Publications that pay $500 and up

And a new money guide for freelancers

Susan Shain

Feb 3, 2021

Hi! You made it through the year 2020 and the year known as January. Congrats!

In an effort to get this newsletter out more regularly in 2021, I’m going to make it a little bit shorter. I’ll include one section on pitching (since that’s why you’re here, right?) and one section on everything else.

Since I’m no longer traveling anymore, I’m also revamping my personal newsletter as 12 Things. Each month, I’ll share 12ish things that I’ve been working on (stories, etc.) or obsessing over (podcasts, books) and probably a photo of my dog. See the end of this newsletter for a preview. Of the dog, that is.

And lastly, some fun news: Where to Pitch made it onto The Write Life’s 2021 list of the best websites for writers! Thanks to Farrah Daniel for including us.

On pitching

Loving this database of successful freelance pitches! Pay it forward and add one while you’re there.
Abby Lee Hood shares the pitch that got her into the NYT’s Opinion section (plus others).
Pitch Like a Honey Badger, an amazing writing course wherein I learned everything I know, has another session in April (with the original teacher; I had a different one). If the $240 price is out of your budget, they offer scholarships.
Rae Witte’s newsletter, Approved Pitches, includes, um, approved pitches, along with subject lines and rate$$$.
Lola Méndez is offering a freelance writing consultation service where she’ll help you improve your pitches, find editorial contacts, and whatever else you might need. If you can’t afford the $300 fee, she shares links to several hours of free advice.
50+ pitching guides for NYT, NatGeo, Wired, WaPo, Bustle and more from Freelancing With Tim.

Struggling to stay on top of your freelance finances? Baffled by quarterly taxes? Then you need The Money Guide for Freelance Writers: How to Manage (and Feel Good About) Your Finances, which was written by my friend and mentor, Alexis Grant, the former executive editor of The Penny Hoarder, and her dad, who’s an accountant. These two know their stuff — and they don’t gloss over any of the technicalities. This guide covers everything from setting rates and maximizing profits to the ins and outs of LLCs, tax deductions, S-Corps, and retirement. Where to Pitch readers can get 20% off by using the code WHERETOPITCH.

On everything else

A list of publications paying $500 and up!
I don’t know where this massive REFERENCE DESK doc came from, but it’s pretty great (and I’m not just saying that ‘cuz Where to Pitch is on it).
I finally signed up for Study Hall, and I’m so glad I did. It makes you feel very in the know, media wise, and has some great resources.
On 2/16, Contently is offering a webinar on how to optimize your portfolio to get more work.
If you’re not listening to The Writers’ Co-op, are you even a freelance writer?
Here’s how Kat Boogaard planned for freelance parental leave (I’ve been enjoying her newsletter, too).
My friend Jess Lawlor’s got a newsletter focused on content writing.
The Medium verticals that pay flat fees (and how to pitch them).
The Will & Way newsletter features creative + tech job opportunities for women of color.

Just keep pitching!

Kristin Wong @thewildwong

It's hard to put yourself out there and not get any feedback. This is something I'm working on getting better at as an editor, but in the meantime, please don't let it discourage you from writing.

What awaits you at 12 Things…

“Maybe if I sit real proper they’ll like me!”

Want more Mochi in your life? Sign up for my new 12 Things newsletter!

xoxo

Susan