There’s a ton of advice out there about how to carve out moments in your day to create time to write: wake up an hour early, write in 10-minute intervals to get something down, write during your lunch break at work; the list seems endless. 

In between juggling work and home life, writers are left to daydream about spending time in a quiet colony or residency, where creative solitude is the only objective. 

You deserve more than just a few stolen moments, and that’s what residencies are for!

Plus, many of them aren’t too competitive, so you’re more likely to get accepted.

Our founder, Alexis Grant, enjoyed three highly productive residencies at The Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts & Sciences.

“Don’t make the mistake of only applying to the super-competitive residencies, especially if you’re an unpublished author. There are so many wonderful residencies and colonies to choose from.” —Alexis Grant

Looking for a writing residency? Here are 32 to consider

We’ve rounded up several dozen high-quality writers residencies you might want to apply for. We start with those in the United States and later cover international opportunities.

While some of these are quite selective, others are less competitive or more open with their admission policies. (And if you’re still hungry for more opportunities, we also have posts on writing retreats, writers grants and writing fellowships.)

Here are some writing residencies to consider.

1. Willapa Bay AiR

I’m so amazed by the detail of thought that went into every single aspect of planning the residency program—from cottages designed for comfort and productivity (and nature!) to the community spirit that permeates everything; from generous and well-crafted food to the nurture of the artist within and without. I came with projects in mind, and I was able to do most of what I hoped to do. But beyond the work itself and beyond the experiences of exploration and community, I became a better, more dedicated, more committed artist at Willapa Bay. —Barbara Presnell, writer 

Launched in 2014, the Willapa Bay AiR residency program combines the opportunity for solitude with the opportunity for daily community that fosters creative endeavor.

It’s located in Southwestern Washington and offers month-long residencies to emerging and established artists of all types. Lodging, meals and workspace are provided to six residents per month from April 1 through October 28. Expect a $30 application fee—and a $100 refundable deposit to confirm your residency if you’re admitted. (You’ll get it back as soon as you arrive!)

Applications are accepted from June 15 to August 31 each year.

2. Millay Colony for the Arts

For the last couple of years, a number of writers we call the FUEGO group has gathered at Millay for a few precious days of writing retreat and fellowship. What a privilege to work in such idyllic surroundings. Millay has been a feast and a sanctuary for us all. For a few days, we are able to be completely absorbed in our craft and leave feeling refreshed and emboldened toward what we need to accomplish as writers. Thank you for this golden raft of paradise. —Sarah Gambito, poet

This small artist’s colony occupies the former estate of Edna St. Vincent Millay in upstate New York, offering two-week and month-long residencies to six or seven artists between the months of May and October.

Unlike many other residencies, the Millay Colony for the Arts doesn’t emphasize social events or speakers, instead preferring for you to focus on producing your art. There are no costs, and food is included. You can also apply for a virtual residency or a group residency if you’re collaborating with partners.

Check the website for application deadlines and note there’s a $45 application fee. If you’re invited to attend, you’ll also be charged a nonrefundable $100 deposit.

3. Ucross Foundation

At Ucross I learned that I am capable of focusing deeply for long periods of time. I love to write. I don’t think I would have said that before this trip. —Edan Lepucki, novelist

A favorite among writers (including alumni Annie Proulx!), the Uncross Foundation is a colony is located on a 20,000-acre working cattle ranch in Wyoming.

It serves 100 artists per year, with up to 10 people in residence at any one time—typically four writers, four visual artists, and two composers. Lunches are delivered to your door, while dinners are eaten together in a group; towels, linens, and weekly housekeeping is provided. Residencies last two to six weeks and are free of charge.

Please note, there’s a $40 nonrefundable application fee. Visit the application page for updated deadlines.

4. Jentel

The month’s end is a time I am not looking forward to because with the space itself being gorgeous and comfy, the food being good, the people being wonderful, and me being productive. I can see myself dreaming of this place once I leave. —Jennifer Baker, fiction writer

Sitting just eight miles away from UCross is Jentel, which hosts month-long residencies year-round on a cattle ranch with spectacular views of the Big Horn Mountains. The program accepts both established and emerging artists, offering dedicated individuals a supportive environment to further their creative development. 

Though food isn’t included, they do provide a $400 weekly stipend to help with the costs of your trip. Applicants must be over the age of 25.

Deadlines are January and September 15 each year. Expect a $30 application fee.

5. Virginia Center for the Creative Arts

There was something magical about being in such a supportive and beautiful environment, having a different place (studio) to go to every day with the deliberate purpose of writing, and being inspired by the serious work ethic of all the other artists. —Penny Harter, poet

This selective residency offers two attractive locations: one in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and another in France, open to those who’ve already completed a domestic VCCA residency. Artists of all types are accepted. Residencies are offered year-round and last from two weeks to two months, with 25 artists in residence at one time. You’ll receive private quarters and, in the case of the Virginia residency, three meals per day—and are asked to contribute what you can, up to their $150 per-day cost to host you. (Residents at the French location will receive one community dinner per week and are required to pay at least $70 per day.) 

The standard application fee is $30, and deadlines are January, May and September 15.

(TWL Founder Alexis Grant attended this residency, and noted its lovely setting!)

6. Rockvale Writers’ Colony

My time at RWC allowed me to work in a beautiful setting without distraction. In one wonderful week, I was able to complete what would have normally have taken me a month. Grateful to have a place like this close to home. —Sheba Karim, writer

Tucked away on 65 acres of beautiful countryside in College Grove, Tennessee, Rockvale Writers’ Colony is a new residency open to writers of all backgrounds and genres. Spacious and private accommodations are provided in either a 160-year-old farmhouse or a 150-year-old cabin, both of which have been outfitted inside with modern amenities. 

Residencies run for one, two, three or four weeks at a time, and residents pay $425 per week. However, mini-residencies lasting one to three nights are also available for $100 per night. While you’ll be responsible for making most of your own meals, you’ll be given ample pantry and refrigerator space stocked with spices, oils, condiments, coffee, and tea available for everyone to share.

Applications are accepted year-round and require a $30 fee.

7. Omi International Arts Center

The international character of [Omi] sharpens your perspective on what it means to be a writer outside the U.S.A. in the 21st century… As for the writing, my main reason for being here, it went sailing along, with only a few days when the anchor dragged. —Alfred Corn, writer

Writers Omi welcomes published writers of all types for residencies of one week to two months. Located on 300 acres overlooking the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, they offer full room and board to about 10 writers at a time and frequently host dinner guests from the New York City publishing community.

There is no application fee and no fee to attend, but selected residents are responsible for funding their own travel. Check the website for application deadlines.

8. Norton Island Residency

I can’t imagine a more creative environment than Norton Island.  Every day poses a fresh and authentic encounter with nature, fellow artists, and one’s self. Long stretches of solitude are balanced with moments of raucous camaraderie. It is a place for clear thinking, and dreamy starry nights.  The kind of experience I live for, and as a theatre artist, the kind of experience I hope to create. —Phil Atlakson, playwright

The Norton Island Residency for Writers and Artists is 10-day residency is located on a 150-acre island (primarily consisting of spruce forests) off the coast of Maine and offers a rustic and outdoorsy experience each summer for a flat fee of $150.

When we say “outdoorsy,” we mean it, so get ready: WiFi is limited, cabins lack running water, cellular signal is spotty, and the program reminds you to “Watch out for wildlife—most of it amazing, some of it icky, all of it harmless.”

There’s a $45 tax-deductible application fee, and any additional expenses for room and board will be covered by the residency.

9. Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts

I think the facility at KHN could not be more ideally suited for an artist residency program. I felt like I was staying in a very comfortable private home and I had everything that I needed to do my work, and having the private bathroom and spacious kitchen was wonderful.—Gary Peter, fiction writer

Located in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the KHN Center offers more than 50 residencies per year to established and emerging writers, visual artists and composers. If accepted, you’ll receive free housing for stays of two to eight weeks and a $100 stipend per week to cover food.

There’s a $35 application fee. Plan ahead to meet the March 1 and September 1 deadlines.

10. Blue Mountain Center

I quickly found myself being as productive as I’ve ever been. And it was the best kind of productivity, too: the relaxed, fulfilling kind—not the over-caffeinated, deadline-driven, better-get-this-done-quick kind. The idyllic setting, the stimulating conversation of interesting writers and artists (who shared ideas and techniques), and above all the extended time away from the pressures of ‘normal life’ proved remarkably conducive to good writing. —Scott Stossel, editor

Creative and non-fiction writers, activists, and artists of all disciplines, go off the grid in the heart of the Adirondacks. This artist’s community at Blue Mountain Center offers three different month-long sessions in the summer and early fall, including free room and board. Cell phones aren’t welcome, though you’ll be able to access its phone booth and computer room with ethernet plug-ins (no WiFi here!) 24 hours a day.

The annual application deadline is February 1. Expect a $25 application fee.

11. Mineral School

I still look back on my two weeks in Mineral as the most productive ‘six months’ I’ve ever had. —Janine Kovac, memoirist

With sweeping western Washington views of Mineral Lake and Mount Rainier, it would be hard not to produce great work at the Mineral School residency, held in a renovated 1947 elementary school building.

Open to writers of poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction and screenplays, the program provides lodging, studio space and meals for two weeks at the price of $900—plus, presentations by guest writers and artists and opportunities for public presentation are included as well. Limited fellowships are available.

12. Vermont Studio Center

This place really captures the essence of “sanctuary.” Coming off of a very demanding working mom schedule, it was a gift to have the time to hit the reset button and get to the creative work that I’ve been meaning to devote more attention to. — Monica Ong, visual artist and poet

Another favorite is the largest international artists’ and writers’ residency program in the United States, hosting more than 50 visual artists and writers each month in the heart of Northern Vermont.

While writers give the Artist & Writer Residency at Vermont Studio Center high marks, it’s not cheap. For the complete program, you’ll pay $12,000 for a four-week residency. However, fellowships, grants and work-exchange programs are available to help reduce your cost—in some cases, all the way down to nothing.

During your stay, you’re provided a private bedroom, 24-hour access to a private studio space, 20 hot meals per week, plus round-the-clock fresh fruit, hot and cold beverages, and breakfast cereal.

The application fee is $25. Fellowship deadlines are February 15, June 15 and October 1, rolling applications are accepted year-round and are eligible for financial aid, but will not be considered for a fellowship.

13. Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency at The Adirondack Center

I had expected that the quiet Adirondack location would inspire my writing, and it certainly did, but even more inspiration came from my fellow writers.… During those two enchanted weeks at Twitchell Lake I revised one short story, wrote a new one, and did a complete overhaul on a Young Adult novel that I’ve been working on for years. —Noah Stetzer, writer

The two-week residency at The Adirondack Center is offered to six writers annually in October at a beautiful lodge in the Adirondacks. Along with indoor and outdoor writing space, you’ll also enjoy communal meals and fireside chats with an intimate community of writers, as well as a single room with a private bath.

Be advised that disconnecting from reality won’t be optional—there’s not much cell phone coverage at this location. (All the better for your concentration!) There’s no cost to the residency (beside transportation to and from Twitchell Lake) and staff will prepare and serve dinners all week.

Visit the website for application details and deadlines.

14. Wildacres Retreat

The staff is amazing. I feel incredibly well-cared for and very fortunate to have had this opportunity to work in such a calm and peaceful environment. —Yvonne Dutchover, fiction writer

If you’re looking for a short residency on the East Coast, look no further. Wildacres offers one- and two-week residencies from April through October. You’ll stay in one of three cabins on their property in the mountains of North Carolina. Meals are served in the main lodge, where you’ll interact with other residents, guests, and staff—but you can also eat in your quarters if you’re knee-deep in work.

There is a $20 application fee but no cost if accepted.

15. The Writer’s Colony at Dairy Hollow

The full impact of a stay at the Writers’ Colony is hard to measure in immediate terms—for writers, everything is an influence. My stay at Dairy Hollow will appear in different forms throughout my career as a writer. —Nikki Kalio, writer and photographer

Open year-round, The Writer’s Colony at Dairy Hollow in Arkansas hosts dozens of writers each year for residencies ranging from one week to three months. If accepted, you’ll receive either a subsidized general residency or a fully-funded fellowship.

Actual costs of the residencies are about $125 per night, but non-fellowship residents contribute a flat $85 per night as well as a one-time $25 cleaning fee—these rates include all food for meals and weeknight dinners prepared by a chef/housekeeper.

There’s also an application fee of $35.

16. Anderson Center

The publisher of an independent press had helped screen residency applicants, and before I could even travel to Red Wing to begin my month-long stay there, she reached out by email to compliment me on my writing sample and inquire about my novel-in-progress.… She agreed to recommend me to a handful of agents, one of whom took me on as a client a week later. —Stephan Eirik Clark, fiction writer

Based in the scenic river city of Red Wing, Minnesota, the Anderson Center offers two-to four-week residencies to approximately 35 writers and scholars from May through October, which also happens to be the most beautiful months of the year up there.

Residents are provided lodging, studio space, and weeknight dinners, but prepare their own breakfasts, lunches, and weekend eats (but the chef shops for your groceries!). Both emerging and established artists from around the world are encouraged to apply, and there’s no application fee.

Each year, the application opens in early September and closes on January 9.

17. Fine Arts Work Center

These have been the best two years of my life as a writer. No matter where I’m traveling to or what gig I’m going to do, knowing that I’ve had this home to come back to and work in has been invaluable. I think the FAWC is the most densely populated, interdisciplinary group of talent I’ve ever been a part of. —Jerriod Avant, poet

A well-established fellowship program that’s been offering residencies since the 1960s, the Fine Arts Work Center residency is pretty darn selective—but a great gig if you can land it.

Each year, 10 writers and 10 visual artists are offered a seven-month stay (October 1 to April 30 annually) in its Provincetown, Massachusetts facilities, including lodging, studio space, and a $1,000 monthly stipend.

Writing fellowship applications are due December 1 annually, and has a $50 fee which can’t be waived for any reason. But boy, if you make it in, you’ll be among exceptional company—alumni of this program have gone on to win virtually every major national award in their respective fields, including the Pulitzer and Pollock-Krasner prizes.

18. Hedgebrook

I had no book when I was accepted to Hedgebrook in 1995. I’d published poems in a few journals but that was all…. Fast forward 18 years. The stay at Hedgebrook changed my life in several important ways. — Susan Rich, poet

While the Hedgebrook residency is pretty well-known, we wanted to include it on this list because it’s only for women, and only for writers.

Featuring six handcrafted cottages located on Whidbey Island, outside of Seattle, approximately 40 women attend each year to immerse themselves in free residencies of two to six weeks in length that run from February through October.

19. The Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts & Sciences

You know that saying, “I can hear myself think?” At this writer’s colony, I can. I can hear the words and phrases bouncing around in my head, begging me to put them down on paper…I can get to the heart of what I’m here to do: Create. —The Write Life founder Alexis Grant

Lasting from two to eight weeks, The Hambidge Center residencies are located on 600 acres in the mountains of north Georgia, so get ready to explore miles of nature trails, meadows, waterfalls, a swimming hole and an abundance of wildflowers.

For food and lodging, you’ll pay $250 per week—a fraction of the total $1,500 cost to the program. Limited fellowships are available primarily for first-time residents, which waive the fees and provide a $700 weekly stipend.

Deadlines are January, April, and September 15; the application fee is $30.

20. Kerouac Project

The poems typed under the sloping roof of the Kerouac House became my first volume of poetry. The process of bringing them down from the walls where I’d taped them and watching them become “Short Houses With Wide Porches” remains one of the great memories of my life. —Christopher Watkins, poet

This residency allows writers to spend three months typing away in the Orlando cottage where literary legend Jack Kerouac wrote his acclaimed Dharma Bums. The Kerouac Project offers four residencies a year, and residents are expected to spend their time on their project, participate in a Welcome Potluck Dinner at the start of their residency, and read from their work at the end. (Other events and workshops are available if a resident is interested.) Participants also receive a $1,000 food stipend.

The application period opens on January 1 of each year, and remains open for approximately 10 weeks. Expect a $35 application fee.

21. The Mastheads

“Finding the time to devote yourself to your own work as completely as I’ve been able to do here—it’s nearly impossible in day to day life. The problem isn’t merely finding the hours; I have those. But during this month-long residency, the hours accrue, you’re able to find more of yourself, and maybe there’s more of you to find.” —Justin Boening, poet

Located in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, The Mastheads is an experimental writers’ residency centered around five sculptural-architectural writing studios installed throughout the city of Pittsfield. Each July, five writers are offered exclusive use of one of the studios, a $900 stipend, housing, travel reimbursement, and a room in a communal house in downtown Pittsfield. Residents find community in the other writers, and solitude in the studios.

Applications are free and open to writers of all genres.

22. Djerassi Resident Artists Program

I found the Djerassi Program Artists Ranch to be hallowed ground. There was something in the vastness of the ranch that increased my spirit. There was something in the quiet that amplified my inner whispers. There was something in my meanderings that released the ties that bound me. —Nathan Yungerberg, writer

How would you like to spend four or five weeks at this residency located on a 583-acre ranch in the Santa Cruz Mountains? From mid-March to mid-November each year, more than 70 emerging and mid-career artists are welcomed to the Djerassi Resident Artist Program to take advantage of “uninterrupted time for work, reflection, and collegial interaction in a setting of great natural beauty,” all at no cost to the artist!

The program provides transportation to and from San Francisco International Airport and all dinners are provided by a chef, but ingredients for all other meals are provided. There’s a $45 application fee.

23. The Edith Wharton Writers-in-Residence Program

Each March, three women—who identify as poets, fiction or creative nonfiction writers—are awarded the Edith Wharton residency that offers two and three week retreats at the famous writer’s former Georgian revival mansion in Lenox, Massachusetts.

Selected writers will receive a $1,000 stipend, work space at The Mount, and nearby (but offsite) lodging for the entirety of their residency—but you’re on your own for transportation to and from The Mount. While there, your main responsibility is to spend time developing your creative work, but you’ll have to be available for local media requests and one public panel discussion with fellow participants.

24. Write On

Three weeks have flashed by in a kind of dream. I’ve so appreciated the opportunity to put my writing first all this time and to settle into deep engagement and reflection and reading. Often I would wrestle with a section all day and a solution would come to me overnight or on waking–something that almost never happens in my “normal” life. Thank you WODC for making this wonderful, nurturing space for writers. I felt cherished, supported, blessed by your generosity and hard work. —Catherine Jagoe, poet and essayist

At the Write On, Door County residency in Wisconsin, emerging and established writers in any contemporary literary genre will receive a private bedroom and bathroom, and access to The Coop, the writing studio of the late writer Norbert Blei.

Writers are responsible for their own food and travel, but in exchange for lodging, a community service project has to be completed—usually, a public writing workshop, but other opportunities are possible. Residencies last for one week to one one month, and applications are accepted year-round, though writers are encouraged to submit applications eight months prior to their desired residency date.

There is a $40 application fee. 

25. The Prairie Ronde Artist Residency

The Prairie Ronde Artist Residency is located in historic Vicksburg, Michigan, near Kalamazoo. The residency offers one resident (three times a year) a stipend of $2,000 for four to seven weeks, housing, studio space, a $500 travel grant, and even the use of a car!

Artists are encouraged to utilize the area’s creative community, donate a piece of work to the residency’s collection as well as propose a community “give back”—like a workshop or open studio days.

Deadlines are every December, March and June 15, and applications don’t require a fee.

New Orleans Writers’ Residency

As of September 2022, the New Orleans Writers’ Residency has shut down operations.

There’s little more inspiring than jazz, strong cocktails and beignets in a culturally rich neighborhood close to the French Quarter. If you want to do some hard work in the Big Easy, consider applying for the New Orleans Writers’ Residency.

If accepted, you’ll spend four weeks in a historic house with six other writers—each writer will share a room with two others during their stay. Better yet, the program offers daily continental breakfasts as well as a $200 weekly stipend for food and living expenses, and up to $350 for airfare. Expect a $25 application fee.

International writing residencies

26. Gullkistan (Iceland)

As much as I love New York, I wanted to spend a month in a setting that couldn’t be more different—I wanted sublime natural beauty, peace and quiet, relaxation and simplicity—a reset button for myself. Gullkistan was an ideal answer. —Ben Valentine, writer

Located in Iceland’s Laugarvatn Valley, Gullkistan is a quiet getaway for all sorts of artists, scholars, and writers and includes a peaceful setting with mountains, woods, and creeks. The minimum stay is one month, but they may be able to work out a shorter stay for people who are interested.

Fees vary based on accommodation preference, starting at 850 Euros. Applications are accepted all year round, and no application fee is required.

27. Camargo Foundation (France)

Inspiration came from my magnificent view of the Mediterranean sea, that ever-changing body of water—silvered over with sunlight in the morning, Aegean blue in the afternoon, black as ink on nights without a moon—and from the space, silence, and freedom of self-direction the fellowship affords. —Amina Gautier, fiction writer

Imagine waking up each morning on the southern coast of France, with nothing on your to-do list but write, write, write. If you’re one of the 18 writers that land one of these six- to eleven-week residencies through the Camargo Foundation in Cassis, it could be a reality—one that includes transportation, lodging, and a $250 USD weekly stipend.

The call for applications for residencies encompasses writers across all disciplines.

28. Arteles Creative Center (Finland)

Located in the Finnish countryside, Arteles are one- to two-month themed residencies held at various intervals year-round and house between 11 and 14 artists per month.

Food is not provided, but participants enjoy a traditional Finnish wood-burning sauna and have access to fully-equipped kitchens, meditation sessions, as well as a car, a rowing boat and bicycles. The program also encourages participants to (voluntarily) take a break from their cellphones and have them stored in the office—less talking, more writing!

Costs vary based on the residency in question, and financial support is available to help those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend. There’s no application fee, but you must be at least 23 years old to apply.

29. La Napoule Art Foundation (France)

The La Napoule Art Foundation hosts several different residency programs each year at the Château de La Napoule, located just outside Cannes, France. It’s open to both emerging and established interdisciplinary artists, and attendees are housed in private rooms in the recently renovated Villa Marguerite, each with a sea or garden view and a private bathroom. Breakfast and many weekday evening meals are provided and often held in the Château’s gothic dining room—plus, a $1,000 stipend is provided for all other needs.

Application fees vary based on the specific residency you choose, but are around $30.

30. Red Gate Residency (China)

The Red Gate community is so engaged and I formed lifelong friendships with some of the fellow residents and the other artists living in Feijiacun. It is an excellent introduction to the art community in Beijing. Red Gate Gallery is doing vital and honorable work in China connecting Chinese and international artists together and supporting the art industry. A highly recommended and very unique experience. —Tiyan Baker, photographer

Live and work in Beijing, China with the Red Gate Residency, which provides residencies year-round between one and six months. Red Gate will help you get involved in the local art scene and cover your airport pickup, local phone line and a welcome dinner. However, participants are expected to pay their own living expenses during the program or seek funding and grants from artist organizations in their home country.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and no application fee is required.

31. Studio Faire (France)

Studio Faire is a creative salve, a haven where residents are gifted space and time and beautiful surroundings in which to let their craft flourish.… Ultimately, Studio Faire gave me the opportunity to step away from the demands of my day-to-day life and wholly focus on editing my book. An epiphany or two struck me while I worked there—it must be all the good creative vibes seeping out of the walls from past residents. —Krystal Sutherland, writer

Studio Faire is based in an 1830s mansion house, in a small town in South West France. It provides residencies for up to three writers and artists at a time. Rooms are spacious and mature gardens offer private, shaded space for work and play. Residencies are self-directed and self-catering, and run from March to the end of October, lasting from two to four weeks.

Studio Faire offers its residents a change of pace and the space to explore new ideas, create a new body of work or develop an existing project.

Fees vary based on length of stay, with a two-week residency costing 1300 Euros. Applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines falling at least three months before the date you’d like to start your residency. No application fee.

32. 360 Xochi Quetzal (Mexico)

My time in Chapala was pivotal for me as a writer. You can’t understand the effect Chapala has until you arrive. Its splashes of color, rhythms and scenic beauty will inspire you. Scribbling away at Café Paris, locals ambling by, a cool glass of beer sweating on the table…. I felt like Hemingway. This residency gave all that to me and more. It is a gift I continue to cherish; a feeling I look back on when in need of encouragement, inspiration, and motivation. —Sean Hammer, writer and painter

The 360 Xochi Quetzal Artist and Writer’s Residency Program (pronounced So-chi Ket-zal) is located on Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico and where residents will be inspired by the natural beauty, history and culture of this special part of central Mexico.

This residency offers four live/work spaces for one to six months to two (maybe three) writers who need an opportunity to finish a manuscript, prepare for a show, collect their thoughts, or plan new work. Residents are responsible for travel to and from Mexico as well as daily meals, though food is inexpensive in Mexico and typically costs about $20 USD per week.

Costs for lodging vary based on what you choose, and applications (no fee!) are accepted on a rolling basis year-round.

This is an updated version of a story that was previously updated by Farrah Daniel. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

Photo via Olga Danylenko/ Shutterstock 

If you have travel stories to tell, it’s time to stop dreaming and start finding travel writing jobs!

Lots of markets are willing to pay for your stories about destinations, tips and your experiences on the road.   

Get paid to write about travel

Don’t think travel writing is limited to travel-specific magazines or travel websites. Plenty of local and regional publications are actively looking for travel stories, even for destinations right in your own backyard.

Some writers envision travel writing jobs as sharing tales of globetrotting and exploring the ancient artifacts of Greece, or wandering Machu Picchu. But that’s only a small part of travel writing.

Publications are often even more eager to snap up stories about the mountain trails an hour away that make for easy weekend adventures or the nearby metropolitan city that has a new art exhibit and great restaurant scene.

Publications that offer freelance travel writing jobs

While full-time travel writer jobs can be hard to come by, it’s more common for freelancers to sell travel writing to magazines and other outlets. To get you started, we compiled 36 paying international and domestic travel markets. Click on each title to access submission guidelines or editorial contacts.

So let’s get to it! Here are dozens of publications that provide opportunities for travel writing jobs:

1. Matador Network

Matador Travel seeks original writing, photo and video contributions “that speak to the adventures, cultures, and identities of people around the world.” It encourages  creators to join their Matador Creators Community to find the latest journalist opportunities. 

While the website does not list a specific payment, Who Pays Writers reports payments ranging from $0.03 to $0.20 per word.

2. ROVA

Want to share your thrilling stories of life on the open road? The site often looks for stories featuring road trips, RVs and adventure. Most of their readers travel the roads of North America and want insightful stories about the continent.  

Submit an article or photo essay and earn $200 upon acceptance at the ROVA Magazine website. 

3. Outpost Magazine

Outpost Magazine looks for submissions about travel, adventure and culture. It is looking for longform travel stories, travel guides, and stunning photography from writers anywhere in the world. The publication is Canadian and it has a “Canadian slant.”

Online stories typically range from 800 to 1,500 words, 2,000 to 4,000 for print and features can be up to about 5,000 words; pay varies.

4. Wanderlust

Wanderlust, a British travel magazine, publishes destination features up to 2,200 words, along with shorter dispatches, travel guides, round-up features and more.  Pay is typically £220 (about $275) per 1,000 words, but rates vary.

5. Travel + Leisure Magazine

While Travel + Leisure Magazine doesn’t have specific submission guidelines online, Freedom with Writing says this magazine is written 95 percent by freelancers on assignment and pays up to $1 a word. Submit your pitches to submissions@travelandleisure.com.

6. Arizona Highways Magazine

Arizona travelers rely on this magazine for destination-based ideas, and the publication also encourages travelers to come to Arizona. Check its guidelines to see when queries (typically on specific locations) are accepted. This period is often in March. Pay varies.

7. Canadian Geographic Magazine

Write about Canada’s people, frontiers, places and issues in Canadian Geographic Magazine, which comes out six times a year. There are no formal guidelines to follow, but you might want to familiarize yourself with their content and tone to get an idea of what they’re looking for.

It buys about 30 features a year and pay varies.

8. Escapees Magazine

RV travelers with stories to tell and wisdom to share might consider submitting to Escapees Magazine, which specializes in RV lifestyle. The publication only accepts fully written articles on spec.

They pay $100 to $200 for feature submissions and $50 to $100 for short fillers.

9. KANSAS! Magazine

Celebrate the wonders of Kansas with KANSAS! Magazine offered by Kansas Tourism and partner organizations. Pitch a 400- to 800-word nonfiction story that has the potential for interesting photography and reflects the state positively. 

Most readers are locals over the age of 50. Payment varies.

10. Los Angeles Times Travel

The travel section of the Los Angeles Times looks for pieces with a strong visual component. Trips must be taken in the previous two years and writers must follow specific ethical guidelines, including not receiving comped travel.

Print stories vary from $200 to $750; online-only stories generally pay $500; Weekend Escapes pay $200, plus additional money for original photos.

11. Wildsam Magazine

Wildsam Magazine is for RV enthusiasts wants travel stories covering all aspects of the RV lifestyle, including travel destinations, activities and events and more.

It can pay up to $900 for technical manuscripts with photos, and less for shorter pieces.

12. Oregon Coast Magazine

Write about Oregon’s stunning coastal region and tell stories about everything from day-long driving tours to restaurant features and historical sites in Oregon Coast Magazine.

Payment ranges from $100 to $650 depending on story type and word count.

13. Pathfinders Travel

A travel magazine for people for color, Pathfinders Travel looks for fresh ideas and stories about travel and the travel industry. 

Stories typically pay $150.

14. Road and Travel

Road and Travel specializes in automotive, travel and personal safety articles, including articles that appeal to female business travelers. Travel articles should relate to hotels and resorts, spas, airlines and airline rules, bed & breakfasts, destination reviews, places to go and things to do and much more.

The magazine pays up to $100 per article.

15. Sunset Magazine

Sunset Magazine focuses on 13 Western states and wants “take action” travel ideas as well as destinations that offer a variety of experiences and “soft adventures.”

Pay varies.

16. World Nomads

World Nomads looks for travel articles that fall under these categories: love, fear, discovery, connection and transformation. Pitch a personal, authentic story about a life-changing journey or experience.

They pay 50 cents per word for stories between 600 to 800 words. Payment is made after publication.

17. Airways Magazine

Airways Magazine seeks business, travel, technology and personality articles, among other topics.

Rates range from $150 to $700 depending on the topic, length and treatment of an article.

18. WestJet Magazine

WestJet’s Canadian lifestyle-travel publication wants stories ranging from insider tips and service-oriented advice to local cuisine and features.

Payment varies.

19. AAA Insider Magazines

The American Automobile Association publishes several magazines, focusing on auto travel.

Payment varies.

20. Backpacker

Backpacker Magazine covers North American destinations. Pitches must cover foot-based travel, wilderness or backcountry experiences and advice.

A feature story’s word count varies from 1,500 to 5,000 words, although there are shorter assignments available from 100 to 1,200 words. They accept pitches via email and require a signed contract which specifies the payment amount and payment terms. 

Pay varies, but Who Pays Writers reports rates up to 50 cents per word.

21. New Mexico Magazine

Showcase New Mexico’s rich environment and culture through New Mexico Magazine, a publication of the New Mexico Tourism Department. One-third of readers live in the state and the out-of-state readers typically visit twice a year or so. The magazine looks for a lively editorial mix, with articles that show readers things they can do in New Mexico.

Pay is typically 35 to 40 cents per word.

22. Texas Highways

Texas’ official travel magazine reaches 500,000 readers in 54 countries each month. It is looking for pieces featuring “scenery, history, small towns, and out-of-the-way places.”

Pays 50 cents per word.

23. International Living Magazine

International Living Magazine and website is a comprehensive resource that helps readers find their dream retirement overseas. It wants stories from expats and anyone who can inform their readers about ways to stretch their dollars and simplify their lives.

Pay is up to $150 for website stories; print stories pay $225 for 900 words and $350 for 1,600 words, plus $50 per photo; 600-word daily postcards pay $100.

24. New Worlder

New Worlder Magazine isn’t interested in a taco that has the most buzz—but it definitely wants to know why it has the most buzz. Pitch stories with strong angles about travel, food, culture and people for an American and Latin American audience.

While pay is confirmed, no specific rates are provided in the guidelines.

25. Odyssa Magazine

Freelance submissions are accepted each quarterly issue of Odyssa Magazine, though editors are particularly looking for travel pieces in the form of a guide, personal travel experience or reflection of how travel affects our thoughts and who we are.

Pay is $30 per article up to 1,500 words.

26. HitTheRoad

To get the green light, write and pitch a story to HitTheRoad about the adventures, cultures and amazing experiences of road trips in Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Emphasis is put on experiences in rented campervans and motorhomes, but a journey on the open road is what matters most. 

Standard payment is a link to your site and $50 depending on article type and length.

27. Cruising World

Cruising World welcomes author inquiries and unsolicited manuscripts at all times, but make sure to include photos with your submission. Feature-length articles shouldn’t exceed 2,000 words, and non-features (technical articles and general interest) are capped at 1,200 words.

Payment varies depending on the type of article: $25 to $200 for short, newsworthy items and $300 to $1,000 for technical and feature articles.

28. Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet is an award-winning website that gives travelers the tools they need to plan their next trip such as in-depth information on destinations, things to do and travel advice. They are looking for freelance contributors who want to write digital content, travel news and guidebooks.

Rates vary, but Who Pays Writers reports a rate of 30 cents per word.

29. Transitions Abroad Magazine

Transitions Abroad Magazine is for people who live abroad is looking for a variety of pieces about working, living and studying abroad, as well as cultural and culinary travel. Heads up: They’re currently primarily seeking stories about online learning to teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

Pay is typically $75 to $150 for a 1,250-word article for the web.

30. GoNOMAD

Write travel articles about destinations, activities and experiences for GoNOMAD, but take note that this website seeks pieces that meet its style and focus.

If you want to write for GoNOMAD, note, “No glossy magazine fluff, no standard guidebook descriptions, no promotional hype.” Articles are typically 1,200 to 2,000 words, and a detailed list of locations and topics the publication is seeking is available in its guidelines.

Pay is $25 per article.

31. DesertUSA Magazine

Desert lovers can write all about the North American desert in DesertUSA Magazine, which targets those who love the natural and cultural history of the region. Wildlife, adventure, history, desert lore, and travel stories are in demand.

Articles with photos receive payment of $50.

Write your own travel book

An alternative to finding travel writing jobs is to simply go ahead and publish your own travel book. If you have written over 10,000 words for a certain travel journey or advice, you could easily turn that into a whole book to sell.

The original version of this story was written by Kristen Pope. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers.

Photo via natalia_maroz/ Shutterstock 

Many people who identify as women feel their writing lives can be made all the more challenging due to their lives as women.

Perhaps they are largely responsible for childcare or housework, putting their creativity on the backburner; perhaps they were not encouraged to follow their dreams and skills in the same way their male counterparts were.

Whether or not that sounds like you, there’s no doubt many women writers crave the idea of retreating from their everyday lives to focus on their creative work with groups of like-minded women. Enter the writing retreat, made sweeter when you’re surrounded by other writers who are women who also get you. 

Whatever your motivations for seeking out a writing retreat, you will likely find one that suits your needs.

Retreats are an investment worth taking from time to time—you’ll get a chance to reset your creativity, be newly inspired and meet good friends.

Is a women’s writing retreat just what you need?

These women’s writing retreats happen annually (or many times a year), in a variety of North American and international locations.

There are itineraries to suit all kinds of interests, plus budget-friendly (or free!) retreats as well as more luxurious options.

Our team at The Write Life has not personally attended these retreats, so please consider this list as a starting point and do your own due diligence before attending.

Here are some women’s writing retreat options to consider

1. Pink Pangea Travel Writing Retreats

Pink Pangea is a community for women who love to travel, and in addition to holding online writing workshops, they run international writing retreats.

While travel writing is the primary focus, writers interested in a broader range of genres are encouraged to attend.

What’s special about Pink Pangea’s Travel Writing Retreats is several are held throughout the year, in different locations all around the world: Iceland, Switzerland, Spain, Israel, Greece, Portugal, France and Italy.

The prices are a bargain and include many accommodations, which definitely make Pink Pangea retreats an affordable option for non-funded retreats.

Pricing: Varies.

2. Sacred Expression Women’s Retreat

The Sacred Expression Women’s Retreat is held at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala a couple of times per year.

In a peaceful and inspiring setting, the calming lake spread out below the resort plus the pointed volcanic peaks rising behind are just some things that will make it easy to engage in the retreat’s intimate and honest gatherings.

The retreats incorporate yoga, meditation, and spiritual and creative expression. And the best part is participants don’t need to formally consider themselves writers—just be interested in a “self-exploratory creative and spiritual journey of the pen and heart.” 

Before you register for one of the multiple retreat opportunities available, know the organizer admits this isn’t the best retreat for those who have a single project they want to focus on.

Pricing: Starting at $2,650 USD.

3. Page Lambert Retreats

Nature writer Page Lambert has led some unusual and adventurous writing retreats for women for more than 20 years.

Each retreat provides a secluded place to work on a novel, memoir or work of poetry. In addition to the unique kind of writing and artistic focus found here, adventures like hiking and snowshoeing will no doubt inspire participants in new ways.

Writers can enjoy a retreat in the Grand Canyon, or one in Lambert’s renovated cabin in the mountains of Colorado, making it the perfect retreat for any writer who wants to be surrounded by thousands of acres of open space meadows

Pricing: Starting at $2,472. USD

4.  The Taos Writer’s Retreat

Led by writer and personal growth pioneer Jennifer Louden, these writers’ retreats for women are mainly held in Taos, New Mexico, but she’s also hosted them in Mexico, California and other parts of the U.S. 

Unlike many writers’ retreats for women that include daily yoga/meditation or activities designed to be therapeutic, the Taos Writer’s Retreat was created specifically to help women writers hone their craft and work on a project. 

Jennifer’s retreats are for writers of all levels who work in various genres and have a story they intend to deepen, clarify and shape.

Pricing: Starting at $3,510 USD. 

5. Creative Revolution Retreats

These retreats are held in Salta, Argentina, with Nicaragua and Costa Rica destinations in the past. The Argentina retreat is held in a three-bedroom private space in the heart of the city, so you know the only distraction you’ll have is resisting the urge to endlessly explore all the picturesque attractions.

The philosophy behind the Creative Revolution Retreats is that all women have an amazing story inside of them. 

“I want to help more women feel confident with their writing, finish their masterpieces and build professional careers.” —host Leigh Shulman

No writing sample required, just a short questionnaire.

Pricing: Starting at $2,500.

6. Hedgebrook

Hedgebrook is technically a writing residency, as successful applicants are given a fully-funded stay on a 48-acre peaceful country property for a period of two to four weeks, throughout the year.

The beautiful handcrafted cabins that house the residents are tucked away on Whidbey Island in Washington State. While there, writers of all backgrounds and experience levels explore their work, share their processes and stories with other writers—not to mention tour beaches to see cliff top views.

Fair warning: The application process is competitive! 

Pricing: Free for all women.

7. The Kentucky Foundation for Women Retreats and Residencies

The catch with the Kentucky Foundation for Women Retreats and Residencies is you have to be a resident of Kentucky to be eligible to attend.

However, if you meet the criteria, know the retreats and residencies are open to women artists of all genres who are committed to feminism and activism. If you also want to advance artistic expression and social justice for women and girls in Kentucky, even better. 

Participants of all stages in their artistic and social change development are hosted in Hopscotch House, a renovated old farmhouse on the 10-acre property of a classic Kentucky ranch.  

Pricing: Free.

8. Storyknife Writers Retreat

These two- to four-week residencies in mountainous Homer, Alaska are all about celebrating vital stories by women, whether they’re in the form of plays, novels, essays or memoirs. 

Since these stories aren’t promoted as often as those authored by men, Storyknife Writers Retreat provides this time for woman-identified or nonbinary people to explore their craft in a distraction-free, supportive environment where each writer knows their work is valuable. 

Pricing: Food and lodging is included so all you need to pay for is the application fee and travel to and from Homer, Alaska.

9. A Writer Within’s Writing Retreats for Women

Writer and editor Kathryn Kay hosts week-long writers’ retreats in a villa in Tuscany, Italy, where she invites women to use this time to expand the boundaries of their imaginations. 

Here, all writers have to do is relax, attend workshops to learn how to master writing elements, generate new ideas and break through writing blocks. With the stunning views and mouthwatering cuisine to boot, Kay hopes participants can reconnect with their creative flow and write like they never have before. 

To create a stress-free environment, all accommodations are taken care of, including meals, transportation, plus a robust schedule of outings and excursions.

Pricing: Starting at $3,900 USD.

10. Unplug and Write All-Inclusive Writers’ Retreat

At author Jess Lourey’s Creative Writing Retreat in St. Paul, Minnesota, your focus will be on four objectives: Claiming your voice, nourishing your body, honoring your courage, connecting with your creativity.

And as a tenured writing professor who has authored 20 books (and counting!), she has the skills and experience to help you accomplish those things through group workshops plus a private coaching session.

While your mornings at the beautifully-restored Summit Avenue mansion will feature meditation, yoga and writing, you’ll be free to read or relax in the afternoons. This retreat is open to female writers of all stripes and stages.

Pricing: Starting at $1,150 USD.

11. Find Your Story: The Life Writing Conference for Older Women 

If you’re an older writer looking for a writing coach to help you start (or get unstuck with) your memoir, Jennifer Westrom’s conference in Dallas, Texas is where you need to be. 

As an author, writing coach and licensed professional counselor, Westrom focuses on telling and shaping the stories of older women. That’s why she hosts these guided writing events, where she assists writers with therapeutic writing exercises and instruction about story structure organization. At this retreat, Westrom aims to find and feel your story, so you can have more confidence writing it. 

Plus, proceeds from Westrom’s event help women even more: all profits pay for long term, individual trauma counseling for women who want to exit work in the sex industry. 

Pricing: Starting at $899 USD for the six week online version of this retreat.

12. Poets on the Coast: A Weekend Writing Retreat for Women

Authors Kelli Russell Agodon and Susan Rich bring poets together in La Conner, Washington to write, read, share work and be a part of a creative community. 

Their main goal for Poets on the Coast is to support and encourage writers, so participants are welcome to spend this time however they choose. (Even if you only want to write to yourself and walk along the riverfront.)

Since sessions are designed so writers can find something valuable to take away, there’s plenty of opportunities to nudge writers of all levels out of their comfort zones. 

While Agodon and Rich give each writer personal attention to help them along individual goals, everything from the sessions, workshops, one-on-one’s with the authors, writing prompts and more are all optional. 

Pricing: Starting at $559 USD (does not include lodging).

13. The Salty Quill Writers Retreat 

Imagine this: A week-long retreat on a 110-acre private island filled with rocky coves and beaches, fields, forest, and wildlife; days of uninterrupted writing time in rooms with ocean views; catered meals; and after-dinner readings and critiques. 

That’s just some of what awaits you at The Salty Quill Writing Retreat for Women at McGee Island in Maine. In the real world, writing time is a luxury most can’t afford. That’s why this women’s writing retreat aims to help writers dedicate themselves to their craft. 

After kayaking, hiking, boating, and enjoying relaxing (or adventure-filled) afternoons, you won’t want to leave this retreat. But when you do, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of purpose and value in your work—not to mention a brand new supportive community of writers.

Pricing: Starting at $2,100 USD. Scholarships available. 

14. Edgewalkers Women’s Writing & Walking Weekend

Dr. Erika Jacobson is a creativity specialist who has spent the last 15 years helping people connect with their self-expression and creative source—when you attend this Edgewalkers creativity and walking retreat in Australia, she can do the same for you.

Whether you need inspiration to start or revive a writing project, or if you just need time in nature to explore ideas and write, this is just the three-day retreat you need to discover how creative you truly are. 

Set in the beautiful town of Margaret River, this retreat invites you to go on exciting walks and dive into storytelling and techniques as you learn from a dedicated team of artists. Most of all, go to celebrate your strength and how sensational you are.

Pricing: Starting at $2,880 AUD.

Want more options? We have another post on writing retreat getaways for all.

This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

If you find you enjoy writing grant applications, grant writing for others can be a lucrative niche as well.

Writing grants for women, poets and more

Ready to apply for money to fund your writing? Here are 20 great writing grants for creatives based in the United States.

1. Leeway Foundation Art and Change Grants

These grants of up to $2,500 are available to women and transgender artists and cultural producers based in Greater Philadelphia, whose work emphasizes social change. That means, “social change must be integral to the ideas, beliefs and goals that are woven throughout your [writing] and your process of creating and sharing your art,” and should positively engage the community.

Keep in mind that one key to success for this grant is securing a “Change Partner”: an individual, business, or organization that is connected to your work, and who will endorse your project.

If you are at least 18 years old and live in Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia counties, you are eligible to apply. However, full-time art students are not eligible. All genres are welcome. Applications must be received by the biannual deadlines, and you can only apply once per grant cycle.

Check out this page for all the details.

2. Grants for Artist Projects (GAP) Awards 

If you are a resident of Washington state, 18 years or older and not currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program, this is the grant for you.

The Grants for Artists Project (GAP) awards up to $1,500 annually to 50+ practicing literary and visual artists. Grant money can support the “development, completion or presentation of new work.”

The organization also connects artists to an array of services, including career development, legal support, residencies and continuing education—just to name a few. Keep your eye out for the details here. 

3. Bard College Fiction Prize

This writer-in-residence award is an amazing opportunity for an emerging writer under the age of 39 to devote a semester to a fiction project.

The recipient is required to give one public lecture on the campus and to informally meet with Bard students, but the rest of the time is dedicated to their writing project. Besides a sizable $30,000 cash award, the winning writer also gets to be a writer in residence at Bard College for one semester.

Check this page to learn about upcoming deadlines. The application process is very straightforward; no lengthy FAQ pages here.

Applicants should have published at least one book, three copies of which must be submitted with a cover letter explaining their next project and their C.V.

4. Arts Writers Grant Program

If contemporary visual art is your writing area of expertise, you’re in luck. This writing grant funds writers who are passionate and knowledgeable about contemporary art and whose work will broaden the arts writing audience.

Both emerging and established writers can apply for a grant ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 in one of three project types: articles, books and short-form writing. Keep your eye out for the application period to reopen in Spring.

Details are available here.

5. Arizona Artist Research and Development Grant

Arizona writers who want to “advance their artistic practice, expand their creative horizons and deepen the impact of their work” may want to try their luck with this grant, which will be awarded to up to 30 artists across all disciplines this year. The grant’s amount goes up to $5,000 depending on funding.

Applicants whose projects emphasize the “new”—new techniques, new strategies, new ways of engaging communities—are primed for success. Writers should also explicitly state in their applications how their project will impact not just their own artistic practices, but also benefit the larger Arizona community.

The application has numerous demanding parts, so be sure to give yourself time to delve into the guidelines. Learn more here.

6. Kansas City Inspiration Grant

Kansas City writers in the metropolitan area may be awarded between $1,000 and $2,500 for professional development and other budding projects. The regional arts council notes that the highest priority for the grant is to fund projects that significantly advance career development or an artist’s capacity to complete their work—not to fund “business as usual.”

A full proposal, which includes up to six samples of work, is only submitted after an applicant passes this initial phase.

Note that if you request more than $1,500 for your project, matching funds may be required.

Check out the Inspiration Resources page for more information.

7. RISCA Project Grant Projects for Individuals

As with most other state arts council-based grants, this Rhode Island grant is available to writers who ultimately plan to share their work with the public through a reading, performance or another open event. The emphasis on public value is strong with the RI Arts Council, so this grant will best serve socially-minded writing projects.

Individual applicants can request up to $3,000, but be mindful that grants may be only partially funded. If your request is especially sizeable you might consider providing proof that other organizations or individuals have financially invested in your project.

Find application details here.

8. North Carolina Artist Support Grant

North Carolina writers at any stage in their careers are invited to apply for writing grants to fund new or existing projects, with statewide awards ranging from $300 to $5,000. (Grant amounts vary by region.)

Application procedures and deadlines vary depending on your county, so make sure you reach out to the office designated on this page for specific regional details. The guidelines are fairly open-ended, which is good news for writers who want to use the funds for a variety of professional development needs.

9. Awesome Foundation Grant

This grant is as awesome as it sounds.

Winners receive $1,000 with “no strings attached” to pursue their incredible projects, and the foundation and its donors have no say in the finished project.

Chapters of the foundation organized by region or subject review applications and select the grantees. The process is almost unsettlingly simple, but don’t be deterred—this really is a great opportunity.

Check the website for specific information about the application requirements and deadlines for your chapter.

10. The Regional Arts Commission’s Artist Support Grant

This grant, funded by the Regional Arts Commission, provides “direct funds for an individual artist’s projects, needs, or creative opportunities in all artistic disciplines.” The grant ranges from $500 to $3,000 and can be used for project completion, conference fees, rental space, materials, and any other resources that contribute to an artists’ development. 

You’ll be eligible for this grant if you’re 19 years or older, a resident of St. Louis City or County and have been for at least one year, and if you’ve created and presented or performed original work to the public.

Learn more here.

11. PEN/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship

Since 2001, this annual writing grant of $5,000 has been awarded to an author of children’s or YA fiction. “It has been developed to help writers whose work is of high literary caliber and assist a writer at a crucial moment in their career to complete a novel-in-progress.” 

To ensure total impartiality of the judging process, your submitted novel-in-progress will be judged blindly, so be sure not to put your name anywhere on your manuscript.

Among other requirements, eligible applicants should have published at least one children’s or YA fiction novel, and it must have been published by a U.S. trade publisher.

Check out the website for more details.

12. Karen and Philip Cushman Late Bloomer Award

If you’re a writer over the age of 50 and your work has yet to be traditionally published in the children’s literature field, this one is all yours.

Karen and Philip Cushman and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) established this grant for writers in 2013. Cushman considered herself a late bloomer, as her first children’s book wasn’t published until she was 53. This grant is meant to celebrate and encourage writers just like her.

Recipients receive $500 and free tuition to an SCBWI conference anywhere in the world. Plus, the requirements are a breeze: you must be a member of SCBWI and an unpublished writer of 50 years of age or older. Submissions re-open each year on March 1.

13. Massachusetts Artist Fellowship 

Artists in Massachusetts specializing in various disciplines can apply to receive a $1,500 award, funded by the Mass Cultural Council, which considers “the work of individual artists to be an essential part of our vital communities.” 

The fellowship is only open to artists who are 18 years or older and have been a resident of Massachusetts for at least two years. You must also be prepared to present original work; no interpretations or translations, please. 

Although the program has a rolling application process, please note all new applications for Cultural District designation are paused until FY26 as program is internally reviewed and redesigned.

14. C.D. Wright Prize for Poetry

In honor of C.D. Wright’s legacy, The Arkansas International seeks “to award innovative poetry that ‘lives freely and variously and fully engaged with others and the world.’”

Any poet writing in English is eligible to submit, so long as they have not yet published a first book. U.S. citizenship is not a restriction of eligibility. The winner receives $1000 and publication in the Arkansas International. Recent judges have included Hanif Abdurraqib and Shane McCrae.

Submissions open annually at the start of June and close at the end of August.

15. The George A. and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation Fellowship

If you need to set aside some time to focus on your writing, this opportunity might be what you’re looking for.

Administered by Brown University, this fellowship was created with the intention to “provide artists, scholars, and writers with time to complete their work.” Previous fellowships awarded $35,000 to nine mid-career individuals in the fields of Creative Nonfiction and History.

You’ll be eligible if you’ve achieved recognition for one major project, and if you can answer “yes” to these questions.

Check out the website for more information.

16. The Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence

This award is “nationally recognized in its role of enhancing the visibility of emerging African-American fiction writers while also expanding the audience for this literature.” The $15,000 cash prize will support the writer as he/she focuses on writing. 

To be eligible, you’ll need to be an African-American U.S. citizen with a published work of fiction, and you should be willing to attend the award ceremony in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During your stay, participation in community engagement and educational outreach activities are also expected.

Learn more on the website.

17. Artists 360

Designed to elevate greater Northwest Arkansas artists, Artists 360 provides $7,500 grants “to support creative projects, learning opportunities to develop entrepreneurship skills and build sustainable creative practices, and connections to a dynamic regional artist network.” The four artistic disciplines accepted are visual arts, performing arts, literary arts and traditional arts. 

To be eligible, be an artist with an active and current artistic practice, have specialized training in your field, and show you’ve succeeded in the arts through high-quality work and/or contributions to the field.

Find more details here. 

18. Saratoga Arts Individual Artist Grants

Writers in the upstate New York State region—Fulton, Montgomery or Saratoga counties, specifically—this grant is for you. Funded by the Saratoga Arts, the Artist Grant focuses on individual artist work to enhance career development, skills and broaden exposure, “while fostering creative, resourceful and inspiring connections between artists and a community.”

Grants of $2,500 will be awarded to artists to create new work and share their creative process with the community. Funding can support art-related supplies and materials needed for the execution of the program, artist fees and other outreach costs.

Learn more on the website.

19. Independently Published Pre-publication Grant

You must be a current SCBWI member when your work is submitted and when the award is announced.

Money from the grant must be used to self-publish your book, including but not limited to:

• Hiring illustrators
• Hiring content editors, proofreaders, and copyeditors
• Hiring book designers
• Book trailers
• Website development
• Printing and shipping costs
• Publishing software

Grants will be awarded based on:

• Quality and professionalism of your synopsis
• Strength of your business plan

Check out the website for more information.

20. Work-in-Progress Awards

To assist children’s book writers and illustrators in the completion of a specific project currently not under contract. Given in the categories of Picture Book Text, Chapter Books/Early Readers, Middle Grade, Young Adult Fiction, Nonfiction, and Underrepresented Fiction or Nonfiction.

The SCBWI Work-In-Progress (WIP) Award assists children’s book writers and illustrators in the publication of a specific project currently not under contract. One winner per category will be selected. SCBWI reserves the right not to confer this award in any given year.

Submissions open March 1 through March 31. Learn more here.

Looking for more great writing grants and funding options? Check out C. Hope Clark’s fantastic list of opportunities at Funds for Writers. 

The original version of this story on writing grants was by Kristen Pope. We update this post regularly so it’s more useful for our readers.

Photo via Tero Vesalainen / Shutterstock 

Want to meet and work with other writers with structured guidance, but in a more intimate setting than a writing conference? A writer’s retreat in an exotic location may be just what you need.

Whereas writing residencies are mostly about working in solitude, conferences focus on networking and lectures, writing retreats fall somewhere in between.

Why you might want to attend a writing retreat

Most writer’s retreats are in beautiful locations (where, presumably, your creative juices will flow), and offer a combination of workshops, tours and interaction with a small group of writers.

They’re a great way to combine a vacation with inspiration, networking and, of course, lots of writing.

Writing retreats can be pricey, but some offer scholarships (so always ask!), or consider creating your own retreat with friends.

And remember: A writer’s retreat is an investment in your career, as well as an opportunity to get away. If they’re out of your price range, then perhaps a writing residency would be a better fit. Or, check out this list of grants for writers.

Looking for a women-only retreat? Some of the retreats on this list fit the bill, and you can also hop over to our post on women’s writing retreats.

Incredible writers’ retreats to attend in 2025

The writing retreats below take place in the remainder of 2024 and continue in 2025. Unless otherwise noted, the prices include workshops, shared accommodation, activities, and most meals. None include airfare to and from the destination.

Please keep in mind that The Write Life team has not attended these retreats. While we’ve gathered as much information as possible to share with you, consider this a starting point, and do your own research before committing. To ensure you’ll have an enjoyable experience, we recommend reading testimonials and reviews, or asking the host to connect you with past participants.

USA and Canada

1. Murphy Writing Retreats 

Murphy Writing at Stockton University offers a variety of writing workshops, retreats and getaways, with online and in person options. To stay informed about upcoming programs and places, it’s best to sign up for their newsletter.

Cost: Prices vary.

2. Good Contrivance Farm Writer’s Retreat

Located 25 miles north of Baltimore on a six-acre property in historic Reisterstown, Maryland, this writer’s retreat is open to writers of all levels, plus it operates on a first-come, first-served, non-competitive basis. (Although, you still need to submit a resume and one writing sample for admission.)

Good Contrivance Farm is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and restoration of small, historic farms in Maryland, and it offers the retreat as part of public outreach efforts. 

Directed by Pushcart Prize writer (plus a ton of others) Ron Tanner and his wife Jill Eicher, the retreat offers workshops and readings as well as plenty of alone time for you in the farm’s contemporary loft apartment. 

Harlan Roberts wrote a Google Review, saying,

“My wife and I just spent a week here and we both got a LOT of work done! She managed to edit half of her current novel and I finished editing a book of my short stories. Ron Tanner has put together the perfect writing retreat. It’s quiet, comforting and very accessible.” 

Cost: Check the website for the most up-to-date costs. In 2022, the cost was $570 USD for one person for a weeklong stay (meals and beverages not provided); $670 USD for two. Discounts are available for longer stays up to four weeks. 

3. Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat

In addition to a writing conference offering Round Table Critiques, Pitch-Prep Coaching, and One-on-One Mentor appointments, The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers offer parties and retreats.

Cost: Registration costs vary.

4. Find Your Story

Are you in the second half of your life? Are you a newbie writer who wants to tell your story? Then this women-only six-week online course was designed for you. 

Over six weeks you will find the life story you are ready to tell, feel your way through blocks in your writing, organize confusing life events into a traditional plot structure, discover the secret of getting the first draft written, start writing your first draft and leave with a detailed plan.

After attending Westrom’s writing class in 2018, Cherri Julia Maker Ridingin wrote on Facebook:

“Jennifer is a strong leader in a soft way, highly intuitive, and an outstanding teacher. Class three is next week, and already I feel that I have released some blocks that were preventing me from moving forward in my writing. Her lessons have touched me deeply.” 

Cost: $899 USD for the six-week course. Each class is limited to six women.

5. The White Mountain Book Writing Retreat

This retreat in the mountains of New Hampshire focuses on two things: self-nurturing and nonfiction book writing. If you keep putting off your book because of, well, life then host Dorothy Holtermann might say the White Mountain Book Writing Retreat is for you. 

Held in September each year, you’ll learn Dorothy’s “Birth a Book system” through group classes and private coaching, all while feeding your body with farm-to-table organic food and daily yoga classes. If you’re Zooming, you can still join the fun: receive “healthy food goodies” by mail, enjoy live meditation classes and book writing and performance classes that are sure to be interactive.

Cost: Between $2,995 (private room with shared bath) and $3,200 (private room with private bathroom ensuite) USD per person to attend.

6. Book Writing Retreat at the Hightlights Foundation

Discover how to write and publish your book at this five-day writing retreat supported by experienced guides, healthy food and daily yoga.

If you’re a health and wellness practitioner, an innovator in holistic practices, someone who champions self-care or a memoirist with a mission, then you’ll get a lot out of this experience held each June in Milanville, PA.

The Book Writing Retreat will take you from idea to publication while being surrounded by nature in the scenic Upper Delaware River Valley in the Pocono Mountains foothills.

Cost: Tuition starts at $2,995.

7. Autumn Writing Retreats in the Berkshires

Let autumn in Massachusetts be your muse on these five-day retreats focused on The Vibrant Landscape of Writing.

Led by Page Lambert, author, teacher, book doctor, retreat leader and project consultant, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the landscape of your fiction, creative nonfiction or poetry project while guided in group discussions and one-on-one private sessions.

Lambert has a lengthy page of testimonials on her website. In one, Paula Hagar said Lambert was:

“The most awesome writing teacher I’ve ever studied with.” In another, Marsha Rosenzweig Pincus called the Peru trip “one of the most inspirational, spiritual and transcendent experiences of my life.”

Cost: $2,350 USD. Each retreat is limited to five writers-in-residence.

8. Writers Who Run, Retreat and Race

Held in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, this exciting retreat came is a passion-filled writing and running adventure for year-long momentum. If you’re a writer and running looking to do more of what you love, then definitely check out the Writing is Magic retreat from Writers Who Run held in August.

After a two-mile run each morning, you’ll have a full schedule of workshops, critique groups, writing time and social events. The culminating event is a scenic 5K and 10K race on Saturday morning!

For testimonials, check out these YouTube videos from past participants. 

Cost: Choose between the Basic Package ($2,495 USD) or PRO Package ($2,985 USD), a shared or private room, and an in-full payment or a payment plan.

9. Elixir Writing Retreats

Elixir Writing Retreats curate unique experiences for writers at all stages. These retreats happen in different locations each year and include adventure, fellowship, expert instruction and cultural experiences.

The best way to stay informed about upcoming retreats is to subscribe to the Elixir Writing Retreats newsletter on their website.

Cost: Varies.

Mexico and Latin America

10. Creative Revolution Retreat

Leigh Shulman invites you to choose your own retreat dates—and join her when it works for you for a Creative Revolution Retreat in Salta, Argentina. This experience is meant for people at any stage of writing a book, or for those who want to start writing but need some guidance. 

Over eight days, you’ll enjoy intensive writing workshops tailored to your project, yoga, cultural activities, a massage and a private apartment in a bustling city center. Space is limited and the host prefers an intimate retreat, so grab a couple of friends and book a date.

“The retreat met and exceeded my expectations,” Kathleen Evans said in a testimonial on Shulman’s site. “Each day I could feel the progress during this retreat, and I feel that I’ve really grown. My writing has matured, and I have a solid plan and an idea of where I want to go with my writing project.”

(She tweeted about it, too.)

Cost: Since this retreat is custom designed, the cost varies. A $500 USD deposit is required.

11. Living a Creative Life: A Journey to San Miguel

Journey to Patmos, Greece, Iona, Scotland or San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with Goodworld Journeys and experience a unique salon-like retreat. Features include deep listening conversations, engaged learning on creativity and artistic craft, restorative wanderings and festive meals. There are also opportunities to learn from award-winning and bestselling authors who lead teaching sessions throughout the experience.

The next Journey is planned for the mountain town of San Miguel in Spring 2025.

Cost: Varies.

Europe

12. Retreats for You

Debbie Flint, the owner of a picturesque 17th-century thatched house in southwest England, runs a variety of retreats throughout the year as part of Retreats for You. Importantly, they all come with home-cooked meals and resident Labradors you can walk through the countryside. Take a look through the events calendar and find a retreat that suits your project or writing needs.

The center, which welcomes groups, has a five-star rating on Facebook with more than 80 reviews. Anita Chapman wrote on Facebook:

“The house is gorgeous and comfortable; the food is delicious, and there is always home-made cake…. Alison is a fantastic tutor who knows a great deal, delivering it beautifully; and she has a real interest in her students’ projects.”

Cost: Varies. 

13. Write Away Europe—France

Looking for a place to “connect with your muse and get inspired”? Head to the France Chateau Writers Retreat for “an inspiring and immersive week to focus on your writing, get feedback and guidance, generate new ideas and gain the confidence and commitment to bring them to life.”

You’ll be a part of a curated community including writers from all stages who want to tell their story in the best way possible with guidance from experienced facilitators. This retreat takes place each Spring and Autumn.

Cost: $3,950 USD per person.

14. Creative Writing Retreats

Yearning for time and space for yourself and your writing? These intimate Creative Writing Retreats in Idyllic Switzerland are open to participants at any level of experience and offer expert guidance in a supportive environment. 

Gain focus, find inspiration and hone your craft through daily workshops, independent writing time and feedback sessions. Published novelist Valeria Vescina will help you conquer those blank pages and breathe new life into your work in progress. Her solid credentials include years of teaching creative writing to all age groups and levels: from secondary-school pupils and students on Creative Writing BA and MA degrees to Adult Education classes.

Cost: Varies, depending on which retreat you attend.

15. The Creative Writer’s Workshop: Fiction and Memoir Retreats

The Creative Writer’s Workshop hosts a variety of workshops and retreats in Ireland for writers working on fiction, autobiographical fiction and memoir.

Inspire your writing spirit, invigorate your senses and create the story that’s in your heart. A writing adventure to deepen your connection to story in the stunning landscape of Ireland’s western shores.

Cost: Varies.

16. Ireland Writing Retreat: Wild Atlantic Writers  

Held several times a year (and not always in Ireland—at least one retreat per year is in the South of France), the Ireland Writing Retreat is a weeklong course for up to 10 participants.

Aside from daily writing workshops and critiques of retreat assignments, participants will also be given the opportunity to avail of focused one-on-one critique and discussion session on one of their works-in-progress.

Due to ever-increasing popularity, acceptance is not on a first-come, first-served basis. Just as important as when you apply is your response to a special application questionnaire.

Cost: Varies. Accommodation is not included.

17. Pink Pangea Writing Retreats 

Pink Pangea is an international community of women who love to travel, write, hike and do yoga. Their retreats are created for smart women who love exploring and growing through adventures.  

Upcoming retreats take place all over Europe including Barcelona, Spain, Akureyri, Iceland, Paris, France, Rhodes, Greece, Venice, Italy and Lisbon, Portugal.

Cost: Varies.

18. A Writer Within—Tuscany

Spend a week at a historic villa in Tuscany—complete with your own private chef—at this women-only retreat held twice per year.

A typical day at the A Writer Within retreat begins with freshly-baked pastries and an abundant healthy breakfast followed by a three-hour group writing session. Following an al fresco lunch, you may take a guided tour of nearby towns, historical sights or the surrounding countryside. If you don’t decide to stay behind and enjoy personal writing or relaxation time. After a three-course dinner, the group will gather informally to share work and reflect on the day.

Kay has written and video testimonials on her site. A review from Marisa Brown said:

“I said ‘yes’ to the dream of a writing retreat, and what better guide than Kathryn Kay to make that dream become a reality. As a workshop leader, Kathryn is gracious, grounded and focused. This was truly an all-encompassing experience of exploring myself and my writing.”

Cost: $5,200 USD for a private room or $3,900 USD for a shared room.

19. Portugal, England and Greece Writer’s Retreats

Women Reading Aloud hosts several writing retreats each year in locations such as Madeira, North Cornwall and Alonnisos.

These retreats can be anywhere from seven to 10 days and include writing workshops, artisanal workshops, cultural experiences and instruction from experienced authors.

Cost: Varies.

Asia, Africa & Middle East

20. The Writing Room Writing Retreats

Enjoy the Western Cape, South Africa as you experience an immersive writing retreat with The Writing Room. These five-night adventures include writing classes, coaching and free writes and happen twice a year.  

All types of writers are welcome to these retreats, which are designed to remove you from ordinary life and placed into the world of story and creativity.

“I recently attended the writers retreat and residency at Skala Eressor [sic]…. This has been the most profound retreat I have ever done. Kate and Sarah are masters at creating a space for creativity and writing skills. I loved every moment of it and would recommend this to every aspiring writer.”

From Mary-Joe Emde in a Facebook review.

Cost: Varies.

21. Indian Summer House Writers Retreat  

The Indian Summer House is a luscious boutique hotel in southern India. Here, you can attend an organized writers retreat for memoir or set up your own dates upon request. 

“Our numbers are small and the opportunity to mix your own writing time with workshops, consultations and informal readings is flexible according to how participants would like to be involved.”

Caroline Van De Pol

In addition to morning yoga and meditation, tantalizing meals and cultural activities, you’ll have daily writing workshops, evening reading sessions and abundant writing time. 

In a recent TripAdvisor review, user shonee2018 gave their experience an “excellent” rating.

“Time has this lovely pace in India,” they wrote. “It seems to pass even more gently at Indian Summer House during our daily writer’s workshops with Caroline Van De Pol, readings and discussions to reflect and share our work with others or enjoying the outdoor showers, having a drink in the coconut lounge, jumping into the pool two, three times a day or relaxing at the spa.” 

Cost: Varies. 

22. The Himalayan Writers Retreat 

The 10-day International retreats in the Himalayas from The Himalayan Writing Retreat are carefully curated, safe and all-inclusive (including airport-to-airport arrangements).

Every retreat has a guest leader and two resident facilitators: a psychologist and an author. They’ll guide you through everything from discussions to long walks, bonfires, yoga and pottery. Aside from airfare, everything is included in the price—even a trip to the Taj Mahal!

This retreat has more than 100 five-star Google reviews. Ramanjaneya Sharaph wrote:

“The workshop covers all aspects, from the science and craft of writing, to getting published. This is a workshop in the true sense of the word. There are enough hands on [sic] writing exercises, with feedback from the course leader and other participants, that helps better understand the concepts.” 

Cost: $3,400 to $3,600 USD per person.

This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

Nowadays, a writer’s laptop is their best friend.

Like any best friend, a good laptop should be there for you through thick and thin, from bustling airports to cozy coffee shops, from the triumph of a strong WiFi signal to the heartbreak of no available outlets.

A reliable laptop lets you take your writing anywhere, whether you’re researching a freelance article or drafting your latest novel idea.

What’s the best laptop for writers?

If you’re wondering, which laptop should I buy? We’re here to help.

We rounded up the best laptops for writers based on categories that matter most to wordsmiths: affordability, reliability, portability, keyboards and more.

Most links to the laptops recommended below will take you directly to Amazon for easy shopping; that’s also a good place to read more reviews. But don’t underestimate the manufacturers’ websites if you want more information. You might also check the price there before you buy, since each laptop model comes with a wide range of options and Amazon’s prices vary from day to day.

Here are our picks for the best laptops for writers.

Most affordable laptop

Most of us are on a budget, especially if we’re just starting our freelance writing career or working on creative writing on the side of a day job. Laptops aren’t exactly known for being cheap, but you can find budget-friendly options if you’re willing to compromise on storage space and fancy add-ons.

Starting at around $300, the HP Chromebook can’t be beat for affordability.

Writers will appreciate a processor that supports more speed for streaming and editing, plus the near 13-hour battery life. Although Chromebooks have small storage capacity and limited functionality without an internet connection, many users find the two years of access to 100 GB of Google Drive storage is good enough to make this laptop a stellar deal. (Oh, and offline functionality of Google Docs isn’t too shabby either.)

Up until recently, Chromebook couldn’t run Microsoft Word — while you still can’t download the traditional software, Microsoft’s Office apps for Android devices can now run on the newer Chromebook models that have the ability to download, install and run apps from the Google Play store.

Laptop with the best battery life

You’re at your favorite coffee shop making huge progress on your latest writing project. Of course, that’s the exact moment when your laptop’s battery indicator turns red, warning that you only have a few precious minutes before your computer shuts down.

Avoid the scramble for an open outlet at coffee shops, libraries and airports.

Instead, go with the full HD version of the Dell XPS 13 (starting at $949). With up to 19 hours and 24 minutes of continuous run-time, this versatile touch laptop will never leave you stranded with a dying battery.

Most portable laptop

Whether you’re a digital nomad who’s constantly on the move to the next freelancer-friendly city or a hometown writer who enjoys working from coffee shops, laptop portability is an important factor for many writers.

There’s no need to schlep a heavy laptop around when you have options like the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 13 (starting at $740). Weighing under three pounds and nine millimeters thick, the ultraportable Swift 7 is ready to take your writing wherever the wind blows you.

Laptop with the best keyboard

Most people probably don’t think twice about their keyboard. Writers, on the other hand, can be obsessed with them.

A responsive, ergonomic keyboard is essential for writers, and not all laptops deliver.

For those who are picky and truly want the best laptop keyboard, it’s probably best to test-drive a few models in-store to get a feel for what you do and don’t like.

If you need a place to start, look no further than the HP Spectre x360 (starting at $1399). The smooth, softly backlit keyboard gets rave reviews from users, who appreciate its deep and spacious keys amid the compact design. The trackpad also beats out many of its competitors with a wide touch area and satisfyingly firm click. And with two useful levels of backlighting, writers can create their next masterpiece from anywhere.

Most reliable laptop

A laptop isn’t something you want to upgrade every other year.

In most cases, the brand of laptop you choose has more impact on reliability than which specific model you go with. Overall durability, customer support and warranty options all come into play in this category.

Apple is well known for its excellent support staff, especially since the bountiful presence of brick-and-mortar Apple stores often means you won’t need to ship your computer to the manufacturer for servicing.

Try the classic MacBook Air (starting at $650) for a laptop that’s stood the test of time.

A strong PC brand is Asus, with helpful customer service reps and plenty of warranty options, including hardware repair and accidental damage protection, where users can make up to one claim per year for accidents caused by a drop, spill or liquid damage.

Their ASUS ZenBook 13 (starting at $1040) meets the rigid MIL-STD-810G military standards for durability and reliability, so you know it’s tough. On top of that, the laptop was tested in harsh environments, extreme altitudes, extreme temperatures and humidity, and it passed all with flying colors.

Laptop with the best screen display

No one likes squinting at tiny text on a screen they can barely see. A larger screen is particularly important for writers who need multiple documents open side-by-side or who are working through tedious revisions.

The best in show for top-of-the-line screen displays goes to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 7 (starting at $1040). Whether you’re watching webinars, Zooming across the world, or writing the next Great American Novel, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 7 lets you choose from several displays, including a full HD touchscreen or one with PrivacyGuard for screen security. The cinematic 4K Dolby Vision™ panel has high dynamic range technology that makes shadows and textures become richer on the 14-inch screen, which is a pro for any writer who’s tired of endlessly fiddling with brightness settings.

If you need a laptop with a stellar display that travels well, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 (starting at $657) is your best bet. This laptop boasts a 15.6-inch display with vibrant and crisp optional 4K resolution that makes the anti-glare wide viewing angle a pleasure to use.

Best 2-in-1 laptop

Versatile 2-in-1 laptops give you the flexibility to interview a source with a lightweight tablet in the morning, then type up your notes on a full-sized keyboard in the afternoon.

Frequent travelers and journalists will especially appreciate how quickly a 2-in-1 laptop can transform to meet their needs at any moment.

The HP Elite Dragonfly (starting at $1,399.99) is an easy option for writers whose busy schedules require versatility. It’s not the cheapest 2-in-1 laptop out there, but the HP Elite Dragonfly doesn’t skimp on high-quality features that make it just as powerful as a traditional laptop. The powerful, yet thin and light design is complete with incredible speakers, a smooth keyboard and an optional 4K display

If you’re looking for a two-in-one that can pull its weight without breaking the bank, check out the Lenovo Yoga Slim (starting at $99) with a 360-degree hinge that allows for both conventional laptop and tablet-style operation.

Best laptop for entrepreneurs

Many writers consider themselves small business owners. We tap into our inner entrepreneur to find freelance clients, market our books and keep our business finances in order.

Entrepreneurial writers need a laptop that can keep up with whatever task they’re tackling, whether it’s creating a promotional video, researching a story or recording a podcast episode.

Apple lovers can’t go wrong with the MacBook Pro (starting at $1,299.99). This cult-favorite has been the top pick for entrepreneurs for years, and for good reason. The high-quality performance, Retina display in a variety of screen sizes (13 or 16 inches!) and excellent customer support make the MacBook Pro a classic choice for business-minded writers — especially with the radically improved backlit Magic Keyboard.

If you’re in the market for a PC, consider the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (starting at $699). This well-rounded laptop boasts the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write and work more naturally. Plus, the high-speed memory and performance can help entrepreneurial writers manage all their job duties.

Now you’ve got all the info you need to choose the perfect laptop for your writing life, no matter which features are most important to you.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

The original version of this story was written by Ashley Brooks. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers.

Photo via Jacob Lund / Shutterstock 

When searching for opportunities, it can feel like the only options available are $5-per-article scams and work from content mills, which can seem like good opportunities—until you check your bank account balance and realize it’ll take ages before your hard work adds up into real earnings.

Making a living as a freelance writer means you’ll need to master how to get paid to write articles. The good news? There are publications that will pay you a premium to write for them.

The publications below pay $500 US and up, which may seem like a dream to you (especially if you’re new to the field).

It isn’t necessarily easy to get into these publications, and it may take time and experience to build up your writing to a level that will help you get paid these rates. But you can take solace in the fact that writing work exists beyond content mills and low-paying gigs.

While there are probably tens of thousands of magazines that pay writers, a much smaller number compensate writers really well. We’re here to make a living writing rather than fall victim to the old adage of starving artist.

Ready to get paid to write articles?

Get Paid to Write Articles from These 15 Platforms

1. Early American Life

History buffs, take heed. Early American Life is a print mag focusing on early American style, decorating, and traditions publishes seven times yearly and welcomes the fresh voices of new writers.

You can submit both shorter stories and features, which run about 2,500 words. The editors estimate a $500 payment for “a first feature from a new writer,” with the opportunity for higher earnings as your skills develop.

2. Earth Island Journal

Earth Island Journal wants “compelling and distinctive stories that anticipate environmental concerns before they become pressing problems.” It covers a wide variety of environmental issues including wildlife and land conservation, environmental public policy, climate and energy, animal rights, and environmental justice.

If you’re an international traveler, it’s a great opportunity. Earth Island is especially hungry for, “on-the-ground reports from outside North America.” The magazine pays 25 cents per word for its print stories, which equates to about $750 to $1,000 for in-depth features (between 2,800 and 4,000 words).

You can also pitch a shorter online report, especially if you’re a newer writer. While they only pay $200 apiece for stories published online, the journal publishes five days per week and is “always looking for fresh ideas.”

3. VQR

VQR is a journal of literature and discussion with a focus on publishing the best writing they can find, from award-winning authors to emerging writers.

For poetry, it pays $200 per poem (up to four). If they accept a group of five or more poems, you’ll earn $1,000. Prose pays around 25 cents per word, and an accepted short story receives $1,000 or more. Book reviews earn $500 for 2,000 to 2,400 words. VQR has limited reading periods, so check the schedule online before you submit.

4. The Sun Magazine

The Sun Magazine is looking for essays, interviews, fiction and poetry. They prefer personal writing but they also accept pieces about political and cultural issues.

The Sun pays $300 to $2,000 for fiction, essays and interviews, and $100 to $250 for poetry. If your work is accepted, you’ll also get a complimentary one-year subscription.

5. Boys’ Life

Boys’ Life is a general-interest monthly magazine has been published by the Boy Scouts of America since 1911. It pays its writers between $500 to $1,200 for nonfiction articles up to 1,200 words. Writing for one of its departments is also an option, where you’d make $100 to $600 for a 600-word article.

As far as what to write about, there aren’t too many limits. “We cover everything from professional sports to American history to how to pack a canoe,” read the submission guidelines. Most of all, it should be entertaining to the scouts it’s aimed at.

“Write for a boy you know who is 12,” the editors suggest.

6. The American Gardener

The American Gardener is the official publication of the American Horticultural Society, and it caters to “experienced amateur gardeners.”

It seeks writers for horticulturalist profiles, and articles about innovative approaches to garden design, plant conservation, horticultural therapy, and biodiversity, among others.

It pays $300 to $600 for feature articles, which usually run 1,500 to 2,500 words. The magazine sometimes offers travel and expense reimbursement.

7. One Story

One Story is a literary magazine that features one story per issue, and it is mailed to subscribers every three to four weeks.

One Story looks for literary fiction in the range of 3,000 to 8,000 words, and stories can be on any subject “as long as they are good.” It offers $500 and 25 copies of the magazine for every accepted contribution, but submissions are not always open.

8. The American Scholar

Quarterly magazine The American Scholar publishes everything from essays to fiction to poetry on public affairs, literature, science, history, and culture. 

It will pay up to $500 for accepted pieces of no more than 6,000 words, and if you want to go the digital route, it will pay up to $250 for web-only pieces. Note, however, that The American Scholar does not accept pitches through email—only through online submissions manager system Submittable.

9. Longreads

Want to write a 2,000- to 6,000-word long-form article for Longreads? Before you think “yes,” know this: These stories can involve multiple reporting trips, sources, and in-depth research. And while they don’t necessarily need to deal with current events, “they should have an excellent sense of story and purpose and be able to hold a reader’s attention with a compelling premise.”

Base payment begins at $500, and they’ll even work with you to pay you a solid fee and also cover expenses. 

10. National Geographic Traveler

You know it. You’ve read it. And now, you can write for it. As the world’s leading brand in consumer travel, National Geographic Traveler states their publishing goals are to, “find the new, to showcase fresh travel opportunities, to be an advocate for travelers.” No hotel or product reviews here, folks.

Nat Geo Traveler pays, but their website doesn’t confirm how much. But according to Who Pays Writers, they offer 50 cents per word for 1,000-word features.

11. NationSwell

Based in NYC, NationSwell is looking for freelance writers to tell impactful meaningful solutions narrative and feature stories between 800 to 1,500 words about people or organizations solving for America’s issues—like “the woman who took on gun violence by confronting gangs and her local mayor in street rallies, or the group that helps families of murder victims fight back against a system that unfairly punishes them.”

Pay is 50 to 65 cents per word depending on experience and subject matter.

12. Alaska Beyond Magazine

Alaska Beyond Magazine is the monthly in-flight magazine for Alaska Airlines, and it’s looking for writing with vivid visual images, anecdotes and a strong narrative flow. If you can write with a sense of humor, cover business with insight and style, and lend inside perspective to the destination and travel columns, you’re good as gold. 

Rates begin at $150 to $250 for short articles in the Journal section (200 to 600 words); $150 for business shorts (500 words); $500 for columns (1,600 words); and $700 for features (2,000 to 2,500 words). At this time, they’re not interested in fiction, poetry, or book reviews.

13. Curbed

Curbed’s focus is home: architecture, design, real estate, and urban planning. It’s seeking pitches for long-form and narrative stories from freelance writers, and these pitches should dig deep on their preferred topics, whether they are analyses of popular trends, reported pieces, personal essays, or a combination of all of the above. 

The submission guidelines confirm (but don’t specify) competitive rates for features between 3,000 and 6,000 words—Who Pays Writers reports 20 and 54 cents per word payments, which means, at the very least, you stand to make $600.

14. JSTOR Daily

JSTOR Daily is excited by stories that tease out the details or that look at the obvious in a non-obvious way; “subjects that are newsworthy, entertaining, quirky, surprising, and enlightening are right up our alley.” For publication in summer and fall 2020, they’re interested in a reading list or annotated bibliography about structural racism, or work that highlights scholarship by BIPOC.

Feature stories typically range from 1,800 to 2,000 words. The submission guidelines confirm (but don’t specify) that contributors are paid, so Who Pays Writers reports the average pay is 31 cents per word.

15. Sierra

Ever heard of Sierra? It’s the United States’ oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental group. It welcomes ideas from writing pros who can “write smart, fun, incisive, and well-researched stories for a diverse and politically informed national readership.” When you pitch, make sure it reflects an understanding of the Sierra Club’s motto—“Explore, enjoy, and protect the planet”—as well as knowledge of recent issues and topics. 

Feature articles range from 2,000 words to (rarely) 4,000 words or more with payment starting at $1 per word, rising to $1.50 word for more well-known writers with “crackerjack credentials.”  In some cases, expenses will be paid.

You can also write for one of their departments, which they say is open to freelancers. Articles are 250 to 1,000 words in length; payment is $250 to $1,000 unless otherwise noted.

The original version of this story was written by Bamidele Onibalusi. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers.

Photo via Federico Rostagno/ Shutterstock 

For most writers (or any artist), putting your work out there isn’t an easy step to take, no matter how celebrated you are.

But while it’s daunting to submit a story to a publication—hearing people’s opinions of your work, eek!—it’s also necessary for great practice for all aspiring authors who eventually want to figure out how to get a literary agent.

Whether you write short stories, personal essays, poems, or stories for kids, there are tons of magazines that will help bring your story to life for the eager and excited eyes who can’t wait to dig into them. 

Now, I warn you: These magazines pay for your stories, but the rates won’t keep the lights on in your house. But it’s a great way to begin earning money for your work, which one day will pay the bills. 

Where to Submit Children’s Stories

Before you submit a story, always familiarize yourself with the magazine to understand the tone and style of the writing it features. 

You probably know this already but it bears repeating: Plotting, story construction, character development and more are just as important in children’s and YA stories as they are in adult fiction or other genres—the standards of success aren’t any different. 

After you craft a children’s short story that’s ready to be judged, here are 15 children’s magazines that want to read your compelling submission.

1. Bumples

Founded in 1999, Bumples (for ages 6 to 10) and Bumple Buds (for ages 3 to 5) each publish four issues per year. If you want to submit a story to this interactive online magazine, focus on mystery and adventure stories, as well as fantasy, holiday, sports and animal stories.

For the 3 to 5 age group, submit a story of no more than 800 words; for the 6 to 10 age group, stick to 2,000 words or less. As you write, keep this in mind: Bumples specializes in illustrated fiction, so the editors select stories and poems where they can animate the characters.

Read through the writer’s guidelines to learn more—when your story is ready to submit, email it to editor@bumples.com. Editors prefer Word format but they also accept PDFs. 

Payment: $30 for stories; $20 for poems. 

2. One Teen Story

If you’re a young writer—or if you know one—award-winning literary quarterly One Teen Story is the perfect place to submit an original story. 

Publishing four issues per year that each only contain one story, this magazine features the work of today’s best teen writers from ages 13 to 19. Submissions can fall into any genre of YA fiction (literary, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, horror and more), but they need to be well-written and between 2,000 and 4,500 words. Also, stories should be about the teen experience as well as have teens as the main characters.

Examples include stories that deal with coming-of-age issues, plus those of identity, friendship and family. Make sure you avoid excessive profanity, sex and drug use. To really get the vote of editors, write a story that is strong enough to stand alone, rather than an excerpt from a work-in-progress, for instance. 

One Teen Story Teen submissions are now closed but are due to reopen in fall 2021. 

Payment: $500 upon publication plus 25 copies of the magazine featuring your work.

3. Cricket Media

Cricket Media publishes 11 award-winning magazines for children from six months to teens, so they have submission options for all kinds of writers of any experience level.

Across all its magazines, Cricket Media aims to publish the “finest quality writing and illustration for children of all ages.” Its readers are curious about the world around them and enjoy the artistic expression of these magazine’s crafty stories.

Its four literary magazines for children up to nine (Babybug®, Ladybug®, Spider® and Cricket®) welcome stories in the genres of illustrated poetry, fiction and literary nonfiction.

Writers with expertise in science, technology, culture and social studies have five nonfiction magazines (for ages 3-14) to submit to: Click®, Ask®, Muse®, Cobblestone™ and FACES™ World Cultures and Geography.

Since these stories require more subject-matter knowledge, writers must also submit a resume and several writing samples. To learn more specifics about story length, desired (and undesired) story elements and more for each magazine, start with the general submission guidelines.

Also an illustrator? View the submission guidelines for artists to find out how to submit there, too. 

Payment: For the literary magazines, $.25 per word for stories or articles; $3 per line for poems, or $25 max; $75 flat fee for activities and recipes. Rates for nonfiction magazines are negotiated.

4. U.S. Kids Magazines

Want to write broadly about health and fitness for kids up to 12 across the U.S.? Publisher of award-winning magazines Humpty Dumpty (ages 2-6) and Jack and Jill (ages 6-12), U.S. Kids Magazines seeks high-quality stories, articles and activities that demonstrate a healthy lifestyle.

Be humorous, playful and witty in a well-constructed story that starts at a basic reading comprehension level to support young readers—but also doesn’t neglect to sprinkle in advanced information. Editors also want a story that can “appeal to today’s children.” That means if you haven’t been around kids in a while, they suggest you doubly ensure your dialogue and characters are up-to-date and authentic. 

Jack and Jill accepts full fiction manuscripts of up to 800 words and nonfiction up to 700 words. Humpty Dumpty, on the other hand, wants fiction shorts of 450 words or less, crafts of up to 250 words, poetry up to 12 lines, plus short mini-stories of 70-125 words. 

Find details about mailing in your transcript in the submission guidelines, plus what kind of stories editors are especially interested in across accepted genres. 

Payment: $25 and up for Jack and Jill magazine fiction and nonfiction stories; $25 and up for Humpty Dumpty poems, $30 and up for fiction stories, and $40 and up for crafts. 

5. Hunger Mountain

Graduate students of Vermont College of Fine Arts’ Writing and Publishing program created Hunger Mountain magazine, which strives to amplify traditionally silenced voices and increase representation in literature. 

Besides writing that explores, questions and challenges, editors also favor stories that demonstrate what it’s trying to do for others and the world. “We are here to champion writing that upsets systems of power and dominance,” explains the submission guidelines. “Our magazine isn’t going to destroy the cis-heteronormative, white-supremacist, ableist patriarchy, but we are going to try.”

Above all, Hunger Mountain seeks work that is self-aware and avoids the risk of harm. But don’t be afraid to be humorous, or even to surprise editors with romance (that isn’t cheesy), limericks or poems in the styles of ghazal and golden shovel. 

Your YA or children’s story submission should be no longer than 8,000 words. 

Submissions are open until December 1, 2023. 

Payment: $50 for prose and $25 for poetry. 

6. Ember: A Journal of Luminous Things

Ember challenges you to write a story that targets readers who are 10-18, whether it’s poetry (three to 100 lines), a short story or creative non-fiction (up to 12,000 words), or flash fiction (no more than 1,500 words).

Editors seek “excellent, polished writing” that creates an engaging story—one with no profanity, vulgarity, sex or violence. Plus, keep this in mind: “Submissions with the best chance of acceptance will be meaningful on some level to both older and younger readers without being condescending.”

What’s neat about this magazine is it offers feedback on your story once you’ve submitted it, even if it hasn’t been selected for publishing. (Although, it’s optional.) 

Payment: $.02 per word, or $20 per work, whichever is more. 

7. Spaceports and Spidersilk

Most of all, this print magazine created by speculative fiction-focused Hiraeth Publishing wants your story to have one element: adventure.

Published three times per year in February, June and October, Spaceports & Spidersilk wants fantasy, sci-fi and shadow stories (“spooky, but not terrifying”) aimed at readers ages 8-14. It prefers stories with young protagonists, plus those that don’t harp on an overarching lesson. Instead, editors want a good story that “entertains and connects with emotions.”

Submit genre stories between 1,000 and 3,000 words, flash fiction that’s less than 1,000 words, essays up to 800 words and poetry with no more than 25 lines. Whatever you submit, be sure to follow the magazine’s cardinal rules: No swearing, sex, drugs or sexist language. 

Check out the writer guidelines to learn how to submit. 

Payment: $6 for each accepted story; $3 for flash fiction.

8. Cast of Wonders

Interested in writing YA sci-fi or fantasy? Cast of Wonders is the leading voice in young adult speculative short fiction, and it wants stories that “evoke a sense of wonder, have deep emotional resonance and have something unreal about them.”

Stories should be no more than 6,000 words in length and aimed at teens from 12-17. Since the Cast of Wonders podcast sometimes presents stories in audio format, your submission needs to pack a punch: strong pacing, well-defined characters, compelling dialogue and more. 

Editors want fiction that makes them think; however, they’ll reject stories with graphic depictions of sexual assault, cannibalism or non-consensual sex and/or drug use.

Submit your thrilling story to the address found in the writer guidelines. 

Payment: $.08 per word for original fiction of any length and a $20 flat rate for flash fiction. 

9. Fun For Kidz

Created for kids ages 6 to 13—although the 8-10 range is the specific target—Fun For Kidz magazine publishes six issues per year and focuses on the perspective that all children deserve the right to be a child for as long as possible.

That’s why it publishes timeless topics like pets, nature, hobbies, science, games, sports, careers, and anything else that might capture a younger audience.

To be published in this magazine, submit a fiction or nonfiction story up to 650 words with lively writing and includes an activity that’s both wholesome and unusual. Feel free to submit more than one story, but be sure to note it on your manuscript. Plus, here’s a pro-tip: to strengthen your chance of selection, attach several high-resolution photos with your submission.

Fun For Kidz no longer accepts email submissions, so read the submission guidelines to learn where to mail your story. 

Payment: A minimum of $.05 per word for fiction and nonfiction, plus $5 per high-resolution photo; $10 per poem or puzzle. 

10. Balloons Lit. Journal

Accepting of submissions year-round, Balloons Lit. Journal (BLJ) wants to publish quality, unconventional stories for children ages 12 and up from writers of any age. 

In its biannual issues, BLJ welcomes three to five pieces of poetry in any style and fiction stories up to 2,000 words. However, “If you also have fantastic art and/or photographic work” submit that, too, for extra brownie points. According to the submission guidelines, the editors love pleasant surprises. 

When deciding which piece to submit, ensure your story, no matter how complex and philosophical, can enlighten and amaze young minds. BLJ isn’t a theme-based journal, so focus on penning a submission that is surprising, humorous, bold, unique, layered, educational and more. 

Include a cover letter with a brief bio introducing yourself and your background. All submissions to BLJ must be emailed to editorblj@yahoo.com. 

Payment: One print copy. 

11. Smarty Pants

Smarty Pants Magazine for Kids is a publication that “strives to delight, educate and entertain children from every walk-of-life.” 

There’s no specified age range in the submission guidelines, but writers should submit a children’s story that’s kid-friendly, violence-free, fun and clever and up to 800 words. If your story’s theme is seasonal, remember to submit your story three months before the occasion. 

Once you’ve edited and perfected your children’s story, email smartypantsmag@gmail.com and paste it in the body of the email or a Word or Google Doc. 

Payment: $15 for short stories.

12. The School Magazine

Australia’s The School Magazine publishes short stories, articles, plays, poems and activities that have literary and academic merit for kids between 8 and 12. Submit to any of its magazines: Countdown, Blast Off, Orbit or Touchdown.

Its writer guidelines say readers “respond well to texts that delight, intrigue, challenge and inspire them.” Since The School Magazine’s target audience is exploring their identities and craves insights into the world around them, you’ll do well with a story that reflects the multicultural, diverse society the magazines try to exhibit. 

No matter if you submit a fiction story, poetry, an article or a play, writing should be energetic and suspenseful with credible characters. Word counts for accepted categories range from 800 to 2,000 words—be sure to use those words on a fresh angle rather than a preachy theme. 

To submit, scroll up on the contribute page, then click “Contribute” and fill out the generated fields. 

Payment: The School Magazine pays on publication, plus a repeat fee if a piece is reused in a print version of the magazine. 

13. Clubhouse

Focus on the Family Clubhouse magazine (Clubhouse for short) reaches more than 80,000 young readers and parents around the world—all of who turn to the magazine to read adventurous and humorous stories that offer “Scriptural or moral insight.”

For kids ages 8-12, write fiction (500 to 2,000 words) or nonfiction (400-500 or 800-1,000 words) fast-paced stories that are exciting yet wholesome, plus fresh and creative and feature well-developed characters the same age as the magazine’s target audience. 

Your fiction stories should be descriptive and engaging, or unique and interesting for nonfiction stories, articles and other materials. If you submit a nonfiction article, keep in mind it must have a Christian angle, though not an overbearing one. As for fiction stories, “they should be built on a foundation of Christian beliefs and family values.”

Read the submission guidelines to learn the kind of stories Clubhouse seeks, like mystery or sci-fi, and what will get you axed from the shortlist. 

Payment: Between $.15 and $.25 per word; $200 and up for feature-length fiction stories; $150 and up for nonfiction pieces.

14. Zizzle

“We look for stories that will surprise, move and amuse both young and older imaginative minds,” writes Zizzle Literary magazine’s submission guidelines. An anthology book series that brings parents and kids together to foster a love of reading, Zizzle publishes literary fiction that fascinates kids from age 12 and up.

Your fiction story should have a strong voice and dive deep into themes of meaning and morality that evolve naturally. While Zizzle editors embrace “fresh perspectives on the nuanced joys and tensions in kids’ daily lives and imaginations,” they welcome untraditional storytelling plus tastefully humorous stories. 

Flash fiction children’s stories should be 500 to 1,200 words and 2,000 to 4,500 words for short stories. Before you submit, note Zizzle requires a $3 submission fee. 

Payment: $100 for flash stories; $250 for short stories.

Note: When we checked Zizzle for updates, their website was down so it’s unclear if they’re still around.

15. Youth Imagination

On the 21st of each month, Silver Pen Publishing publishes a new series with children’s and YA stories from these genres: fiction, modern, urban or classical fantasy, sci-fi, slipstream, literary, action-adventure and suspense. 

If you’re a lengthy writer, you’ll love this word-limit: 20,000! For the short story category, submit a story of 1,000 to 8,000 words; no more than 999 for flash fiction. To make the cut, write a well-written story, and focus on technique, voice, characterization and language — that will all play a part in the editors’ decision to accept and publish your story. 

“Amaze us with your writing, use of language, sense of story, and memorable characters,” writes the guidelines. The kind of story they won’t be amazed by, however, is fan fiction, or one that possesses cliche elements. 

Submit your story via Submittable. 

Payment: $15 per story.

Note: Youth Imagination closed to submissions in December 2022 and did not re-open in 2023.

We wish you the best as you submit your children’s and YA stories! It might feel uncomfortable at first—or always—but it’s all part of the journey of being a better, stronger writer. 

This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

If prospective clients don’t know you by reputation, they need a quick, easy way to suss out your work, your style and your level of professionalism. While social media accounts can do wonders (having a few thousand followers never hurt a freelancer’s credibility), you’ll need more than that as your online calling card.

That’s where your online portfolio comes into play. Even if you’re not quite ready to start a blog, a simple portfolio website that promotes your freelance writing can do a lot to help you land clients.

Regardless of which of these portfolio websites you decide to go with, you should aim for these two things:

1.Easy-to-read clips: If someone is looking to hire you, their main goal in coming to your site is to read your work and see if they like it. Make it simple for them!

2. Uncluttered design: If a prospective client can’t find what they need in less than 10 seconds, you’ve got too much going on. You’ve lost their attention… and a potential client.

Easy-to-use Portfolio Websites to Showcase Your Work

An online portfolio that fulfills these two basic criteria doesn’t have to be complicated to create. You’ve got lots of good portfolio design tools to help you get there! And if you’re looking for free portfolio websites, we’ve got you covered there too.

When you’re ready to land your next freelance writing job, here are some easy-to-use portfolio websites to choose from.

1. Squarespace

Squarespace is an effortless drag-and-drop website builder that offers a stellar visual experience. While this isn’t a traditional portfolio website (nor is it targeted solely at writers), it’s a really good choice if you incorporate design or graphics into your work.

Their templates give off a clean, minimalist and sophisticated vibe. And their responsive design is rock solid—an important factor when prospective clients want to view your writing on their phones or tablets. While there are many website building tools—like Wix and Weebly—Squarespace comes out ahead for its sleek visual design.

Cool Feature: Stuck on a design issue while building your portfolio at 3 a.m.? Squarespace’s 24/7 client support (via email or live chat from Monday to Friday) is top-notch. Being able to communicate with a real human being when you have a question or issue can make freelance life that much easier.  

Free version: No but there is a free trial

Upgrade option: It costs $12 per month for a personal website with a free custom domain. For business and commerce versions, which include SEO features, advanced analytics, fully-integrated e-commerce and unlimited storage, it costs $18 to $40 per month. 

2. Clippings.me

Clippings.me was created explicitly for freelance journalists. It gives you a quick and easy way to show off your favorite clips, and add just enough detail about yourself to make you seem human. Like Journo Portfolio, you can add links, upload PDFs or embed multimedia pieces, including podcasts. And if you get stuck finding the right words to sell yourself or if you need some design guidance, check out their Writing Portfolio Guide. 

Clippings.me also offers an open journalism directory where you can browse journalists based on beats or by country to find potential interviewees for the stories you cover You could (hopefully) use it to gain access to more prospective clients.

Cool Feature: Simplicity is the name of the game. have the bare minimum technical skills but still want a refreshing layout for your online portfolio, this is a great choice.

Free version: Yes! It’s free for the basic version, which allows up to 10 articles.

Upgrade option: The pro version costs $9.99 per month, which includes unlimited clippings, downloadable resume on profile, contact forms, search engine optimization (SEO) and portfolio privacy, password-protected portfolio and features like Google Analytics integration so you can measure views.

3. Muck Rack

Muck Rack is a media database that helps connect journalists and PR pros—and their platform gives writers a slick way to easily showcase their work. 

It creates and maintains the portfolio for you by automatically compiling articles, outlets, and social media profiles, which is one of the easiest options in terms of both set-up and maintenance. You can customize your page by adding a bio, listing your beats and spotlighting your best pieces.

Muck Rack boasts it’s the easiest, most unlimited way to build your portfolio, grow your following and quantify your impact. The best part? It’s all free.

Cool Feature: Do you ever wonder how big your reach is? With Muck Rack’s Who Shared My Link tool, you can instantly see the total number of social shares for your article and which other journalists shared your stories.

Free version: Yes! It’s free for all users. Additional features are unlocked for journalists Muck Rack verifies—check out the criteria to become a verified journalist.

4. The Freelancer by Contently

The Freelancer by Contently is a portfolio website specifically for freelance writers and journalists. In addition to serving as your online portfolio, it can serve as a place to find work and connect directly with clients. Here are its top three compelling features:

1. It uses a simple and single-page portfolio interface where you can display an unlimited number of projects or blog posts
2. Potential clients can filter projects based on the clients you’ve worked with, topics and skills, which are great for writers that work in multiple industries
3. Freelancers with professional experience might even be contacted for freelance opportunities with clients like Marriott, Microsoft and Walmart 

Cool Feature: Contently has a rates database so you can see what other freelancers earn, and a freelance rates calculator to help you determine the amount you should charge for each client. 

Free version: Yes! It’s free for writers. (Clients pay to tap into that network.)

5. Journo Portfolio

On Journo Portfolio, you can create a modern, no-fuss online portfolio. The dashboard is easy to use: customize your site’s look with six distinct themes, and sort your clips into any number of pages or content blocks.

Another handy feature is the range of ways you can share materials: link directly to clips (just type in the URL and Journo Portfolio will grab the title, publication, date, and content), or upload almost any kind of multimedia, including PDFs, videos and images.

Cool Feature: To help you keep track of your metrics, Journo Portfolio’s built-in analytics show you how many visitors your site has had, how long they spent on the site and where they came from. Wanna go the extra mile? integrate your dashboard with your private Google Analytics account so you can access all the raw data available.

Free version: Yes! It’s free for a name.journoportfolio.com URL, and you can host up to 10 articles.

Upgrade option: For the pro version, pay $5 to $10 per month. That includes unlimited pages, article back-ups, and the ability to use your own domain, like www.yourname.com.

6. WordPress.com

WordPress is the grandfather of content management platforms. While not specifically geared towards online portfolios, the joy of WordPress is that you can do pretty much anything you want with it. It’s available as a totally free, no-frills blog; a paid version with more bells and whistles; or the “install-it-yourself-and-do-whatever-the-hell-you-like setup.”

Your standard WordPress themes aren’t all ideal for portfolio work, but search Google for “WordPress portfolio themes” and you’ll have everything you could ask for—WordPress even offers this dedicated portfolio splash page! This is a great platform for people who want lots of options and total creative control (and who don’t mind fussing around with a little CSS).

Cool Feature: Since WordPress is so adaptable, it can be a good place to start if you think you may want something beyond a portfolio site somewhere down the line. That way, when you realize that you want to be both a freelance writer and photographer, you’re not stuck on a platform where you can’t show off your other skills.

Free version: Yes! For a basic blog.

Upgrade option: For more control over how the site looks and functions, some freelancers choose to upgrade to the $8-per-month premium option. That gives you access to marketing and monetization tools, unlimited premium themes and advanced site design customization. 

7. Writer’s Residence

Run by Monica Shaw and Tim Harding, a writer and programmer duo in the UK, Writer’s Residence portfolios have two simple goals:

1. To make it hassle-free for writers to showcase their best work with a beautiful website
2. To give writers a valuable tool that they can use to market their careers

Whether you’re an aspiring freelance writer or a published author, Writer’s Residence understands that a well designed website highlights your professionalism and makes it easy for editors to see your work. Bring your own domain or use one of theirs, get creative with their variety of templates and use their “brain-dead simple system” to have your website up and running in 30 minutes. 

Cool Feature: No HTML experience? No biggie! When you create a portfolio with Writer’s Residence, they take care of the design so you can stick to your expertise—writing. Here, you’d build your site with plain text using their simple forms. And if you do want to get fancy, customization is an option, too. 

Free version: Yes! All accounts come with a 30-day free trial.

Upgrade option: After the trial, continue managing your website for $8.99 per month (or £5.49) on this easy platform that lets you upload an unlimited number of writing samples and provides prompt and personal customer support.

8. Writerfolio

The writing industry is highly competitive—make your writing stand out with an appealing and professional Writerfolio portfolio to leave a great first impression with clients and editors. That’s sure to land you your next writing job!

On this platform that also requires no computer skills, you can build a portfolio with unlimited writing samples with attachment uploads, a variety of themes to choose from, an easy fill-in-the-blanks portfolio setup and more. 

Cool Feature: They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee—if you’re not 100% happy, they’ll refund you with no questions asked.

Free version: No, but you can try out a free demo without evening signing up! 

Upgrade option: Memberships cost $4 per month and come with a complete online writing portfolio at yourname.writerfolio.com (but you can use yourname.com, if you already own it).

9. Format

Any kind of artist can find a home here, from photographers and designers to writers and illustrators. Format provides an impressive selection of curated themes to fit your unique brand, giving you a beautiful digital canvas to show off your best work.

Your portfolio with Format will be automatically optimized for mobile—so clients can view your work from any device—and you can enjoy unlimited bandwidth and blog posts, copyright protection for any image you upload, plus social media integration. Format will also give you a free domain name for a year!

Need some design inspo? Check out these writer portfolios using Format’s themes. 

Cool Feature: For when you need to make a change on-the-fly, Format’s iOS apps make it easy for you to show off your portfolio, manage your menu items and create and write blog posts anywhere you go. 

Free version: No, but you can try it free for two weeks to see if it’s a fit!

Upgrade option: With the Pro, Pro Plus and Unlimited plans, creatives can tailor their website with dozens of themes, custom code editing, 24/7 support and SEO tools. A bit on the pricey side, monthly membership costs range from $12 to $25

10. Carbonmade

Carbonmade has been building portfolio tools for creatives since 2005. Fifteen years later, they offer hundreds of features specifically built for creatives:

• They can personalize your starting point layouts specifically for your profession
• Carbonmade is automatically responsive and optimized for all devices so your site always looks great
•  You can link your own domain or choose from the ones included in all plans: name.carbonmade.com, name.portfolio.site or name.gfx.work options
• Audio and PDF upload support

Cool Feature: Instead of sticking to a certain theme or layout, Carbonmade lets you use dozens of flexible layout blocks to design your website—just drag and drop to create your dream portfolio. No limitations here. 

Free version: No, but check out the free trial! 

Upgrade option: Monthly membership costs range from $8 to $18. For the cost of two coffee cups per month, writers typically enjoy the $8 plan for access to eight projects and unlimited images and videos. 

Examples of online portfolio websites

Now that you’ve got lots of portfolio websites to choose from, want to see some of them in action?

We’ve compiled a list of online writing portfolios to inspire you. Here’s where to check out some online portfolio examples.

The original version of this story was written by Annie Rose Favreau. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers.

Read anything and everything you can find, and you’ll become a better writer.

Read your favorite genre, whether that’s historical fiction, creative nonfiction, or personal essays. Read books that are similar to what you like to write. And surround yourself with writer paraphernalia, including great books on writing.

The titles below will help you with all aspects of your writing, from learning to write better to finding inspiration to figuring out where to pitch your ideas. We’ve even included some books about how to make money writing.

Books on Becoming a Better Writer

1. “On Writing” by Stephen King

Part memoir, part guidebook, this Stephen King classic will appeal even to those who avoid his renowned horror-packed tales. In this book, King discusses how he came to be the writer we know today, plus he shares the basic tools of writing every writer needs.

2. “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott

“Bird by Bird” is an essential part of any writer’s toolbox. In this work, Lamott shares herself and her craft with readers, including anecdotes that tie the pieces together into all-around great writing. If you need help finding your voice and passion, Lamott’s advice is sure to spark creativity.

3. “Writer’s Market” edited by Robert Lee Brewer

“Writer’s Market” helps aspiring writers become published. Its listings contain hundreds of pages of suggested markets for nonfiction writers, as well as those who want to sell short stories, including details for how to pitch your work. Because this guide is updated regularly, you’ll always have the most up-to-date information about how to publish and get paid for your writing.

4. “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser

Although this classic book targets nonfiction writers, Zinsser discusses many forms of writing, from interviewing and telling stories about people to writing about travel. In addition to writing tips on consistency, voice, editing and more, he also includes the fundamentals of craft that can help you grow as a writer in any genre.

5. “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White

For years, writing teachers have assigned “The Elements of Style” to their students to teach them about grammar, structural writing rules and the principles of composition. Brushing up on the basics from time to time is critical for continually developing your skills, and this book contains simple truths that every writer needs to know.

6. “The Associated Press Stylebook” by the Associated Press

AP Style is known by many as the “go-to” writing style for journalists and public relations pros. The Associated Press Stylebook contains more than 3,000 entries detailing rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviation and word and numeral usage to help you master news writing.

(Heads up: This stylebook is updated annually, so always be sure you purchase and study the most recent version!

7. “How to Write Bestselling Fiction” by Dean Koontz

While many books on this list are aimed at nonfiction writers, this one is for those who dream up their own stories to tell. If anyone is qualified to tell people how to write bestselling fiction, its prolific author Dean Koontz, who’s sold more than 450 million copies of his books. This book was written in 1981 and is out of print, so if you buy it online, you’re paying for a collector’s item. But the book has timeless, valuable insights for writers who manage to snag a copy. (Consider checking your local library!). After four decades, it’s still one of the best books on writing fiction.

8. “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg

Goldberg’s insightful book examines the craft of writing including how to start brainstorming, the importance of learning how to listen, the vital role verbs play in writing, and even how to find an inspiring place to write. No matter the stage you’re at with writing, this inspiring read will give you the encouragement you need to keep going.

9. “Plot & Structure” by James Scott Bell

Written for fiction writers, this book tackles everything from story structure models and methods to a variety of techniques to help you craft great stories from start to finish. You’ll even find tips on how to create plot diagrams, plus the tools to overcome various plot problems that can arise.

10. “Writing Short Stories” by Courttia Newland and Tania Hershman

Broken into three comprehensive parts, this book examines the craft of short stories and teaches writers how to do it successfully. It explores the nature and history of this form, provides useful tips from noteworthy short story writers and how to look deeper into your characters. Plus, if you’re struggling with writer’s block, Newland and Hershman’s book can help you there, too.

11. “I Should Be Writing: A Writer’s Workshop” by Mur Lafferty

For writers who should be writing—erm, all of us—this book is like your personal writing workshop condensed into a flexibound journal. Lafferty shares writing exercises to help the strength of your writing blossom, plus writer’s prompts, tips on how to refine your creative process and hone your craft. Most of all, you’ll learn how to ignore your inner writing bully. 

12. “Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets A Novelist Can Learn From Actors” by Brandilyn Collins

Award-winning and best-selling novelist of 30 books Brandilyn Collins created this in-depth guide to help writers understand the psychology of your characters. That way, you’ll know how to express it in your stories and bring your characters to life. Because it draws on popular acting methods that’ve been used professionally for decades, reading this book will teach you techniques and concepts that’ll change the way you look at writing.

13. “Self-Editing for Fiction Writers” by Renni Browne and Dave King

When you can’t hire a professional editor to ensure your manuscript is print-ready, pick up this book to learn how to edit yourself into print. Written by two professional editors, “Self-Editing for Fiction Writers” teaches editing techniques like dialogue, exposition, point of view and more so you can turn your work-in-progress into published novels and short stories.

Books on Overcoming the Struggles of Writing

14. “The Writing Life” by Annie Dillard

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “An American Childhood”  shares words of wisdom in this handy book where she discusses the difficulties of writing. She writes about how it’s sometimes necessary to destroy paragraphs, phrases and words to reform them as something even better. She also shares advice all writers need a reminder of, like this one: Be more diligent and less self-berating. 

15. “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron

From time to time, every writer suffers from burnout or writer’s block, and Julia Cameron understands that. Her book focuses on the craft of writing and training yourself to be even more creative.

She offers valuable techniques, like starting each morning with a free-writing exercise and exploring one subject you find fascinating per week. Her tips for gaining the self-confidence to reinvigorate your creative juices could be of help to any kind of writer.

16. “Word Work: Surviving and Thriving as a Writer” by Bruce Holland Rogers

“Word Work” is packed with practical advice to help you navigate core elements of the writing process. Whether you want to overcome procrastination, find happiness in writing and even conquer writer’s block, this roadmap is filled with useful exercises to help you achieve your goals. It also covers how to handle rejection and success.

17. “A Writer’s Guide to Persistence” by Jordan Rosenfeld

This book focuses on how to be a happy and successful writer throughout your career. It covers everything from finding joy as a writer to avoiding burnout to the all-important challenge of balancing writing with a busy life. It also discusses how to fine-tune your craft, get in touch with your creative flow, revise your work, find critiques, and learn how to be resilient.

18. “War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield

Published in 2012, this book helps writers and creators of all kinds overcome the biggest obstacle of all: our inner naysayer. The Amazon description says this book is “tough love…for yourself,” so if something inside of you keeps you from your biggest accomplishments, this is the right book to pick up.

PS If you’re a Steven Pressfield fan, be sure to check out selfpublishing’s podcast interview with the author!

19. “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon

“Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative” will help you understand that nothing is original. To discover your true artistic side and build a more creative life, read this book to be inspired by Kleon’s transformative principles about the power of embracing influence. Instead of writing what you know, this read will give you the courage to write what you want and be imaginative in your work.

Books on Writing as an Art Form

20. “The Writing Life: Writers on How They Think and Work” edited by Marie Arana

This book contains columns from a decade of The Washington Post’s “Writing Life” column, with contributors as diverse as Jimmy Carter, Joyce Carol Oates and Carl Sagan. Each essay is paired with biographical information about each author, which helps readers learn more about these skilled contributors and their timeless ideas on the craft of writing.

21. “The Paris Review Interviews”

A notable magazine, The Paris Review offers 16 in-depth interviews with some of the leading names in the literature world, from novelists to playwrights and poets. If you want insight into how superstars like Ernest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, Kurt Vonnegut, Toni Morrison and more penned their esteemed works, check out this book to learn from their revelations.

22. “Art & Fear: Observations On The Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking” by David Bayles & Ted Orlando

This book reflects on the artistic side of being a writer. Making art is no easy feat, and Bayles and Orlando—both artists themselves—explore the challenges of making art and the various obstacles that can discourage people along the way. Originally published in 1994, “Art & Fear” is now an underground classic, dishing out relatable, valuable advice about what it means to create.

23. “The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century” by Steven Pinker

Steven Pinker offers a new take on some of the classic writing manuals. Inside “The Sense of Style”, he analyzes examples of modern prose, pointing out fantastic writing styles from those he considers awful. To help you improve, Pinker also provides tips to spruce up lackluster work.

24. “Zen in the Art of Writing” by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury, author of “Fahrenheit 451,” put together this book of essays portraying his passion for the craft. It was published in the 90s, but this collection still offers wise advice for aspiring and practicing writers.

25. “The Lonely Voice: A Study of the Short Story” by Frank O’Connor

World-renowned Irish author Frank O’Connor takes on the short story in this favorite book on writing. Short stories are challenging, but O’Connor shares tips and tactics that can help any writer begin to feel more confident about mastering the art of the short story and crafting their own works. According to many readers and writers, this is one of the best books on writing short stories.

26. “Consider This” by Chuck Palahniuk

In this memoir-like read, Palahniuk reflects on the art of storytelling through advice he shares about what makes writing and sharing stories powerful. In between anecdotes and decades-worth of postcards from his time on the road, you’ll find a love story to the world of fiction paired with concrete examples of strong storytelling.

27. “The Emotional Craft of Fiction” by Donald Maass

Readers shouldn’t just read your story; they have to feel it as well—that’s what makes strong fiction, according to “The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface.” A former literary agent, Maass breaks down story elements to show you how to write fiction that creates an emotional experience for your readers.

Books on Making Money Writing

28. “Published. The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold” by Chandler Bolt

“Published.” equips readers with the key to unlock the story that has been burning inside them, calling them to share their wisdom with the world. Then it shows authors how to scale their impact, influence, and income from their books.

29. “Self-Publisher’s Legal Handbook: The Step-by-Step Guide to the Legal Issues of Self-Publishing” by Helen Sedwick

Attorney and self-published author Helen Sedwick uses her 30+ years of legal experience to help aspiring self-publishers navigate the business side of writing. This first-of-its-kind guidebook covers everything from business set up to spotting scams to helping keep writers at their desks and out of court.

30. “How to Make a Living With Your Writing” by Joanna Penn

Joanna Penn’s “How to Make a Living With Your Writing” and her companion workbook can help any writer examine their current writing situation and make a plan for the future. Penn discusses her multiple income streams and shares the breakdown of her six-figure writing income, which includes book sales, affiliate marketing commissions, a series of courses she offers and speaking fees.

31. “Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success” by Kelly James-Enger

Divided into five sections James-Enger ’s book dives into critical topics, such as when it makes sense to ignore per-word rates, how to ask for more money, how to set goals and even how to fire troublesome clients. This book is a valuable read if you want to build a sustainable career as a full-time freelance writer.

32. “Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living” edited by Manjula Martin

In her anthology, Martin includes a series of essays and interviews from well-known literary icons such as Roxanne Gay, Cheryl Strayed, Jennifer Weiner, and Jonathan Franzen where they discuss the intersection of writing and money.

33. “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley

This content-creation book, “Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content,” drives home the point that anyone with a website or social media channels is a writer.

It focuses on how to craft quality writing that boosts business and helps find and retain customers. Plus, it includes writing tips, content help, grammar rules and much more. Despite the growing world of hashtags and abbreviations, writing matters more now than ever.

34. “The Breakout Novelist: How to Craft Novels That Stand Out and Sell” by Donald Maass

This must-have reference for novel writers provides innovative and practical information about how to turn your writing into engaging and marketable fiction that stands out. With more than 70 exercises to help you evaluate your writing and lessons from Maass’ 30+ years in publishing, you’re sure to walk away with knowledge and strategies to become an author with a successful career.

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This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

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