27 Magazines That Accept Submissions from Freelancers

If you’re a freelance writer looking to get published, you’ll be excited to know that there are many magazines that accept submissions from freelancers. Whether you’re interested in writing fiction, lifestyle pieces, travel essays, or investigative journalism, there’s likely a magazine out there eager for your expertise. In this blog post, we’ll cover a broad range of well-known and niche magazines that regularly accept freelance submissions.

Arts, History, and Culture Magazines

If you’re an arts and culture writer (or you’re interested in becoming one), there are a plethora of magazines that publish content relating to the visual arts, music, literature, theater, and film. Here are just a few of them: 

1. Smithsonian

The Smithsonian magazine publishes unique, in-depth pieces about history, science, arts, and culture. Freelancers are welcome to pitch feature stories and essays.

Want to write for the Smithsonian? Find out more here.

2. JSTOR Daily

JSTOR Daily connects scholarly research with current events and culture. Freelancers can pitch well-researched articles that link history and cultural trends to contemporary issues.

Want to write for JSTOR Daily? Find out more here.

3. Artforum 

Online magazine Artforum publishes news articles, critical essays, reviews, and more, all with a focus on contemporary art and visual culture. 

Want to write for Artforum? Find out more here. 

Commentary and Criticism Magazines 

Commentary and criticism, or opinion-based writing, covers a wide range of subjects – from politics and societal issues to entertainment and culture. Lots of publications include this type of content, so writers with thought-provoking insights and new perspectives are always in demand. If you’re interested in this type of writing, here are a few of the magazines you could submit to:

1. The New Yorker

Writers can submit fiction, poetry, cartoon pitches, and commentary on modern culture, literature, and politics.

Want to write for The New Yorker? Find out more here.

2. The Baffler

The Baffler is known for its sharp political commentary and cultural criticism. Freelancers can pitch essays, commentary, and criticism on relevant topics.

Want to write for The Baffler? Find out more here.

3. The New Republic

The New Republic publishes commentary and criticism on politics, culture, and current events. Freelancers can pitch opinion pieces, essays, and critiques that offer fresh perspectives on contemporary political and cultural issues.

Want to write for The New Republic? Find out more here.

Food and Cooking Magazines

Everybody eats. Being paid to eat and write about it is a dream come true! Since food is always in demand, it’s easy to see why food writing is such a popular and lucrative freelance niche.

If you are or want to become a food writer, there are lots of magazines that pay writers for food-related content. Here are a few examples:

1. Bon Appétit

Freelancers can pitch stories about food culture, cooking, dining experiences, and culinary trends.

Want to write for Bon Appétit? Find out more here.

2. The Local Palate

This magazine focuses on the food and drink culture of the American South. Writers can pitch stories about regional cuisine, local food trends, and Southern food traditions.

Want to write for The Local Palate? Find out more here.

3. Edible Communities

Edible Communities publishes a variety of local magazines focused on food and sustainability. Freelancers can pitch stories highlighting local food cultures, sustainable farming, and regional cuisines.

Want to write for Edible Communities? Find out more here.

Journalism and Writing Magazines 

In a world with a 24-hour news cycle and social media platforms galore, the demand for fresh stories, news, and information is constant. This is where freelance journalists and content writers come in! As well as covering current events and breaking news, many publications accept longer-form pieces on a variety of topics. 

Here are a few publications you could submit to if this type of writing appeals to you:

1. The New York Times Magazine

The New York Times Magazine accepts pitches from freelancers for well-researched, long-form journalism and essays on timely subjects.

Want to write for The New York Times Magazine? Find out more here.

2. Writer’s Digest

Writer’s Digest publishes articles on writing craft, publishing tips, and author profiles. Freelancers can pitch articles that provide value to budding authors.

Want to write for Writer’s Digest? Find out more here.

3. Longreads

Longreads publishes long-form journalism, essays, and personal stories. The editors prefer pitches for deeply reported pieces and personal essays.

Want to write for Longreads? Find out more here.

Fashion and Lifestyle Magazines

Freelance fashion and lifestyle writing is ideal for those who love exploring trends and sharing their personal experiences, insights, and recommendations. Popular topics include travel, fashion, food, DIY, wellness, and personal growth. With constant shifts in trends and preferences, there’s always something new to cover – making this a vibrant niche for freelance writers.

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a fashion writer or a lifestyle writer, or you simply want to broaden your experience, here are a few magazines you could send your work to:

1. Good Housekeeping

Good Housekeeping accepts pitches for long-form narratives, deep-dive guides, and personal essays on a variety of topics. The goal of their content is to spark conversation about timely subjects, and provide valuable information to their readers. 

Want to write for Good Housekeeping? Find out more here.

2. Cosmopolitan

Freelancers can pitch articles on relationships, fashion trends, lifestyle advice, and pop culture.

Want to write for Cosmopolitan? Find out more here.

3. InStyle

InStyle focuses on fashion trends, beauty, celebrity style, and lifestyle content. Freelancers can pitch stories on fashion tips, beauty advice, wellness, and culture.

Want to write for InStyle? Find out more here.

Literature Magazines

Freelance creative writing – whether poetry, essays, or fiction – is perfect for those who thrive on imagination and storytelling. With endless opportunities to explore the depths of human experience, it’s a fulfilling and expressive niche.

Want to pitch your creative ideas? Here are a few magazines you could reach out to:

1. The Paris Review

The Paris Review accepts fiction, poetry, and essays, especially work with a strong literary voice and unique perspective.

Want to write for The Paris Review? Find out more here.

2. The Rumpus

The Rumpus is known for long-form essays and intimate personal stories. It is also interested in creative nonfiction and cultural commentary.

Want to write for The Rumpus? Find out more here.

3. Ploughshares

A literary journal that accepts fiction, essays, and poetry, Ploughshares seeks strong, character-driven stories and innovative poetry.

Want to write for Ploughshares? Find out more here.

Technology Magazines

Technology evolves rapidly, meaning there’s always something groundbreaking to explore. To get started on being a tech writer, or to widen your existing portfolio, here are some publications you could submit to:

1. WIRED

WIRED accepts freelance pitches on technology, culture, science, and business. Writers should focus on trends, innovation, and thought-provoking narratives.

Want to write for WIRED? Find out more here.

2. MIT Technology Review

MIT Technology Review covers emerging technologies, their impact on society, and the future of innovation. Freelancers can submit pitches for in-depth articles on tech trends, scientific advancements, and analyses.

Want to write for MIT Technology Review? Find out more here.

3. Ars Technica

Ars Technica focuses on technology, IT, science, and policy. It accepts pitches for detailed analysis and reporting on everything from software development to tech policy and science breakthroughs.

Want to write for Ars Technica? Find out more here.

Travel Magazines 

With endless destinations and cultures to explore, travel writing is an expansive and exciting niche. Inspiring stories, adventure-filled memoirs, restaurant and hotel reviews, travel itineraries…take your pick! 

If you want to become a travel writer, or you already are one, there are lots of magazines that will pay you for travel-related articles. Here are a few of them: 

1. National Geographic

National Geographic looks for rich, visually descriptive travel stories, cultural essays, and investigative reporting about environmental and scientific issues.

Want to write for National Geographic? Find out more here.

2. Outside

Outside magazine publishes feature articles, travel pieces, and essays on outdoor adventure, health, and environmental issues.

Want to write for Outside? Find out more here.

3. Atlas Obscura

Atlas Obscura is a publisher that focuses on off-the-beaten-path travel destinations and hidden historical gems. Freelancers can pitch stories on unusual historical events, locations, and cultural traditions.

Want to write for Atlas Obscura? Find out more here.

National and International Affairs Magazines

Writing for this niche allows freelancers to weigh in on important conversations and perhaps even influence the outcomes. Writers in this niche offer insightful analysis and in-depth reporting on political, social, and economic events, and more. 

Here are a few magazines in this niche that accept submissions: 

1. The Atlantic

Freelancers can submit pitches for reported articles, opinion pieces, and personal essays. The Atlantic encourages fresh perspectives on current events and societal issues.

Want to write for The Atlantic? Find out more here.

2. Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs accepts freelance submissions on international relations, global policy issues, and national security. Writers can pitch well-researched and analytical pieces about current geopolitical events and foreign policy.

Want to write for Foreign Affairs? Find out more here.

3. Foreign Policy 

Foreign Policy showcases ideas and analysis on global affairs from experts, journalists, and practitioners of international relations. Its articles are designed to spark debate among specialists but also engage a general interest reader.

Want to write for Foreign Policy? Find out more here. 

Becoming A Freelance Writer

If you’re excited by the idea of seeing your byline in these respected publications, becoming a freelance writer could be an accessible and rewarding career path for you. Many of these magazines offer the chance to build your portfolio while getting paid for your work.

To learn how to craft compelling pitches, organize your workflow, and maximize your earning potential, try our Becoming A Freelance Writer course. Start with some free lessons and be on your way to success in this dynamic industry!