Have you ever thought about getting paid to write from home? A few years back, I thought only famous authors or journalists with long résumés could earn money online. I was wrong. You don’t need awards or a big portfolio to start earning. Regular people like teachers, travelers, hobbyists, or freelancers are already making $100 or more per article. The trick is knowing where to pitch and how to present your ideas in a way editors can’t ignore.
In this post, I’m going to show you seven real websites that pay writers well. I’ll also share the links you need to get started and tips to increase your chances. By the end, you’ll see that earning money from your words isn’t a dream. It’s something you can do today.
1. Listverse — $100 per Accepted List
What they want: “Top 10” lists about history, science, culture, or mysteries.
Word count: About 1,500 words.
Pay: $100 via PayPal.
Submit Your Article here: Listverse Submission Form
Pick surprising or niche topics that make people say “Wow, I didn’t know that.” Avoid common stuff. For example, you could write, “10 Medical Practices From the Middle Ages That Actually Worked.”
2. International Living — $150–$400
What they want: Travel and lifestyle stories about living abroad or the cost of living.
Pay: $150 for short articles, up to $400 for long features.
Submit Your Article here: International Living Submissions
They love first-person stories. Even a short trip to a local market can become an article like “A $5 Feast in a Spanish Village.” Your experience is what makes the story interesting.
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3. A List Apart — $200
What they want: Articles on design, user experience, coding, and content strategy.
Pay: $200 flat per accepted article.
Submit Your Article here: A List Apart Submissions
Pitch ideas that solve real problems. For example, “Designing Accessible Websites for Dyslexic Readers” is a topic editors will love. Make your article practical and helpful.
4. Longreads — $250–$1,500
What they want: In-depth essays, narrative nonfiction, and cultural critiques.
Pay: Starts at $250, can go up to $1,500.
Submit Your Article here: Longreads Submission Guidelines
They want stories with depth. Instead of just saying “I moved abroad,” connect your experience to a bigger idea. For example, “What Migration Taught Me About Family Roots” makes your story more meaningful.
5. WriterAccess / Textbroker / iWriter — $100+ per Project
What they want: Business blogs, product copy, marketing articles.
Pay: Varies, but experienced writers earn $100 or more on premium projects.
Apply here:
Use these platforms to practice, build reviews, and unlock higher-paying clients. Think of them as your training ground where you improve and earn at the same time.
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6. The Sun Magazine — $100–$2,000
What they want: Personal essays, fiction, poetry, and raw reflections.
Pay: $100–$250 for short works, up to $2,000 for features.
Submit Your Article here: The Sun Submissions
Honesty is the most important thing. Stories about grief, love, or resilience are often more powerful than perfectly polished writing. Share your truth.
7. Writer’s Digest — $100+
What they want: Articles on writing, publishing, and the creative process.
Pay: $100 or more per article.
Submit Your Article here: Writer’s Digest Submissions
Share lessons you’ve learned. For example, “The Query Letter Mistakes That Cost Me a Book Deal and How I Fixed Them” is exactly the kind of story editors like.
How to Boost Your Chances?
- Read their style before you pitch. Learn how they write and what they like.
- Pitch ideas, not vague topics. “10 Forgotten Languages That Shaped Modern English” is better than just “Languages.”
- Show why you’re the right writer. Your personal experience gives you authority.
- Keep submitting. Rejections happen to everyone, but persistence pays off.
Conclusion
Every article you write is more than money. It’s a portfolio piece. It’s confidence. It’s proof that your words have value. The internet has removed the old gatekeepers. Now it’s all about your willingness to pitch, polish, and publish.
The real question is, when will you send your first article?
