If you have a passion for writing and want to turn it into a profitable career, you might want to know how to get paid to write articles. ✍️🤑
The digital age has opened up multiple opportunities for writers to monetize their skills and earn a decent income. But it’s not always clear where and how to land these writing gigs.
Some online publications offer very little for your hard work, while others don’t even pay anything at all.
We know how much time and effort it takes to craft a good piece of writing, and below, we’ll share some online platforms that will appreciate your hard work.
Let’s begin. 🙋♂️
📚 Table of contents:
- Longreads
- Copyhackers
- Listverse
- OpenNews
- Sport Fishing Magazine
- Better Humans
- Narratively
- PTO Today
- Business Insider
- Elite Personal Finance
- SmartBusinessTrends
- LogRocket
- Bella Magazine
- Cosmopolitan UK
- B. Michelle Pippin
- Linode
- Mold Busters
Get paid to write articles: 17 legit sites that pay writers
1. Longreads
First on our list of websites where you can get paid to write articles is Longreads. It is a popular online platform that specializes in publishing long-form non-fiction stories.
Just spend a few minutes on it, and you’ll come across many thought-provoking, in-depth articles that go beyond traditional news formats.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find there includes:
- Personal essays
- Investigative pieces
- Engaging narratives
- Cultural commentary pieces
In other words, this is a great place to get paid to write articles, essays, and more.
If this sounds like your style, you can reach out to the editors and pitch directly. You can learn more about how to do so through the Longreads submissions guidelines page.
👍 Advantages of writing for Longreads
- Your work will get exposed to a wide audience
- The editorial team is supportive, and this can help enhance your writing and storytelling skills
- Good pay
- The platform has a good reputation, and being associated with Longreads may help enhance your reputation as a writer
💸 The pay
Payment for published articles on Longreads varies. For reported essays, critical essays, and columns, the rate starts at $500. For reading lists (where you curate a reading list based on a specific topic), they pay $350.
2. Copyhackers
Copyhackers is a platform that focuses on the art and science of copywriting. It is a go-to resource for many online content creators, including copywriters, digital marketers, and entrepreneurs.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find on the platform includes:
- Educational articles
- Courses
- Resources that focus on helping new writers learn how to craft good copy
If you’re a copy or content writer and have picked up a few tips that can help beginner or advanced writers, you can read more about how to get paid to write articles for Copyhackers through the Copyhackers pitching process guidelines.
👍 Advantages of writing for Copyhackers
- By writing for Copyhackers, you can directly reach and engage with a community of like-minded people
- The platform is widely recognized as one of the leaders in copywriting. Getting published here is a great way to position yourself as an expert in your field
- Since the platform is well known and respected, being published on Copyhackers can help enhance your resume
- Good pay
💸 The pay
Copyhackers pays $300 to $1,000 for accepted posts.
They want you to pitch your ideas to them first for approval and expect articles to be at least 2,000 words. They usually respond to pitches within five days if they want you to go ahead and write the post.
3. Listverse
If you’re a new writer with an interesting list to share about pretty much any topic, then Listverse might be a great option.
The platform is a great place for writers to share their knowledge or experience in various niches.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find on the platform includes information on:
- Pop culture
- Mystery sightings or occurrences
- History or fact-based topics
- Science and technology
The topics on Listverse are quite broad, so if you have any interesting lists to share, you can read the Listverse pitching guide carefully to learn how to pitch.
👍 Advantages of writing for Listverse
- You don’t need to have an experienced writer. You just have to have a good grasp of the English language and something interesting to share
- This can be a quicker process than writing a lengthy, detailed-oriented essay or article
- The platform offers writers the creative freedom to explore different topics and express their unique ideas
💸 The pay
If you submit your list and the editors like and publish it, you can expect to earn $100.
4. OpenNews / Source
OpenNews / Source serves as a platform for individuals involved in technology and journalism, particularly those who build news apps, work with data, design interactive features, or code within news organizations. OpenNews emphasizes documenting, supporting, and amplifying such work through detailed articles, case studies, and project walkthroughs.
OpenNews is generally looking for articles related to coding in a news organization; this could be introductions or walkthroughs of tools and apps developed in/for newsrooms or articles related to news development and data journalism.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find there includes:
- Project introductions and detailed walkthroughs of newsroom tools
- In-depth case studies on specific news development projects
- Topical primers and examinations of issues in news development and data journalism
- Solicited event write-ups and reported pieces
OpenNews is especially appealing to technologists in the media who want to share their experiences and projects with a wider community. Contributors can expect to engage with an editorial process that values depth and technical insight.
👍 Advantages of writing for OpenNews
- Payment of $500 for in-depth case studies and primers, with $200 for shorter, solicited pieces.
- A platform that appreciates and showcases open-source projects related to news technology.
- Editorial guidance through a structured review process, including the possibility of multiple editorial passes for longer pieces.
- Opportunity to contribute to a continuously evolving code and style guide used across the community.
💸 The pay
OpenNews offers $500 for comprehensive case studies and detailed primers upon publication, reflecting the extensive editorial process these pieces typically undergo.
Shorter pieces that are solicited by the platform, such as event write-ups or reported articles, are compensated at $200.
5. Sport Fishing Magazine
Sport Fishing Magazine is one of the leading publications on saltwater fishing around North America.
The publication highlights that “Sport Fishing readers are not beginners; they’re seeking to advance their knowledge, not rehash basic saltwater fishing.” This means that you have to be well-versed in topics related to saltwater fishing and also be able to offer a new or interesting perspective on popular topics in this niche.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find on the platform includes:
- Fishing techniques
- Fishing gear
- Marine Electronics
- Conservation
If you’re very knowledgeable about any of these topics, this might be a good website to reach out to.
👍 Advantages of writing for Sport Fishing Magazine
- If this is a niche you’re interested in specializing in, Sport Fishing Magazine is a great website to get published on because it has a devoted readership of passionate fishing enthusiasts
- Contributing to this website allows you to associate your name with a well-established and respected publication in the industry.
- If you plan to specialize in outdoor, adventure, or fishing-related content, having an article of yours published in Sport Fishing Magazine can help enhance your portfolio
💸 The pay
According to the Sport Fishing Magazine contributor guidelines, you can expect to earn at least $750 for print features. For digital features, they pay at least $200 for a 1,000-word piece.
6. Better Humans
Better Humans is a prominent publication on Medium that specializes in insightful self-improvement content. The platform is particularly selective, focusing on high-quality, how-to articles that offer more than just generic advice. Writers are expected to share personal experiences and detailed steps they’ve taken towards achieving specific self-improvement goals, providing both successful strategies and those that didn’t work, which adds a layer of authenticity and practicality to the advice.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find there includes:
- Empathic, tutorial-style articles on achieving personal improvement goals
- Content that includes personal anecdotes and insider tips directly from the writers’ experiences
- Articles aimed at helping readers accomplish specific, desirable changes in their lives
This platform is well-suited for writers who can draw from substantial personal experience and are capable of crafting compassionate, outcome-oriented content that truly aids readers in personal growth. Better Humans values diversity and encourages contributions from writers of underrepresented backgrounds, seeking to enrich their content with a variety of perspectives.
👍 Advantages of writing for Better Humans
- Opportunity to publish on a highly reputable platform within the Medium ecosystem.
- Engages writers in a professional editorial process, ensuring high-quality content.
- Offers a focused audience interested in detailed, actionable self-improvement strategies.
- Supports articles with a compassionate and encouraging tone, enhancing the impact on readers.
💸 The pay
The submission guidelines do not explicitly mention compensation rates for articles; however, our own research shows that you can expect to be compensated in the range of $500 per post.
7. Narratively
Narratively is a great platform that focuses on character-driven storytelling.
The platform allows you to pitch both story ideas and completed stories that align with their brand.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find on the platform includes:
- Long-form articles
- Profiles
- Essays
- Multimedia content
So, if you want to get paid to write articles, essays, short stories, and other interesting pieces that capture the human experience, this can be a great opportunity for you. Read Narratively’s pitching guidelines carefully to learn how to pitch.
👍 Advantages of writing for Narratively
- The platform places a huge emphasis on personal stories. So, if you’re a good storyteller with a unique experience you’ve had that you’re eager to share with the world, Narratively might be the perfect place for you
- They cover a broad range of topics, including relationships, travel, culture, science, and much more. It also encourages inclusivity. So, regardless of where in the world you may be, as long as you’re a good storyteller, this is a great opportunity
- The platform has an engaged readership. So, if you manage to publish your article on the site, you can connect with a great community
💸 The pay
According to Who Pays Writers, an online platform that shows which publications pay freelance writers and how much they pay them, Narratively paid a writer $0.20 in 2019, and another writer $0.12 in 2021. While the rate may vary, the platform hasn’t paid writers less than $0.12 per word from 2018. This works out to at least $120 per 1,000 words.
8. PTO Today
PTO Today is a publication dedicated to leaders of parent-teacher organizations/parent groups, and they are looking for articles that can help leaders of these organizations more effectively lead their organization and support their schools.
They are looking for content for both their magazine and website. They generally prefer how-to pieces, profiles of programs and people, first-person articles by group leaders, and articles from PTO experts.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find there includes:
- Instructional articles on managing and organizing parent group activities
- Best practices for running meetings, fundraising, and engaging parent volunteers
- Case studies and idea roundups that showcase successful strategies from other schools
- Specific guidance on legal, financial, and tax aspects of running a nonprofit parent group
👍 Advantages of writing for PTO Today
- Opportunities to write across a range of topics crucial to effective parent group management.
- Competitive compensation, with payments ranging from $125 to $500 depending on the article’s complexity and the writer’s experience.
- A platform that reaches a highly engaged audience of volunteer leaders looking to enhance their children’s educational experience.
- The chance to contribute to a publication that values expert insight and practical advice tailored to the needs of parent groups.
💸 The pay
PTO Today compensates writers by assignment, not by word count, with rates ranging from $125 to $500. The payment scale varies based on the topic’s complexity and the writer’s expertise. High-impact stories and highly experienced writers may receive higher compensation. Payment is made upon acceptance of the work, typically within 30 days of invoicing.
9. Business Insider
If you want to get paid to write articles and establish your expertise in the business niche, this is the publication you’ll want to work with.
Business Insider is a well-known digital media company that publishes in-depth and often thought-provoking articles on business-related topics. It also has multiple international editions, offering a global perspective on the latest news in the business landscape.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find on the platform includes topics on:
- Business
- Finance
- Technology
- Lifestyle news
The audience is generally professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and readers interested in business. So, if you’re knowledgeable on these topics and you think you can offer these people something valuable to read, you can check out Business Insider’s writer guidelines for more details on how to pitch.
👍 Advantages of writing for Business Insider:
- They have a large and diverse audience, so your work can reach a broad audience
- The platform has a great reputation. Getting published on the platform allows you to align yourself with a trusted brand
- Many industry leaders follow the platform. Getting published here gives you the chance for your work to be noticed by some of them, and perhaps even make work-related connections
💸 The pay
According to Who Pays Writers, payment on the platform has varied over the past few years. From 2022 alone, writers have earned anything from $0.10 to $0.41 per word, which amounts to $100 to $410 per 1,000 words.
10. Elite Personal Finance
Another place where you can get paid to write articles is Elite Personal Finance.
Elite Personal Finance is an online platform that focuses on providing financial tips and strategies for their readers.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find on the website includes:
- They are looking for 1,000 to 3,000 word articles
- Guides on choosing the right personal and business credit card
- Tips on improving your credit score
- How to make money online
- Investing tips
- How to save money
If you’re comfortable with any of these topics, you can check out Elite Personal Finance’s writer guidelines to learn more about how to pitch.
👍 Advantages of writing for Elite Personal Finance
- If you plan to specialize in the finance niche, this is a great opportunity to earn good money while getting published on a credible site
- Good pay
- The website covers all different types of finance-related topics. So, you can choose whichever topic you’re most comfortable with
💸 The pay
If your article gets selected for publication, you can expect to earn $300.
11. SmartBusinessTrends
SmartBusinessTrends is an influential blog that focuses on the nuances of online marketing, with a keen look on areas such as email marketing, WordPress, and Amazon FBA. The platform is dedicated to providing readers with high-quality articles and tutorials that offer substantial value, highlighting the latest trends and strategies.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find there includes:
- In-depth tutorials on effective online marketing techniques
- Detailed case studies that explore successful marketing campaigns
- Comprehensive product reviews related to online marketing tools
- Original content that brings fresh insights into online marketing practices
Ideal for writers with expertise in online marketing. SmartBusinessTrends will offer you a chance to share valuable knowledge with an engaged audience. Contributors are expected to produce well-researched content that not only informs but also implements the blog’s goals.
👍 Advantages of writing for SmartBusinessTrends
- High visibility among the blog’s 16,000+ monthly visitors.
- The opportunity for a backlink to the writer’s personal website or social media profiles.
- Promotion of the published article across SmartBusinessTrends’ social media channels.
💸 The pay
For paid content, SmartBusinessTrends offers a compensation between $200 and $500, based on the quality and depth of the submitted work. Payment is made via PayPal, and the platform gains full rights to the article, meaning it cannot be republished elsewhere.
For guest posts, while there is no financial compensation, writers gain the benefit of exposure and a backlink to their personal or professional sites.
12. LogRocket
LogRocket offers frontend developers a chance to engage with their audience through technical, educational content. Known for its high-quality blog posts, LogRocket encourages contributions from passionate developers and technical writers who are eager to share their knowledge and innovations in the field.
This site prides itself on deeply technical articles that not only inform but also aid developers in keeping abreast of the latest technologies.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find there includes:
- Tutorials on popular web technologies like React, Vue, and Node.js
- Best practices in frontend development
- Insights into product and UX design
- Discussions on free-tier tools beneficial for developers
LogRocket is ideal for experienced developers looking to contribute to the community and enhance their professional reputation. Contributors should be prepared to write in-depth, educational posts that cater to a readership that, while possibly junior, is not beginner.
👍 Advantages of writing for LogRocket
- Competitive compensation up to $350 per post, depending on the scope and quality.
- Extensive promotion of content across multiple online platforms like Hacker News, Reddit, and LinkedIn.
- Opportunity to reach approximately five million monthly viewers globally.
- Ability to republish articles on personal blogs after an exclusive one-month period with LogRocket.
💸 The pay
LogRocket offers a compensation model that rewards authors up to $350 for each article, based on the depth and quality of the work submitted. This competitive pay structure is designed to acknowledge the effort and expertise that writers invest in their articles.
13. Bella Magazine
One of the best things about being an online writer is that you can write for many publications worldwide, regardless of where you’re based. And that’s the case with Bella Magazine, a UK-based woman’s lifestyle magazine.
The platform only wants true stories, so this might be a great opportunity if you have an interesting experience to share.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find on the platform includes topics on:
- Fashion
- Beauty
- Relationships
- Health
- General lifestyle-related content
This versatility in topics makes it an excellent choice for different types of writers. To pitch, all you need to do is send the editorial team an outline of your story idea. You can check out Bella Magazine’s contributor guidelines for more details on how to get paid to write articles for Bella Magazine.
👍 Advantages of writing for Bella Magazine
- It is a well-established magazine with a good reputation for quality content. Getting published on the platform will allow you to associate your name with a publication with high-quality writing
- The platform aims to empower women by providing inspirational and informative content. Writing for this magazine allows you to positively impact other people’s lives and possibly connect with like-minded people who also value personal growth and well-being
- The magazine covers a wide range of topics. So, no matter your niche, you have a good chance of finding a topic you’re comfortable writing on
💸 The pay
If the editorial team like your story, you can earn up to £1,000, and as of writing this article, this amounts to $1,310.86 (USD).
14. Cosmopolitan UK
Cosmopolitan (aka Cosmo) is a popular women’s magazine that covers different female-related topics. The magazine has branches in different parts of the world. However, right now, we’re focusing on their UK edition.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find in the magazine includes topics about:
- Fashion
- Beauty
- Health
- Career
- Relationships
- Lifestyle
Cosmo caters to a diverse readership of women, so if you think you can add something special to the magazine, you can check out Cosmo UK contributor guidelines for more information on how to get paid to write stories for Cosmo UK.
👍 Advantages of writing for Cosmopolitan UK
- It’s a well-established publication, so you’ll align yourself with a reputable brand
- It has a large and engaged audience, so your writing can reach many people
- The magazine covers different topics, so you can explore different areas of interest and pitch an idea you actually like
💸 The pay
According to Who Pays Writers, Cosmo UK paid a writer $0.09 per word in 2019, so you can expect to earn at least $90 per 1,000 words if you pitch to the publication.
15. B. Michelle Pippin
B. Michelle Pippin is the driving force behind Women Who WOW, an intimate online community designed for female entrepreneurs. As a celebrated expert, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to empowering women in business.
To achieve this goal, she is looking for people with unusual and interesting ideas to write for the blog. They are especially interested in stories based on first-hand experience on topics of interest to women entrepreneurs.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find there includes:
- Expert advice on making sales and maximizing profits, particularly through digital platforms like YouTube
- Strategies for securing national media spots and speaking engagements, both paid and unpaid
- Practical tips on tax optimization, productivity, and business automation
- Personal experiences and hacks that have significantly benefited the contributor’s own business
This platform is particularly suited for women entrepreneurs who are not only experts in their fields but also have compelling, original insights to share. Contributors should possess a strong command of English and an ability to deliver content that resonates with and adds value to a community of serious business owners.
👍 Advantages of writing for B. Michelle Pippin
- Opportunity to contribute to both a members-only newsletter and a public blog, with different terms of exclusivity.
- Increased visibility and credibility within a community of like-minded professional women.
- Engagement with an audience that values real-world experience and practical business advice.
💸 The pay
Contributors to B. Michelle Pippin’s platform are compensated between $50 and $150 per piece, depending on the placement and format of the content. Payments are made promptly on the first of the month following the publication. Content featured in the members-only newsletter commands a higher fee and greater exclusivity, whereas blog posts require a 90-day exclusivity period before they can be republished elsewhere, with proper attribution to the original publication.
16. Linode
Linode’s “Write for Linode” program is a specialized initiative designed for freelance technical writers looking to contribute to a comprehensive library of guides and tutorials. This extensive resource features over 1,000 documents, focusing on a wide range of open-source cloud computing technologies and attracts over one million readers every month.
They are generally looking for tutorials, and they require a writing sample that demonstrates a capability to create technical guides about Linux, Linode, and cloud infrastructure.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find there includes:
- Tutorials on the practical application of technologies like Bash scripts
- How-to guides for installing and configuring server software
- Overviews providing conceptual understanding of technologies like Kubernetes
- Troubleshooting guides for common issues, such as problems with SSH
The Write for Linode program offers a valuable platform for writers skilled in various technical areas including DevOps tools, server infrastructure, cloud storage solutions, programming languages particularly for server-side applications, and essential Linux concepts.
👍 Advantages of writing for Linode
- Competitive compensation for new articles as well as updates to existing ones.
- An opportunity to work with modern documentation processes including the docs-as-code methodology.
- Your contributions will be hosted on GitHub, enhancing your professional portfolio.
- Gain expertise in using tools such as Markdown, Hugo, Git, and automated unit testing which are essential for modern technical writing and software development.
💸 The pay
Linode compensates its writers generously, offering at least $400 for new guides and starting at $100 for updates to existing guides.
17. Mold Busters
Mold Busters is a family-owned mold removal company in Canada, established in 2005, and is seeking knowledgeable writers to contribute quality content to their website.
They would generally accept articles about home improvement, real estate, environmental services, mold removal, asbestos testing, pollution inspection, water damage restoration, air duct cleaning, and other topics.
👉 The type of content you can expect to find there includes:
- In-depth ultimate guides on topics like mold prevention, restoration techniques, and best practices in environmental services
- Informational articles that provide valuable insights into the specifics of pollution control, building safety inspections, and similar topics
- Articles aimed at enhancing reader understanding of mold and environmental hazards, along with prevention and remediation methods
They expect articles to be at least 2,000 words, and would sometimes take articles as long as 4,000 words. They want you to pitch them first and generally respond to requests from contributors within five days.
👍 Advantages of writing for Mold Busters
- Competitive compensation for articles.
- Visibility and credibility as an expert in the environmental and mold removal industry.
- An author page to showcase your bio and a compilation of your contributions, enhancing your professional online presence.
- Structured feedback and editorial guidance to ensure content meets high-quality standards.
💸 The pay
Mold Busters offers attractive payment for contributions, with rates depending on the type and depth of the article:
- Ultimate Guides (3000–4000 words) are compensated between $300 and $400.
- Informational articles of over 2000 words are paid at a rate of $200.
Payments are made via PayPal or Skrill, providing flexibility and convenience to writers.
Get paid to write articles today ✍️
There you have it – legit sites where you can get paid to write articles. From established platforms, like Cosmopolitan UK and Business Insider, to more niche communities, like Sport Fishing Magazine or SmartBusinessTrends. The above list shows that you can earn good money from writing, regardless of your area of practice.
When you pitch your ideas, remember that writing articles is not only about earning money. It is also about sharing your expertise, connecting with readers, and maybe even making an impact.
Also, remember to read through the guidelines properly to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of getting published. All the best!
✍️🤑 If you want to learn more about how to make money from your writing, then check out our guides on how to start a blog on Facebook and make money and four ways to start a blog for free and make money.
You made my day with this write up. I was seriously thinking of adventuring in blogging and here I got the right ingredients to kick off.
Thanks a bunch.
Thank you so much
Thank you so much Khanyi. This was very informative.
Keep up the good work!
I’m sterting the journey right now.
Best of luck on your journey, Monwabisi! 🙂
thank you so much i am freelancer story or articles writer you give me a brilliant way to Earn from online way God Bless you
Thanks you’re absolutely amazing.