Here are three creative writing jobs that will let you flex your artistic writing muscles

We hope you’ll use the resources below to find some ways to earn money writing stories, creative prose or even poetry. 

Literary Journals and Magazines

Literary journals and magazines are a great place to submit your creative writing, especially if you’re trying to build a portfolio of published work. It may be harder to be accepted in some publications than others, but think of rejection letters as a way to work toward improvement.

If you want to start publishing your work, here are some journals and magazines where you can submit your stories or essays. 

OneStory

“ONE STORY publishes one great short story at a time. We bring people together through reading, writing, and learning about short fiction.” 

While ONE STORY accepts fiction, they do state that they accept literary fiction. As you start to write and submit, make sure you know the difference between literary and genre fiction and you understand what individual publications are looking for.

Submissions for ONE STORY should be between 3,000 and 8,000 words and they pay $500 and 25 contributors copies for First Serial North American rights. All rights will revert to the author following publication.

Check out their publication guidelines for more information. 

Strange Horizons

Strange Horizons accepts speculative fiction and also publishes fiction, poetry, essays, and interviews. Even better? They are open for submissions soon! For fiction, they accept stories up to 10,000 words and pay $0.10 per word. 

Check out their guidelines and get ready to submit. If you have speculative fiction polished and ready to go, this might be a great place for it! 

The Sun Magazine

We’re looking for narrative writing and evocative photography from all over the world. Send us work that maps the human landscape, where the light catches on the faintest joy, where darkness sometimes threatens to overwhelm, and where ✗ never marks the spot because the truth is never so simple.

The Sun Magazine pays $200 and up, depending on length for fiction and essays. Review their guidelines for their writing and think about submitting! 

Podcasts 

If you haven’t noticed, even the literary world is making the move to digital and a lot of people prefer to listen to their stories than read them. It’s time to get your piece of that pie and look at podcasting for viable creative writing jobs. Here are a few podcasts that will pay you for your stories and feature them on their podcast. 

PseudoPod 

“PseudoPod is always looking for quality fiction to feed our listeners. If you’re a writer with a short horror story that you’d like to hear narrated by one of our talented performers, we’d like to see it. Probably.”

PseudoPod seeks dark or weird fiction and pays $0.08 per word for original fiction, $100 flat rate for short story reprints, and $20 flat rate for flash fiction reprints (stories below 1,500 words). 

You can learn more about when they are open to submissions and their guidelines on their website. 

PodCastle is a fantasy fiction podcast from PseudoPod. If you write speculative fiction, this is the portal for you. Learn more here.

Cast of Wonders

Write young adult speculative fiction? Cast of Wonders is a young adult short fiction market, open to stories up to 6,000 words in length. Dig deep into the submission guidelines here, as they make it clear they are looking for a specific type of story. 

Clarkesworld Podcast

“Clarkesworld Magazine is a Hugo, World Fantasy, and British Fantasy Award-winning science fiction and fantasy magazine that publishes short stories, interviews, articles and audio fiction.” 

Clarkesworld pays $0.12 per word but claims first world electronic rights (text and audio), first print rights, and non-exclusive anthology rights for their annual Clarkesworld anthology. 

If you’re new to submitting your work, you’ll want to learn more about first rights and what that means for your work. They offer a resource here. Check out their submission guidelines to see if they are a fit for your writing. 

Thirteen Podcast 

“Thirteen is a monthly audio fiction anthology podcast featuring atmospheric, slow burn, spooky stories.

Thirteen Podcast is looking for, “stories that will make you smile, break your heart, and have you wishing for a night light.”

They have new episodes on the 13th of each month and feature one longer story each episode rather than several shorter ones. They are looking for stories of 5,000 words or more and a first-person narrator works best for their format. 

Authors of stories over 5,000 words in length will be paid $75 if accepted. Authors of stories under 5,000 words in length will be paid $50 if accepted. 

Review their guidelines and reach out, especially if you like your short, creepy stories on the longer side. 

Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine Podcast

 “Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine welcomes submissions from both new and established writers. We publish every kind of mystery short story: the psychological suspense tale, the deductive puzzle, the private eye case—the gamut of crime and detection from the realistic (including the policeman’s lot and stories of police procedure) to the more imaginative (including “locked rooms” and “impossible crimes”). We need hard-boiled stories as well as “cozies,” but we are not interested in explicit sex or violence. We do not want true detective or crime stories. We are especially happy to review first stories by authors who have never before published fiction professionally.” 

Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine Podcast offers accepted writers $0.05–$0.08 per word for works ranging from 250 to 20,000 words. Review their guidelines for more information. 

Greeting Card Companies 

Do you have a flair for one-liners? Do you always get asked to write notes for friends or loved ones when they have a special occasion or loss? Can you make someone sniffle in just a few words? Then writing greeting cards might be one of the best creative writing jobs for you. Some companies pay $100 for an accepted verse, so it’s a great way to add to your writing income. 

Check out these companies to get started. 

Blue Mountain Arts

Blue Mountain Arts is looking for rhymed poetry, religious verse, or one-liners. That said, they want, “contemporary prose or poetry written from personal experience that reflects the thoughts and feelings people today want to communicate to one another, but don’t always know how to put into words.” 

If you think you can capture a common sentiment in a new and unique way, give their submission guidelines a look. 

Oatmeal Studios

Oatmeal studios favors funny over feelings. They want “humorous greeting card ideas that appeal to a range of ages and interests. Review their guidelines page and see if their style meets yours! 

While there are options when it comes to submitting your work for creative writing jobs, we should make it clear that making money from in these non-traditional ways isn’t easy. It takes constant improvement, research, and patience. The landscape is always changing so continue to learn and, most importantly, continue to write! 

We’re in our digital era—where content is king and screen time is on an Olympic sprint. And despite the low-key threat of artificial intelligence and other tech innovations, the demand for skilled writers is needed now more than ever. Businesses need captivating content (whether it’s binge-worthy blog posts or compelling product descriptions) and are always looking for fresh voices. 

And that’s where you, the budding freelancer, come into play.

But of course, knowing there’s a need isn’t much help unless you know where to show up so you can fill the gap. And how do you stand out with all of the other aspiring wordsmith’s out there? That’s what we come in.

Buckle up and prepare to embark on a whirlwind tour of all things entry level writing jobs—where to find them, how to snag them, and what opportunities they could unlock for your career.  

Do I Need Formal Qualifications to Secure Entry Level Writing Jobs? 

Short answer? Not at all. 

Certifications and degrees are helpful, and certain markets will require advanced education (such as medical writing, which requires expertise in that niche) but they don’t guarantee entry in writing world. In general, having strong writing skills is much more important than academic education.

There are many different kinds of writing (e.g. business writing, personal essays, travel writing, food writing, etc.), so as long as you understand the assignment then you’re in good shape. Your writing skills are the essential ingredients but in order to secure the ongoing paycheck, you’ll want to know how to make successful pitches too! 

How Much Do Entry Level Writing Jobs Pay?

As you grasp the value of your work, learn to tailor your pieces to your target publications, and gain experience, you’ll find your negotiating power—and rates—moving upwards.

Freelance writers who publish in newspapers or magazine often are paid by the word. If this is the case for you, then your income is a balance between how fast you work and how long your commissioned pieces are.

If you write for businesses or online sites, then you may find yourself negotiating project rates. In this case, you’re looking for a win-win between their budget and your desired income.

In either case, the outlet or organization may set the rate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate. Have a good idea of what you want/need to bring in so you only take on work that aligns with your business plan and values.

When you’re just getting started as a freelance writer you may not know how long a piece will take you or what it should be valued at, so it will be difficult to set rates. It will take some trial and error to figure out what type of writing best suits you, what you most enjoy, and what price point will help you reach your income goals.

Don’t worry too much if you end up taking a job where you realize later you’ve undercharged. Take it as a learning experience and raise your rates the next time this type of job comes up.

Wondering what writers are currently earning? Check out this post from Make a Living Writing

Where to Find Entry Level Writing Jobs

It’s one thing to have the desire to break into freelance writing. It’s a whole other thing to actually find quality writing jobs as a beginner! The good news is there are many ways to find and secure well-paid writing jobs, even if you’re just getting started. Here are a few suggestions to try out.

1. Look for Websites In Need of Updating

Have you ever strolled around your local digital neighborhood and noticed the small businesses whose websites seem stuck in the 90s? Or perhaps, you’ve stumbled upon those big businesses with blog sections that look about as lively as a tumbleweed town.

It’s like spotting a cute fixer-upper house and you’re inspired to breathe life into the outdated landing pages or blog posts. 

You’d be amazed at how many companies have unoptimized About Pages or are missing testimonials or company stories. It’s probably on their to-do list, but it can be difficult to get to these details!

So here’s a thought: Why not inquire about it? Ask if they could use a freelance writer to update their website a bit. Include a few of your writing pieces that are similar to their industry if you can, it will give them confidence that you’re up to the task. If you don’t have relevant samples then you could mock up some examples to showcase your skills and how you can help. 

You never know, they might be waiting for someone like you to revitalize their website. 

2. Utilize Freelance Writing Sites

There is a lot of debate about platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr. It’s not for everyone. However, it can be a good starting point to get experience and build your writing portfolio.

Here are the pros: You can establish your profile and highlight your specialties. You can offer an array of services at different rates. Sites like these allow clients to reach out and for freelancers to bid on jobs. You won’t get everything you go for, but since sites like these are largely a numbers game, if you pitch enough eventually you’re bound to get something.

However, these platforms charge a service fee on each project, and they prefer if you keep communication within the platform rather than taking it private. Working with clients from these platforms may require time and perseverance to secure those big projects that offer a generous paycheck.

We recommend considering these types of platforms as stepping stones.

3. Work with Marketing Agencies

Agencies can be lucrative for writers, and they work especially well if you’d rather not deal directly with clients or find jobs yourself. Marketing agencies handle the administration and account management (for the most part) and pass the writing work to you as it comes in.

By searching online for marketing agencies within your niche, you may be surprised at how many work with freelancers and are looking for help in the near future. Agency work can be inconsistent but you’ll also likely gain a lot of experience on many different types of writing projects in a short amount of time. 

4. Network with Other Freelance Writers

It’s not about what you know but who you know, right? Established freelance writers will tell you most of their high-paying work is generated from referrals and networking. 

Whether it’s in person or on social media, be as proactive as possible in reaching out to freelance writers to gain fresh, new opportunities. 

5. Use Reliable Job Boards

While pitching can often secure you higher-paying jobs, it can be intimidating and overwhelming. You may choose to apply to postings on job boards instead, which is a bit more passive. 

The advantage with job boards is it puts you in control when it comes to filtering the type of writing job you want and the kind of company you’d love to work for. Some businesses will offer full-time positions while others will be seeking out freelancers so you can search, sort, and filter down to exactly what you want. 

Tips to Kickstart Your Writing Career as a Beginner

So now that we know where to find your first writing jobs and you have a bit of an idea for how much you can expect to be paid, here are some additional tips to help you land that job. 

Create a Writing Portfolio

Most clients will want to see some writing samples ahead of time. You’re probably thinking, “I’m new! I have nothing published!”

Fear not, there are other ways to showcase your skills, even if you’re just showing samples or mock-ups that haven’t actually been published.

Putting together a writing or social media portfolio shows the prospective client what you’re capable of and demonstrates your competence to do the job well. 

We recommend creating your portfolio online and sending a link to specific relevant pieces rather than to the entire package. This will help them see you as a professional. 

Dedicate Yourself to Continual Improvement 

Just because you’ve secured a writing job doesn’t mean the learning comes to an end. There are always things to learn, ways to improve, and techniques to try.

You may begin in blogging and realize you could earn more if you also add in search engine optimization (SEO) to your offer. And once you learn SEO, then you see how copywriting can make you even more valuable to clients. As you grow and gain experience with one type of writing, you’ll see even more stepping stones to keep improving. 

Personalize your Pitches

If you’re reaching out to clients via email or LinkedIn, then it will benefit you to find ways to stand out in a busy inbox. 

Here’s a pitch checklist to get you started

We’d recommend keeping your opening paragraph as concise as possible (you have something like seven to keep someone reading). 

Also, do your homework so you can mention things in your pitch that resonate with the recipient. Who doesn’t love an email where the sender actually has some idea of who they’re messaging? It will make a much bigger impact than sending a copy-paste generic cold pitch, trust us. Of course you don’t want to cross the line and come off as creepy—keep it professional, yet personable.

We won’t leave you hanging, of course. Fill in the form below and we’ll send you our pitch checklist, free! 

Summary

It’s an incredible feeling when you get that first paying writing job but here’s something even more exciting: Entry level writing jobs aren’t the end of the road for writers, they’re only the beginning.

This is your springboards for getting into the industry and opening up doors to MORE—more opportunities, more connections, more experiences, and more money. 

So, here’s to finding jobs that fit your skills, learning how to value your writing, how to negotiate, and how to grow your portfolio one sample at a time.

Keep writing, keep learning, and remember—every master was once a beginner. 

The writing industry is vast and many people will have, at some point, wondered if they should bother to pursue a career within it.

With writing being an essential part of everyday life, the opportunity to translate that experience and knowledge into an income has greater potential than many other industries, but it also means it is more competitive.

But what does it actually take to become a freelance writer? And how exactly does one go about it? Is there a freelance writing for beginners guide?

In this article we’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll break down the ins and outs of freelance writing as a career path, examining the skill set required, the steps to take and the knowledge you need. 

By the end, you’ll be in a position to ascertain whether or not a freelance writing career is for you as well as how to break into the industry.

What is freelance writing?

Freelance writing is a dynamic profession where individuals, known as freelancers, offer their writing services on a project-by-project basis, unbound by long-term commitments to a single employer. 

As independent contractors, freelance writers cater to diverse clients, producing content across various genres and platforms. This flexible career allows writers to choose their projects, set their schedules, and work from virtually anywhere. 

From creating engaging articles and blog posts to crafting marketing copy and technical documents, freelance writers navigate a vast landscape of opportunities. 

Success in freelance writing often hinges on a blend of writing proficiency, business acumen, and adaptability, empowering writers to pursue their passion while meeting the unique needs of clients in a constantly evolving digital landscape.

What skills do you need to become a freelance writer?

Becoming a successful freelance writer requires a diverse skill set to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation.

Here’s a guide to key skills essential for freelance writers:

• Writing proficiency—Strong writing skills are the foundation. A freelance writer must convey ideas clearly, concisely, and creatively
• Research skills—The ability to gather accurate information efficiently is crucial for creating well-informed, credible content
• Adaptability—Freelance writers often work on varied topics and formats, demanding adaptability to different styles, tones, and industries
• Time management—Meeting deadlines is paramount. Effective time management ensures timely delivery of quality work
• SEO knowledge—Understanding search engine optimization helps writers create content that performs well in online searches
• Communication—Clear communication with clients is vital. Freelancers must interpret client needs and convey progress and challenges effectively
• Editing and proofreading—A keen eye for detail ensures the delivery of polished, error-free content
• Creativity—Creativity adds flair to writing, making content engaging and memorable
• Self-motivation—Freelancers must stay motivated to meet goals and navigate the uncertainties of freelancing
• Attention to detail—Precision in details, from grammar to formatting, contributes to professional, high-quality work
• Marketing skills—Effective self-promotion is key. Understanding marketing strategies helps freelancers attract clients
• Client collaboration—Building strong client relationships fosters repeat business. Collaborative skills ensure client satisfaction

By honing these skills, aspiring freelance writers can embark on a rewarding career, delivering valuable content to diverse audiences.

How do you find work as a freelance writer?

Acquiring freelance writing work requires a proactive approach to showcase skills and attract clients. Here are several ways emerging freelance writers can secure opportunities:

Create an online portfolio

Develop a professional website or blog showcasing a portfolio of your best work. This serves as a centralized platform for potential clients to assess your writing style and expertise.

Join freelance platforms

If you are brand new and have no idea where to start, register on freelance job platforms like Upwork, Freelancer or Fiverr to find a variety of writing opportunities. Complete your profile with relevant details and samples.

Networking

Connect with fellow freelancers, editors, and content creators on social media platforms like LinkedIn and other professional forums. Networking can lead to referrals and collaborations.

Pitch to job boards

Many websites, especially in the writing niche, post job opportunities. Regularly check job boards like ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Jobs and BloggingPro for new listings.

Guest blogging

Contribute guest posts to reputable blogs within your niche. This builds your portfolio and establishes credibility and attracts potential clients.

Utilize social media

Actively participate in writing communities on platforms like Threads, Facebook and Reddit. Share your expertise, engage in discussions and make connections that may lead to job opportunities.

Cold pitching

Identify potential clients or publications and send personalized pitches. Clearly articulate how your skills align with their needs.

Freelance writing agencies

Join agencies that connect freelance writers with clients. These platforms often handle administrative tasks, allowing writers to focus on their craft.

Attend networking events

Attend local or virtual events related to writing, publishing or freelancing. Networking with professionals in these spaces can open doors to opportunities.

Offer free workshops or webinars

Showcase your expertise by hosting free workshops or webinars. This not only positions you as an authority but may attract clients seeking your services.

Remember, persistence and consistency are key when establishing a freelance writing career. Building a strong online presence and actively seeking opportunities will contribute to a steady flow of work.

Entry routes for new freelance writers

Freelance writers just starting out can explore various creative ways to pitch and acquire work, especially in the initial stages of their career.

Here are some entry-level examples:

Social media management proposal

• Pitch small businesses or startups on improving their social media presence
• Offer to create engaging content, manage posting schedules, and respond to audience engagement

Website content rewrite

• Approach local businesses with outdated or poorly written websites
• Propose a website content overhaul to enhance clarity, SEO, and overall user experience

Blog post packages

• Create a package of blog post writing services
• Offer businesses a set number of monthly blog posts to improve their online visibility and showcase their expertise

Newsletter creation

• Target businesses without an active newsletter
• Propose a newsletter creation service to help them connect with their audience through regular updates and promotions

Email marketing campaigns

• Pitch e-commerce businesses on crafting compelling email campaigns
• Highlight the potential for increased customer engagement and sales through effective email marketing

Resume and LinkedIn profile writing

• Offer resume and LinkedIn profile writing services
• Target individuals looking to enhance their professional profiles for job applications

Product descriptions for small e-commerce stores

• Reach out to small online shops without optimized product descriptions
• Offer to revamp their product descriptions to boost sales and customer understanding

Local event coverage

• Propose event coverage for local businesses or community events
• Offer to write event summaries or promotional content

Guest blogging for startups

• Approach startups in your niche and offer guest blogging services
• Provide them with valuable content to showcase their expertise and attract a wider audience

Editing and proofreading services

• Advertise editing and proofreading services on platforms like Craigslist or local community boards
• Offer assistance with resumes, essays, or any written content

Remember to tailor your pitches to the specific needs of your target clients and showcase the value you can bring to their business or personal brand. As you gain experience, you can expand your services and reach a broader clientele.

Freelance writing for beginners

Breaking into the freelance writing industry then can open up a world of opportunities for creative expression and financial independence. As you navigate the marketplace of freelance writing, remember that persistence, continuous learning and adaptability are your greatest allies. 

The diverse entry points discussed, from social media proposals to blog post packages, showcase the varied paths to success. Every pitch, rejection and acceptance contributes to your growth. 

Building a freelance writing career requires patience and resilience, but the satisfaction of seeing your words make an impact is unparalleled. 

Take the lessons learned, refine your skills, and embrace the journey of becoming a freelance writer.

Think about it. Any time you bring up your writing, you’re met with predictable, annoying responses, showing the ignorance of everyone you know to the intricacies of the writing life.

Here are some of the things I’d love to shout from the rooftops to non-writers. And some advice for educating your own loved ones in a less-dramatic fashion.

1. Everyone has an idea for a novel or screenplay

As soon as you tell someone you’re a writer, they’re excited to tell you about the novel or screenplay they’ve “been working on.” Dig a little deeper, and you realize they’ve had this idea since high school. I always feel a little disrespected when someone brings up their story like we have something in common. Do they think my job is just me wistfully going about my day with big ideas?

If you find yourself cornered by someone else’s half-baked dreams, try to steer the conversation toward the reality of your career and lifestyle to help them understand that you’re more than fantastical ideas. Explain what your day really looks like, and the deadlines and commitments that drive your work toward the finish line.

2. I’m a professional writer, not a hobbyist

It drives me crazy when someone replies to my declaration of my profession with, “Oh, yeah, I love writing, too.” Writing is writing. But writing for fun in your free time is not writing for a living, and it’s offensive that they don’t see what I do differently.

Tactfully pointing this out in polite conversation isn’t easy; it can pretty quickly paint you as condescending. But you can slide the distinction in there while still accepting their perceived common ground. Try saying something like, “I’ve always loved it, too. It was a lot of work to make the jump to freelancing, where it feels a lot more like a job than fun sometimes.”

3. Blogging is real writing and a real job

When you say, honestly, that you make your living blogging, they make that face. Maybe it’s just for a second, but it’s unmistakable: They’ve pinned you for a fraud, not a real writer. Or, worse, they say it out loud, “Oh! I didn’t know you could be paid for THAT.”

Thankfully, this misconception is fairly simple to clear up. Just provide a description of the work you do—the types of companies you blog for, the kind of knowledge you have to possess, etc.—and you can effectively re-frame blogging as a legitimate career option in their once-ignorant minds.

4. My work is worth paying for, just like yours

Obviously, the old, “Would you ask a doctor to work for free?” argument isn’t getting through to some of your friends, because they’re constantly asking you to “take a look” at something they’ve written, offer feedback, edit, toss around ideas. It’s uncomfortable. They think your professional-level consultation is just a conversation between friends.

When a friend approaches you with a writing-related request, say, “Sure, I’d love to help you out. No charge this time!” Mentioning money casually reminds them you’re a professional, and helps you avoid the slippery slope that turns innocent conversations into dozens of unbilled work hours.

5. I’m working right now—so, no, I can’t do the laundry, chat, or run errands

You’re in the middle of a quiet, productive writing sesh, and your spouse/roommate/neighbor/etc. appears in the doorway and just starts chatting. Or, worse, they hit you with a honey-do list as they whisk off to the office, out the door before your cry of, “But I’m working!” can even leave your mouth.

Even if writing isn’t a money-maker for you, you deserve the freedom to take it seriously. (Click to tweet this idea!) When the people in your life don’t value your writing time, you have to take control of it. Claim your space—whether you get a whole office, or a corner of the living room — and explain to everyone that when you’re there, you’re working. Stick to it, and don’t be afraid to ask someone to leave you alone.

6. I’m not responsible for my significant other’s writing needs—unless they hire me to help them

This seems to be a gendered issue, but maybe only because I’m a cis female. If you’re the writer in a relationship, people will assume you take care of the writing needs of your husband’s “real” job. What’s that about?

If someone hits you with that question: “So, do you edit all his memos?” *condescending wink* kindly explain that he has colleagues and employees responsible for such things. You’re too busy with your own work, and your partner probably couldn’t afford your services. *payback wink*

If you have travel stories to tell, it’s time to stop dreaming and start finding travel writing jobs!

Lots of markets are willing to pay for your stories about destinations, tips and your experiences on the road.   

Get paid to write about travel

Don’t think travel writing is limited to travel-specific magazines or travel websites. Plenty of local and regional publications are actively looking for travel stories, even for destinations right in your own backyard.

Some writers envision travel writing jobs as sharing tales of globetrotting and exploring the ancient artifacts of Greece, or wandering Machu Picchu. But that’s only a small part of travel writing.

Publications are often even more eager to snap up stories about the mountain trails an hour away that make for easy weekend adventures or the nearby metropolitan city that has a new art exhibit and great restaurant scene.

Publications that offer freelance travel writing jobs

While full-time travel writer jobs can be hard to come by, it’s more common for freelancers to sell travel writing to magazines and other outlets. To get you started, we compiled 36 paying international and domestic travel markets. Click on each title to access submission guidelines or editorial contacts.

So let’s get to it! Here are dozens of publications that provide opportunities for travel writing jobs:

1. Matador Network

Matador Travel seeks original writing, photo and video contributions “that speak to the adventures, cultures, and identities of people around the world.” It encourages  creators to join their Matador Creators Community to find the latest journalist opportunities. 

While the website does not list a specific payment, Who Pays Writers reports payments ranging from $0.03 to $0.20 per word.

2. ROVA

Want to share your thrilling stories of life on the open road? The site often looks for stories featuring road trips, RVs and adventure. Most of their readers travel the roads of North America and want insightful stories about the continent.  

Submit an article or photo essay and earn $200 upon acceptance at the ROVA Magazine website. 

3. Outpost Magazine

Outpost Magazine looks for submissions about travel, adventure and culture. It is looking for longform travel stories, travel guides, and stunning photography from writers anywhere in the world. The publication is Canadian and it has a “Canadian slant.”

Online stories typically range from 800 to 1,500 words, 2,000 to 4,000 for print and features can be up to about 5,000 words; pay varies.

4. Wanderlust

Wanderlust, a British travel magazine, publishes destination features up to 2,200 words, along with shorter dispatches, travel guides, round-up features and more.  Pay is typically £220 (about $275) per 1,000 words, but rates vary.

5. Travel + Leisure Magazine

While Travel + Leisure Magazine doesn’t have specific submission guidelines online, Freedom with Writing says this magazine is written 95 percent by freelancers on assignment and pays up to $1 a word. Submit your pitches to submissions@travelandleisure.com.

6. Arizona Highways Magazine

Arizona travelers rely on this magazine for destination-based ideas, and the publication also encourages travelers to come to Arizona. Check its guidelines to see when queries (typically on specific locations) are accepted. This period is often in March. Pay varies.

7. Canadian Geographic Magazine

Write about Canada’s people, frontiers, places and issues in Canadian Geographic Magazine, which comes out six times a year. There are no formal guidelines to follow, but you might want to familiarize yourself with their content and tone to get an idea of what they’re looking for.

It buys about 30 features a year and pay varies.

8. Escapees Magazine

RV travelers with stories to tell and wisdom to share might consider submitting to Escapees Magazine, which specializes in RV lifestyle. The publication only accepts fully written articles on spec.

They pay $100 to $200 for feature submissions and $50 to $100 for short fillers.

9. KANSAS! Magazine

Celebrate the wonders of Kansas with KANSAS! Magazine offered by Kansas Tourism and partner organizations. Pitch a 400- to 800-word nonfiction story that has the potential for interesting photography and reflects the state positively. 

Most readers are locals over the age of 50. Payment varies.

10. Los Angeles Times Travel

The travel section of the Los Angeles Times looks for pieces with a strong visual component. Trips must be taken in the previous two years and writers must follow specific ethical guidelines, including not receiving comped travel.

Print stories vary from $200 to $750; online-only stories generally pay $500; Weekend Escapes pay $200, plus additional money for original photos.

11. Wildsam Magazine

Wildsam Magazine is for RV enthusiasts wants travel stories covering all aspects of the RV lifestyle, including travel destinations, activities and events and more.

It can pay up to $900 for technical manuscripts with photos, and less for shorter pieces.

12. Oregon Coast Magazine

Write about Oregon’s stunning coastal region and tell stories about everything from day-long driving tours to restaurant features and historical sites in Oregon Coast Magazine.

Payment ranges from $100 to $650 depending on story type and word count.

13. Pathfinders Travel

A travel magazine for people for color, Pathfinders Travel looks for fresh ideas and stories about travel and the travel industry. 

Stories typically pay $150.

14. Road and Travel

Road and Travel specializes in automotive, travel and personal safety articles, including articles that appeal to female business travelers. Travel articles should relate to hotels and resorts, spas, airlines and airline rules, bed & breakfasts, destination reviews, places to go and things to do and much more.

The magazine pays up to $100 per article.

15. Sunset Magazine

Sunset Magazine focuses on 13 Western states and wants “take action” travel ideas as well as destinations that offer a variety of experiences and “soft adventures.”

Pay varies.

16. World Nomads

World Nomads looks for travel articles that fall under these categories: love, fear, discovery, connection and transformation. Pitch a personal, authentic story about a life-changing journey or experience.

They pay 50 cents per word for stories between 600 to 800 words. Payment is made after publication.

17. Airways Magazine

Airways Magazine seeks business, travel, technology and personality articles, among other topics.

Rates range from $150 to $700 depending on the topic, length and treatment of an article.

18. WestJet Magazine

WestJet’s Canadian lifestyle-travel publication wants stories ranging from insider tips and service-oriented advice to local cuisine and features.

Payment varies.

19. AAA Insider Magazines

The American Automobile Association publishes several magazines, focusing on auto travel.

Payment varies.

20. Backpacker

Backpacker Magazine covers North American destinations. Pitches must cover foot-based travel, wilderness or backcountry experiences and advice.

A feature story’s word count varies from 1,500 to 5,000 words, although there are shorter assignments available from 100 to 1,200 words. They accept pitches via email and require a signed contract which specifies the payment amount and payment terms. 

Pay varies, but Who Pays Writers reports rates up to 50 cents per word.

21. New Mexico Magazine

Showcase New Mexico’s rich environment and culture through New Mexico Magazine, a publication of the New Mexico Tourism Department. One-third of readers live in the state and the out-of-state readers typically visit twice a year or so. The magazine looks for a lively editorial mix, with articles that show readers things they can do in New Mexico.

Pay is typically 35 to 40 cents per word.

22. Texas Highways

Texas’ official travel magazine reaches 500,000 readers in 54 countries each month. It is looking for pieces featuring “scenery, history, small towns, and out-of-the-way places.”

Pays 50 cents per word.

23. International Living Magazine

International Living Magazine and website is a comprehensive resource that helps readers find their dream retirement overseas. It wants stories from expats and anyone who can inform their readers about ways to stretch their dollars and simplify their lives.

Pay is up to $150 for website stories; print stories pay $225 for 900 words and $350 for 1,600 words, plus $50 per photo; 600-word daily postcards pay $100.

24. New Worlder

New Worlder Magazine isn’t interested in a taco that has the most buzz—but it definitely wants to know why it has the most buzz. Pitch stories with strong angles about travel, food, culture and people for an American and Latin American audience.

While pay is confirmed, no specific rates are provided in the guidelines.

25. Odyssa Magazine

Freelance submissions are accepted each quarterly issue of Odyssa Magazine, though editors are particularly looking for travel pieces in the form of a guide, personal travel experience or reflection of how travel affects our thoughts and who we are.

Pay is $30 per article up to 1,500 words.

26. HitTheRoad

To get the green light, write and pitch a story to HitTheRoad about the adventures, cultures and amazing experiences of road trips in Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Emphasis is put on experiences in rented campervans and motorhomes, but a journey on the open road is what matters most. 

Standard payment is a link to your site and $50 depending on article type and length.

27. Cruising World

Cruising World welcomes author inquiries and unsolicited manuscripts at all times, but make sure to include photos with your submission. Feature-length articles shouldn’t exceed 2,000 words, and non-features (technical articles and general interest) are capped at 1,200 words.

Payment varies depending on the type of article: $25 to $200 for short, newsworthy items and $300 to $1,000 for technical and feature articles.

28. Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet is an award-winning website that gives travelers the tools they need to plan their next trip such as in-depth information on destinations, things to do and travel advice. They are looking for freelance contributors who want to write digital content, travel news and guidebooks.

Rates vary, but Who Pays Writers reports a rate of 30 cents per word.

29. Transitions Abroad Magazine

Transitions Abroad Magazine is for people who live abroad is looking for a variety of pieces about working, living and studying abroad, as well as cultural and culinary travel. Heads up: They’re currently primarily seeking stories about online learning to teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

Pay is typically $75 to $150 for a 1,250-word article for the web.

30. GoNOMAD

Write travel articles about destinations, activities and experiences for GoNOMAD, but take note that this website seeks pieces that meet its style and focus.

If you want to write for GoNOMAD, note, “No glossy magazine fluff, no standard guidebook descriptions, no promotional hype.” Articles are typically 1,200 to 2,000 words, and a detailed list of locations and topics the publication is seeking is available in its guidelines.

Pay is $25 per article.

31. DesertUSA Magazine

Desert lovers can write all about the North American desert in DesertUSA Magazine, which targets those who love the natural and cultural history of the region. Wildlife, adventure, history, desert lore, and travel stories are in demand.

Articles with photos receive payment of $50.

Write your own travel book

An alternative to finding travel writing jobs is to simply go ahead and publish your own travel book. If you have written over 10,000 words for a certain travel journey or advice, you could easily turn that into a whole book to sell.

The original version of this story was written by Kristen Pope. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers.

Photo via natalia_maroz/ Shutterstock 

Knowing this, have you considered putting your writing skills to work by offering social media services?

Businesses everywhere are jumping into the world of social media, but tons of them just don’t have the time or know-how. While they may not always advertise their need for a social media manager or content creator on LinkedIn or Craigslist, you can easily identify five businesses in your city that are doing a poor job with social media. (Of course, you’re not limited to local clients when it comes to social media, but they’re a great first option.)

How to find social media clients

Start with your existing clients, the ones who already know your work as a writer. Simply shoot them a message letting them know that you are now offering social media services and ask whether they know anyone who needs this kind of support—or if they need it themselves. If your clients are willing to contact their networks, craft an email to make it easy for them. Add an incentive by offering a free hour of work in exchange for each referral.

To land new clients, reach out to some of your favorite local restaurants, retailers or bars. Just like you might pitch an editor by leading with a compliment on their recent work, you can do the same when you contact a business you already enjoy.

I’ve been able to land a few new clients by gently pointing out an easy way to improve their social media, like claiming their Facebook vanity URL, beefing up their Facebook About page, or adding milestones to their history. Including tips like these in your pitch shows that you know your stuff and adds value for the business—you’re helping them out before they’ve even hired you.

Finding ongoing work with your new clients

Signing a new social media client opens the door to the possibility of taking over additional writing-based tasks. Maybe you could launch or contribute to their blog, or write and distribute their monthly newsletter. Perhaps they need some canned response emails, press releases or updated website copy.

When you begin new relationships with businesses that constantly need content marketing, you set yourself up for steady gigs that don’t require pitching an editor or scouring a job board. And that’s a nice place to be.

How to price your social media services

Approach pricing for this work in the same way you do your writing services. You may want to offer an hourly rate to start out, but eventually I’d recommend moving to a monthly retainer package. This is basically your hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours you anticipate spending on work for the client.

Webpage FX has a detailed rate sheet for their social media services to give you an idea of what you might want to charge. Of course, you might want to start out with a lower rate to land that first social media client, but you’ll be able to raise it as you gain experience and client testimonials. The Write Life founder Alexis Grant also offers resources to help you build your social media business.

Keep in mind that you will average at least one hour per day (sometimes three to four hours), every day, creating content and responding to customer messages, so be sure to add some cushion to your rate. Social media never sleeps, and extra tasks occasionally creep in, so reevaluate the project scope periodically.

“Are you any good at proofreading?”

I was a second grade teacher at the time and the man asking me was the grandfather of one of my students. He was also, as it turned out, a science fiction author with a huge fan following.

“Yes, actually, I am,” I replied. I was born for it.

The next week, Grampa showed up at school with a cardboard box containing a 300-something page manuscript, a pad of tiny sticky notes and a blue ballpoint pen.

I left the teaching profession in 2010 and started writing in 2011. I had been proofreading for Grampa since 2006. In 2018 I decided I wanted to make a real go at freelance proofreading. I had the spelling, grammar and punctuation skills, but after Grampa’s sticky-note system, I knew I needed practice doing it electronically.

I did some research and found Caitlin Pyle’s Proofread Anywhere. Through the course, I gained some new skills, picked up resources I needed and became a thousand times more confident that I could actually do this. 

Two years later I’m working steadily at a pace perfect for me. I’ve found my niche market, regularly bring on new clients and I’m watching my income increase steadily. (And yes, I still proofread for Grampa, but now he’s a paying client.)

How to find proofreading jobs

Looking for online proofreading jobs?

Before we tell you where to find proofreading jobs, there are some steps you can take to ensure you’re set up for success.

Get training

Look. I get it. For years, I was a school spelling bee champ. I cringe when I see apostrophes used for a plural. I’m that person people hate in online comment sections because I refuse to take a post seriously when there are a ton of spelling mistakes. 

But I also knew I needed some fine tuning (When to use a semicolon, anyone?). You may have been a champion at sentence diagramming, but there are way too many grammar rules. No one can know them all. 

A course like Proofread Anywhere can give you the practice, skills and resources you need to be a top-quality proofreader.

Build a portfolio

You can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience without a job. Gah! 

If you’re willing to do a little free work to build your proofreading portfolio, head over to Project Gutenberg. Project Gutenberg takes print books with expired copyrights and puts them into ebook form, and they need a lot of volunteers to help proofread them all. 

If you know someone who owns a website, ask if you can proofread it for them. It all adds up!

Know your worth

I cannot stress this enough! Twenty years ago Stacy Brice of AssistU said to me, “People will pay you whatever you think you are worth.” Truer words were never spoken. 

Does this mean you should start out at the highest end of the scale? No. But don’t sell yourself short, either. 

The EFA has a comprehensive rate chart for editors and proofreaders. It’s a great place to start. 

Decide what you want to be paid, and stick with it. It may mean taking a pass on projects from time to time, but you’ll have a fatter bank account in the long run.

6 places to look for proofreading jobs 

You’ve gone through training. You’ve set your rates. You’ve built your website. You’re ready. 

Where are the clients? When you start looking for proofreading jobs online, you will encounter a lot of companies that are services for writers. All of them require applying and setting up an account. 

Some are free, some take flat fees and some take a percentage of your sales. 

Below are seven online companies that help you help writers put their best work into the world. I have listed them in order of cost to you, which tends to be proportional to the experience required and the fees you’ll collect from your clients. 

1. Fiverr 

If you’re new to proofreading and looking to build your portfolio, Fiverr is a great place to get started.

Fiverr is an online freelance platform that connects talented professionals with writers in need of editing and/or proofreading.

You create a free account, where you become a “seller” and create “gigs” for yourself. It’s a hip way of saying you create a profile for yourself and get added to their directory, where clients can seek you out. You will compete against other proofreaders for work. The more projects you complete with high satisfaction ratings, the more projects you’ll snag.

You may not get paid the big bucks here, and you may have to navigate authentic jobs vs. shady job, but most places for finding proofreading work either have a big fee or have lots of hoops to jump through and require a lot of experience.

Fiverr is free to join and can be a really good way to get your feet wet and start building a portfolio.  They will also act as a go-between and ensure you get paid. You will set your own rate, but Fiverr keeps 20 percent of what you bill.

Experience level: Ideal for those just starting out

Cost to join: Free

The company’s take: 20%

2. Upwork

Another option for beginners is Upwork.

As with Fiverr, it is an online freelance platform where you will compete against other proofreaders for work. You set your own rate, and Upwork acts as a buffer between you and your client to make sure you are paid.

On Upwork, you are invited to bid on jobs, and they have a slightly more complex billing system than Fiverr.

Upwork keeps 20 percent for the first $500 you bill a specific client, 10 percent if you earn between $500.01 and $10,000 with that client, and 5 percent if the amount exceeds $10,000.

Note that this does not include all of your billings, rather it is for amounts paid to an individual client. The better your ratings, the more projects you’ll be able to bid on.

Again here, you may not make the big bucks, but a lot of people who go through the Proofread Anywhere course use Upwork and Fiverr to start building a portfolio and earn money. Eventually you may find you’ve got a nicely padded bank account. A fellow graduate recently announced she’d hit the $10k mark!

Another advantage to Upwork is the how-to videos that help you learn how to search for the right work, how to bid, how to write contracts, and more. What you learn there translates to the rest of the freelancer world, so why not take advantage?

Experience level: Ideal for those just starting out

Cost to join: Free

The company’s take: Upwork keeps 20 percent for the first $500 you bill a specific client, 10 percent if you earn between $500.01 and $10,000 with that client, and 5 percent if the amount exceeds $10,000

3. Scribendi

Scribendi considers all freelance editors to be independent contractors. If you meet their requirements, you’ll need to fill out a rigorous application, which includes employment history, references and a skills test.

You will pick and choose which projects you want to take on. Scribendi covers a broad range of writing projects, including manuscripts, ESL, academic, business, student,and personal (think resumés and personal documents). Reviewers say they average $15 to $20 per hour.

Experience level: Ideal for proofreaders with a minimum of three years experience

Cost to join: Free

Company’s take: None

4. ProofreadingPal

Are you in graduate school? Do you have a graduate degree and at least five years of proofreading experience?

ProofreadingPal offers proofreading for a wide variety of writing, including business, academic, and books and manuscripts.

Apply to work for ProofreadingPal via the online application the way you would for any other job. It is somewhat rigorous, but doesn’t require you to have a minimum of published titles under your belt.

Should ProofreadingPal invite you to continue the application process, you will take a timed test. Do well, and you’re in. You will be an independent contractor, which means they take no fees from you. According to their website, you have the potential to earn between $500 and $3,000 per month. 

Experience level: Minimum of five years of experience with graduate degree

Cost to join: None

Company’s take: None

5. The Editorial Freelancers Association

The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) is a membership-driven site requiring annual dues. The dues are a bit steep, but can be worth the investment.

Where other freelance companies either add you to a directory or let you bid on job postings, EFA does both.

When you set up your profile you will be able to choose a number of keywords that will help you show up in a potential client’s search. Clients are also able to browse the directory. There is a members-only area where you can look through job postings, and you can opt to receive daily job postings via email.

You can set your own rates, as the EFA recognizes you as an independent business. Aside from helping freelancers and writers connect, the EFA also offers online classes, many of which are free to EFA members.

(P.S. This is my favorite place for finding proofreading jobs.)

Experience level: Ranges from just starting out to highly experienced

Cost to join: $145 for one year or $260 for two years

Company’s take: None

6. The Internet + networking

I know. It seems broad and oversimplified at the same time. But networking can get you so far!

Join a group for proofreaders on LinkedIn or follow some proofreading related hashtags on Twitter. Join in discussions. Quote the Chicago Manual of Style. Link to Merriam-Webster. Sometimes a proofreader will have a client or potential client who needs work outside the scope of what the proofreader does or has time to do.

If you’ve contributed quality information in discussions about proofreading, you’ll find another proofreader will trust her client with you. My name was mentioned in an article about writing stages and I received a flood of inquiries, most of which led to proofreading jobs, and several of those jobs led to referrals to new clients. 

Is there a blog you love, but it’s filled with mistakes? Reach out and ask if they’d be interested in having your proofread before they post. A quick, high quality job could lead to more work with them. They may refer you to other bloggers to proofread for their sites, as well.

Seriously. Do a good job for the right client and they will tell everybody they know.

No application, no fees, just you, your professionalism, and your knowledge.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life—and we thank you for that!

Photo via Pixsooz / Shutterstock 

Where should you look for gigs that pay more than a couple measly bucks for a 500-word post? Are content mills the only way to get paid to write?

The truth is, if you know where to look, you can definitely find better-paying blogger jobs.

With the rise of content marketing, an increasing number of companies are hiring freelance writers to produce articles for their blogs. Sometimes they offer one-off assignments, which can pay $75 or more per post. Other online publications may look for bloggers who are willing to write several posts a week, the kind of steady gig that can really add to your bottom line.

Here are 18 resources to check out if you want to become a freelance blogger

Wondering how to make money as a freelance blogger? From lists of websites that want your work to job boards, there are so many places online to find freelance blogging jobs.

When you first start out as a freelance blogger, you might not know which websites pay for posts. Lucky for you, several experienced freelance writers and bloggers have put together lists of websites and blogs that want your work.

No matter your niche, there’s likely a way to get paid for a blog post about it.

1. The Ultimate List of Better-Paid Blogging Gigs

Freelance blogger Sophie Lizard put together this list of blogs that pay between $50 and $5,000 USD a post.

2. Funds for Writers Paying Markets

Writer Hope Clark curates this list of writing opportunities, which generally pay around 10 cents a word and up. Not all of the listed markets are blogs, but many of these publications look for both magazine articles and blog posts, so check their guidelines for more information.

3. Writers’ Markets

All Freelance Writing has a huge listing of paying writing opportunities. For blogging jobs, choose “blogging markets” from the drop-down menu.

4. 58 Websites Where You Can Get Paid to Write (Even if You’re Brand New to Freelance Writing)

Author Avery Breyer put together this comprehensive list of websites that pay in 2023 specifically for newbie freelance writers. If you’re just dipping your toes in the freelance waters, bookmark this list.

Writing job boards

What about job boards? While you could spend hours digging through general job boards like Indeed.com, a better bet is to scour boards that focus on writing jobs.

Be sure to read postings thoroughly and do your due diligence before applying—and if the company wants you to write a 1,000-word “sample article” for free, you should probably pass.

5. BloggingPro’s Job Board

The site offers plenty of blogging jobs in addition to copywriting and print opportunities. Most gigs pay on a per-post basis, though not all of them list their rates. Some listings come directly from the client, like businesses looking for contributors to their blogs, while others are from content mills.

6. MediaBistro’s Job Board

This job board has tons of postings for freelance writing-related jobs, from email marketing and copywriting positions to public relations and editing gigs. Tip: Broaden your search to “freelance writer” or “content curator” to help pull up more results. Many of the positions are based in New York City, but you’ll also see quite a few offers for remote work.

7. FlexJobs

FlexJobs curates remote and freelance positions into a paid job board. You can set the filter to only see blogging-specific jobs by selecting “Remote Writing Jobs” then “Telecommuting Blogging Jobs” under the “More Categories” arrow. The curators post at least one or two each day.

8. Freelance Writing Job Board

This Freelance Writing Job Board claims to be the #1 source for freelance writing jobs, and it has been up-and-running since 1997. They pull in jobs from popular sites like Indeed, Craigslist, and BloggingPro.

The best part? It’s totally free. Users can filter out blogging jobs as well. However, many of the current listings disappear when using the filter, so we suggest scanning the posts without the filter.

9. Writers Work

Writers Work is a paid job board that scours all types of writing jobs across the Internet and vets them for you. You can also use the platform to create an online portfolio, and they have lots of tools and advice for writers.

10. SmartBlogger JobsBoard

The SmartBlogger JobsBoard allows you to search by job type, remote options, benefits, and skills, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.

11. Online content marketing agencies

Content marketing agencies have a bad reputation, but some of them can be worth your time. ClearVoice, Contently, and Skyword are three examples. These differ from content mills because they can pay up to $1 per word. Plus, they’re free to use and they do the hustling work for you.

All it takes is setting up a portfolio on their site with relevant samples, which can take a while and you can also be denied membership if your work isn’t up-to-snuff. Start with one of them and read tips on setting up an effective portfolio, since each site has a unique proven strategy. After simply creating a profile, you could end up with a steady stream of paying jobs in a few weeks or months. Plus, it never hurts to have a portfolio in more than one place.

Other great places to find blogging jobs

Wading through job boards can be exhausting, and often the gigs don’t pay much. As soon as you’ve built up a portfolio website, it’s best to move on to other options.

Why not stick with the job boards?

For one, you’ll make more money pitching clients on your own, advises freelance writer and blogger Linda Formichelli. You’ll also likely have less competition than you would when applying to a blogging job posted on a free job board.

Curious? Here are a few other places to look for blogging work:

12. Who Pays Writers

Created by writer and editor Manjula Martin, Who Pays Writers collects anonymous reports of rates paid by all sorts of publications, from tiny niche blogs to massive print magazines. No, these aren’t job listings, but you can use them strategically to land a blogging gig.

Search the directory for the word “blog” to see submitted rates for blogs, plus information on the type of contract, lead time and how to pitch. You can also simply scan recent submissions for blogs or websites you’d love to write for to get an idea of their rates before you pitch them.

Once you have your hit list of blogs you want to write for, check out their contributor guidelines and get pitching!

13. Contently’s Freelance Rates Database

While it also includes pay for photography and design, most of the database is devoted to writing jobs. Many are print publications, but you’ll see some blog markets listed along with flat or per-word rates. You can use it the same way you’d use Who Pays Writers: as information and inspiration for your pitch list.

14. Where to Pitch

If you’ve got an idea for an article you want to write, but you’re not sure where to pitch it, check out Susan Shain’s Where to Pitch. Simply type in a vertical (e.g. “health” or “money”)—and Where to Pitch will tell you which publications might be a good fit.

15. Search Engines

No, not blogging for Google. Searching using the right queries can help you find all sorts of interesting blogging gigs.

Try searching for “[your topic] + write for us” and see what pops up—you might find paying opportunities you hadn’t considered. Play with the wording and search for your niche plus keywords like “contributor guidelines,” “submission guidelines” or “how to contribute” to find paid blogging opportunities that are listed on the company’s website. They’re likely less overwhelmed with pitches and applications than companies that list their needs on job boards.

16. X, formerly Twitter

Yes, all that time you spend on social media could actually help you land jobs. Beyond letting you showcase your writing for other clients, X (Twitter) can help you find blogging opportunities in a few different ways:

• Search for blogging jobs: Simply type “blogging job” or “write for us” into the search box
• Check hashtags: Clicking on hashtags like #blogging, #bloggingjobs and #writinggigs can help you find newly posted jobs. Many of these opportunities come from Craigslist, though, so do your due diligence before applying and look for gigs where you work directly with the client, rather than applying to an anonymous “content company”
• Follow your favorite bloggers and editors: Congratulations, you probably already do this! Following bloggers in your niche means you’re perfectly positioned to pounce on any opportunity, like when a solopreneur decides to bring on a blog assistant or a popular blog starts paying for guest posts. To keep these important tweets separate from the rest of your Twitter stream, use a Twitter List. Pro tip: Writer Sonia Weiser often retweets writing opportunities she collects for her weekly email “Opportunities of the Week“
• Follow other freelance writers and bloggers: Everyone wants to share their work, right? When you see another blogging or writer tweet a link to their work on a blog or publication you’d love to write for, check it out. Feel free to favorite or retweet it, and check out the site’s contribution guidelines for more info

17. Your current client roster

Your clients already know you do an awesome job, right? See whether they need your help with blogging as well.

If you’re handling a client’s social media strategy, ask whether they need support with their blog. After copywriting a fantastic sales page, mention your ability to use those same ghostwriting skills to write a blog post or two in the company’s voice.

Or maybe a client needs help spreading the word about her services—could you help her contribute guest posts to popular blogs in her niche?

You’ve already proven your skills and reliability to your client, so make the most of the relationship.

18. Your own blog

No, blogging isn’t a path to riches. But wouldn’t having clients come to you be easier than chasing them down on job boards?

Showcase your talents on your blog and share examples of your work for past clients. Ensure you have a clear and compelling call-to-action to make it easy for clients to get in touch. Where will you find your next blogging job?

Finding paid blogging jobs isn’t the easiest thing to do on the Internet, but it’s not impossible, either. Hone your writing skills, learn how to write a killer headline, craft a brilliant pitch email and start finding opportunities using the resources on this list.

And on behalf of editors everywhere: Read the submission guidelines. If you don’t, your blogging brilliance might never make it past the editor’s inbox.

This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life—and we thank you for that!

Photo via Stock Rocket/ Shutterstock 

When you’re pitching a complicated story, it’s important to provide enough background information to help an editor understand why this story needs to be told.

But too much background can bog down your pitch, or bury the story you really want to tell.

In this pitch fix, we’re looking at long-form journalism

This time, we’re going to look at a pitch where the author is clearly an expert on a complicated subject—but she needs a little help pulling the story she wants to write out of her background information.

Colleen Mondor’s aviation-industry pitch

Colleen Mondor is an author, blogger, and journalist. She’s written a nonfiction memoir, The Map of My Dead Pilots: The Dangerous Game of Flying in Alaska, and wants to build her long-form journalism portfolio.

Mondor submitted the following pitch to Outside, Men’s Journal, and Air and Space Magazine but hasn’t been able to place her story.

What do you think is holding this pitch back?

Dear XX:

In the 90 years since aircraft first flew in Alaska, the bush pilot myth has become synonymous with Alaskan life. Tourists are drawn to stories of mercy pilots and pictures of aircraft loaded with everything from sled dogs to outboard motors are as much a part of the state’s image as the northern lights and Denali. But the harsh truth about aviation here is that while it is consistently one of the most dangerous places to fly in the world, almost all of the accidents are preventable.

Alaska averages about 100 aircraft accidents a year which, over the past decade, have resulted in 194 fatalities. In 2013 there was a particularly devastating crash in the small town of Soldotna. That accident made national news as two South Carolina families were killed after their charter aircraft stalled on takeoff. The recently released probable cause report found the longtime Alaska pilot made multiple errors prior to departure including failing to weigh the additional cargo onboard, loading it behind the aircraft’s center-of-gravity and exceeding the aircraft’s weight limits. He was also killed in the crash.

The investigators with the Alaska regional office of the NTSB are determined to reach beyond pilot actions to find aspects of company culture, flight training or lax federal oversight that might contribute to poor decision-making. They have also joined with representatives of the Alaskan Aviation Safety Foundation and Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association to target specific aspects of the state’s aviation environment and community to affect positive change in pilot attitudes and actions. These are the people who are not willing to dismiss Alaska simply as an inherently dangerous place to fly and I think their story needs to be told.

I first worked in the aviation industry in Alaska over 20 years ago, as a dispatcher for a Fairbanks-based commuter. I also studied aviation in college and graduate school, both in Alaska and Outside, and learned to fly when I was 18. I wrote about my years as a dispatcher in a 2011 memoir, The Map of My Dead Pilots. I have worked as a journalist and essayist on this subject for years including the past three for the Bush Pilot section of Alaska Dispatch News (the Anchorage daily newspaper), and recently in Narratively magazine. Alaska aviation is a topic I am deeply involved with, and I look forward to writing about the people who are trying to change the way it operates.

Pitch Fix for long-form journalism: State your story

When I read Mondor’s pitch, I kept waiting for the sentence that began “My story will be about” or “I’d like to write about.” I was impressed by the background information and detail, but I had a hard time figuring out what story Mondor was actually pitching to these magazines and how she planned to tell it.

Mondor has one sentence that alludes to what she intends to write: “These are the people who are not willing to dismiss Alaska simply as an inherently dangerous place to fly and I think their story needs to be told.”

It’s a great start, but I want to know more

Does Mondor have a specific person’s story in mind? Is she planning to conduct interviews for the bulk of her research, or is she thinking about going more in-depth, perhaps embedding herself with Alaska’s NSTB investigators to observe their work—and their challenges—in person?

If you thought “Wait, NSTB investigators? Isn’t this a piece about bush pilots?” I wouldn’t blame you. Mondor begins her pitch with “The bush pilot myth has become synonymous with Alaskan life,” leading the reader to expect that she plans to write about pilots. When you read carefully, you learn she really wants to write about the investigators who look into why pilots crash.

This information should be at the center of Mondor’s pitch, and the entire pitch should focus on the story she wants to tell and the methodology by which she will tell it. Otherwise, she runs the risk of confusing her editors and losing the opportunity to report on an important aspect of Alaskan aviation.

Here’s how I’d rewrite Mondor’s pitch:

In the 90 years since aircraft first flew in Alaska, the bush pilot myth has become synonymous with Alaskan life. However, many people aren’t aware of the other side of the myth: the numerous preventable aircraft accidents. Alaska averages about 100 aircraft accidents a year which, over the past decade, have resulted in 194 fatalities.

When these tragedies take place, the investigators with the Alaska regional office of the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) look beyond pilot actions to find aspects of company culture, flight training or lax federal oversight that might contribute to poor decision-making. They have also joined with representatives of the Alaskan Aviation Safety Foundation and Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association to target specific aspects of the state’s aviation environment and community to affect positive change in pilot attitudes and actions. These are the people who are not willing to dismiss Alaska simply as an inherently dangerous place to fly and I think their story needs to be told.

I’m developing a long-form article in which I embed myself in the Alaska regional NSTB office for one month to give readers a clearer picture of the daily challenges and struggles these investigators face. I’ll follow the investigators as they visit crash sites, document accidents, and work to understand the bigger questions: What went wrong? Was it simple pilot error, or were there larger forces at work here? Why does Alaska have so many aircraft accidents, and how can these accidents be prevented?

This article will be written in a nonfiction narrative style, viewing the investigators and the pilots through a human lens. Readers will finish the piece feeling as if they were there in the NTSB office with me, watching coworkers make jokes and talk about their families before they’re called out to investigate yet another accident. They’ll also learn how this type of work affects family and personal life, and what a career based on analyzing tragedy does to a person over time.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic or discussing how this story might fit into your publication, please let me know.

A bit about my background: I first worked in the aviation industry in Alaska over 20 years ago, as a dispatcher for a Fairbanks-based commuter. I also studied aviation in college and graduate school, both in Alaska and Outside, and learned to fly when I was 18. I wrote about my years as a dispatcher in a 2011 memoir, The Map of My Dead Pilots. I have worked as a journalist and essayist on this subject for years including the past three for the Bush Pilot section of Alaska Dispatch News (the Anchorage daily newspaper), and recently in Narratively magazine. Alaska aviation is a topic I am deeply involved with, and I look forward to writing about the people who are trying to change the way it operates.

Mondor’s response

I asked Mondor if she was planning to rework her pitch based on my fix, and here’s her response:

This is really really funny. I was reading over some pitches at Open Notebook a few days ago and I started thinking about how I buried the fact that there were very real people involved in my story—the NTSB investigators (and others) who are so committed to changing the statistics. I have been so worried about getting the facts straight and making clear that this would not be another “death-defying Alaska bush pilot” article, that I left out the significant human element. (Who are the point!)

And bam—you saw it too and more importantly, you made it work.

I’ll likely tinker with this just a bit to fit exactly what I want to write about but honestly, I won’t change much. Reading over it again, I’m realizing how much I needed a second pair of eyes on it. Sometimes, no surprise, writers just can’t see the forest for the trees.

I’ll be sending this out by the end of the week—thanks so much.

Do you agree with this month’s Pitch Fix for long-form journalism? When you’re pitching a long-form journalism story, how much background information do you include? What other advice do you have for Colleen Mondor?