Struggles of New Writers in Finding Well-Paid Gigs
Most new writers find it hard to secure good-paying gigs online. The web is filled with content mills that offer as little as $5 or $10 per article, and it is hard to make a living from writing using such sites. There are some good news websites and publications that appreciate quality content and compensate writers well. This article presents ten news websites where new writers can earn a minimum of $90 per article, which will help them develop their portfolio as well as their bank account.
Why News Sites Pay More Than Content Mills
News sites tend to have bigger budgets than small blogs or content farms. They need well-researched, accurate, and interesting content that will appeal to their readers. Such publications realize that quality writing takes time and expertise, which is why they are willing to pay more.
For beginner writers, focusing on such better-paying magazines is equivalent to writing less work but earning a better pay for each article. This will allow writers to specialize in delivering high-quality articles over the production of several poor-quality articles at less pay.
Top High-Paying News Websites for Beginners
1. Christian Science Monitor – $200 to $225 Per Article
The Christian Science Monitor reports international and national news with an emphasis on insightful reporting. They also feature articles on individuals making a positive difference and articles with a Christian take on science, books, and economic matters.
They usually pay $200 to $225 for regular articles, with longer articles commanding much higher rates. New authors are taken on spec only, so you’ll have to write and submit the complete story before they take it on for publication.
2. The Nation – $150 to $500 Per Post
The Nation is a liberal magazine that reports on politics and current events. They publish short commentary pieces as well as longer analysis articles.
Authors can be paid $150 for political commentary and between $350 and $500 for more extensive reporting and analysis. They are most interested in writing on civil liberties, civil rights, labor rights, economics, environmental issues, privacy issues, policing, feminist topics, and politics.
3. The Sun Magazine – Up to $2000 Per Post
The Sun Magazine is concerned with literary material and reflective writing. This magazine pays some of the best rates in the business, with standard non-fiction pieces paying between $300 and $2000.
The magazine places a high value on literary quality, so submissions must reflect depth of thought and beautiful writing. This is a great choice for writers who can create reflective, well-written material.
4. Cosmopolitan – $250 Per Blog Post
Cosmopolitan accepts articles for both their website and print magazine. They pay around $250 per 1,000-word blog post, which makes them a worthwhile choice for writers who want to write about lifestyle.
For their print magazine, they accept first-person contributions from readers who have interesting stories to tell. They concentrate on health topics (both physical and mental) and social, political, or women’s issues articles that their readers are interested in.
5. A List Apart – $200 per Article
A List Apart is looking for web professionals such as designers, developers, architects, strategists, writers, and project managers. They compensate with $200 per 1,500-2,000 words piece of work.
They look best for those which are in proper thesis with convincing arguments in addition to voice in the articles but not in an opinionistic format.
6. Earth Island Journal – $200+ For Online Articles
Earth Island Journal reports on environmental topics such as wildlife conservation, scientific and technological innovations, public policy, climate change, animal rights, and environmental justice.
They pay $0.25 a word for print coverage (up to 4,000 words), and $200 for online stories. This implies that the average article can get you $250 or more, so it’s a viable choice for writers who want to write about environmental issues.
7. Alaska Airlines Magazine – $150 to $700 Per Post
Although not a strictly news site, Alaska Airlines Magazine pays well for feature articles. Freelancers can earn $150 to $700 per article.
Alaska Airlines Magazine features travel, business, lifestyle, and cultural features, usually about destinations flown to by the airline. It’s a good choice for writers who can write interesting travel and lifestyle articles.
8. Income Diary – $200 to $300 Per Article
Income Diary concentrates on digital marketing, earning online, and building websites. They pay $200 for well-written articles with a minimum word count of 1,500, with $300 available to spend on outstanding work.
Categories that they consider accepting are creating content, expert interviews, site purchasing/selling, driving traffic, search engine optimization, web designing, selling digital products, money-making schemes, and running businesses.
9. Transitions Abroad – $150 Maximum Per Article
Transitions Abroad makes $75-$150 for the 1,250-3,000+-word articles on average $100. Some work may be close to our level of $90, but some will be significantly higher.
We accept a multitude of subjects relating to immersion cultural travel, international work, studies, foreign life, and abroad volunteering. The current topics are preferred by us in terms of virtual internships, virtual volunteerism, online learning, distance teaching, and foreign employment.
10. The War Cry – $0.35 Per Word
The War Cry is a magazine that has been published by The Salvation Army for more than 135 years. They pay $0.35 per word for original work, so a 1,000-word article would pay you $350.
This makes it one of the more profitable choices for writers who can write longer pieces. They also accept previously published work at a lower rate of $0.15 per word, offering a chance to reuse existing work.
Hints for Getting Published on These Sites
Being published on high-paying sites is not easy, but using these hints can increase your chances:
- Read each publication extensively before submitting. Read a few articles to see their style, tone, and what they like to read.
- Obey submission guidelines to the letter. Each site has particular requirements for submissions and pitches.
- Write good pitches that effectively present your article concept and why it is suitable for their publication.
- Begin with the sites that are more willing to accept new writers. Develop your portfolio first before going for the best-paying publications.
- Turn in clean, error-free copy and hit all deadlines. Professionalism pays big dividends in establishing relationships with editors.
Conclusion
New writers do not have to do low-wage content mill writing. These ten news sites provide great opportunities to make $90 or more per article while establishing a professional portfolio. The trick is to research each publication thoroughly, adhere to their submission policies, and turn in your best work.
Don’t forget that rejection is inevitable for every writer. Continue to hone your craft and pitch new stories. With diligence and good writing, you can establish yourself in these higher-paying markets and become a professional writer.
Begin by choosing one or two publications based on your interest and areas of expertise. Study them carefully, then write a serious pitch. Your journey to higher-paying writing begins now.
