If you’re looking to grow your freelance writer portfolio, you may be ignoring the low-hanging fruit of the freelance writer world: regional and local print magazines and blogs.
Don’t write these usually free local magazines off. They make money from local ads for small businesses and they need and pay local writers for niche or lifestyle topics.
Do Local Magazines and Blogs Hire Beginner Freelance Writers?
If you’re a new freelance writer looking to get some experience and add articles to your portfolio, local blogs are a great place to start. It’s much easier to find ideas to pitch to a local magazine or blog when you live in the area.
Start by focusing on magazines and blogs with topics you already know about (that you already read). Hint: Let the editor know you read their articles if you do. Ask yourself what’s missing from this publication. Make a list of ideas you wish you could read (if you’re a typical reader).
If you know any local experts that would be a great fit for local publications, you could get an editor’s attention. Most experts are too busy and don’t have the skills to write an article, but you could get a relatively easy yes from an expert looking for publicity and a magazine that wants a fresh article idea.
Where Can I Find Regional Blogs and Magazines?
The easiest place to find local and regional blogs or magazines is at your neighborhood library. You’ll probably be surprised how many there are (and most of them will pay you too). Start with the niche magazines that you find interesting first. You’re more likely to fit their reader profile – and brainstorm article ideas that get a faster response from the editor.
Next, start paying attention to all the free magazines in shopping centers or the entrance areas of stores. Believe it or not, most of these magazines pay writers. Their printed publications and blogs are usually full of local advertisements, but they also publish articles (interviews, how-tos, and other topics that fit their typical readers’ interests). Start collecting these local print magazines and pitch them.
Local Blogs and Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers
1859 Oregon Magazine
Interested in Oregon? 1859 Oregon print magazine and website attract both local residents and visitors looking for fun things to do and great stories about its history and culture. Good news: most of the articles in this magazine (and on the site) are written by freelance writers.
- Homepage: https://1859oregonmagazine.com/
- Contributor info: https://1859oregonmagazine.com/think-oregon/business/writers-guidelines/
- Pay: We hear 30 to 50 cents a word.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Alabama Living
The Alabama Rural Electric Area of Cooperatives (AREA) has published Alabama Living Magazine (and blog) since 1947. They want lifestyle articles for their mostly rural (or suburban) customers. You can pitch them on day trip and weekend activities in the state, interesting locals, unique restaurants, or anything that focuses on the less populated parts of the state. Read through the digital magazine to get ideas.
- Homepage: https://areapower.coop/news/alabama-living-magazine/
- Contributor info: https://alabamaliving.coop/about/
- Pay: We hear $150 to $250.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Sometimes, ask.
Alaska Business Magazine
Alaska Business Magazine wants articles for their audience of small business and huge corporations who do business in Alaska. Certain months, their print magazine focuses on specific subjects (like construction and natural resources). You can pitch them, but they usually assign articles to freelancers. Send them your resume and 3 writing samples from other articles you’ve written for other publications. They don’t want samples from your blog or a portfolio site.
- Homepage: https://www.akbizmag.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.akbizmag.com/submit-news/writers-guidelines/
- Pay: We hear 20 cents a word.
- Contributor byline: No.
- Contributor bio: No.
Alaska Parent Magazine
Alaska Parent Magazine and blog hire freelance writers. They’d prefer local writers (you should be able to include local recommendations, locations, and interviewees). Read through the site and magazine. You’ll find local food and drink articles that help moms and dads. Think health, wellness, family fun, and how-to articles. They prefer pitches but will consider complete articles and occasionally reprints.
- Homepage: https://www.alaskaparent.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.alaskaparent.com/write_for_us.html
- Pay: We hear up to $200 (for 150 to 1200 word articles).
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles
As you might expect, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine is looking for design project stories to publish. So if you want to pitch an article idea, consider a design project (after you’ve done your research on this publication). Submission guidelines are slim here, so you’ll have to dig into the site and magazine for those crucial clues that will get you a byline. Don’t send completed manuscripts (and make sure they know you’re a freelance writer).
- Homepage: https://atlantahomesmag.com/
- Contributor info: https://atlantahomesmag.com/about-atlanta-homes-and-lifestyles/
- Pay: We’ve heard reports of $400.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Atlanta Parent Magazine
Got story ideas about how to feed kids or cooking while parenting? Your ideas need to be strongly tied to the Atlanta Georgia area (that means use local experts, sources, and interviewees). Atlanta Parent print magazine and website are looking for pitches that appeal to their readers (parents of children from 0 to 18). You could start with a personal essay, a practical article, or even a feature story. Read the site and a few back issues to make sure your idea is new and fresh.
- Homepage: https://www.atlantaparent.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.atlantaparent.com/writers_guidelines/
- Pay: $100+ for feature articles with 800-1200 words. Shorter pieces of 300-600 words pay around $25-$50.
- Contributor byline: Yes, but no links in the byline.
- Contributor bio: No.
Atlantic Business Magazine
Atlantic Business Magazine focuses on business in the 4 provinces along the Atlantic Ocean in Canada. They don’t accept written articles, so send them a detailed pitch for your article idea or column and some samples of your published work. They’re looking for stories that interest managers in their region (business leadership, technology, and natural resources, to give you an idea). Read articles similar to your ideas on the site and in their magazine to make sure it fits (as we always recommend).
- Homepage: https://atlanticbusinessmagazine.net/
- Contributor info: https://atlanticbusinessmagazine.net/submission-faq-2/
- Pay: We hear 40 cents a word (with stories from 700 to 4000 words).
- Contributor byline: No.
- Contributor bio: No.
Bay Area Parent
The Bay Area Parent print magazine and blog’s audience is busy parents in the San Francisco Bay area. You’ll need to keep it locally focused with sources, references, challenges, and interviewees of course. Their advice: read the site and magazine before you pitch. They do sometimes assign articles (once they get to know you) but prefer to receive pitches. For seasonal articles, query them at least 3 to 4 months early. They don’t pay for blogging, but it can be a way to show them what you’ve got (if you’re brand new).
- Homepage: https://www.bayareaparent.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.bayareaparent.com/writers-guidelines/article_33299728-0c40-5a1c-925e-da0557e98a52.html
- Pay: 25 cents per word (usually 600 to 1800 words).
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes, but no links.
BC Business
BC Business Magazine writes about business in British Columbia Canada. They hire freelance writers for most of their feature stories. Read a few articles and you’ll notice they don’t do typical news stories. They’re looking for individual stories about businesses or individuals doing something interesting or solving problems. Their writer guidelines give you a very good idea of what they want. And don’t send them any completed articles, pitches only please.
- Homepage: https://www.bcbusiness.ca/
- Contributor info: https://www.bcbusiness.ca/contact-us
- Pay: We hear 56 cents a word and up (2000 to 3500 words usually).
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Maybe. On a separate page, you have a writer’s page with a photo (and some space where you could have a few sentences). Ask.
Best Self Atlanta
Best Self Atlanta is a print magazine and website focused on helping people live a healthy lifestyle in the Greater Atlanta area. Their readers tend to be in the “fit, fabulous, and over 40” segment of the population. Remember to get local experts, sources, and interviewees for your ideas.
- Homepage: https://bestselfatlanta.com/
- Contributor info: https://bestselfatlanta.com/about-us/
- Pay: We hear $50-200 (from short posts to feature stories).
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
British Columbia Magazine
British Columbia Magazine and blog hire freelance writers regularly for stories about the not-so-well-known people and places in this part of Canada. They even give out assignments to writers they already work with or with strong writing portfolios. You can send in pitches or complete manuscripts for consideration. They make most of their publishing decisions from January to March so don’t drag your feet (but they’ll still consider your ideas throughout the year). Read the site and a few back issues of the print magazine to make sure your article idea fits. They’d rather you contact them after you’ve gained some experience as a pro writer. So get a few clips under your belt before you pitch them.
- Homepage: https://www.bcmag.ca/
- Contributor info: http://cdn.agilitycms.com/british-columbia-magazine/guidelines/Sp13-Writers-Guidelines.pdf
- Pay: 50 cents per word for most stories (from 500 to 1300 words on average).
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences.
Carlsbad Magazine
Carlsbad Magazine and website are looking for lifestyle articles for their local residents and tourists. You can stand out by pitching them articles with a historical perspective or local interviews. They’ve also got columns on these topics: the arts scene, local events, interesting residents, the beach scene, homes, and gardens.
- Homepage: https://www.clickoncarlsbad.com/
- Contributor info: Check the magazine’s free digital version for a full list of the staff with email addresses.
- Pay: We hear 20 to 30 cents a word.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Charleston Design and Style
Live near Charleston, South Carolina or the Low Country area in the US? If you’re a style or design writer, you might already know about Charleston Design and Style Magazine and its website. They publish stories about design projects from interesting builders, architects, and interior decorators (plus fashion and art). They definitely hire freelance writers (and pay decent rates). Go check them out and send them a pitch or two.
- Homepage: https://charlestonstyleanddesign.com/
- Contributor info: https://charlestonstyleanddesign.com/about-us/
- Pay: We hear $200.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes, a short one.
Charlotte Parent Magazine
Charlotte Parent is a magazine and website focused on arming local parents with helpful information. Pitch them topics that appeal to their audience of parents in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Read through the website and magazine to get a better idea of what types of articles get a yes. Keep your article ideas relevant to the local area with sources, recommendations, experts, and interviewees. Check out their editorial calendar for details about monthly themes too.
- Homepage: https://www.charlotteparent.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.charlotteparent.com/about-us/
- Pay: We hear $50 to $150
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Chesapeake Family Life
How well do you know the Virginia, DC, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania areas? Chesapeake Family Life Magazine and website pay writers for parenting-related stories. To get an idea of what they’ve already OK’ed, read the website and magazine. They’d love for you to send them a letter of introduction (LOI) with a link to your writing portfolio, and a well-researched pitch or two. Remember to use local experts (at least 3 local experts for most articles for example). Reference local events, anecdotes, and people when it makes sense.
- Homepage: https://www.chesapeakefamily.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.chesapeakefamily.com/writers-guidelines/
- Pay: $75 to $200
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Chicago Reader
Chicago Reader is a local printed newspaper with a blog focused on what’s going on in the Chicagoland area. They occasionally hire freelance writers for their City Life, Comics, News & Politics, and Art & Culture sections. They recommend pitching a short article (300-1000 words max) if you’ve never written for them. And they really want you to send a pitch, not a complete article.
- Homepage: https://www.chicagoreader.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/ReaderFreelanceinformation/Page
- Pay: We hear 23 cents per word.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Colorado Living
Want to write about interesting homes, rooms, and design features in Colorado? You can pitch your design ideas to Colorado Homes and Lifestyles Magazine and blog. Pay attention to previously published stories for clues about what to pitch (and include photos) to increase your chances of getting a yes.
- Homepage: https://www.coloradohomesmag.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.coloradohomesmag.com/meet-the-team/
- Pay: We hear $200 to $400
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No, but you get an author’s page.
Connecticut Magazine
Connecticut Magazine and blog hire local freelance writers. They’re looking for writers who pitch them interesting lifestyle article topics for their Connecticut-only readers. Avoid pitching articles that have been in most other publications or already published here. Find a fresh angle to get their attention.
- Homepage: https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticutmagazine/
- Contributor info: https://www.ctinsider.com/contact/
- Pay: We hear $100 to $1000.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Dallas Style and Design
Design and style writers living near Dallas, Texas, you’ve got a local magazine and website putting out articles about design and building projects (and other beautiful things) for their affluent readers. And we hear Dallas Style and Design hires freelance writers too. Have a look at the site and digital magazine (sorry, no real writer guidelines here). You’ll find their list of editors in the magazine.
- Homepage: https://dsdmag.com/
- Contributor info: https://dsdmag.com/about-us/
- Pay: We hear around 40 cents a word (for 650 word stories).
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes.
Douglas Business Magazine
Douglas Business Magazine is a Canadian print magazine and website. They want stories about Victoria British Columbia business. For example, business news, leadership, advice, and technology are subjects they want (big surprise, Victoria is just across the bay from Seattle). Their recommendations for you, read a few back issues (or the site) before you pitch them. Your story needs to include local info and experts too.
- Homepage: https://www.douglasmagazine.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.pageonepublishing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Page-One-Writer-Guidelines.pdf?x37414
- Pay: We hear around 40 cents a word.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes, on a separate page with a photo, links, and your other articles.
East Bay Express
If you’re in the Berkeley, Oakland, or East Bay areas of California, you could do some paid local freelance writing for East Bay Express. They want to know about local news, events, cultural happenings, and music.
- Homepage: https://www.eastbayexpress.com/
- Contributor info: https://eastbayexpress.com/contact-us-2/
- Pay: We hear $120 to $600 for news or feature stories.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Edible Columbus
Are you a freelance food writer living near Columbus Ohio? Maybe it’s time to join a handful of other local writers and make some money writing about your fav subject at home. The Edible Communities are all over the US (check their website). We hear the Edible Columbus magazine and website are accepting pitches (and they pay writers). You’ll have to check with each Edible community to make sure they are actively publishing a magazine (and paying writers). If you find one in your neck of the woods, it’s worth looking (if you love writing about food).
- Homepage: https://ediblecolumbus.ediblecommunities.com/
- Contributor info: https://ediblecolumbus.ediblecommunities.com/contributors
- Pay: We hear $50 to $200.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes, a short one with a photo (plus a writer’s profile on a separate page).
Evansville Living
If you live in the Evansille, Indiana area, you could get a sweet gig pitching this lifestyle blog and magazine on local homes and gardens to feature in its Home and Style section. Make sure to send them a few relevant portfolio pieces with your pitches. Your photography skills (for photo features) will also get their attention.
- Homepage: Go to the Home & Style section here
- Contributor info: http://www.evansvilleliving.com/our-staff
- Pay: We hear $75 to $300.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Ft Myers Magazine
Ft Myers Magazine wants pitches and completed articles about local topics on the arts, culture, travel, entertainment, and food & drinks for visitors and residents in Southwest Florida. You can read through the digital magazine here for more inspiration.
- Homepage: https://www.ftmyersmagazine.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.ftmyersmagazine.com/aboutus
- Pay: We hear 10 cents a word.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Georgia Family Magazine
Georgia Family magazine and website write for their audience of busy parents in Central Georgia. We strongly recommend working with local experts, giving local recommendations, and using local parents as sources for your articles. If you’ve got a previously published article, they’ll consider it too.
- Homepage: https://www.georgiafamily.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.georgiafamily.com/writers-guidelines/
- Pay: Up to $80 (usually under 700 words).
- Contributor byline: No.
- Contributor bio: No.
Georgia Magazine
Georgia Electric Membership Cooperation has published the Georgia Magazine since 1945. They’re looking for Georgia-only lifestyle articles (especially on interesting Georgians, unique activities, historical, travel, or interview-based topics). You can read through their past issues online to get an idea.
- Homepage: https://www.georgiamagazine.org/
- Contributor info: https://www.georgiamagazine.org/content/contact-us
- Pay: We hear $200 to $500.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes.
Honolulu Magazine
Despite its name, Honolulu Magazine and blog publish articles about Hawaii. But it’s not for the tourists. This baby is dedicated to the locals. They’ve got staff writers but regularly hire freelance writers too. You can send pitches or finished articles (although we recommend pitches).
- Homepage: https://www.honolulumagazine.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.honolulumagazine.com/guidelines-for-freelancing/
- Pay: We hear $100 to $600 for department pieces and $600 to $1800 for features.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Hudson Valley Parent
Hudson Valley Parent Magazine and online blog want your local stories about parenting. They especially love first-person experiences (and remember to interview local parents and experts too). Health, wellness, and family life are just some examples of preferred topics. They tend to focus more on children from 0 to 14 years old.
- Homepage: https://hvparent.com/
- Contributor info: https://hvparent.com/Pages/WritersGuidelines.aspx
- Pay: Typically pays $80 for 700-800 word locally-focused articles. $90-120 for 1200 word articles.
- Contributor byline: Yes, but no links.
- Contributor bio: No.
Kentucky Monthly
Kentucky Monthly Magazine and website are looking for freelance writers for travel, history, and other intriguing stories to give locals and visitors a reason to explore the state. If you’re also a creative writer, they’re also interested in fiction with a strong connection to Kentucky.
- Homepage: http://www.kentuckymonthly.com/
- Contributor info: http://www.kentuckymonthly.com/contact
- Pay: 15 cents a word (negotiable) for 1000-2500 word features normally.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners
Want to write about organic gardening? The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners quarterly magazine accepts freelance pitches. Check out the most recent issue online to see if your ideas fit (and you can look at past issues too). And make sure to pitch well in advance based on your seasonal topic ideas.
- Homepage: https://www.mofga.org/our-community/publications/the-maine-organic-farmer-gardener/
- Contributor info: https://www.mofga.org/writers-guidelines/
- Pay: 20 cents a word.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
MetroParent
Are you a busy parent living near Detroit Michigan? Then you’ve probably got something to pitch Metro Parent. This print magazine also features a blog (updated daily!) for reported articles and tips on parenting in southeast Michigan. If you live in (or know) this part of the US, pitch them your ideas. Just make sure to have a portfolio of writing to show them first.
- Homepage: https://www.metroparent.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.metroparent.com/write-for-metro-parent-magazine-and-website/
- Pay: From $50-75 for short articles, up to $150-350 for 1,000-2,500 words.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Nevada Magazine
Nevada Magazine is the official tourism magazine for the state. They’re looking for stories written from personal experience and research. You don’t have to live in Nevada, but your story won’t get a “yes” if your research is strictly web-based. They like stories about the cities, the rural towns, interesting restaurants (or other businesses) and stories about its history. Plenty of room for food and drink topics here.
- Homepage: https://nevadamagazine.com/
- Contributor info: https://nevadamagazine.com/about/writers-guidelines/
- Pay: $100 to $200 for 500-1500 words.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
New Jersey Family Magazine
New Jersey Family Magazine and website hire freelance writers for their parenting publications. Just don’t expect any detailed submission guidelines (because they don’t have much). So put on your researching cap and read around the website (or magazine) to make sure your pitch ideas fit their style. If you can focus on local recommendations, experts and families, you’re already moving in the right direction.
- Homepage: https://www.njfamily.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.njfamily.com/about-us/
- Pay: We hear up to $100.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Sometimes you have a short sentence.
New Jersey Monthly
New Jersey Monthly publishes lifestyle articles for their local readers. They recommend you check out their Garden Variety section of the magazine. Front-of-book sections are a great way to land a paying gig and make friends with a great-paying publication (so check it out). As their name says, they’re only looking for stories that are directly related to New Jersey. No generic stuff, please. And send pitches, not full articles.
- Homepage: https://njmonthly.com/
- Contributor info: https://njmonthly.com/writers-guidelines/
- Pay: We hear $750 to $2500.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes, a sentence or two.
New Mexico Magazine
New Mexico Magazine wants your stories for their print magazine and online blog. This tourism department-run publication especially loves first-hand stories about interesting parts of New Mexico for their inquisitive local residents and visitors. If it makes their readers want to learn more about New Mexico, they’re interested.
- Homepage: https://www.newmexico.org/nmmagazine/
- Contributor info: https://www.newmexico.org/nmmagazine/contributor-guidelines/
- Pay: 35-40 cents per word for 500 to 2000 word articles usually.
- Contributor byline: Yes, which links to a writer profile.
- Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences, no links.
New York Magazine
You can pitch your ideas to New York Magazine, but you’re on your own as far as research and figuring out what they want. Do some extra sleuthing to find the right editors too (so you can follow them on social). You can send your pitches to the generic “pitches” email address. If you don’t get an answer, try connecting with editors on social media (so finding out editors’ names is key here). And yes, they do really accept freelance pitches. You just might need to be a tad persistent.
- Homepage: https://nymag.com/
- Contributor info: https://nymag.com/contactus/
- Pay: We hear 65 cents a word.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No
Oregon Coast Magazine
Oregon Coast Magazine and website accept freelance article pitches. They’re looking for stories about how to get to interesting destinations, easy day trips, great places to eat, and more. Practical information and entertaining stories about how to pass the time (or eat and drink wonderful things) on the Oregon coast is their jam.
- Homepage: https://oregoncoastmagazine.com/
- Contributor info: https://oregoncoastmagazine.com/submit-content/
- Pay: $100 to $650 for 400-3000 words.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Oregon Home
Oregon Home Magazine helps its readers get ideas and discover the talented designers and builders working in their area. Got access to beautiful home or garden projects in Oregon? This magazine might be interested. No writer guidelines to help you out, but you already know how to research, dontcha? And you do have a list of editors.
- Homepage: https://oregonhomemagazine.com/index.php
- Contributor info: https://oregonhomemagazine.com/contact-us
- Pay: We hear 50 cents to $1 a word.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Raising Arizona Kids
Do you live in Arizona? Raising Arizona Kids Magazine pays freelance writers if they live in the area. Their goal is to help make parenting easier from birth to high school graduation. If you have access to local experts and local Arizona info, you’re perfectly poised to do some articles with tons of local recommendations, sources, and experts.
- Homepage: https://www.raisingarizonakids.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.raisingarizonakids.com/writer-guidelines/
- Pay: $50-200 for 300-1000+ word articles.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences.
Sacramento Magazine
Sacramento Magazine and blog are looking for local writers for lifestyle articles. Their parent company Sacramento Media also publishes design and style-friendly magazine Sacramento Home. Flip through their online magazine or blog to get ideas before sending a pitch.
- Homepage: https://www.sacmag.com/hg/
- Contributor info: https://www.sacmag.com/contact-us/
- Pay: We hear $400 to $800.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No, but you get an author’s page with a photo.
San Diego Family Magazine
San Diego Family Magazine and blog pay freelance writers for parenting articles. Have a look at what they’ve already published before you contact the editors. They’re looking for completed article submissions (all the more reason to do plenty of research). San Diego Family will sometimes accept previously published articles (make sure to add in references to the local area for a better chance of a yes with reprints).
- Homepage: https://www.sandiegofamily.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.sandiegofamily.com/?view=article&id=60:guide-for-editorial-submissions&catid=61&highlight=WyJndWlkZSJd
- Pay: We hear 11 cents a word (for 400 to 1100 words on average).
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: A short one.
Sasee Magazine
Sasee Magazine is looking for local writers with lifestyle pitches. If you’re in the South Carolina area, you may be a good fit for this publication. You can flip through the current or past issues online see what they like. They prefer articles with a strong connection to the local area (so living nearby helps).
- Homepage: https://sasee.com/
- Contributor info: https://sasee.com/submissions/
- Pay: $100-200 (for 500-1000 word articles).
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences with a photo.
Savannah Magazine
Savannah Magazine and blog publish articles on food, health, home decor and weddings in this Georgia and South Carolina coastal area. Send article ideas that will appeal to their local readers (and not the general public). You can stand out from the crowd with pitches that include historical details and local interviews.
- Homepage: https://www.savannahmagazine.com/category/homes/
- Contributor info: https://www.savannahmagazine.com/about-us/
- Pay: We hear $100 to $400.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No, but you get an author’s page.
Seattle Magazine
Live in the Seattle, Washington area? Seattle Magazine and its blog publish lifestyle topics, so they’re open to ideas. Make sure your pitch appeals to their local Seattle readers (and have a strong connection with the area). Take a look at other articles and you’ll get the idea. Their writer guidelines do a fantastic job too (so read them please).
- Homepage: https://seattlemag.com/seattle-living/
- Contributor info: https://www.seattlemag.com/writer-guidelines
- Pay: Starting at $50 to $100 (FOBs), $350 (departments), and $400 up to $1000 for features.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Tallahassee Magazine
If you’re in the Tallahassee, Florida area, take a look at the Tallahassee Magazine and blog for potential freelance writing gigs. They publish articles on food, drinks, homes, gardens, style, and travel for their Central Florida-Tallahassee audience. Read through the online magazine or blog for inspiration.
- Homepage: https://www.tallahasseemagazine.com/home-garden/
- Contributor info: https://www.tallahasseemagazine.com/contact-us/
- Pay: We hear $75 to $300.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No. but you get a writer’s page.
Telluride Magazine
Telluride Magazine and digital publication are looking for articles for their mix of locals and tourists about this upscale historic mountain community. Places to visit, interesting food and drink, things to do, and outdoor adventures are just a few popular themes. Flip through the digital version of the magazine and you’ll quickly get the idea.
- Homepage: https://telluridemagazine.com/
- Contributor info: https://telluridemagazine.com/contribute/
- Pay: We hear $50 to $700.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Texas Gardener
Wanna write for Texas Gardener Magazine? Make sure you live in Texas (or know a ton about gardening there). They want practical stories about how to garden fruit, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, trees, and everything else. Feature articles about interesting gardeners are also welcome. Read their detailed writer guidelines and do your research before pitching.
- Homepage: https://www.texasgardener.com/
- Contributor info: https://texasgardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Writer-Guidelines-2021.pdf
- Pay: Starting at $50 (for personal essays) up to $200 for feature stories.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes, a short one.
Texas Highways
Texas Highways Magazine (along with its blog) have been the official travel magazine for the state since 1974. Their readers love learning about new off-the-beaten-path small towns and natural beauty. Don’t bother sending them anything that’s not about Texas. Pitch articles with a unique history, Texas culture, and a strong travel angle (and read their well-written, detailed writer guidelines) if you want a yes.
- Homepage: https://texashighways.com/
- Contributor info: https://texashighways.com/texas-highways-freelancer-guide/
- Pay: From 40 to 50 cents per word.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
Western New York Family Magazine
Western New York Family Magazine and blog publish parenting and family-friendly stories for their Buffalo, New York area readers. You’ll have a better chance of getting a yes if you use local sources and recommendations for your parenting-friendly stories. They’re especially looking for articles for their Teens & Tweens column and Special Needs column. Check out their very detailed writer guidelines for a few more deeply desired topics. They’re also open to buying reprints (in case you’ve got a timely topic for parents already written).
- Homepage: https://www.wnyfamilymagazine.com/
- Contributor info: https://www.wnyfamilymagazine.com/writer-s-guide/writer-s-guidelines
- Pay: We hear up to $150.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: Yes, a few sentences.
West Suburban Living
If you live in the West Suburbs of Chicago, take a look at this lifestyle magazine and blog. This area includes 50 different suburban towns (so you’ve got tons of room for inspiration). You can pitch them on a wide variety of topics like travel, local interviews, health, wellness, restaurants, events, and interesting shops.
- Homepage: https://www.westsuburbanliving.net/
- Contributor info: https://www.westsuburbanliving.net/site/contact.html
- Pay: We hear $75 to $400.
- Contributor byline: Yes.
- Contributor bio: No.
This List Needs YOUR Help!
Have you written for one of these blogs? Will you tell us about your experience?
Or do you know of another local or regional blog that pays at least $50 per post?
If you’ve got a tip about a blog that pays writers $50+, please send it to teambafb@gmail.com in exchange for our undying gratitude — thank you for your service.
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