Photo by Joshua Mayo on Unsplash If you’ve ever tried freelance writing online, you know the frustration. You spend hours researching, writing, and editing, only to get paid $15 for a 1,000-word article. That’s less than what most people make flipping burgers. It’s no wonder many writers give up. But here’s the good news: not every platform pays poorly. There are a handful of websites where writers are quietly earning $100, $500, or even $1,000 per article . The problem is — most beginners don’t know these platforms exist. This guide will walk you through four proven platforms where writers are still paid fairly in 2025, what they expect, and how you can stand out. Why Most Writers Struggle to Get Paid Well Before diving into the platforms, let’s talk about why so many writers are stuck earning scraps. Content mills dominate the market. Sites like Textbroker and iWriter often pay $0.01 to $0.03 per word . That means a 1,000-word piece might only fetch you $10–$30. To...
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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