitches on politics, policy, society, philosophy, especially as they relate to liberal values.” He would love to see a case for the BREATHE Act. Payment: $50 per piece. Email your pitches to writers@liberalcurrents.com. Read their editor’s Tweet here and learn more about them here.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization that reports on education in poor communities across America. Their story editor is looking for stories from teachers, students, parents, school workers, or administrators. They pay $100 per story (about 800 words). Send your pitches to firstperson@chalkbeat.org. For more information, read their story editor’s Twitter thread and their first person guidelines.
Metro Opinion is a platform by Metro.co.uk. Their editor is commissioning “first-person stories and timely, news-based opinion pieces today and tomorrow.” According to one payment report, Metro.co.uk paid £100 per 1,000 words for an online article. Send pitches to nicole.vassell@metro.co.uk. Read their editor’s Tweet here and Metro Opinion’s articles here.
TechRadar is a UK-based consumer technology news and reviews website. Their phones editor is looking for freelance pitches about smartphones and mobile tech. Pitches from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ writers are highly encouraged. They pay £140 for features of 1,000 words. If interested, send your pitches to james.peckham@futurenet.com. Read their phones editor’s Tweet here and their pitch guide here.
Gumbo Media is a media company and storytelling platform that “curates content, experiences, and opportunities that expand the narrative of Black life.” They are working with BlackRoots Alliance and Gorman House Publishing for a project that will focus on Black Liberation. They are looking for art and writing that “conveys a unique, Afro-futurist perspective on racial equity.” Core themes are wellness, safety, education, economic, and democracy. They will offer a base rate of $75+. For details, refer to this Tweet and this form.
Deadline: January 22nd, 2021
The Breakdown is an online mental health magazine. Their culture editor is looking to commission a piece that looks at the intersection of mental health and culture/identity. They will pay £80 for 700 words. Email your pitches to anmol@the-breakdown.co.uk. For more information, read their culture editor’s Twitter thread and their pitching guidelines.
Deadline: January 30th, 2021
The deputy editor of Meredith Corporation’s cross-brand finance desk for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents, and Health is looking for pitches. She is currently aiming for February publication. Pay will be about $200 per piece. If interested, email your pitches to aedelman@meredith.com. To learn more, refer to this Tweet.
I made a good living freelance writing 15-20 years ago, but the paltry rates being paid today for pieces that require a lot of footwork is a sad reflection on the times. Everyone has become a writer through social media and few readers seem to care if it’s legit, grammatically correct, balanced. And let’s face it, publishers are working with much less money with splintered ad revenues over many different channels. And how long does it take to get paid? 30-60 days after submission? $100 won’t cover an electric bill. All that said, some publishers are greedy as f**k as users of kind spirits that won’t balk.
It all depends on where you’re looking. The majority of jobs are quite bad, you’re right, and it’s become a game of knowing to look in the right places. As writers, we, too, have to change with the times.
Adapt or die … very true. Glad you’re having success!
Why are freelance writers paid so little? How is anyone expected to make a living selling 800-word stories for $100? Why isn’t there a writers’ union?
Jeez! How long does it take to write an 800-word piece? Even with research, my hourly rate at $100/800 words is MUCH more than I made as an executive assistant for an international company.
This goes into some complex economics that I’m definitely not qualified to speak on. Generally speaking, freelance writers undervalue themselves. Yes, there are clients and publications who pay little, but most of the time, it’s that writers are looking in the wrong places.
That said, I want to make sure we’re curating our lists, so I’ll start an internal discussion about this.
It’s a start. If the talent is there; most likely rates will be reciprocal.
I think you mean skill 😉 Writing skills are earned through years of hard, inglorious practice.
I can crank out 500 words in an hour for a story IF a) it’s my idea, and I’m running with it b) I’ve already interviewed the subject matter experts and c) I have a familiarity with the facts and stats that go along with the story. But you’ve gotta be really focused to do that. My mantra is seek out high paying clients to pay the rent, HOLD ON TO THEM LIKE GOLD, and then do the passion stuff off the side of your desk.
Yes, many people underestimate how focused their work ought to be. (This is something I struggle with as well.) But that advice is great and on point––definitely keep your high-paying clients at all costs, pun intended.