10 Writing Markets for New Writers

One of the biggest challenges for new writers who are building their freelance writing careers is obtaining those first clips or publishing credits. Many established publications will only work with freelance writers who have already been published, and publications that do work with new writers sometimes offer no remuneration.

So where are the good publications that will work with new writers? I had a quick search through our markets databases and uncovered ten good publications that do work with new and emerging writers.

Before you approach these markets I would like to provide a word of caution. Just because a publication says they work with unpublished writers does not mean they will publish anything. Many editors who welcome unpublished writers are inundated with inappropriate queries and submissions. So if you would like to be published by these writing markets then make sure your query is of the highest standard and will “hold its own” when competing against other freelance writing professionals.

Here are 10 writing markets - covering a variety of topics - that work with new and emerging writers.

African Vibes, USA
This magazine is the pulse of the dynamic African culture, serving up a mix of celebrity, fashion and entertainment news along with in-depth profiles of the most influential and fascinating African personalities. Features and departments cover Arts & Entertainment, Fashion & Beauty, Finance, Health and Fitness, Travel, Homes, Relationships and more. “We welcome queries from inexperienced writers, but particular care should be taken with these proposals…” Pay varies.
Writer Guidelines

Analog, USA
Publishes science fiction stories, with some aspect of future science or technology. "Analog will consider material submitted by any writer, and consider it solely on the basis of merit. We are definitely eager to find and develop new, capable writers." Pays $0.06 to $0.08 per word for short stories up to 7,500 words, $450-600 for stories between 7,500 and 10,000 words, and $0.05 to $0.06 per word for longer material. Fact articles are paid for at the rate of $0.06 per word. "Please query first on serials only. A complete manuscript is strongly preferred for all shorter lengths."
Writer Guidelines

Boulevard, USA
The magazine dedicated to publishing literature of the highest quality, published by Saint Louis University. Strives to publish only the finest in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. "While we frequently publish writers with previous credits, we are very interested in publishing less experienced or unpublished writers with exceptional promise." Poetry pays $25 to $500; fiction pays $50 to $500.
Writer Guidelines

Descant, Canada
A quarterly journal publishing new and established contemporary writers and visual artists from Canada and around the world. Considers submissions of poetry (submit about six poems), short stories, novel excerpts, plays, essays, interviews, musical scores and visual presentations. Standards for acceptance are high. Pays $100 honorarium upon publication.
Writer Guidelines

The Dollar Stretcher, USA
A group of publications dedicated to "Living Better...for Less". The goal is to provide readers with ways to help them save time and money. Unpublished authors are welcome. Monthly print version pays $0.10 per word.
Writer Guidelines

Eating Well, USA
National, bimonthly food magazine that focuses exclusively on eating "healthfully". "We welcome ideas from new writers." Readers are interested not only in cooking and nutrition science, but also in the origins of food and social issues related to food networks. Features range from 1,500 to 3,000 words. Pays up to $1.00 per word.
Writer Guidelines

Granta, UK
A quarterly magazine of new writing. Publishes original literary fiction, non-fiction and journalism. "Granta is committed to discovering and publishing the finest new fiction and non-fiction from around the world." Paying market, rates negotiable.
Writer Guidelines

Law and Order, USA
Magazine geared toward police management, police supervisors, chiefs, sheriffs, and officers with duties associated with the rank of sergeant and above. The goal is to inform, rather than to entertain. "While you do not need to be an active, former, or reserve police officer, you must be able to write in a credible and relevant enough manner to relate to our audience. Prior writing experience is very helpful, but not required." Pays by the word: $0.10 per word to officers; $0.15 per word to freelance journalists; and $0.25 per word to regular contributors. Articles submitted to Law and Order must be accompanied by photos. Pays $25 per photo used in the magazine.
Writer Guidelines

On Spec, Canada
The Canadian magazine of the fantastic. Publishes speculative fiction (SF) and poetry - fantasy, horror, ghost stories, fairy stories, magic realism, etc. Author's nationality does not matter, although they maintain 80% Canadian content. "We try to publish as many new writers as possible, alongside works by established writers." Pays CDN$50 to $200 for fiction; poetry and short stories $50. Only accepts submissions during certain submission periods. Keep an eye on their site for details. Writer Guidelines

Voiceworks, Australia
A national, quarterly magazine that features exciting new writing by Australian young writers and artists (under 25): poetry, short stories, articles and comics, illustrations, drawings and photos. Pays $100.
Writer Guidelines

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