Guidelines, rates, and what it’s like pitching them
As a fresh college grad trying to find work during a pandemic, I realized traditional jobs weren’t coming easily. But I’d always loved writing — and the idea of working for myself. So freelancing seemed like a natural fit.
Medium’s Partner Program revoked me afloat at the start, but after months of pitching and writing, I wanted to branch out. I learned that putting yourself out there, even when it’s scary, is essential. A quote I once read stuck with me — you can’t fail at something 52 times in a row. It reminded me that persistence matters.
If you’re also searching for paying outlets, here are five worth trying.
1. POPSUGAR Voices
What they want: Positive, inclusive stories on topics like body image, fitness, relationships, parenting, shopping guides, and pop culture.
How to pitch: Submit through their site. You’ll hear back in about a month. If accepted, you’ll get access to a dashboard for pitching more ideas or accepting editor prompts.
Pay: $50–$100 per story (payment within 30 days of publication).
My take: I’ve been part of Voices since June. The editors are supportive, the process is smooth, and it’s a nice way to earn extra income between bigger projects.
2. Bitch Media
What they want: Timely cultural and political commentary — think sharp, fresh takes.
How to pitch: Email your idea to the senior editor or use Submittable. If you don’t get a reply in a week, a polite follow-up is fine.
Pay: $150–$175 for digital pieces, usually paid within a few days of publication.
My take: My pitches haven’t landed yet, but the editors have always responded quickly and with kindness.
3. SELF Magazine
What they want: Health, wellness, fitness, food, lifestyle, and beauty. Right now, they’re big on service journalism — actionable, practical content — but they also run product roundups, cultural critiques, and some feature stories.
How to pitch: They have a detailed pitching guide with editor emails, pitch requirements, and examples.
Pay: $300 for lightly reported stories, $400+ for reported ones, and $800+ for features.
My take: I’ve just started sending pitches. Their quick turnaround and solid rates make them an appealing publication to work with.
4. BuzzFeed Reader
What they want: Personal essays on almost any subject — from family and food to identity and travel — plus cultural criticism.
How to pitch: Email your draft (for essays) or idea (for criticism) to their submissions address. Expect a response in about two weeks.
Pay: Competitive rates — writers report about $0.22/word.
5. Vox (First Person + more)
What they want: First-person essays on relationships, money, parenting, mental health, and work, plus in-depth pieces for other sections like science, features, or economy-related topics.
How to pitch: Email your idea or draft to the right section editor (details on their site). Include your topic, relevant personal experience, and key points.
Pay: Rates vary by section; one writer reported $0.33/word.
Final thoughts
Pitching isn’t easy — rejection is part of the process. Even high-earning freelancers get ignored or turned down. But every attempt teaches you something: how to pitch better, how to market yourself, and how to connect with editors.
So keep at it. Your “yes” might be closer than you think.
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