Assembling a list of the best 100 markets for writers is bound to stir up debate about the hows and whys of putting together the list. Let me just assert from the beginning that this is not meant to be comprehensive or even super scientific, though there are science magazines included in this selection. Rather, it’s a list of 100 great markets for writers that cover a variety of topics and offer opportunities to writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and even more experimental genres.
I’ve included information on what they want, how to submit, and payment information. However, keep in mind that publishing is constantly changing and that new guidelines could develop at any moment. That’s why I’ve also included each market’s website—so you can confirm the current situation for each market.
If this list whets your freelancing appetite, keep in mind that there are other guides and directories, including my own Writer’s Market, that list thousands of publishing opportunities for writers. Good luck with your submission efforts!
ANIMAL
The Chronicle of the Horse
The Chronicle of the Horse covers national and international horse competitions, focusing on dressage, hunters and jumpers, foxhunting, and steeplechase racing. The magazine published its first edition in 1937 and publishes new issues 18 times per year. WHAT THEY WANT: The editors say, “In addition to reporting sport horse news, we feature articles on horse care and profiles of prominent horse people. We also occasionally accept humor, human interest, and historical articles. No poetry, please. Much of our editorial material comes from freelance writers.” OTHER ADVICE: The Chronicle of the Horse also has a sister publication titled Untacked that comes out four times per year that’s focused more on lifestyle topics, including fashion, travel, product reviews, and other parts of the equestrian life. HOW TO SUBMIT: For either publication and their website, writers are advised to submit queries to Executive Editor Beth Rasin at brasin @coth.com. Freelancers should always clear the assignment with the editors first. PAYMENT: The magazine pays $165–$220 for news stories of approximately 1,500 words covering competitions. Payment for feature articles of 1,500–2,500 words ranges from $150– $400.
CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine
CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine is “devoted to providing a bridge from the world’s ocean environments to the home marine and reef aquarium, using the finest photographs and latest information from noted marine aquarists and underwater photographers worldwide.” Launched in 2004, the magazine is published bimonthly by Reef to Rainforest publications. WHAT THEY WANT: The editors say, “[Readers] rely on us to publish the work of experts and people who know their subjects. Hands-on advice on selecting and keeping aquarium fishes, invertebrates, and plants is enhanced with reports on aquaculture, environmental issues, and pioneering work in aquarium technology and marine science.” Potential writers should familiarize themselves with CORAL before submitting. A sample edition can be found on their contributor guidelines page (Reef2Rainforest.com/contributor-guidelines). OTHER ADVICE: In addition to submissions for the print magazine, writers can pitch Senior Editor Matt Pedersen (matt.pedersen@reef2rainforest.com) with blog post ideas of 250–1,000 words with at least one image. Payment for these is typically $25 per post. HOW TO SUBMIT: Then, freelancers should pitch Editor James Lawrence at james.lawrence@reef2rainforest.com with a brief description of your article idea, including your qualifications to write the piece and the availability of images. PAYMENT: Ranges from $100–$600 for articles, “depending on length, complexity, the author’s experience, and whether or not images are included with the text.” First-time freelancers often receive $300–$350 for an article that includes images.
Horse Illustrated
Horse Illustrated serves the hands-on horse owner by promoting the best in horse care, riding, and training. WHAT THEY WANT: Looking for reader-friendly pieces with a conversational tone, shorter word counts (500–1,200) and topics to add dimension to the magazine’s regular training and horse care features—human interest, lifestyle, fashion, travel, equestrian issues—both large (welfare) and small (boarding barn drama!)—plus humor, first-person stories, and more. OTHER ADVICE: The editors say, “Expand on your ideas so we can see your specific angle for the piece and what you propose to cover. Include ideas for expert resources to interview where appropriate. A good pitch letter is your opportunity to show off your writing skills and demonstrate that you have an understanding of our magazine and audience.” HOW TO SUBMIT: Send article pitches via email (horseillus trated@egmediamags.com). PAYMENT: Negotiates rates.
Just Labs
Just Labs focuses on the family of Labrador retrievers. Established in 2001, this bimonthly magazine covers all aspects of the life of the Labrador retriever, the top AKCregistered breed in America. WHAT THEY WANT: Features tend to run 1,200–1,500 words and focus on topics like breeding/genetics; puppy issues; Labs as service dogs; caring, feeding, and health; history; fun activities; photo essays; and training. “There is some room for shorter reflective lyrical and/or humor pieces if they are particularly well-written.” OTHER ADVICE: The editors say, “Just Labs offers readers all the information needed to get the most out of their Labs—training advice to be a good citizen, the latest health care information, profiles of how Labs help humans in various service functions, features on how you and your Lab can have fun, and columns designed specifically for the young Lab-lovers in the family.” HOW TO SUBMIT: After reading a few issues of the magazine, writers are encouraged to pitch Associate Editor Jill Lacross at jillian.lacross@vpdcs.com. Pitches should include a description of proposed article and photo support if available. PAYMENT: Commonly $200– $450 upon publication.
REPTILES
REPTILES is a bimonthly magazine that covers reptiles and amphibians. Established in 1992, REPTILES “caters to reptile and amphibian hobbyists at all levels of experience, from beginner to veteran.” WHAT THEY WANT: Article topics that interest the editors include pet reptile husbandry (containing natural history as well as detailed care and husbandry of captive animals); field herping and travel (details experiences searching for wild reptiles and amphibians in nature); conservation (pieces that detail reptile- and amphibian-related conservation efforts); and health (articles by board-certified veterinarians with expertise in treating herps). OTHER ADVICE: The editors say, “We prefer authors to have several years or more experience working with the animals they wish to write about.” HOW TO SUBMIT: Prospective writers should query first with their proposed article idea via email to reptileswebeditor@gmail.com. In that query, they should describe their background with the species and indicate whether they can provide images with the text. PAYMENT: Usually $200 for an article of 2,000–2,500 words with images.
BUSINESS
Alaska Business
Alaska Business is a monthly magazine covering Alaskan business for Alaskan, American, and international audiences. They aim to provide thorough and objective reporting and analysis of all business enterprise and business in the state. WHAT THEY WANT: Alaska Business has special sections every month emphasizing a certain part of the economy. For instance, they emphasize construction in March and natural resource development in November. Plus, they publish annual features like the Corporate 100, Best of Alaska Business awards, and the Top 49ers (Alaskan-owned companies ranked by revenue). “Our content is written by our talented in-house editorial staff as well as freelance writers,” the editors add, “we are always open to featuring talented writers who are invested in Alaska and the businesses that form the foundation of our economy.” OTHER ADVICE: The editors say, “Alaska Business publishes informative articles on everything from entrepreneurs to heavy industry. Our content resonates with all things Alaska business, including all of Alaska’s major industries. Our reach extends beyond the businessperson to include visitors to our state and the general public.” HOW TO SUBMIT: Potential writers should submit a résumé and three writing clips to Managing Editor Tasha Anderson via email (editor @akbizmag.com). “While we consider pitches, generally our freelance writers are given assignments. Articles are assigned at least one month in advance of the story’s deadline,” the editors say. “We also welcome queries from individuals who would like to write columns in their field of expertise as a guest author or contributor. Please email a short bio detailing your area of expertise as well as a brief summary of the article you’d like to submit.” PAYMENT: Negotiable rates. Buys all rights.
Dollars & Sense
Dollars & Sense is a bimonthly magazine that covers real world economics. “Our readers include students, community activists, organizers, labor leaders, environmentalists, economists, and many others. In most cases, articles are geared to a high school reading level.” WHAT THEY WANT: The main formats and lengths for writers are Features (in-depth articles on a broad range of economic topics of 1,500–3,000 words); Active Culture (briefs on activism of 250–400 words); and Reviews (coverage of recent books, movies, and other media with an economic slant of 700 words). OTHER ADVICE: The editors say, “Dollars & Sense is a progressive economics magazine that explains in a popular way both the workings of the economy and the struggles to change it. Articles may be on any economic issue, including the environment, community organizing, urban conflict, inflation, unemployment, union reform, welfare, changes in government regulation … a broad range of topics, as long as the article has an economic theme.” HOW TO SUBMIT: Potential writers are encouraged to query by email (dollars @dollarsandsense.org), but postal pitches will be considered as well at Editors, Dollars & Sense, 95 Berkeley Street, Ste. 305, Boston MA 02116. Pitches can include a more detailed proposal or outline, but the editors suggest not sending complete manuscripts. PAYMENT: Negotiable rates.
Harvard Business Review
(HBR.org)
is a bimonthly business magazine published by Harvard Business Publishing, a not-for-profit subsidiary of Harvard University. Their focus is on improving the practice of management in an ever-changing world. This is a competitive market that receives many more pitches than the editors can publish. As such, there are five qualities the editors look for when figuring out what to publish: expertise (writers don’t have to be famous, but they must know their subject inside and out); evidence (referring to research, examples, and data when possible); originality (new ideas and unique perspectives); usefulness (showing readers how to apply knowledge in real life); and persuasive and a pleasure to read. As the editors say, “ readers are smart and The editors say, “At , we believe in management. If the world’s organizations and institutions were run more effectively, if our leaders made better decisions, if people worked more productively, we believe that all of us—employees, bosses, customers, our families, and the people our businesses affect—would be better off. We try to arm our readers with ideas that help them become smarter, more creative, and more courageous in their work. To do that, we enlist the foremost experts in management theory and practice to share their insights and counsel.” Prospective writers can pitch ideas to the editors, but any idea that is promising will require a more formal proposal and narrative outline (up to 800 words) that explains the central message of the piece, why it’s unique and useful, why people need to know it now and how they can use it, why it’s authoritative, and what academic, professional, or personal experience will be used. Submit via their Submittable page (). Negotiable rates.
