Where To Look For Freelance Writing Magazine Jobs

If you’ve always wanted to write for a magazine, starting with freelance work can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Not to mention that more and more magazines are moving to exclusively hiring freelance writers, because it helps them cut down on their overhead. Plus, you’ll get all the added benefits of freelance work—you can set your own hours and work from anywhere! But to get started in freelance magazine writing, you’ll need to know where to look. Start your search with these suggestions.

1. Job posting websites: Job posting websites like Craigslist will often have hundreds of postings for magazine work. The trick with using websites like this is to beware of scams. First of all, you’ll want to make sure the listing says what the magazine is, so you can look it up to make sure it is real and credible. Then, do an internet search for the magazine name and ‘scam’ to see if anyone has posted about being ripped of from a similar posting. If the magazine is local to you, try to set up a meeting. Not only will this help you to get a feel for it, they’ll have a name to put with your face.
2. Freelance websites: More and more websites are popping up that are dedicated to exactly this kind of thing. Some specialize in different kinds of writing, so be sure to find one that has a good magazine section. When using these websites, it’s important to focus on the most recent postings, as you’ll have a better chance getting them. Another benefit of freelance websites is that many of them also act as an intermediary between you and the client, ensuring that you’ll get paid for the work you do.
3. Magazine websites: Larger magazines will sometimes post job opportunities on their websites. Going through the magazine itself can be a good strategy if it’s a specialize magazine and your have specific skills or knowledge that fit it. For instance, if you’re looking for science journalism work specifically, you’ll have better luck going to science magazines first. If there are local magazines that you are interested in getting freelance work with, its also a good idea to stop by their office and drop off your portfolio.
4. Ask around: If you know or meet anyone who works for a magazine, ask if they are looking for freelance writers. It’s a long-shot, but it can’t hurt!