Freelance writers know to pitch articles regularly to get their name out into the ether and gain recognition. But when many publications pay little or nothing for your work, where do you start? Which publications are worth the time and effort? Here’s how to find and pitch high-paying websites.

Narrow Your Focus

Find the right place to pitch the first time. How? Research publications and cold pitch ideas. Browse the directory from All Freelance Writing and its list of markets by category to find your niche. Writer’s Write is another source with a submission database and Writer’s Market list. Every market listed on these tools pay.

I used Writer’s Markets to find condensed information on Writer’s Digest. The magazine pays $0.30 to $0.50 per word for accepted contributions. In rare cases, they also pay $50 to $100 for online articles and guest posts. Although Writer’s Digest includes their rates with submission guidelines, using Writer’s Markets helps find what you need faster.

(NOTE from HOPE: I am collecting freelance pay rates for a feature in Writer’s Markets. Please feel free to fill out the questionnaire and help us collect an accurate database of rates currently being paid. )

Research Rates

Seek a publication’s submission guidelines, where most list rates. Not all post how much they pay, though. You can search for rates using Who Pays Writers. The free website is helpful in learning about other writers’ experiences before you pitch, too.

For example, the Huffington Post is a competitive source that publishes freelance work. Their submission guidelines state they pay contributors, but not how much. So I used Who Pays Writers to find the average pay is $0.20/word.

Warm Pitch Industry Influencers

Reach out to industry influencers. They could help you grow your career. And you may make long-lasting friendships or become a connected part of your community.

Carol Tice is a well-known influencer for freelance writers. According to submission guidelines, she pays $75-$150 for 750-1,000-word guest posts from those involved in her Freelance Writers Den or Jon Morrow’s mentoring program on Smart Blogger. The Freelance Writers Den also has a job board to search for clients. Members like Tara Malone claim joining the Den was the single best step she took for her freelance writing career.

Win Over the Editors

Personalize each pitch. If you’re writing to the editor of a website or magazine, use their name. For a big company or content agency, address the marketing manager or CEO. Congratulate their recent success and focus on what you can do for them.

When I pitched Hope here on FundsforWriters, I mentioned a recent post she wrote. I talked about how her writing resonated with me and drove me to want to work with her. FundsforWriters also lists freelance markets that pay $0.10/word or more.

Never Give Up

Pitching is a numbers game. You may need to follow up numerous times or alter your idea before your pitch is accepted. It’s also full of rejection, so you need thick skin.

Alex Jasin writes about how his first post on Entrepreneur Magazine required five months of back and forth with the editors and multiple revisions. Their submission guidelines say to expect up to eight weeks for publication if you’re a free member. But the $1.50/word (on average) pay is worth your time.
Final thought: Your pitch is only as good as your topic

Final Thought

Your pitch is only as good as your topic. If you don’t pitch an article you feel passionate about or don’t do your research, editors notice. Look at the magazine’s history so you don’t echo another story. Make sure you divulge enough knowledge from your research in your pitch, so the editor feels assured. I once wrote a pitch for Ranker, but after the editor accepted and I started writing, I realized the entire concept needed to be re-worked.

Save yourself some time by only pitching well-thought-out ideas to higher-paying sources.

Bio – Brit Haines (@be_writ) is a freelance writer, book editor, and writing coach. She also owns a small writing business called BeWrit – https://bewrit.com/, where she helps writers get published faster. When Brit’s not writing, you’ll find her recharging in nature.