Writer researching essay markets on laptop with notebook

Get Paid to Write Essays: 12 Sites That Will Pay You for Your Ideas

Ever wondered if you could turn your personal experiences into paid writing opportunities? The good news is that many publications are actively seeking authentic voices and are willing to pay for compelling personal essays. Whether you’re sharing insights about parenting struggles, travel adventures, or life-changing moments, there’s likely a market for your unique perspective.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to get paid to write essays, featuring 12 legitimate publications that compensate writers for their personal stories. You’ll discover what editors look for, how to craft effective pitches, and the steps to transform your experiences into income-generating content.

How to Get Paid to Write Essays: The Process

Breaking into the world of paid essay writing isn’t complicated, but it does require a strategic approach. Here’s a simple three-step process to help you get started:

1. Find Suitable Markets

Research publications that align with your writing style and personal experiences. Look for those that explicitly state they pay for personal essays and study their published pieces to understand what resonates with their audience.

2. Craft Your Pitch

Most publications require a pitch before accepting a full essay. Your pitch should clearly communicate your essay’s angle, why it matters now, and why you’re the right person to write it. Keep it concise but compelling.

3. Submit Your Essay

Once your pitch is accepted, write and submit your essay according to the publication’s guidelines. Pay attention to word count, formatting requirements, and submission deadlines to maximize your chances of acceptance.

Essential Checklist Before Submitting

  • Read several published essays from your target publication
  • Review submission guidelines thoroughly
  • Craft a compelling headline that captures attention
  • Edit your essay for clarity, conciseness, and emotional impact
  • Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors
  • Include a brief bio highlighting relevant experience
  • Follow up appropriately if you don’t hear back within the stated timeframe

12 Sites That Pay for Personal Essays

Ready to get paid to write essays? These 12 publications actively seek and compensate writers for personal essays. Each has its own focus, style preferences, and payment structure, so take time to find the best match for your writing.

Publication Payment Range Word Count Focus Areas
The New York Times – Modern Love $300 1,500-1,700 Relationships, love, connection
Narratively $200-$300 2,000-2,500 Unique human experiences
Longreads $500+ 2,500+ In-depth personal stories
The Drift Magazine $2,000 Varies Culture, politics, social issues

1. The New York Times – Modern Love

the new york times building in new york city

The New York Times’ Modern Love column is one of the most prestigious platforms for personal essays about relationships, dating, marriage, and family dynamics.

  • Payment: $300 per essay
  • Word count: 1,500-1,700 words
  • Submission guidelines: Essays should be deeply personal, emotionally honest, and offer readers a fresh perspective on relationships. They only accept submissions during specific months (September-December and March-June).

Example essay: “Dating With a Disability” by Isabelle Jani-Friend explores the complexities of dating while living with a chronic illness.

2. Narratively

Narratively website homepage featuring personal essays

Narratively specializes in untold human stories that surprise and engage readers with their originality and emotional depth.

  • Payment: $200-$300 for essays
  • Word count: 2,000-2,500 words
  • Submission guidelines: They seek original, offbeat stories that make readers think, “I’ve never heard this before.” Their “Secret Lives” series is particularly popular for personal essays.

Example essay: “I Was a Successful Executive Who Hid My Mental Illness for 20 Years” by Andy Dunn offers a raw look at managing bipolar disorder while building a business.

3. Christian Science Monitor – Home Forum

Christian Science Monitor Home Forum section with reflective essay

The Home Forum section welcomes thoughtful, reflective essays on everyday life experiences, personal discoveries, and moments of insight.

  • Payment: $400 per essay
  • Word count: 600-1,000 words
  • Submission guidelines: Essays should tell a story with a point—something readers can relate to and learn from. They prefer first-person narratives with universal appeal.

Example essay: “A Writer’s Unexpected Friendship with E.B. White” by Melissa Balmain explores how a correspondence with a famous author shaped her life.

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4. Dame Magazine

Dame Magazine website featuring feminist essays

Dame Magazine publishes thought-provoking essays on cultural, political, and social issues, particularly those affecting women.

  • Payment: $350-$750, depending on depth of reporting
  • Word count: 1,200-2,000 words
  • Submission guidelines: They seek feature stories with emotional, human-centric narratives that explain what’s new or surprising about a particular issue. Essays should be illuminating and clearly explain why the story matters right now.

Example essay: “I Never Thought I’d Need an Abortion” by Allison Yarrow examines personal choice against the backdrop of changing legislation.

5. Vox First Person

Vox First Person section featuring personal narratives

Vox’s First Person section publishes essays that connect personal experiences to broader social, political, or cultural issues.

  • Payment: $225-$500, based on scope
  • Word count: 1,200-3,000 words
  • Submission guidelines: Pitch your story with a clear angle, explaining why it’s important right now and how it connects to bigger trends or events. Show why you’re the best person to tell this story.

Example essay: “I Paid Off All My Student Loans. I Still Support Student Loan Forgiveness.” by Susannah Snider examines personal financial decisions within a larger policy debate.

6. Longreads

Longreads website featuring in-depth personal essays

Longreads publishes in-depth, deeply researched personal essays that showcase exceptional storytelling.

  • Payment: $500+ for essays
  • Word count: 2,500+ words
  • Submission guidelines: Your pitch should showcase your reporting plan, the story’s structure, and your unique voice. They value essays that transcend individual experience to reveal broader cultural insights.

Example essay: “The Crane Wife” by CJ Hauser explores the aftermath of a broken engagement through the lens of a scientific expedition.

7. Creative Nonfiction

Creative Nonfiction magazine cover and website

This prestigious literary magazine focuses exclusively on nonfiction, including personal essays that demonstrate exceptional craft and storytelling.

  • Payment: $125+ per essay, plus potential for anthology inclusion
  • Word count: Varies by submission call
  • Submission guidelines: They’re open to all types of creative nonfiction, including memoirs and personal essays. Editors gravitate toward narrative-driven pieces but welcome work that pushes boundaries.

Example essay: “At What Cost” by Cindy Lamothe examines the personal toll of America’s healthcare system.

8. The Bold Italic

The Bold Italic website featuring San Francisco-focused essays

The Bold Italic focuses on personal essays that tell compelling stories about life in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

  • Payment: $50 per article, more for complex pieces
  • Word count: 800-1,500 words
  • Submission guidelines: They want essays that explore how the city is changing—whether dealing with gentrification, the gig economy, or local culture. Both humorous and serious tones are welcome.

Example essay: “Why I Left San Francisco” by Leah Culver explores the bittersweet decision to leave a beloved city.

9. Motherwell Magazine

Motherwell Magazine website featuring parenting essays

Motherwell publishes essays exploring all aspects of the parenting experience, from diverse perspectives.

  • Payment: $50 for essays
  • Word count: Up to 1,200 words
  • Submission guidelines: They seek evocative first-person narratives that offer a unique take on parenting or related themes. Various writing styles are welcome, whether humorous, lyrical, or research-based.

Example essay: “On Raising a Son With Down Syndrome” by George Estreich explores the joys and challenges of parenting a child with special needs.

10. WIRED

WIRED magazine featuring tech-focused personal essays

WIRED publishes personal essays that explore the intersection of technology, science, and culture.

  • Payment: Starts at $2,500 for personal essays
  • Word count: 1,500-2,500 words
  • Submission guidelines: They seek essays that tell engaging, human-centered stories about innovation and the future. Personal insights about the impact of emerging technologies are particularly valued.

Example essay: “My Jibo Is Dying and It’s Breaking My Heart” by Jeffrey Van Camp explores the emotional connection to AI companions.

11. The Sun Magazine

The Sun Magazine cover and website featuring literary essays

This ad-free literary magazine publishes deeply personal essays that explore the human condition with honesty and nuance.

  • Payment: $300-$2,000 depending on length and quality
  • Word count: Varies widely
  • Submission guidelines: They seek authentic, vulnerable writing that tackles difficult emotions and experiences with honesty. Literary quality is highly valued.

Example essay: “The Long Ride” by Joe Wilkins explores themes of fatherhood and mortality through a road trip narrative.

12. Catapult

Catapult website featuring literary personal essays

This literary publisher features personal essays from emerging and established writers that demonstrate literary merit and tackle complex human experiences.

  • Payment: $200-$400 for personal essays
  • Word count: 1,500-3,000 words
  • Submission guidelines: They seek deeply personal essays that demonstrate literary merit and tackle complex human experiences with nuance and insight.

Example essay: “The Price of Admission” by Allie Rowbottom examines the intersection of mental health treatment and financial reality.

Pro Tips for Getting Paid to Write Essays

Writer crafting a personal essay at desk with coffee

3 Rules for Selling Personal Essays

1. Authenticity

Editors can spot manufactured emotion from a mile away. Write from genuine experience and don’t exaggerate for effect. The most compelling essays come from honest reflection, even when—especially when—the truth is complicated.

2. Timeliness

Connect your personal story to current events, trends, or ongoing conversations. Editors want essays that feel relevant to what’s happening in the world right now, even if your experience happened years ago.

3. Structure

Personal doesn’t mean rambling. The best essays have a clear narrative arc with a beginning, middle, and end. They also offer a takeaway—some insight or perspective shift that readers can apply to their own lives.

How to Pitch Your Personal Essay

Subject: Pitch: [Compelling Essay Title] for [Publication Name]

Dear [Editor’s Name],

I’m pitching a [word count] personal essay titled “[Essay Title]” that explores [brief description of the core topic and angle].

This essay matters now because [connection to current events, trends, or ongoing conversations]. As someone who [brief credential or personal connection to the topic], I bring a unique perspective to this discussion.

The essay will cover [2-3 key points or narrative elements], ultimately revealing [the main insight or takeaway for readers].

[Optional: 1-2 sentences about your writing background or previous publications]

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]

Quick Tip: Study Published Essays

Before pitching any publication, read at least 5-10 recently published essays to understand their style, tone, and content preferences. Pay attention to structure, length, and the types of topics that get accepted. This research will dramatically increase your chances of success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Essays for Money

Person reviewing rejected essay with red pen marks

What Works

  • Specific, vivid details that bring your story to life
  • A clear narrative arc with beginning, middle, and end
  • Vulnerability that serves the story’s purpose
  • Connecting personal experience to universal themes
  • Thoughtful reflection that offers readers insight

What Doesn’t Work

  • Vague generalizations without concrete examples
  • Rambling narratives without clear direction
  • Oversharing without purpose or reflection
  • Essays that only serve the writer’s emotional needs
  • Submitting without researching the publication

Remember that rejection is part of the process. Even experienced writers face rejection regularly. If your essay isn’t accepted by one publication, revise it based on any feedback received and submit it elsewhere. The key is persistence and continuous improvement of your craft.

The Business Side of Essay Writing

Person tracking essay submissions in spreadsheet

Track Your Submissions

Create a simple spreadsheet to track where you’ve submitted, response times, and outcomes. This prevents accidentally submitting the same essay twice and helps you identify which publications respond most favorably to your work.

Publication Essay Title Submission Date Response Time Outcome Payment
The New York Times Learning to Love Again 03/15/2023 6 weeks Rejected
Narratively My Secret Life 04/02/2023 3 weeks Accepted $250
Vox First Person Living With Uncertainty 05/10/2023 2 weeks Revise & Resubmit Pending

Repurpose Rejected Work

A rejection from one publication doesn’t mean the essay isn’t valuable. The most successful freelancers know how to tweak rejected essays for different markets until they find the right home. Sometimes, this means:

  • Adjusting the angle to better fit a different publication
  • Expanding or condensing to meet different word count requirements
  • Emphasizing different aspects of your story based on the publication’s focus
  • Breaking a longer essay into several shorter pieces for different markets

Build Relationships With Editors

When an editor accepts your work, nurture that relationship. Follow up with a thank-you note and pitch again when you have something relevant. Recurring relationships with editors create predictable income—one of the biggest challenges for freelancers.

Take Your Essay Writing to the Next Level

Join The Freelance Writers Den to connect with editors, get feedback on your work, and access resources that will help you consistently get paid to write essays and other content.

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Start Getting Paid for Your Essays Today

Writer celebrating published essay with payment notification

The market for personal essays remains strong, with publications actively seeking authentic voices and compelling stories. Your unique experiences and perspectives have value, and there are editors willing to pay for them.

Remember that success in getting paid to write essays comes from a combination of craft, strategy, and persistence. Study the publications you want to write for, craft pitches that highlight your unique angle, and don’t be discouraged by rejection.

Start pitching today—your story is worth payment. Begin with the publications that most closely align with your writing style and personal experiences. With each submission, you’ll refine your approach and increase your chances of success.

Ready to Turn Your Experiences Into Income?

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Jonas Marz
Jonas Marz