The internet is fraught with content mills. When so many of these mills pay $5 an article, it’s no wonder freelance writers get discouraged.
But dig deeper, and you’ll find out that all is not so bleak. I’ve put together a list of websites that pay writers a decent amount of money.
1. Cooking Detective
Pay: Extended guides pay $150-$250, depending on the topic. Articles pay $50-$75.
Topics: Healthy recipes, nutrition tips, entertaining menus, fitness guides, buying guides, reviews of cooking courses and kitchen appliances.
Pitching lessons: Cooking Detective recommends that writers read this extended Buffer guide and learn how to write better headlines before pitching.
2. A Fine Parent
Pay: $100
Topic: Parenting with the motto Great parents are Made, not Born. Raising happy and well-adjusted kids the slow and steady way.
Pitching lessons: A Fine Parent asks writers to include as many examples and personal anecdotes from their family and friends as possible, as well as links to authoritative references that support their points, with at least one of them pointing to a respected research study or published book.
Good to know: Submissions aren’t always open, so you should sign up for their waiting list to find out when submissions are open. Pitching usually follows seasonal writing prompts. A Fine Parent is one of the most popular websites that pay writers, so expect some competition.
3. Freelance Mom
Pay: $75 to $100 (plus a $150 bonus for top shared articles)
Topic: Motherhood and following your career dreams. Freelance Mom is a community for moms who believe that women can still be who they are after becoming a mom.
Pitching lessons: Your article should offer current practical and actionable advice, tips and be in-depth enough that the reader walks away with new knowledge and new approaches. Your article should be well-organized, written in short paragraphs and include lists and bullet points where it makes sense.
Good to know: Men are also welcome to apply.
4. Christian Science Monitor
Pay: $200 to $225. Longer stories can pay significantly more. Short stories or sidebars often pay half the basic rate.
14 Websites that Pay Writers $100
Topic: International and national news, features about people making a difference, a Christian perspective on science, books, the new economy, and energy voices.
Pitching lessons: Every section has different requirements. Get in touch with the right editor and never start writing before you have a contract.
Good to know: Work from new writers is accepted on spec only. This means that the editors want to see the full story before they accept it for publication. You’ll have to write and submit before you get paid.
5. A List Apart
Pay: The pay is $50 per mini-article, $100 per article and $200 per feature.
Topic: They welcome thoughtful submissions from all kinds of web professionals: designers, developers, architects, strategists, writers and project managers.
Pitching lessons: Make sure your submission:
Has a thesis and offers a clear argument—not just a list of tips and tricks.
Has a voice. Be bold, interesting, and human.
Is supported with convincing arguments, not just opinions. Fact-check, and cite sources where appropriate.