Some legitimate contests charge small entry fees, but often a fee can be a red flag for a scam, so those might be the ones you want to stay away from. 

Besides, there are plenty of free writing contests that encourage and inspire boundless creativity with real cash prizes and career-advancing opportunities! Since it can be hard for a writer to know where to find them, we did the legwork for you.

We found 40 reputable, well-reviewed, free writing contests for poets, fiction writers, essayists and more

With thousands of dollars in cash prizes and numerous opportunities to secure a publishing contract, you’re sure to find the right free writing contest for your work.

If you don’t mind paying a little money to enter, our friends over at Smart Blogger have rounded up some great writing contests that have small entry fees. And if you’re still hungry for more opportunities, we also have posts on writers grants and writing fellowships.

Fiction and nonfiction writing contests this year

Ready to share your novel or personal essay with the world? Whether you’re a newbie or more established writer, you’re likely eligible for a few of these contests.

Here are some fiction and nonfiction writing contests worth considering.

1. L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest

Whatever your feelings about L. Ron Hubbard’s work and philosophy, the prizes for this regular contest are nothing to sneeze at. Every three months, winners earn $1,000, $750 and $500, plus an additional annual grand prize of $5,000.

Submissions must be short stories or novelettes (up to 17,000 words) in the genre of science fiction or fantasy, and new and amateur writers are welcome to apply.

Deadlines: Quarterly on March 31, June 30 and September 30

Website: Writers of the Future

2. Inkitt

This boutique publishing firm offers cash prizes and promotional packages to winning authors. Submit a novel of 10,000 words or more in any fiction genre (no fanfic or poetry).

Inkitt’s writing contest runs monthly and gives authors the chance to win cash prizes up to $300, exclusive book badges and promotional packages while showcasing their books to Inkitt’s audience of more than 3 million users. Winners are determined by Inkitt’s unique algorithm based on overall reader engagement.

Deadline: See individual contest pages

Website: Inkitt

Disclosure: Inkitt is an advertising partner of The Write Life. We hold our advertisers to high standards and vetted this contest just like others on this list. 

3. Drue Heinz Literature Prize

You can win $15,000 and publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press with this prize, awarded for a collection of short fiction.

You may submit an unpublished manuscript of short stories, two or more novellas or a combination of novellas and short stories. Your total word count should be between 150 and 300 typed pages. You must also have already published a novel or book-length work of fiction “with a reputable publisher,” or no fewer than three short stories or novellas in nationally-recognized journals.

Deadline: Annual submissions must be postmarked between May 1 through June 30

Website: University of Pittsburgh Press

4. Young Lions Fiction Award

This $10,000 award recognizes “young authors,” which the rules define as any author aged 35 or younger. Submit any novel or collection of short stories published or scheduled to be published in the calendar year. Works must be written for adults; children’s or YA pieces are ineligible.

Deadline: Submission information is available on the award website

Website: New York Public Library

5. Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prizes

One of the best-loved small presses in the creative writing world, Graywolf Press hosts a variety of contests for both established and up-and-coming writers. Graywolf also offers smaller fiction and nonfiction prizes, with genres rotating by year; 2020 was a nonfiction year, so fiction was up in 2021, then back to nonfiction in 2022, and so on. These awards include a sizable advance—$12,000 in previous years—as well as publication with Graywolf.

Deadline: Contest is held annually with rotating genres

Website: Graywolf Press

6. The Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans

Hosted by the prestigious Iowa Review, the Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award is offered to U.S. military veterans and active-duty members writing in any genre about any subject. Manuscripts of up to 20 pages will be accepted, and the first-prize winner will receive $1,000 and publication in the Review. A second place prize of $750 is also available, as well as three runner-up prizes of $500 each.

Deadline: Biennially

Website: The Iowa Review

7. Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence

For 15 years, this contest has provided visibility for emerging African American fiction writers and enables them to focus on their writing by awarding a $15,000 cash prize. Eligible authors should submit a work of fiction, such as a novel or short story collection, published in the calendar year. (Galleys for publication within the year are also accepted.)

Deadline: Annually. The entry window closes on December 31

Website: The Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence

8. PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction

Honoring the best work of fiction published by an American author in a single calendar year, this award has been given to the likes of John Updike, Philip Roth and Ann Patchett. Novels, novellas and collections of short stories are all eligible.

The winner receives a hefty cash prize—up to $15,000 in the past—and an invitation to read at the award ceremony in Washington, D.C. Plus, there are no submission fees or application forms to deal with; just send a PDF of each book (as many as you’d like) to awards@penfaulkner.org.

Deadline: Submissions will be accepted from July 1 to September 30

Website: Pen/Faulkner

9. PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers

This contest requires you to have already published a short story in a literary magazine or journal or cultural website. But if you’ve made your debut (but gone no further), you may be eligible for the generous cash prize of $2,000, which is annually awarded to 12 emerging writers, whose works are then published together in an anthology.

Short stories of up to 12,000 words are eligible and must be published in the calendar year preceding the year in which the award is given. Additionally, keep this in mind: Submissions are only eligible if submitted by an editor. Authors may not submit their own work.

Deadline: Submissions close November 1

Website: PEN America

10. Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

Fiction and nonfiction writers who have recently published a book that “contribute[s] to our understanding of racism and our appreciation of cultural diversity” are eligible for this award, which offers $10,000 cash as well as media and publicity opportunities. Plus, winners receive their prize at a ceremony in Cleveland.

Submissions must be published in the prior year (so books published last year are eligible for the award this year).

Deadline: Annual submission window is September 1 through December 31

Website: Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

11. Marfield Prize (aka National Award for Arts Writing)

Presented by the Arts Club of Washington, this award seeks to honor nonfiction books that deal with the “visual, literary, media, or performing arts.” The prize is $10,000 and may be awarded to works of criticism, art history, memoirs and biographies, and essays.

Deadline: Annually in the last quarter of the year. The submission window in 2023 is October 15

Website: The Marfield Prize

12. W.Y. Boyd Literary Award for Excellence in Military Fiction

If you’re a war buff, this competition is for you. It awards $5,000—and a 24-karat-gold-framed citation of achievement—to the best piece of fiction set during a period when the U.S. was at war (war may either be the main plot of the piece or simply provide the setting). Submissions may be adult or YA novels.

Deadline: Annually on December 31

Website: American Library Association

13. Friends of American Writers Chicago Awards

FAW presents two annual awards: an Adult Literature Award for literary fiction or nonfiction, and a Young People’s Literature Award for a children’s/YA book.

Authors must reside in the state of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota or Wisconsin—or they must set their book in one of those locations. Prize amounts vary from year to year, but you don’t have to bother with an application and all winners are celebrated at the organization’s May luncheon.

Deadline: Annually in December

Website: Friends of American Writers Chicago

14. Hektoen Grand Prix Essay Contest

Hektoen International, an online journal dedicated to medical humanities, offers two prizes annually for essays of no more than 1,500 words: $5,000 is awarded to the winner and $2,500 to the first runner-up. Eligible topics are broad so long as they have a relation to medicine, and many include art, history, literature, education and more.

Deadline: Annually; September 15 is usually the deadline

Website: Hektoen International

15. Biopage Storytelling Writing Contest

There’s no denying it: social media is a huge part of our modern-day lives. It’s easy to get used to limiting our communications to 280-character and emoji-strewn snippets, which is why this marketing firm is hosting an essay writing contest to “remind people of the benefits of writing.”

Essays of up to 5,000 characters (roughly 1,000 words) will be accepted, and right now they’re looking for stories of COVID-19 quarantine life. The grand prize winner will receive $300, and five runners-up will be awarded $100 each.

The contest is free to enter, but you’ll need to register for a Biopage account to be eligible.

Deadline: The contest ends January 31 each year

Website: Biopage

16. St. Martin’s Minotaur / Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition

Writers 18 and older who have never had a novel published (in any genre) are eligible for this prize, awarded to an original book-length manuscript where “murder or another serious crime or crimes is at the heart of the story.” The winner receives a publication contract with Minotaur Books and an advance of $10,000 against future royalties.

Deadline: December 17 each year 

Website: Edgar Awards

17. ServiceScape Short Story Award

ServiceScape, a platform matching freelance writers, editors and graphic designers with clients (i.e. a great place to look for paid writing work!) offers a yearly Short Story Award of $1,000 to a winning fiction or nonfiction work of 5,000 words or fewer. The winner will also have their story featured on the ServiceScape blog, which sees thousands of readers each month.

Deadline: November 29 each year

Website: ServiceScape

18. Stowe Prize

This biennial prize of $10,000 honors an American author whose adult fiction or nonfiction work has had an impact on a critical social justice issue (as did Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin). The book must be written by a U.S. author and have been published in the United States during the previous three calendar years.

Deadline: Contact the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center for this year’s deadline.

Website: Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

19. The Diana Woods Memorial Award in Creative Nonfiction

Creative nonfiction essays of no more than 5,000 words on any subject are eligible for consideration for this award, whose winner receives $250 and publication in Lunch Ticket, the literary and art journal produced by the MFA community of Antioch University Los Angeles.

Works must not have been published elsewhere. Award winners are required to submit a 100-word biography, recent photo and a short note thanking the Woods family for their generosity and support.

Deadlines: Biannual reading periods are in February for the Summer/Fall issue and in August for the Winter/Spring issue

Website: Lunch Ticket

20. The 2023 Brandon Langhjelm Memorial Essay Contest

Each year, this Canadian organization offers three prizes, ranging from $500 to $1,500, to the essay with the most thoughtful, well-reasoned arguments around a specific human-rights theme. (For example, 2022’s prompt was, “Canadian governments are making Digital ID technologies a precondition of access to essential services and goods. What can Canadians do to protect their Charter rights and freedoms against the dangers of these technologies?”)

The contest is open to Canadian college and university students, and essays should be 2,500 words or less in length.

Deadline: November 5

Website: Justice Center for Constitutional Freedoms

21. Write the World

For young writers ages 13-18, these cool contests also serve as mini workshops. Recognizing that “a first draft is never perfect,” submissions actually receive peer review by authors, writing teachers and other experts and writers are given the chance to revise their pieces based on this feedback before submitting them for final prize consideration.

Contests vary each month, but there’s a $100 prize for the winner and $50 for the runner-up (plus $50 for the best peer-reviewer). All three are featured on Write the World’s blog alongside comments from a guest judge. And since each month’s prompt is from a different genre, developing writers get a chance to test out different styles.

Deadline: Monthly

Website: Write the World

22. Prose.

Stuck with writer’s block and looking for a way to jumpstart your escape? Prose offers weekly challenges meant to spark your creativity; many are just for fun, but look for the weekly numbered challenges posted by Prose (rather than community members or sponsors) for a chance to win money.

Prizes are typically between $100 to $200 and word counts are low—some as low as under 150, some as high as 500. So even if all you get from the prompt is a chance to flex your brain, it’s not a bad deal.

Deadline: Weekly and monthly

Website: Prose.

23. The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing

First-generation immigrants have a chance to win $10,000 and publication by Restless Books for telling their stories (real or imagined). The contest alternates annually between fiction (novel or short story collection) and nonfiction (memoir, essay collection, narrative nonfiction).

Deadline: Submission window is usually between December and March

Website: Restless Books

24. AFSA National High School Essay Contest

The U.S. Institute of Peace and the American Foreign Service Association sponsor this annual high school essay contest, where the winner receives a $2,500 cash prize, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., and a full-tuition paid voyage with Semester at Sea upon the student’s enrollment at an accredited university. Essays should be between 1,000 and 1,250 words and have to answer all aspects of the prompt as well as demonstrate an understanding of the Foreign Service.

Runners-up get a pretty sweet deal too, a $1,250 cash prize and a full scholarship to participate in the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership Conference.

Deadline: April each year

Website: American Foreign Service Association

25. Science-me a Story

Born in 2018, the Society of Spanish Researchers invites talented and original writers to write a 100-word blurb for a hypothetical novel. This might sound really easy, but your blurb has to quickly hook readers and make them want to read more. Open to anyone over 18 anywhere in the world, your real or fictional short story for this competition must be either in English or Spanish and “conceived from the objective of scientific dissemination to primary school” to qualify for the cash prizes: £150, £100 and £50. 

Deadline: April each year

Website: Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom

26. VCU Cabell First Novelist Award

Virginia Commonwealth University sponsors this award that honors an outstanding debut novel published in the preceding calendar year. While you may have published previous books in a different form, the submission must be your first published book marketed as a novel.

The award is a $5,000 cash prize, and the winning author must agree to attend the award event, usually scheduled for November.

Deadline: Annually; the submission window runs from July 1 through December 30

Website: Virginia Commonwealth University

27. Daisy Utemorrah Award

The Daisy Utemorrah Award is for an unpublished manuscript of junior or YA fiction written by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples currently living in Australia. Generously supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund and the State Government of Western Australia, the winner of the award receives $15,000 and a publishing contract with Magabala Books.

Deadline: Submission window usually opens at the beginning of each year

Website: Magabala Books

28. Short Fiction Prize

If you’re an undergrad at a college in the U.S. or Canada, this writing competition is for you. (Traditionally, this contest has encouraged applicants with an Asian background, but anyone is invited to apply.) Submissions should be no more than 7,500 words.

One winner will get a $1,000 prize as well as a scholarship to the next Southampton Writers Conference.

Deadline: Submission window is usually between March 1- July 14

Website: Stony Brook University | Lichtenstein Center

29. Bacopa Literary Review Contest

The Bacopa Literary Review is an international journal published by the Writers Alliance of Gainesville. Each year, it opens submissions for pieces in four genres: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and prose poetry. Find detailed guidelines for each genre on its website. First place gets $300, and the second prize in each of the four genres gets $100.

Deadline: May 30 each year

Website: Writers Alliance of Gainesville

30. Insecure Writer’s Support Group Annual Anthology Contest

As long as you stick to the guidelines, The Insecure Writer’s Support Group’s annual contest welcomes your 5,000- to 6,000-word (previously unpublished) creative story. But before you send it off, make sure your story is polished and formatted! Plus, the prizes aren’t too shabby—winning stories will be edited and published, authors will receive royalties, and the top story will even get to give the anthology its title. 

Deadlines: September 1 each year

Website: Insecure Writer’s Support Group

31. New Voices Award

Presented by Lee & Low Books, an award-winning children’s book publisher, this award is given for a previously unpublished children’s picture book manuscript of no more than 1,500 words written by a writer of color or Indigenous/Native writers who’s a resident of the U.S.

The winner receives $2,000 cash and a standard publication contract, and an additional Honor Award winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000. You may submit up to two manuscripts.

Deadline: Watch the website for details. 

Website: Lee & Low Books

32. St. Francis College Literary Prize

Since 2009, this biennial literary award has honored mid-career writers who have recently published their third, fourth or fifth work of fiction. The winner receives $50,000 and may be invited to the St. Francis College campus in Brooklyn, New York, to deliver a talk about their work or teach a mini fiction workshop to St. Francis students.

Deadline: Biennially. The contest was not offered the last three years due to the pandemic and limited campus access

Website: St. Francis College

33. Future Scholar Foundation Short Story Competition

The Future Scholar Foundation is a nonprofit organization started and run by high school students in Redmond, WA. Their mission is to empower young students to develop their self-expression skills through monthly short story competitions. Their efforts have been recognized by the Seattle Times and Northwest Asian Weekly, and their short story competitions have received hundreds of submissions from over 15 US states and five countries.

Deadline: Monthly on the 28th

Website: Future Scholar Foundation

Free poetry contests to enter

Curious about opportunities for poets? Your stanzas—rhyming or not—could be worth a fair amount of money in these poetry competitions.

Check out these poetry writing contests.

34. Black Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest

This contest is open to Black writers who are over the age of 18 and residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota or Wisconsin.  It’s hosted by Strive Publishing and Free Spirit Publishing and seeks to fill the need for Black representation in children’s and young adult books. Original board and picture books for children aged 0-4 and picture books for ages 4-8 are eligible, provided they feature contemporary, realistic Black characters and culture and focus on character development, self esteem, community and other aspects of positive childhood development.

Three prizes, ranging from $250 to $1,000, will be awarded, and the first-place winner will be “seriously considered” for publication, though it’s not guaranteed.

Deadline: Usually late July, each year

Website: Free Spirit Publishing 

35. James Laughlin Award

If you’re already a published poet, this is the award for you; it’s given for a second book of poetry due to come out in the forthcoming year. The winner receives $5,000 and an all-expenses-paid week-long residency at The Betsy Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. In addition, copies of the winning book are distributed to 1,000 members of the Academy of American Poets.

Deadline: Annual submission window is January 1 through May 15

Website: Academy of American Poets

36. African Poetry Book Fund Prizes

The APBF awards three prizes annually for African Poetry. The Luschei Prize for African Poetry gives $1,000 for a book of original African poetry published in the prior year.

The Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets gives $1,000 and a publication contract for a book-length collection of poetry by an as-yet-unpublished African author.

The Brunel International African Poetry Prize is a new prize that grants £3,000 to a poet who was born in Africa, or has African parents, who has not yet had a full-length book of poetry published. (U.S. citizens qualify.) To submit, you’ll need 10 poems.

Deadlines: See individual prize pages or details

Website: African Poetry Book Fund

37. Tufts Poetry Awards

Claremont Graduate University presents two awards each year to poets they deem to be “outstanding.” The Kate Tufts Poetry Award grants $10,000 for a published first book of poetry that shows promise.

The Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award grants a mammoth $100,000 for a published book of poetry by an established or mid-career poet.

Deadline: Submission window is July 1 to June 30 each year

Website: Claremont Graduate University

38. Graywolf Press Walt Whitman Award 

The Walt Whitman Award is a $5,000 prize awarded, along with publication, to an American poet with a winning first book manuscript. He or she also receives an all-expenses-paid six-week residency at the Civitella Ranieri Center in Umbria, Italy.

Graywolf Press is also one of the publishers of the Cave Canem Poetry Prize, “a first book award dedicated to the discovery of exceptional manuscripts by Black poets.” Winners receive $1,000 and Graywolf publishes every third winner of the prize.

Deadline: July 1 to September 1 each year

Website: Poets

39. Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest

Now in its 23rd year, this humor contest wants your best published or unpublished work for a grand prize of $2,000; runners-up are awarded $500 and 10 honorable mentions will receive $100 each. Writers of all ages from eligible countries can submit an original, humorous poem with 250 lines or less, and it must be in English.

Deadline: April 1, each year (and no, this isn’t an April Fools joke)

Website: Winning Writers

40. The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize

This writing competition is looking for the best piece of unpublished, themed writing. For example, one year, the theme was “Untamed: On Wilderness and Civilization.” Submissions may be prose, poetry or non-academic essays. Maximum word count is 2,500, and this is open to all nationalities and to anyone 18 or older. The winner gets a £10,000 cash prize, second place gets £3,000 and third place gets £2,000.

Deadline: Applications open at the beginning of each year. Follow the Alpine Fellowship on Instagram for updates

Website: The Alpine Fellowship

Where to find more legitimate, free writing contests

Looking for more opportunities to submit your work? Here are a few great sites to keep an eye on for writing contests.

Winning Writers

A number of the contests found on our list came highly recommended by this site, which compiles some of the best free literary contests out there. Along with a wide range of recommended contests for writers of all stripes, Winning Writers also lists some contests and services to avoid, which is just as useful!

They also offer a handful of contests themselves, including the North Street Book Prize.

Poets & Writers

Another fantastic source for legitimate writing contests we consulted when compiling this list, Poets & Writers vets competitions, contests, awards and grants to make sure they’re following legitimate practices and policies. It’s worth checking out regularly as it features both annual and one-time contests.

This listing 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 Kelly Gurnett. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers. 

Photo via Viktoriia Hnatiuk / Shutterstock

Where should you look for gigs that pay more than a couple measly bucks for a 500-word post? Are content mills the only way to get paid to write?

The truth is, if you know where to look, you can definitely find better-paying blogger jobs.

With the rise of content marketing, an increasing number of companies are hiring freelance writers to produce articles for their blogs. Sometimes they offer one-off assignments, which can pay $75 or more per post. Other online publications may look for bloggers who are willing to write several posts a week, the kind of steady gig that can really add to your bottom line.

Here are 18 resources to check out if you want to become a freelance blogger

Wondering how to make money as a freelance blogger? From lists of websites that want your work to job boards, there are so many places online to find freelance blogging jobs.

When you first start out as a freelance blogger, you might not know which websites pay for posts. Lucky for you, several experienced freelance writers and bloggers have put together lists of websites and blogs that want your work.

No matter your niche, there’s likely a way to get paid for a blog post about it.

1. The Ultimate List of Better-Paid Blogging Gigs

Freelance blogger Sophie Lizard put together this list of blogs that pay between $50 and $5,000 USD a post.

2. Funds for Writers Paying Markets

Writer Hope Clark curates this list of writing opportunities, which generally pay around 10 cents a word and up. Not all of the listed markets are blogs, but many of these publications look for both magazine articles and blog posts, so check their guidelines for more information.

3. Writers’ Markets

All Freelance Writing has a huge listing of paying writing opportunities. For blogging jobs, choose “blogging markets” from the drop-down menu.

4. 58 Websites Where You Can Get Paid to Write (Even if You’re Brand New to Freelance Writing)

Author Avery Breyer put together this comprehensive list of websites that pay in 2023 specifically for newbie freelance writers. If you’re just dipping your toes in the freelance waters, bookmark this list.

Writing job boards

What about job boards? While you could spend hours digging through general job boards like Indeed.com, a better bet is to scour boards that focus on writing jobs.

Be sure to read postings thoroughly and do your due diligence before applying—and if the company wants you to write a 1,000-word “sample article” for free, you should probably pass.

5. BloggingPro’s Job Board

The site offers plenty of blogging jobs in addition to copywriting and print opportunities. Most gigs pay on a per-post basis, though not all of them list their rates. Some listings come directly from the client, like businesses looking for contributors to their blogs, while others are from content mills.

6. MediaBistro’s Job Board

This job board has tons of postings for freelance writing-related jobs, from email marketing and copywriting positions to public relations and editing gigs. Tip: Broaden your search to “freelance writer” or “content curator” to help pull up more results. Many of the positions are based in New York City, but you’ll also see quite a few offers for remote work.

7. FlexJobs

FlexJobs curates remote and freelance positions into a paid job board. You can set the filter to only see blogging-specific jobs by selecting “Remote Writing Jobs” then “Telecommuting Blogging Jobs” under the “More Categories” arrow. The curators post at least one or two each day.

8. Freelance Writing Job Board

This Freelance Writing Job Board claims to be the #1 source for freelance writing jobs, and it has been up-and-running since 1997. They pull in jobs from popular sites like Indeed, Craigslist, and BloggingPro.

The best part? It’s totally free. Users can filter out blogging jobs as well. However, many of the current listings disappear when using the filter, so we suggest scanning the posts without the filter.

9. Writers Work

Writers Work is a paid job board that scours all types of writing jobs across the Internet and vets them for you. You can also use the platform to create an online portfolio, and they have lots of tools and advice for writers.

10. SmartBlogger JobsBoard

The SmartBlogger JobsBoard allows you to search by job type, remote options, benefits, and skills, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.

11. Online content marketing agencies

Content marketing agencies have a bad reputation, but some of them can be worth your time. ClearVoice, Contently, and Skyword are three examples. These differ from content mills because they can pay up to $1 per word. Plus, they’re free to use and they do the hustling work for you.

All it takes is setting up a portfolio on their site with relevant samples, which can take a while and you can also be denied membership if your work isn’t up-to-snuff. Start with one of them and read tips on setting up an effective portfolio, since each site has a unique proven strategy. After simply creating a profile, you could end up with a steady stream of paying jobs in a few weeks or months. Plus, it never hurts to have a portfolio in more than one place.

Other great places to find blogging jobs

Wading through job boards can be exhausting, and often the gigs don’t pay much. As soon as you’ve built up a portfolio website, it’s best to move on to other options.

Why not stick with the job boards?

For one, you’ll make more money pitching clients on your own, advises freelance writer and blogger Linda Formichelli. You’ll also likely have less competition than you would when applying to a blogging job posted on a free job board.

Curious? Here are a few other places to look for blogging work:

12. Who Pays Writers

Created by writer and editor Manjula Martin, Who Pays Writers collects anonymous reports of rates paid by all sorts of publications, from tiny niche blogs to massive print magazines. No, these aren’t job listings, but you can use them strategically to land a blogging gig.

Search the directory for the word “blog” to see submitted rates for blogs, plus information on the type of contract, lead time and how to pitch. You can also simply scan recent submissions for blogs or websites you’d love to write for to get an idea of their rates before you pitch them.

Once you have your hit list of blogs you want to write for, check out their contributor guidelines and get pitching!

13. Contently’s Freelance Rates Database

While it also includes pay for photography and design, most of the database is devoted to writing jobs. Many are print publications, but you’ll see some blog markets listed along with flat or per-word rates. You can use it the same way you’d use Who Pays Writers: as information and inspiration for your pitch list.

14. Where to Pitch

If you’ve got an idea for an article you want to write, but you’re not sure where to pitch it, check out Susan Shain’s Where to Pitch. Simply type in a vertical (e.g. “health” or “money”)—and Where to Pitch will tell you which publications might be a good fit.

15. Search Engines

No, not blogging for Google. Searching using the right queries can help you find all sorts of interesting blogging gigs.

Try searching for “[your topic] + write for us” and see what pops up—you might find paying opportunities you hadn’t considered. Play with the wording and search for your niche plus keywords like “contributor guidelines,” “submission guidelines” or “how to contribute” to find paid blogging opportunities that are listed on the company’s website. They’re likely less overwhelmed with pitches and applications than companies that list their needs on job boards.

16. X, formerly Twitter

Yes, all that time you spend on social media could actually help you land jobs. Beyond letting you showcase your writing for other clients, X (Twitter) can help you find blogging opportunities in a few different ways:

• Search for blogging jobs: Simply type “blogging job” or “write for us” into the search box
• Check hashtags: Clicking on hashtags like #blogging, #bloggingjobs and #writinggigs can help you find newly posted jobs. Many of these opportunities come from Craigslist, though, so do your due diligence before applying and look for gigs where you work directly with the client, rather than applying to an anonymous “content company”
• Follow your favorite bloggers and editors: Congratulations, you probably already do this! Following bloggers in your niche means you’re perfectly positioned to pounce on any opportunity, like when a solopreneur decides to bring on a blog assistant or a popular blog starts paying for guest posts. To keep these important tweets separate from the rest of your Twitter stream, use a Twitter List. Pro tip: Writer Sonia Weiser often retweets writing opportunities she collects for her weekly email “Opportunities of the Week“
• Follow other freelance writers and bloggers: Everyone wants to share their work, right? When you see another blogging or writer tweet a link to their work on a blog or publication you’d love to write for, check it out. Feel free to favorite or retweet it, and check out the site’s contribution guidelines for more info

17. Your current client roster

Your clients already know you do an awesome job, right? See whether they need your help with blogging as well.

If you’re handling a client’s social media strategy, ask whether they need support with their blog. After copywriting a fantastic sales page, mention your ability to use those same ghostwriting skills to write a blog post or two in the company’s voice.

Or maybe a client needs help spreading the word about her services—could you help her contribute guest posts to popular blogs in her niche?

You’ve already proven your skills and reliability to your client, so make the most of the relationship.

18. Your own blog

No, blogging isn’t a path to riches. But wouldn’t having clients come to you be easier than chasing them down on job boards?

Showcase your talents on your blog and share examples of your work for past clients. Ensure you have a clear and compelling call-to-action to make it easy for clients to get in touch. Where will you find your next blogging job?

Finding paid blogging jobs isn’t the easiest thing to do on the Internet, but it’s not impossible, either. Hone your writing skills, learn how to write a killer headline, craft a brilliant pitch email and start finding opportunities using the resources on this list.

And on behalf of editors everywhere: Read the submission guidelines. If you don’t, your blogging brilliance might never make it past the editor’s inbox.

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.

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

Photo via Stock Rocket/ Shutterstock 

Who wouldn’t want to make a living documenting the life they’re living anyway?

The truth is, while that would be fun and exciting and even seems glamorous at times, there is a lot more that goes into becoming a lifestyle blogger than you might think. Regardless, if you want to make a presence for yourself online, we’ll teach you how to do it.

Make a Choice: for Fun or for Income?

This is kind of a trick question because the only sustainable way you’ll make a living through lifestyle blogging is if it’s fun for you.

But this still begs the question, why are you doing it? Did you hear that you can make a lot of money from learning how to be a lifestyle blogger? Did you see ads of someone promising that you’ll make more than 6-figures from doing it?

Or do you have an interest in sharing your life, and you thought you’d take your journal and start publishing it online? The difference here is whether or not you’re going to be a lifestyle blogger for the right reasons. Doing it purely for the money won’t work.

It’s not a get-rich-quick method. It can take a long time of consistent work to start making an income from a lifestyle blog.

Which means your motive has to be deeper—better—than just making money. Is it? Or will you spend a lot of upfront time only to give up when you realize the work necessary to make that money?

Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a goal to make money blogging. It just means that if money is your only reason for doing it, you’ll run into problems with being consistent and making quality content.

How to be a Lifestyle Blogger from Start to Finish

It’s not a fast process. If you’re serious about learning how to be a lifestyle blogger, you may have to strap in for some education. As someone who’s been blogging and managing blogs for 10 years, I’ve narrowed this process to the main important points.

1. Choose your focus

Otherwise known as “niche,” the main area you’ll focus on is important for attracting the right audience. You might be thinking, “But Bella, I want to be a lifestyle blogger, isn’t that a niche?” Yes and no. Here’s why:

Your lifestyle is different than many other people’s. You may be an outdoorsy, nature-loving, holistic leaning person and that means your lifestyle content will be vastly different from the high fashion, modernized lifestyle of another blogger.

It helps to identify what your “thing” is. Just don’t feel like you need to remain in that box forever. But because you want to be a lifestyle blogger specifically, that box is a big larger than other, more specific niches.

Your focus will determine many other details when it comes to your process of learning how to be a lifestyle blogger, so spend time to figure out what it really is.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to discover your focus for lifestyle blogging:

• What do you get excited about most in life?
• What do you spend your free time doing?
• What are others always asking you about?
• What recommendations to products/services do you find yourself making often?
• What would people describe you as an expert in?

As you can see in the screenshot below, Jenna Kutcher has a few key areas that come up first, ranging from motherhood to business, her house decor, marketing topics, and more. So while she can be described as a lifestyle blogger, there are core areas she focuses on blogging about.

2. Come up with a name

There’s a ton of information out there to help you come up with a blog name. For me, there are two main options you can use:

1. Use your name
2. Create a brand name

For the first option, the reason is easy. If you want to create a personal brand around you, then using your own name or a variation of it will be enough to get your lifestyle blog off the ground.

But if you want to create a brand that could potentially grow beyond you one day, or even if you just want something fun and different, coming up with a unique lifestyle blog name can be really helpful. You’ll find quality, profitable blogs with both examples, so it’s up to you to decide.

And remember, you can always change this. But just remember that it can take a lot of time to rebrand, so give this a lot of thought.

Here are some tips for creating a lifestyle brand name:

• Remember to utilize your niche or focus
• Use alliteration for memorability
• Take how the words look into consideration
• Jot down a bunch of words that are related to your niche, then write a bunch of words you’d use to describe yourself or your take on your niche
• Narrow down the choices
• See if you can combined a couple words into a single brand name
• Utilize synonyms for words to help find alliteration opportunities
• Google names to see if they’re taken already

Here are some lifestyle blog brand names to inspire you:

• The Interior Instinct – home decor
• Home and Hearth – home decor
• The Design Diary – home decor
• Healthy Habits Hub – health and wellness
• Mindful Musing – health and wellness
• Passport Pages – travel
• Journey Junkies – travel

3. Get the domain

This coincides with step 2 in that you’ll want a name where you can have a clean URL. Meaning, you can get BrandName.com without any dashes or frills. The reason for this is because it’s much more memorable, and assuming you’re in the USA, the “.com” extension is the most widely used and therefore, people will seek that domain.

Godaddy is a reliable service you can use to purchase the domain, but there’s also NameCheap and Google Domains that come highly recommended.

When coming up with your blog name, type them into the search bars available on these sites to see if it’s available or taken, like in the example below:

In many cases, if the name is unique enough, you’ll be able to purchase the domain name for very little. It’s about $15-20 a year to own the domain name, though hosting (having a website set up at that domain) tends to cost a bit more.

4. Choose a hosting provider

Depending on which platform you choose to create your site, the hosting may be set up alongside it. Hosting is essentially the place you’ll pay “rent” to have an online property. It costs money to have a website live on the internet, but it’s not crazy expensive.

You’ll pay anywhere from $15-$100+ a month, depending on how much traffic your site gets. The more traffic, the more you’ll pay to host your website online. If you want the domain you paid for to be used on your website, it will cost money.

Now, if you want to go the completely free route, you’ll create your website on a platform and won’t need to buy a domain. However, your URL will have the blog builder name along with your blog’s name, like this: yourblogname.wordpress.com if you build it on WordPress.

There are many hosting providers to choose from, with varying prices and visitor options.

We recommend you do your own research to make that decision, by simply Googling “hosting providers” and weighing the options for yourself and your own needs.

5. Design your website

The platform you choose to build your website will dictate the options you have to design it. By platform, we mean which site you’ll use to edit the site and upload content.

Popular website platforms you’ve probably heard of are:

• WordPress (what this site uses)
• Squarespace
• Wix
• Showit

Those are the big four. We recommend WordPress due to its massive popularity, customization plugins, and ample help tutorials online. I personally use Showit because of it’s high level of customization but only recommend it if you love and have an eye for design, and are also good at new technology because it does have a learning curve to use.

The last three steps will all go hand-in-hand with each other. When you choose hosting, you have to connect it to your platform, connect it to your domain, and then design it. Each platform will have instructions for how to do this, so you’ll have to research this step depending on which you choose.

You can also always hire these steps to be completed, especially if you’re more interested in learning how to be a lifestyle blogger for the next section and not all the technical aspects.

6. Create content (blog posts)

If you’re not a good writer, it’s going to be difficult to write many blog posts. This isn’t to say that you can’t learn how or improve. The very best way to become a better blog writer is to practice. Write, read, edit, repeat. Over time, you’ll get significantly better. Take it from someone who’s been writing blog posts for about 10 years now.

Apart from the writing quality itself is the content quality. While you don’t have to make every piece of content perfect, you do want it to be worthwhile. Meaning, do your ideas justice and respect the reader. No matter what you’re blogging about, there is someone on the other end seeking something from your posts. They’ve clicked on it and therefore, have dedicated their time to seeing what you have to say.

Don’t half ass it. There is a responsibility to good content that comes in the form of recognizing that every “hit” your post gets is a real person on the other side. So how do you do that? You write about what you know well, and research what you don’t.

I can give you dozens of tips to make your blog posts search engine optimized so they show up on Google and other searches, but the fact is that if your content is good, it will naturally meet most metrics that Google is looking at anyway. This includes time on page and engagement metrics like sharing, bookmarking, and how many other pages on your site they’ve visited.

Blog Post SEO Tips

If you want your blog posts to show up on search engines, you’ll want to optimize them for it.

Since my background is SEO (search engine optimization) and content creation, here are my best tips for both:

1. Use the keyword where it can fit naturally: You wouldn’t actually use a keyword as much as Google wants to see it. But you absolutely cannot go overboard and put it in every sentence. Instead, write in a way that makes the blog post topics, like ours in this post about how to be a lifestyle blogger, come up “naturally”. That very sentence is an example. I used the keyword, but could have used any other example. Find spaces to use it but edit the sentences so it fits and read authentically
2. Research what is already ranking on Google for your keyword: The SERP (search engine results page) is telling you exactly what searchers want for that keyword. But only look at this for the intent of the keyword. Basically, what information are the blog posts covering that are ranking at the top? This tells you the purpose of people searching the term in the first place. An example of this would be “children’s book characters”. A blogger teaching writing advice might see this keyword and think it’s about writing children’s book characters, but the SERP tells us that the searchers want a list of good characters already existing in books. Figure out what searches want to learn, and make sure to cover that in your blog posts
3. Write to the intent, but add new information: You want to make sure you’ve got the intent covered, but add new or different information than what’s already ranking. If your blog post is just a rehash of what’s already on Google, the algorithm won’t find it useful to give other searchers access to. If you have new information other blog posts aren’t covering, the algorithm will want to show searchers that, and will therefore boost your blog post’s ranking
4. Include data, facts, and stats you’ve compiled: This isn’t always relevant but helps significantly. The Google algorithm really values accurate, unique information. If you’re able to answer questions and give insight while citing data you’ve compiled yourself, it’ll be valuable. Just make sure to link to any studies and external sources because external links are important too!
5. Internally link to similar content: The Google Algorithm builds an identity for your website (sort of). It maps your site’s content to help it understand what you cover and how the posts are connected to one another. By linking from one blog post to another with anchor text (the text that’s linked) that’s the other blog post’s keyword, you’ll help Google understand your site, which will help new and old content rank. That means crafting some sentences to include keywords of related posts, like this one about how to write a good blog post, where appropriate
6. Be consistent with publishing: If you don’t post new blog posts, the Google algorithm won’t crawl your website. That means your blog posts are much less likely to rank because Google will determine your site to be outdated and inactive. Posting consistently, at least a few times a month, is necessary to get the algorithm to visit your site consistently
7. Update your old posts yearly: Google wants fresh content, and even old blog posts can be republished after you update them. You can even change the published date so it appears as fresh on the SERP. Just make sure you’re actually updating the post and not just changing the date. The algorithm will be onto you and will ignore your blog post and site
8. Use a software to check SEO: I fully believe you should be able to fully optimize a blog post by yourself, but there are apps that give you checklists, which are helpful if you’re just starting. Popular ones are Yoast and Rankmath. Add them as plugins to your site so you can see the status of each post as you write it

Coming Up With Blog Post Ideas

It always helps to have a backlog of ideas, no matter what niche you’ll be writing in. Sometimes you’ll be inspired randomly and other times you’ll have no idea what to write, but still need to publish a new post to be consistent.

Here are some blog post types to consider when drafting ideas:

• How-to style list articles: these perform really well on Google, especially if you give a numbered list. Cover topics in-depth and these can serve as your “pillar” content.
• Why / benefits articles: Dive into some benefits or reasons someone should pursue certain activities, habits, or products
• In-depth studies: If you’re the studious type, head to Google Scholar and compile data around an area of your niche to uncover some lesser known information your audience will find helpful
• Reviews & product features: These style articles are a great way to embed affiliate links to make an income as well as attract brand sponsors. Just write about your experience with a product or service.
• Life routines and habits: Do you have certain habits and routines that have been helpful? Share your insights with these style blog posts. These often pair well with the why/benefits style articles too.
• Mistake-style articles: Instead of taking the standard “how to ____” approach to content, you can also make “Mistakes you’re making with ___” and take that angle.

Whatever types of content you choose to make, remember to be varied in its type. You don’t want only how-to blog posts and you definitely don’t want product review posts only. Create a mix, and link them with one another!

Bonus Tip for a HUGE Content Backlog:

When creating a blog post, especially pillar posts, pull out a subheading and create an entire blog post JUST about that. An example for this blog post is the next point below about “promote your content” and this blog post about how to promote your blog posts that goes into even greater detail.

This will give you a long, comprehensive list that you can internally link and build your website

7. Promote your content

If you just want to publish what you like and not worry about attracting any viewers, you can skip this step. But if you actually want to get viewers to your website, you’ll have to promote your content and let the world know there is something on that site.

There are a ton of ways to do this, but here are the top methods for promoting blog posts:

• SEO: free promotion by Google if your post ranks high enough for search terms
• Pinterest: learn the methods of using Pinterest to upload pictures that link to your content
• Guest posting: ask to write a blog post on another person or company’s website where you can link to your blog
• Ads: this isn’t as highly recommended because it’s difficult to do well, but you can set up your blogs to run as ads on Facebook or Google
• Collaboration: connect with other bloggers in your niche and offer to collaborate in some way. This could look like creating a “series” of content but splitting the blog posts between a few people and linking to each other’s blog posts.
• Social media: if you have an online presence or want to grow one, you can mention or reference your blog posts in your social media posts like in the example by Kate Eskuri below.

Promoting your lifestyle blog can be challenging at first, but keep going! Figure out the methods that work best for you by analyzing your social media numbers as well as your traffic sources (with Google Analytics).

8. Grow your email list (optional)

It’s optional, but not if you want to monetize your blog or have a list you can use to sell sponsorship slots or sell your own product or service in the future.

There is a basic method with a lot of room for variability here: create free resources, discounts, or deals and require an email and first name in exchange for it.

You’ll often see these as pop-ups or offers inside the blog post itself, and you’ll need an email service provider to do this well.

We recommend these options for service providers:

• Mailerlite—free version available
• Flodesk—fair pricing and diverse capabilities
• Kit—high capabilities, but can be pricey if you get a lot of subscribers

Examples of Lifestyle Bloggers You Can Learn From

Note that you will learn from them, not copy. It’s hard to see what someone else is doing and love it, and not copy it. The truth is that doing this will rob you of integrity and it’ll also keep you further from your own, unique brand.

Instead, if you see something you really like about these lifestyle bloggers, ask yourself what about it you like. Uncover the commonalities you can be intentional about creating anew with your own brand.

1. Jenna Kutcher
2. The Foundation Blog by Kate Eskuri (Jenna Kutcher’s sister, actually)
3. Camille Styles
4. The Skinny Confidential
5. Quintessence
6. Wit & Delight
7. The Blonde Abroad
8. Positively Present
9. The Confused Millennial

Learning how to be a lifestyle blogger often involves a lot more than you might think. The best advice we can give you is to keep going! If you implement these steps and remain consistent, you’ll have a thriving blog in a matter of a couple years.

It’s no secret that the internet has changed how people consume information.

More and more people are turning to online resources to get their news, stories, and information. While more and more newspapers are including a digital element, there are still some that are holding strong to print.

If you include magazines as well, there are quite a few options out there.

You’ll also have to decide what kind of writing you want to do for newspapers. While journalism is the most well-known, there is also editing, digital options, brand journalism, editorials, and so on.

Let’s go through the pros and cons of jumping into this industry.

Is writing for newspapers still a good career path?

No matter what, the written word will always be important. Whether it’s used to tell stories, inform the public, or keep people up-to-date on a certain industry, the written word will never go away.

It may or may not take different forms as time goes on, which is why people might still be wondering if it’s worth pursuing writing for newspapers.

If you’re still wondering whether writing for newspapers is a good career path, let’s take a look at the current landscape along with the pros and cons of choosing such a career.

The current stats

While people can debate whether The New York Times still has the same reputation as it did in the past, there’s no doubt it’s one of the most well-known papers. We’ll use it to analyze some of the current salaries and employment stats.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a journalist there is currently $80,278, which is higher than the national average for a journalist at $52,409.

Keep in mind, they only employ about 1,700 journalists.

Across the United States, there are currently 46,700 news analysts, reporters, and journalists with a predicted 6% increase in growth.

Now, something to keep in mind is that not all people who write for newspapers are necessarily journalists. Some people are experts in their field and have a column, or maybe they just have an interesting story to tell and get to write for a local paper.

Along with writers, there also editors, photographers, videographers, and so on. Including those jobs, there are over 114,000 total employees.

All of this is to say it’s not exactly a career that has disappeared off the map yet.

Pros of writing for newspapers

One of the most obvious pros to writing for newspapers is that you’re able to stay on top of current events and tell important stories.

You’ll be able to find and report on stories that matter to either your local community or to the world at large. This might also put you in touch with fascinating people and can give you insight into the world around you.

You can write general news or you can specifically report on a certain industry or niche.

If you love the prestige of getting your byline in a famous paper, all of the hard work to get there might be worth it for you. For some people, getting to work with the big-named papers is enough of a reason for them to persevere.

Having major bylines can also help you get better writing gigs in the future. For example, major book publishers are more likely to give a book deal to someone with credible bylines versus an unheard of writer.

Cons of writing for newspapers

One problem that the industry as a whole is facing is falling employment. Since 2008, U.S. newsroom employment has fallen 26% according to the Pew Research Center. The good news here is that digital-native news organizations are growing.

Countless journalists have been sharing stories about not being able to make it work on their low incomes. This article, which includes a story from David Rosenfelt who was a journalist for two decades, couldn’t make it work on his $45,000 a year salary.

Even if you choose to go the freelance route, for smaller publications you will often find that articles are paid under $100 each. That’s not even including the amount of time you’ll need to spend sending pitches and getting on the radar of editors to get those pieces in the first place. (To perfect your pitch, use this template.)

On top of all of this, payment terms can be fuzzy at best. Some magazines can take months to not only publish your piece but to pay you as well.

There is no doubt that it is a stressful job. You need to be on top of what’s happening, keep up with sources, and often forget about much work-life balance. It’s not a career that often fits within the 9-to-5 job. You’ll often have to talk to people, hit close deadlines, or write after hours and on weekends.

You might also need to do internships and find ways to work for free to get your foot in the door. That’s not an easy feat for everyone to pull off.

Media as an industry in general is a tumultuous industry. There are constant layoffs and major companies buying out different papers. If you want a stable job where you can depend on your workload for years, this might not be a good choice for you.

How to get into the newspaper writing industry

With all of the above being said, if you’re still interested in getting into the industry, there are a few things you’ll need to know.

Currently, 74% of journalists have a journalism degree. As opposed to being a freelance writer, journalists usually have specific training and degrees in the field. Only 4% have other degrees and still work as a journalist.

If you simply want to write articles for newspapers without necessarily being a journalist, you want to find a unique angle to start to pitch to editors.

For example, you could become a brand journalist (also called corporate journalism or corporate media) where you report on brands and companies.

The most important thing is to start building a body of work to send to editors so they can get an idea of your work, your writing style, and the various topics you cover.

If you’re wondering what opportunities exist for freelance writers in 2024 (hint: there are plenty!) then make sure to register for the free webinar called How to Successfully Break Into Journalism in 2024! You’ll learn about the different types of journalism and what you may best be suited for, and the top skills successful journalists need and what it can lead to.

The faith economy’s annual worth is $1.2 trillion. Much of this is due to writing. Christian writers contribute to the writing world in many ways, a few of which are via personal blogs, journalism, and writing faith-based books.

Contributing to Christian publications can be a fulfilling way to use your talents. In addition, if you’re hoping to transition out of your traditional 9-5 job, there are specific ways you can pursue full-time Christian writing work. In this article, I first define Christian writing work and then dive into five concrete steps you can take to get started. 

Christian Writing Work Defined 

Christian writing work centers on writing, drafting, and editing Christian copy for online or print publication. Whether you naturally gravitate toward online journalism or writing faith-based books, if you want to jump into Christian writing work, there is a place for you.

It takes writers of all backgrounds and talents to create a well-rounded market. In fact, there are many names you may recognize that make a living in Christian writing and whose work spans a plethora of genres and writing styles.

You may know Jerry B. Jenkins’ name from his well-known series, Left Behind. Katelyn Beaty is also a Christian writer, but she steers clear of fiction, taking a more journalistic approach. John Piper’s Christian writing work spans the continents in both book and digital form.

So wherever you find yourself, below are five ways you can get a foot in the door of Christian writing work.

6 Options To Get Started

Breaking into any industry can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to start. The good news is there are many different roads you can take to begin Christian writing work. No one option is better than another, it simply depends on what’s best for you and your writing goals. 

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is a great first step into Christian writing work due to its availability to writers at various stages in their journey. If you are first starting out, you may want to create a simple website and list your services. This way, when you query potential clients, your website adds legitimacy to your request. 

There are also many blogs that hire freelancers and pay per word. Other publications pay per article. For instance, Chicken Soup For The Soul reportedly pays $250 per 1,200-word article, as well as free copies of the book itself. 

Christian writing work may feel difficult to get into, but once you send your first query, you’ve taken that first step. Freelancing is an extremely nonthreatening way to test the waters.

2. Start Your Own Blog

In an era of influencers, blogging is another opportunity to make a dent with Christian writing work. Sadie Robertson Huff (Duck Dynasty) is a celebrity influencer who uses blogging to reach her audience. Sarah Young (Jesus Calling) includes a blog on her author website.

You don’t need to have sold 30 million copies of your book to start a blog, however. In fact, both Sadie and Sarah lacked a writing platform earlier on.  While you can always query established bloggers and ask to guest blog, starting your own blog is a way to get started in Christian writing work. This low investment with potential for high influence is a nearly fail-proof way to get started. 

Don’t forget to blog regularly, whether a month or once a week, so your growing audience knows what to expect from you. As your audience list grows, your opportunity to monetize your blog will increase as well. 

3. Submitting to Paid Publications

Billy Graham started the vision behind the now well-known magazine, Christianity Today. This publication allows freelancers to query ideas, and if accepted, pays them for their article. There are many more paid publications you can check into as you pursue Christian writing work, and here are a few tips for doing so:

• Query simultaneously
• Send you best ideas
• Include a few important credentials 
• Be brief but efficient 
• Track your progress 

A simple Excel spreadsheet or even a good notebook can help you document the responses you receive and the dates you queried which publications. 

4. Writing A Faith Book

Sharing your story or writing on faith-based topics is another great way to get into Christian writing work. You can choose to traditionally publish or self-publish your book and even launch a speaking career if your book does well. 

Authors often use books as the launching pad for their career, pulling quotes for social media, specific topics for speaking events, and even building entire online courses to go with the book.  

5. Christian Journalism 

For those with a more journalistic mindset, Christian journalism can be an exciting niche to tap into. You can offer your work in book form with the help of a publisher of Christian books, host a podcast, or craft research articles on the current topics in Christianity. 

There are so many ways to use journalism in Christian writing work, and many people are paving the way forward in this area. If you have a background in journalism or are currently studying this writing form, you may want to explore the possibilities in this niche. 

6. Working With Authors

With millions of books published annually you can rest assured that ghost writers and editors are needed. Working with authors provides writers with a unique look at individual stories, provides a behind-the-curtain glimpse at authors’ lives, and can add credibility to their own Christian writing work. 

If you are interested in working with an author, whether editing their manuscript or helping them write it, you can start in a few ways:

• Sit down with an editor and ask for advice 
• Look for editing jobs at Christian publishing houses 
• Add this service to your website and begin freelance editing

Working with authors is one way many well-established writers got into the business, and is a opportunity you can benefit from as well.

Your New Day Job in Christian Writing Work

Getting into Christian writing work is an exciting prospect. If you are a person of faith, pursuing this type of work is not only a helpful transition into a new career path, but distinctly fulfilling as well. 

Here comes the hard part. How do you take the above opportunities and translate them into steps you can take today? Below are a few possibilities that you can pursue with little time investment and zero financial investment: 

• Build a free website with a template 
• Email Christian writers in your network asking for advice
• Browse the above links for paid freelance work
• Follow this step-by-step process to write your book

Remember that just like any career shift, solidifying yourself in the industry takes time. Use your credentials to establish your credibility and keep in mind that slow and steady, over time, can yield great results. 

Before I leave you to get started, here is a simple mindset tip to focus on as you begin your journey: Treat your pursuit of Christian writing work like the day job you one day want it to be. Prioritize it, give it your all, and pursue it relentlessly. Best wishes out there! 

These potent tools wield the power to evoke emotion, spur action, and forge a deeper connection with readers, making them indispensable in the arsenal of any writer.

From the persuasive prose of a seasoned copywriter to the captivating narratives of a storyteller, trigger words help breathe life into written content, transforming passive readers into active participants.

This guide aims to demystify the concept of trigger words, offering writers of all disciplines a comprehensive overview of how to harness their power to enchant, persuade, and engage.

What are trigger words?

Trigger words are linguistic catalysts, meticulously chosen to provoke a psychological or emotional response.

They are the secret ingredients that make headlines irresistible, calls to action compelling, and stories unforgettable. In essence, trigger words tap into our deepest desires, fears, hopes, and dreams, pulling at the heartstrings or stoking the flames of curiosity.

Their power lies not just in the emotional stir they create but in their ability to motivate readers towards a specific reaction or action.

Whether it’s to inspire joy, ignite a sense of urgency, or build trust, the strategic use of trigger words can significantly enhance the impact of your writing.

By understanding the underlying emotions and motivations of your audience, you can select trigger words that resonate on a personal level, making your content not just seen, but felt.

Nine types of trigger words for every situation

Let’s begin our process of exploring different types of trigger words.

For your convenience, we’ve arranged these trigger words into nine distinct categories. We’ll offer guidance on the purpose of each category along with an extensive list of trigger words and what they mean.

Let’s begin with trigger words that provoke an emotional response.

Emotional trigger words

Let’s look at words that trigger an emotional response.

What are emotional trigger words?

Emotional trigger words are powerful tools that tap into a wide range of human emotions, from joy to fear.

These words have the unique ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level, evoking specific feelings that can significantly enhance the resonance and impact of your writing.

Whether it’s to inspire, comfort, motivate, or challenge, using emotional trigger words effectively can transform your content into a more engaging and memorable experience for your audience.

35 emotional trigger words

1. Joyful: Creates a sense of happiness and delight.

2. Fearless: Inspires bravery and overcoming challenges.

3. Tragic: Evokes feelings of sadness and compassion.

4. Euphoric: Generates a sense of extreme happiness or elation.

5. Infuriating: Provokes anger or strong annoyance.

6. Heartbreaking: Induces deep emotional pain or sadness.

7. Invigorating: Refreshes, energizes, and revitalizes.

8. Lonely: Conveys feelings of isolation or solitude.

9. Optimistic: Inspires hopefulness and confidence in the future.

10. Panic: Triggers a sudden sense of fear or anxiety.

11. Riveting: Captures intense interest or attention.

12. Soothing: Offers comfort, calmness, or relaxation.

13. Terrifying: Evokes extreme fear or horror.

14. Vulnerable: Expresses openness to emotional harm or attack.

15. Whimsical: Relates to light-hearted or playful spontaneity.

16. Empowered: Gives a sense of strength and confidence.

17. Despair: Conveys a deep sense of hopelessness.

18. Thrilled: Produces intense excitement or pleasure.

19. Betrayed: Feels deceived or let down.

20. Nostalgic: Evokes sentimental longing for the past.

21. Overwhelmed: Gives a sense of being overcome with emotions.

22. Anxious: Causes worry, nervousness, or unease.

23. Curious: Inspires a desire to learn or know more.

24. Frustrated: Expresses feelings of dissatisfaction or annoyance.

25. Hopeful: Indicates optimism or a desire for a certain thing to happen.

26. Inspiring: Motivates or influences positively.

27. Melancholic: Relates to deep, pensive sadness.

28. Outraged: Expresses strong anger, shock, or indignation.

29. Peaceful: Conveys tranquility and serenity.

30. Rejuvenated: Feels refreshed or revitalized.

31. Sympathetic: Shows feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune.

32. Wistful: Has a feeling of vague or regretful longing.

33. Zealous: Shows great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause.

34. Content: Expresses satisfaction or happiness.

35. Enraged: Describes intense or violent anger.

Incorporating a diverse range of emotional trigger words thoughtfully into your content can dramatically amplify its emotional depth and resonance.

By carefully selecting words that align with the desired emotional tone and response, you can craft narratives that not only inform and persuade but also emotionally engage and connect with your readers.

Action-oriented trigger words

It’s time to explore trigger words designed to make your reader take a specific action.

What are action-oriented trigger words?

Action-oriented trigger words are crafted to prompt immediate action or decision-making.

These dynamic words serve as catalysts, propelling readers from passive consumption to active engagement.

Ideal for calls to action in marketing, sales copy, or any scenario where a writer aims to induce a reader to take a specific step, these words can significantly boost conversion rates and reader response.

30 action-oriented trigger words

1. Act: Encourages immediate response.

2. Buy: Direct call to purchase or invest.

3. Click: Invites to follow a link or button.

4. Discover: Promotes exploration or revelation.

5. Download: Suggests obtaining digital content.

6. Enter: Invites participation or entry.

7. Join: Calls to become part of a group or community.

8. Learn: Encourages gaining new knowledge or skills.

9. Play: Suggests engaging in an activity or game.

10. Read: Invites to delve into content.

11. Register: Calls for signing up or enrolling.

12. Save: Promotes cost-saving or resource-preserving actions.

13. Start: Initiates beginning of an action or process.

14. Submit: Requests provision of information or materials.

15. Try: Encourages testing or sampling.

16. Visit: Invites to go to a place or website.

17. Watch: Suggests viewing a video or presentation.

18. Claim: Encourages taking possession of an offer.

19. Compare: Invites analysis or evaluation.

20. Donate: Calls for charitable giving.

21. Upgrade: Suggests moving to a better version or level.

22. Share: Encourages dissemination of information.

23. Schedule: Invites planning or arranging a time.

24. Review: Requests feedback or evaluation.

25. Access: Suggests obtaining entry or rights.

26. Choose: Encourages making a selection.

27. Get: General call to obtain or receive.

28. Sign up: Requests registering or subscribing to a service.

29. Unlock: Offers access to more content or features.

30. Explore: Invites investigation or discovery of something new.

By strategically incorporating these action-oriented trigger words into your content, you can effectively guide your readers toward the desired action.

These powerful words can transform passive interest into active engagement, enhancing the overall impact of your communication.

Trust-building trigger words

Trust is invaluable, and trigger words have a big role to play in building it. Let’s look at how.

What are trust-building trigger words?

Trust-building trigger words enhance your credibility and foster trust with your audience.

These words are vital in creating a sense of reliability and assurance, crucial in all forms of writing but especially in areas where trust is a key factor in the reader’s decision-making process, such as in financial advice, health information, and product reviews.

25 trust-building trigger words

1. Authentic: Signals genuine quality or origin.

2. Backed: Offers support or endorsement from a credible source.

3. Certified: Indicates approval or validation by an authoritative entity.

4. Dependable: Suggests reliability and consistency.

5. Endorsed: Shows support or approval by a respected figure or institution.

6. Guaranteed: Provides assurance of satisfaction or effectiveness.

7. Honest: Conveys straightforwardness and integrity.

8. Legitimate: Signals lawful or genuine status.

9. No-risk: Promises no danger or loss in engagement.

10. Official: Indicates formal authorization or recognition.

11. Proven: Demonstrates effectiveness or validity through experience or testing.

12. Reliable: Suggests dependability and trustworthiness.

13. Safe: Conveys freedom from harm or risk.

14. Secure: Indicates protection from danger or loss.

15. Tested: Shows that something has been examined and proven effective.

16. Transparent: Suggests openness and honesty in operations or intentions.

17. Trusted: Indicates being dependable and reliable.

18. Unbiased: Shows lack of prejudice or favoritism.

19. Verified: Confirms accuracy or authenticity through examination.

20. Warranted: Provides a formal promise, often related to quality or durability.

21. Accurate: Ensures correctness and precision.

22. Confidential: Promises privacy and secrecy.

23. Ethical: Suggests adherence to moral principles.

24. Fair: Indicates impartiality and justice.

25. Privacy: Guarantees protection of personal information.

Incorporating trust-building trigger words thoughtfully within your content can greatly enhance your audience’s confidence in your message.
These words help to establish a foundation of credibility and reliability, essential for building lasting relationships with your readers.

Curiosity-Inducing trigger words

Never underestimate the power of curiosity. Here are trigger words that allow you to leverage exactly that.

What are curiosity-inducing trigger words?

Curiosity-inducing trigger words are designed to spark the reader’s interest, driving engagement and exploration.

By promising new knowledge, hidden information, or untold stories, these words leverage the natural human desire to learn and discover.

They are particularly effective in headlines, email subject lines, and introductions, where capturing attention is critical.

25 curiosity-inducing trigger words

1. Secrets: Suggests hidden or exclusive knowledge.

2. Discover: Promises new information or experiences.

3. Reveal: Indicates uncovering or disclosing information.

4. Uncover: Suggests bringing to light previously hidden details.

5. Behind the Scenes: Offers a glimpse into hidden aspects or processes.

6. Mystery: Implies something unknown or to be solved.

7. Exclusive: Signals access to privileged information.

8. Hidden: Suggests concealed or not easily found information.

9. Forbidden: Implies knowledge or areas typically off-limits.

10. Banned: Suggests something prohibited, increasing intrigue.

11. Unveil: Promises the revealing of something new or exciting.

12. Insider: Implies access to confidential or privileged information.

13. Unlock: Offers the promise of accessing something valuable.

14. Confessions: Suggests revealing personal or secretive information.

15. Untold: Indicates stories or information not previously shared.

16. Private: Suggests exclusivity or restricted access.

17. Sneak Peek: Offers a quick, exclusive look at something new.

18. Breakthrough: Implies a significant discovery or achievement.

19. Unexplored: Suggests something not yet investigated or known.

20. Exposed: Reveals something hidden, often scandalous or controversial.

21. Unravel: Promises to clarify or solve a mystery or complexity.

22. Little-known: Indicates information not widely known or recognized.

23. Rare: Suggests something uncommon or infrequently encountered.

24. Unprecedented: Indicates something never done or seen before.

25. Classified: Implies restricted or highly confidential information.

By weaving curiosity-inducing trigger words into your content, you can effectively pique the interest of your readers, compelling them to seek more information.

These words act as a magnet, drawing readers into your narrative and keeping them engaged through the promise of learning something new or exclusive.

Urgency-creating trigger words

Urgency is one of the most powerful forces in compelling a response from your readers. Here are the words you need.

What are urgency-creating trigger words?

Urgency-creating trigger words are crucial for conveying time sensitivity, encouraging quicker decision-making.

These words prompt readers to act swiftly, often in scenarios where a limited offer, deadline, or opportunity is at stake.

Perfect for sales, promotions, and calls to action, urgency-triggering words help to increase the perceived value of an offer by highlighting its temporary nature.

20 urgency-creating trigger words

1. Now: Implies immediate action is necessary.

2. Limited: Suggests availability is restricted.

3. Hurry: Encourages quick action.

4. Deadline: Specifies a final date or time for action.

5. Expires: Indicates an offer is ending soon.

6. Last Chance: Suggests a final opportunity.

7. Immediately: Urges instant action or response.

8. Closing Soon: Indicates a nearing end or conclusion.

9. While Supplies Last: Suggests limited stock or availability.

10. Today: Implies action should be taken within the day.

11. Final: Indicates the last opportunity or offer.

12. Countdown: Suggests a limited time before an event or offer ends.

13. Rush: Urges to act quickly or with haste.

14. Urgent: Indicates a need for immediate attention or action.

15. Flash Sale: Suggests a very short-term discount or offer.

16. Offer Ends: Specifies when an offer will no longer be available.

17. Don’t Miss Out: Warns against losing an opportunity.

18. Act Fast: Encourages quick decision-making.

19. Ending Soon: Suggests a nearing deadline or conclusion.

20. Time-Sensitive: Indicates an offer or opportunity is not permanent.

Incorporating urgency-creating trigger words into your writing can significantly influence the reader’s decision-making process, encouraging them to act more quickly than they otherwise might.

These words are especially effective in promotional content, where creating a sense of scarcity and immediacy can drive conversions and engagement.

Value-offering trigger words

Make sure your readers see the value in your content with this type of trigger word.

What are value-offering trigger words?

Value-offering trigger words highlight the benefit or value proposition of an offer, making it more attractive to the reader.

These words are crucial in communicating the advantages or positive outcomes of a product, service, or piece of content, helping to outline what the reader stands to gain by engaging.

They are particularly useful in marketing and sales copy, where showcasing the value directly impacts the reader’s decision to take action.

20 value-offering trigger words

1. Free: Suggests no cost or risk to the reader, enhancing appeal.

2. Bonus: Indicates additional value beyond what is expected.

3. Exclusive: Suggests unique benefits not available to everyone.

4. Premium: Implies superior quality or service.

5. Gift: Offers something extra without expectation of return.

6. Limited Edition: Suggests unique value due to limited availability.

7. Discount: Indicates a reduced price, enhancing value.

8. Deal: Suggests a favorable bargain.

9. Prize: Offers a reward or win for engagement.

10. Value: Emphasizes the worth or usefulness of an offer.

11. Savings: Highlights financial advantage or cost reduction.

12. Win: Suggests receiving something of value through luck or competition.

13. Advantage: Indicates a beneficial factor or superiority.

14. Enhanced: Suggests improved features or benefits.

15. Upgrade: Offers an increase in value or function.

16. Profit: Indicates financial gain or benefit.

17. Reward: Offers a return or benefit for action taken.

18. Solution: Suggests a means of solving a problem, adding practical value.

19. Gain: Indicates obtaining something beneficial.

20. Best: Suggests superior quality or advantage over others.

Utilizing value-offering trigger words effectively in your content can significantly enhance the attractiveness of your offer, clearly communicating the benefits and rewards that await your audience.

By emphasizing what readers stand to gain, you motivate them to take the desired action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a service, or engaging with your content.

Exclusivity-suggesting trigger words

As humans we find the idea of something exclusive and special hard to resist. These trigger words will help you inspire that feeling in your readers.

What are exclusivity-suggesting trigger words?

Exclusivity-suggesting trigger words create a sense of limited access or special privilege, making offers more desirable by tapping into the reader’s desire to be part of an elite group.

These words are powerful in marketing and promotional content, where creating a feeling of scarcity and exclusivity can drive immediate action and enhance perceived value.

15 exclusivity suggesting trigger words.

1. Members Only: Limits access to a select group, increasing desirability.

2. VIP: Suggests premium status and exclusive benefits.

3. Limited Access: Implies restrictions in availability, enhancing value.

4. Exclusive Offer: Signals a special deal not available to the general public.

5. Private: Indicates selective access or confidentiality.

6. Elite: Suggests a superior status or quality reserved for a select few.

7. Secret: Implies hidden or privileged information.

8. Rare: Highlights scarcity and uniqueness.

9. Invite-Only: Limits participation to those who are specially chosen.

10. Restricted: Implies limited availability or access.

11. Selective: Suggests a careful choice, adding to the sense of value.

12. Insider Access: Offers privileged information or opportunities.

13. First Look: Gives early access or a preview before the general release.

14. Exclusive Rights: Suggests unique access to use or engage with something.

15. Limited Release: Indicates availability for a short time or in limited quantities.

Incorporating exclusivity-suggesting trigger words into your writing can dramatically increase interest and urgency, as readers are often driven by the fear of missing out on something special or unique.

By presenting your offer as exclusive or limited, you not only enhance its perceived value but also motivate your audience to act promptly to secure their place or advantage.

Safety-assuring trigger words

The need for safety is incredibly powerful. This set of trigger words can help your readers feel safe.

What are safety-assuring trigger words?

Safety-assuring trigger words convey security, safety, and reassurance, crucial for overcoming objections, especially in transactions or commitments.

These words play a vital role in alleviating fears and building trust, by assuring readers that their decision to engage is free from risk or harm.

They are particularly important in sectors like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, where concerns about safety and privacy are paramount.

15 safety-assuring trigger words

1. Protected: Ensures defense against harm or loss.

2. Secure: Implies safety from external threats.

3. Guaranteed: Offers assurance of reliability or promised outcomes.

4. Risk-Free: Suggests engagement without potential for loss.

5. Safe: Indicates absence of danger or risk.

6. Privacy: Assures confidentiality and protection of personal information.

7. Refundable: Implies the possibility of getting one’s money back if not satisfied.

8. No Obligation: Suggests freedom from forced commitment or consequence.

9. Insured: Indicates coverage against potential loss or damage.

10. Certified: Verifies approval by authoritative entities for safety or quality.

11. Encrypted: Suggests protection of digital information from unauthorized access.

12. Money-Back Guarantee: Offers reimbursement as assurance of product satisfaction.

13. Secure Checkout: Assures safe and protected online purchase transactions.

14. Confidential: Guarantees that information is kept private.

15. Verified: Confirms authenticity or credibility, enhancing trust.

By skillfully weaving safety-assuring trigger words into your content, you can effectively address and mitigate the concerns and hesitations of your audience.

These words serve to reassure readers, fostering a sense of trust and security that can significantly impact their willingness to take the desired action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a service, or sharing personal information.

Power trigger words for storytelling

Great storytelling is already immensely powerful – this set of trigger words levels up that power even further.

What are power trigger words for storytelling?

Power words for storytelling enhance imagery, emotional depth, and engagement in narrative writing.

These words captivate the reader’s imagination, drawing them deeper into the story.

They are essential for writers looking to create vivid, memorable narratives that resonate with their audience on an emotional level.

20 power trigger words for storytelling

1. Epic: Conveys grandeur and awe-inspiring scale.

2. Heartwarming: Evokes feelings of kindness and comfort.

3. Tragic: Implies deep sadness or disaster.

4. Triumphant: Suggests victory or success after effort.

5. Mysterious: Invokes curiosity and intrigue.

6. Forbidden: Suggests something prohibited, enhancing curiosity.

7. Haunting: Leaves a lasting, profound impression.

8. Riveting: Captures and holds attention tightly.

9. Breathtaking: Indicates overwhelming beauty or impact.

10. Gripping: Holds interest tightly, compelling continued engagement.

11. Spellbinding: Captivates in a seemingly magical way.

12. Harrowing: Describes distressing or agonizing experiences.

13. Enchanting: Captures charm or delight, often magical.

14. Devastating: Conveys extreme emotional or physical impact.

15. Exhilarating: Produces excitement or thrill.

16. Surreal: Indicates an unreal, dream-like quality.

17. Chilling: Suggests fear or horror, a spine-tingling effect.

18. Electrifying: Imparts a sense of thrill or excitement.

19. Poignant: Evokes a keen sense of sadness or regret.

20. Whimsical: Conveys playfulness or fanciful imagination.

Incorporating power words into your storytelling can transform simple narratives into immersive, emotionally charged experiences.

These words help to paint more vivid pictures, evoke stronger emotions, and create a more compelling read.

By carefully selecting power words that align with the tone and direction of your story, you can significantly enhance the impact and memorability of your writing, engaging your readers on a deeper level and leaving a lasting impression.

Now that we’ve explored the vast landscape of trigger words across various categories, let’s conclude our comprehensive guide with practical advice for integrating these powerful words into your writing effectively.

How to use trigger words in writing

Integrating trigger words into your content should feel natural and seamless.

To avoid making your writing appear forced or overly salesy, sprinkle trigger words throughout your content where they naturally enhance your message without overpowering it.

The key is subtlety; let these words amplify your voice rather than overshadow it.

How to choose the right trigger words for your readership and purpose

Understanding your audience is crucial when selecting which trigger words to use.

Consider the emotions, desires, and needs of your readers, as well as the context of your content.

For instance, urgency-creating words might be more appropriate for a promotional email, while trust-building words could be vital for a service description.

Aligning trigger words with your audience’s expectations and your writing goals will ensure they resonate more deeply and elicit the desired response.

How to refine your use of trigger words

The effectiveness of trigger words can vary greatly depending on their context and usage.

Conduct A/B testing in your marketing materials to see which trigger words drive more engagement or conversions.

Pay attention to analytics and feedback to understand how your audience reacts to different words, and be prepared to adjust your strategy accordingly.

Over time, you’ll develop a keen sense for which words work best in various situations, allowing you to craft more compelling and effective content.

Are you ready to put your knowledge of trigger words into practice?

Trigger words are a powerful element in the writer’s toolkit, capable of transforming passive reading into active engagement.

By understanding and using these words thoughtfully across different types of writing, you can enhance the impact of your content, whether you’re aiming to persuade, inform, or entertain.

As you begin to use these trigger words in your writing, don’t lose sight of the importance of having a meaningful message to share.

When you combine purposeful writing with trigger words, you stand a much greater chance of having the effect you desire.

These words carry the capacity to subtly influence a narrative’s atmosphere, character dynamics, and overall message, making their selection crucial in writing.

This guide is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of tone words, detailing their types, uses, and effects to empower you to craft more nuanced and engaging content.

We’ll delve into how these words can fine-tune the voice of a narrative, affect mood, and enhance the connection with your readers.

Let’s get started!

What are tone words?

Tone words express a writer’s attitude toward their subject matter or audience.

They are the subtle cues that signal our stance, whether it’s skeptical, enthusiastic, solemn, or amused.

Their role extends beyond decoration; they are fundamental in conveying the emotional and informational content of our writing.

By carefully choosing tone words, you can guide readers through a spectrum of feelings and thoughts, making your writing more immersive and compelling.

Tone words are categorized not just by emotion but by their function in your writing.

Tone words can:

1. Elicit specific emotional responses in your reader, helping your words resonate on a personal level.
2. Highlight your perspective as a writer on a topic, offering insight into your views, values, and beliefs.
3. Shape your narrative voice, whether it be authoritative, informal, ironic, or earnest, influencing the way in which your readers engage and respond.

Understanding tone words also involves recognizing their versatility and impact.

A single word can shift the mood of a sentence, alter the perception of a character, or change the direction of a dialogue.

This is why your choice of tone words should be a deliberate one, requiring you to consider the nuances of your purpose and the desired reaction from your reader.

To harness the power of tone words effectively, you need to be attuned to the subtleties of language and emotion. This involves a mix of creativity, sensitivity, and precision—qualities that are honed over time and with practice.

Now that you have a solid understanding of what tone words are, and the impact they can have, let’s take a look at different categories of tone words, some examples, and how to put them into practice.

Positive tone words

Positive tone words do more than just convey happiness or satisfaction; they infuse your writing with an uplifting spirit, capable of transforming your reader’s mood and perception.

Whether used to highlight the strengths of a character, the hopeful aspect of a situation, or the joyful climax of a story, positive tone words are vital tools in your arsenal for crafting compelling and emotionally resonant text.

Examples of positive tone words

1. Optimistic: Reflecting a hopeful and positive outlook on the future.

2. Jubilant: Expressing joy, especially as a result of success.

3. Enthusiastic: Showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.

4. Hopeful: Feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event.

5. Serene: Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.

6. Cheerful: Noticeably happy and optimistic; inducing feelings of happiness.

7. Affectionate: Demonstrating fondness or tenderness; warm-hearted.

8. Energetic: Possessing or exhibiting vitality and vigor.

9. Inspiring: Having the effect of inspiring someone; motivational.

10. Grateful: Feeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received.

How to use positive tone words

To understand how to use positive tone words in your writing, let’s take a look at three in action.

1 – Optimistic

“The team was optimistic about their chances of winning, despite the odds.”

Here, “optimistic” sets a tone of hope and confidence, influencing the reader to feel a sense of anticipation and possibility.

It suggests resilience and a positive mindset, key traits that can endear characters to readers and make narrative outcomes feel rewarding.

2 – Jubilant

“After hearing the news of their victory, the crowd erupted in jubilant celebration.”

The use of “jubilant” vividly conveys the intense joy and triumph felt by the crowd.

It’s a powerful word for creating a vivid, emotionally charged scene that can uplift and engage the reader, drawing them into the shared experience of success.

3 – Enthusiastic

“Her enthusiastic response to the challenge was contagious, inspiring her team to push forward.”

“Enthusiastic” not only characterizes the individual’s attitude but also acts as a catalyst within the text, spreading energy and motivation.

This word demonstrates how positive emotions can be infectious, affecting the dynamics between characters and the overall mood of your writing.

Negative tone words

While positive tone words weave narratives of joy and hope, negative tone words are equally crucial, crafting writing with depth, tension, and realism.

These words help portray conflict, sorrow, fear, and frustration, offering a counterbalance that can make your writing more relatable and compelling.

Examples of negative tone words

1. Melancholic: Expressing a deep, pensive sadness.

2. Angry: Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.

3. Pessimistic: Tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.

4. Foreboding: Implying that something bad is going to happen.

5. Gloomy: Dark or poorly lit, especially so as to appear depressing or frightening.

6. Bitter: Showing anger, hurt, or resentment because of bad experiences or a sense of unjust treatment.

7. Anxious: Experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness.

8. Morose: Sullen and ill-tempered; gloomily or sulkily sad.

9. Hostile: Showing or feeling opposition or dislike; unfriendly.

10. Resentful: Feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.

How to use negative tone words

Let’s get specific and explore three examples of negative tone words in action.

1 – Melancholic

“The room fell silent, the atmosphere turning melancholic as the news was shared.”

“Melancholic” in this sentence sets a tone of deep sadness and reflection.

It gives the sentence a somber depth, influencing the reader to feel the weight of the characters’ emotions, enriching the text with a sense of empathy and understanding.

2 – Angry

“His words were sharp and angry, cutting through the tension like a knife.”

Using “angry” characterizes the speaker’s emotions as intense and charged, highlighting a moment of conflict.

This word not only describes the speaker’s mood but also escalates the narrative tension, inviting readers to explore the underlying causes and potential resolutions.

It’s a powerful choice for moments that aim to reveal character traits or drive home the impact of a situation.

3 – Pessimistic

“She viewed the proposal with a pessimistic skepticism, convinced it would fail.”

“Pessimistic” here colors the character’s outlook, establishing her attitude toward future events as doubtful and negative.

This tone word serves to create a sense of anticipation in the reader, wondering whether this pessimism is justified and how it will affect the plot’s development.

It adds complexity to the narrative, challenging characters and readers alike to confront the potential for failure and disappointment.

Neutral tone words

Neutral tone words stand out for their ability to convey information, observations, or descriptions without a strong emotional charge.

These words are essential for creating a sense of objectivity, clarity, and balance in writing.

They are particularly valuable in contexts where the goal is to inform, describe, or present facts without influencing the reader’s emotions in one direction or another.

Neutral tone words can also provide a respite from emotionally charged narratives, offering readers a moment of reflection or a clearer understanding of the facts at hand.

Examples of neutral tone words

1. Reflective: Engaged in, involving, or conducive to deep thought.

2. Informative: Providing useful or interesting information.

3. Matter-of-fact: Concerned with factual content rather than style or expression.

4. Impartial: Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just.

5. Observant: Quick to notice or perceive things.

6. Unbiased: Showing no prejudice for or against something; impartial.

7. Descriptive: Serving or seeking to describe.

8. Factual: Concerned with what is actually the case rather than interpretations.

9. Straightforward: Uncomplicated and easy to do or understand.

10. Detached: Separate or disconnected, in particular.

How to use neutral tone words

The purpose of neutral tone words is best understood by analyzing their usage. Here’s three sentences featuring neutral tone words as well as some insight into the impact they have.

1 – Reflective

“The documentary took a reflective approach, inviting viewers to consider the impact of technology on society.”

“Reflective” suggests a thoughtful, contemplative tone, encouraging an introspective response from the audience.

It signals a shift from mere presentation of facts to a deeper exploration of implications and meanings, making the content more engaging without directing how the viewer should feel.

2 – Informative

“The report was informative, covering all aspects of the event in detail.”

Using “informative” emphasizes the comprehensive and educational nature of the report.

It prepares the reader for a factual and thorough exploration of the topic, highlighting the writer’s intent to enlighten rather than persuade or entertain.

3 – Matter-of-fact

“Her account of the incident was matter-of-fact, devoid of any emotional undertones.”

The phrase “matter-of-fact” conveys a straightforward, unembellished recounting of events.

This tone word is effective for establishing credibility and reliability, focusing the reader’s attention on the facts and actions rather than the emotional reactions or biases of the narrator.

Persuasive tone words

Persuasive tone words are the secret ingredient in writing that aims to convince, motivate, or influence the reader.

They are particularly prevalent in argumentative essays, persuasive speeches, and advertising, where the goal is to sway the audience toward a particular viewpoint or action.

These words carry the power to engage the reader’s emotions and intellect, making the argument more compelling and the call to action more irresistible.

Using persuasive tone words effectively requires a delicate balance, ensuring that the message is assertive without being overbearing, and convincing without resorting to manipulation.

Examples of persuasive tone words

1. Compelling: Capturing interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.

2. Persuasive: Good at persuading someone to do or believe something through reasoning or the use of temptation.

3. Convincing: Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real.

4. Urgent: Requiring immediate action or attention.

5. Encouraging: Giving someone support or confidence; supportive.

6. Assertive: Having or showing a confident and forceful personality.

7. Influential: Having great influence on someone or something.

8. Reasonable: Based on good sense.

9. Credible: Able to be believed; convincing.

10. Motivating: Providing a reason to act in a certain way.

How to use persuasive tone words

Persuasive writing is as much of an art as it is a science. Let’s take a practical look at the role three persuasive tone words serve in sentences.

1 – Compelling

“The article presented a compelling argument for environmental conservation.”

“Compelling” here suggests that the argument is not only strong and persuasive but also captures the reader’s interest in a way that makes them want to engage with the cause.

It’s effective in demonstrating the urgency and importance of the issue at hand.

2 – Persuasive

“Her persuasive speech convinced the committee to approve the funding.”

The use of “persuasive” emphasizes the speaker’s skill in influencing the committee’s decision through logical reasoning and emotional appeal.

It highlights the power of carefully chosen words to effect change.

3 – Convincing

“Despite initial skepticism, the evidence presented was convincing enough to change his mind.”

“Convincing” implies that the evidence was so strong and well-presented that it overcame objections, leading to a change in opinion.

It underscores the importance of substantiating arguments with solid, believable information.

Humorous tone words

Humorous tone words are effective at injecting wit, irony, or light-heartedness into writing.

They can disarm readers, foster a sense of camaraderie, and make complex or sensitive topics more approachable.

Humor, when used appropriately, can be a powerful tool for engaging and retaining attention, breaking the ice, or providing relief in tense narratives.

However, deploying humor requires a nuanced understanding of the readers and context you are writing in to ensure that it enhances rather than detracts from your message.

Examples of humorous tone words

1. Witty: Showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor.

2. Humorous: Causing lighthearted laughter and amusement; comic.

3. Sarcastic: Marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt.

4. Playful: Fond of games and amusement; lighthearted.

5. Ironic: Using or characterized by irony.

6. Sardonic: Grimly mocking or cynical.

7. Whimsical: Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.

8. Lighthearted: Cheerful and carefree.

9. Amusing: Causing laughter or providing entertainment.

10. Clever: Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent and humorous.

How to use humorous tone words

Whether or not you consider yourself to be naturally funny, using humour in your writing is a learnable skill. Here are three examples of humorous tone words in sentences to boost your understanding.

1 – Witty

“His witty remark lightened the mood of the meeting.”

“Witty” implies a level of intelligence and humor that not only entertains but also serves to diffuse tension, making the environment more conducive to open discussion and collaboration.

2 – Humorous

“The author’s humorous anecdotes made the biography a delight to read.”

By describing the anecdotes as “humorous,” this emphasizes their role in adding enjoyment and relatability to the biography, demonstrating how humor can enrich storytelling and connect with readers on a personal level.

3 – Sarcastic

“Her sarcastic comments during the debate were both cutting and surprisingly insightful.”

“Sarcastic” here is used to convey a biting humor that challenges or critiques, showing that humor can also serve as a tool for critical observation and engaging readers in a deeper examination of the topic at hand.

Are you ready to enhance your writing with tone words?

Mastering the art of using tone words is a process requiring both knowledge and practice.

You now have the knowledge you need – so are you ready to put it into practice?

Experiment with the tone words explored in this guide, integrating them into your writing projects with an awareness of their impact.

Remember, the goal is not only to inform or entertain but to connect with your reader in meaningful and memorable ways.

Few things are as powerful as great writing, so use these tone words to make your next project the best it can be.

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 

Pets can be a wonderful inspiration, and there are many outlets looking for your stories.

Study the magazine or website to get a feel for the tone and content. If you’re writing an expository feature, be sure to research fully and use accurate citations. If you are working on a personal story, write from the heart. Good hi-res photos are usually welcome.

21 publications that want your pet stories

Why not combine your love of animals with your talent in writing? Here are 21 outlets to pitch. 

To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of publications that will consider your pet articles, as well as tips on how to pitch the editor, how to contact and, whenever possible, how much the outlet pays. The details of payment often depend on each editor, the amount of work involved and your experience.

Here are 21 opportunities for pet writers.

1. All Creatures

This national magazine features heartwarming stories about the animals who share our lives. They publish true first person accounts, interviews and inspiring articles. One way to break in is by submitting much-needed material to these columns: Is This for Real? Their Mysterious Ways, Creature Comforts and Should I Be Worried? (Study the magazine for examples.)

Payment: Varies with pitch, length of article, research involved, etc.

How to pitch: Pitch allcreatures@guideposts.org. Include as many specifics in the subject line as possible. (i.e. “Submission: Mysterious Horse Sighting Confirmed Mom Was Watching Over Us”).

2. Simply Pets

Simply Pets is a lifestyle magazine for the whole family, available digitally or in print and sold in Barnes & Noble stores. The website describes the magazine as “one that represents you as a pet parent, as well as your petkids, your values and your interests as a pet-loving person.”

Payment: No monetary compensation, but author bio and links will promote you to their audience.   

How to pitch: Check out their submission guidelines and email info@simplypetsmagazine.com with “Great story to be told” in the subject line.   

3. Chicken Soup for the Soul

The brand’s popularity and the high volume of stories in each book make Chicken Soup for the Soul an exciting market for authors. Each volume features 101 true stories submitted by writers just like you. For animal lovers, there are opportunities to contribute to a new dog book and a new cat book each year. All stories should be true and written in first person.

Payment: $200, plus 10 free copies of the book where your story appears.

How to pitch: Submissions are accepted only through the website form. 

4. The Bark

Well-researched, journalistic articles are most likely to find a home in this magazine, seeking to publish “literate and entertaining” dog-centric articles and stories. They also accept shorter web articles (less than 600 words).

Payment: Print magazine payment varies according to complexity and length of article, and is individually negotiated. Articles published on the website offer writers a one-year complimentary subscription to The Bark.

How to pitch: Submit magazine article or queries to submissions@thebark.com, submit website articles to editor@thebark.com with “YOUR LAST NAME and WEB ORIGINALS SUBMISSION” in the subject line.

5. The Dodo

This website posts entertaining, highly shareable animal videos and stories. Writers have an opportunity to tell stories that go along with their videos and slide shows. Think popular, trendy, and amazing!

Payment: This information is not disclosed on the website.

How to pitch: Send your pitch here.  

6. Dogster

Dogster is a popular magazine and website where dog lovers come together for expert advice on everything from dog breeds, to barking, to training issue, to dog cancer treatments.

Payment: Varies.

How to pitch: Submit queries only (no fully written articles) here.

7. Catster

Cat lovers will find informative articles in this magazine and website, on topics such as cat breeds, vocalizations, feeding and health and wellness.

Payment: Varies

How to pitch: Submit queries only (no fully written articles) here.

 8. Animal Wellness

Articles in this magazine focus on holistic healing and provide readers with information to help them make health care choices for their dogs and cats. They’re looking for articles on topics including physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. To break in, consider writing short features such as Animal Passages, Warm & Fuzzy, and Tail End. (See magazine for examples.)

Payment: Varies with pitch, length of article, research involved, etc.

How to pitch: Send complete articles or story outlines to ann@redstonemediagroup.com. 

9. Guideposts

This inspirational magazine is always looking for great animal stories. Guideposts publishes true, first person stories about people who have attained a goal, surmounted an obstacle or learned a helpful lesson through their faith. When writing about your pet, be sure to write about how that pet has helped you heal, physically or emotionally.  

Payment: Varies with pitch, length of article, research involved, etc.

How to pitch: Submit your query here. 

10. Pets in the City Magazine

You’ll find multiple opportunities for submitting to this print and digital pet magazine. They’re looking for informative articles, profiles of local rescue organizations, articles on breed profiles, training how-to’s, seasonal tips and informational guides on exotic pets. 

Payment: This information is not disclosed on the website.

How to pitch: Query with a short synopsis of your article to Editor@PetsInTheCityMagazine.com with “Submission: article/store title xx word count” in subject line.

You can also submit these short features:

• Rescue Stories: Submit your short (300 words) story about a pet you got from a shelter or rescue group. (Include a high resolution JPEG image of your pet) to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com with “PIC Rescue story” in the subject line.
• Goodbye Tribute: Submit your short (250 words) tribute to your late pet. (Include a high resolution JPEG of your pet) to: info@petsinthecitymagazine.com: with “PIC Saying Goodbye” in the subject line.  

11. Love of a Cat

Do you have an uplifting, true story about you and your cat? Or an expert post about natural cat health and wellbeing? This site is looking for helpful posts including DIY eco cat toys, green cat care options, and helpful or inspiring content about cat healing, behavior, and healthy and holistic feeding. Articles that are 500-1,300 words is the ideal range.

Payment: No monetary compensation.

How to pitch: Use the contact form found here – https://loveofacat.com/contact/

12. Your Pet Space

This website offers a wide range of perspectives on a variety of pets and pet subjects. They’re looking for helpful articles, as well as posts from nonprofit organizations and pet vendors about their work and products.

Payment: $20/article

How to pitch: Query managing editor Jessica Smith at managerjessica@yourpetspace.info. 

13. The Chronicle of the Horse

 The Chronicle of the Horse is a national bi-weekly magazine focused on dressage, jumping, foxhunt, steeplechase racing and other sport horse news. In addition, they publish articles on horse care and profiles of prominent horse people. They occasionally accept humor, human interest and historical articles.

The Chronicle of the Horse Untacked, a sister publication, is looking for articles on fashion, travel, product reviews and other elements of the equestrian lifestyle.

Payment: News stories (approximately 1,500 words) offer payment of $165-$220. Feature articles offer payment of (approximately 1,500-2,500 words) $150-$400.

How to pitch: Submit stories to brasin@coth.com. 

14. Horse Network

It’s hard to imagine an aspect of equestrian life and horsemanship that isn’t covered on this website. Subjects include horse sports, trends, training, health, cowboy culture, fashion, art, literature and more. They are currently seeking articles on horse health, profiles, interviews, and human interest stories.

Payment: $50 and up for an article. In addition, you’ll receive extra compensation ($100) if your post becomes popular on social media.

How to pitch: Submit your work here.

15. Reptiles Magazine

Reptiles is a bimonthly magazine catering to reptile and amphibian hobbyists at all levels of experience, from beginner to veteran. They are seeking articles on pet reptile husbandry, breeding “herps” in captivity, field herping/travel, conservation and health.

Payment: $300 on average, for a 2,000 to 2,500 word piece with photos.

How to pitch: Email your query to reptileseditorial@gmail.com. 

16. Tropical Fish Hobbyist

If your hobby involves aquariums and fishkeeping, you may find just the right outlet for your writing in Tropical Fish Hobbyist. They’re seeking articles about freshwater fish, saltwater fish, aquatic plants, aquarium basics, food and feeding. Articles should be between 10,000 and 20,000 characters-with-spaces.

Payment: This information is not disclosed on the website.

How to pitch: Submit manuscripts as email attachments to associateeditor@tfh.com.  

17. Continental Kennel Club

The CKC audience includes dog breeders, dog owners, canine professionals, puppy buyers, affiliate clubs and event participants. According to their website, “If you’re as passionate about dogs as we are, we would love to feature your work on our site.” They are looking for articles on responsible breeding, training, health, nutrition, grooming, lifestyle, travel, DIY projects, recipes, and opinion pieces.

Payment: No monetary compensation.

How to pitch: Submit your work to editor@ckcusa.com. 

18. I Heart Pets

This website is devoted to “finned, feathered and furry fun.” The site is full of sharable photos and videos, and you can also submit your true stories.

Payment: This information is not disclosed on the website.

How to pitch: Send your story to IHeartPetsOnline@gmail.com. 

19. The Wildest

The Wildest is a site for all things pets. Everything from what it’s like to be a pet owner, practical tips and advice and interesting stories can be found on their site.

Payment: Not specified

How to pitch: Send a message online with a brief 1-2 paragraph pitch

20. PetSci

PetSci is a site that aims to remove any confusion when it comes to looking after a pet. They provide articles and advice on how best to take care of your pet’s health.

Payment: Not specified

How to pitch: Follow the guidelines as per their site and the article will be confirmed as to be published or rejected shortly after submission

21. Bird Watching

As the name suggests, this website and in print magazine is dedicated to all things bird watching. With features including interviews, bird watching advice and much more.

Payment: Not specified

How to pitch: The ‘contact us’ page on their site lists numerous emails for the editorial team, so pitch your idea directly to one of them

Have you pitched any of these pet publications? Do you have other favorites you’d add to the list?

Photo via 4 PM production / Shutterstock 

Did you know the spark behind some of the best travel blogs today started in the 1700s?

That’s right, travel writing rose to popularity with the use of paper, long before the age of online blogs and social media. Today, travel blogs document the world through the eyes of individuals, couples, and families. 

But why is this form of blogging so popular? How can joing the ranks of the best travel blogs impact you and your writing? You might be surprised at the diversity of travel blogs, where people go, why they travel, and their purpose behind their globetrotting. 

Best Travel Blogs and Their Rise To Popularity

With work moving online, especially in the last three years, writers are free to travel the world. Some of the best travel blogs are powerful in several key ways, not least of which is their capacity to record events taking place around the world. 

What makes the best travel blogs so beloved is multifaceted, but a few reasons behind the art of travel blogs are the following: 

• Provide followers a personalized look around the world
• Create another form of education for viewers 
• Teach about cultures, individuals, and historical landmarks 

However, travel blogging is also a great side hustle that you can turn into a lucrative career. Once you build up a following, you can transition from working to travel into traveling to work. Let’s take a look at some of the best travel blogs.

The Shooting Star 

Shivya Nath is an award-winning traveler who writes about sustainable travel, conscious living, veganism, and climate change. Her blog brings in thousands of views on a monthly basis. Shivya’s blog is a personal one, so while she does not seem to accept guest posts, she’s a great blogger to learn from.

Joshua Berman

This blog stands out among travel blogs for its rich content, niché, and adventurous focus. With a variety of posts and focuses, Joshua keeps a content-heavy blog with numerous resources. If you’re looking to get your foot in the door, you may want to inquire if he accepts guest posts. 

Hike and Dine

Do you love travel blogs that focus on the beauty of nature but also the deliciousness of food? Do you have an experience you’d love to share with a large audience? Contact Hike and Dine and share your story!

Notes from the Road

This personal blog shares not just well-crafted notes from the road of travel but artistic photography that draws you into the traveling experience. 

Under The Overpass

An entirely different form of travel, Mike Yankoski shares his story through handwritten journal entries recorded during the time he chose to spend homeless. This travel blog is far from glamorous but deeply inspiring.

Uncornered Market

This husband and wife team joins together to bring you a variety of experiences and resources. Running a career with a variety of offerings, they may be open to a guest blog, provided you share why your contribution could benefit their site. 

My Family Travels

This family travel website hosts a variety of posts from various bloggers. If you’re looking to up the number of travel blogs you’ve written for, contact this highly detailed travel team.

Adventurous Kate

With 83 countries under her belt and adventuring to all seven continents, Kate brings a bold flare to travel blogs. If you’re a female traveling solo, you may be able to contribute to her articles.

Nomad Flag

Keith has more than 25 years of travel experience. Seeking to learn from established travel blogs? Look no further than the Nomad Flag.

An English Travel Writer

Jenny shares her English travel experiences with a friendly voice and photos that bring her experiences to life.

Nomadic Matt

Matt teaches travelers how to travel smart and cheap and even offers a blogging training program.

Oneika the Traveller

This Emmy Award-winning journalist is a self-proclaimed perpetual explorer. An on-camera host for Travel Channel and NBC, she has set foot in 120 countries. 

Globe Trotting

Travel blogs targeting families can be a huge help to young parents. Need advice on how to take your next adventure? Check out Globe Trotting!

Travis Levius

A luxury travel journalist, Travis’s travel blogs will take you on otherworldly adventures across the globe. 

The Incidental Tourist 

Dawn’s blog offers extensive travel resources. She also invites you to contact her for potential collaborations. 

Lydia Scapes

Looking for some adventure travel, specifically climbing? Lydia has you covered from tips on staying in Rome to climbing gear you shouldn’t go without. 

O. Christine

O. Christine is an established travel blogger who partners with brands. While she does not accept guest posts, she does offer ways to work together. 

Wild Blue Family

Wild Blue is a family-run travel blog who calls Hawaii their base camp. The parents’ first date was a hike, so joining the ranks of travel blogs is a natural next step. They do accept sponsored posts.

Where the Kids Roam

One of many family travel blogs, this one is run by the father who writes in a quirky, yet enlightening, voice.

Meet Me Here

Paul focuses on experiencing the world through taste and helping others travel. While most travel blogs center around the blogger’s travels, Paul’s focus is helping his readers experience the delights of Georgia. 

Intrepid Times

If you’d like to submit your work to an already established travel writing blog, or enter a competition, Intrepid Times is for you. They also offer a writing internship. 

Travel Writing World

This award-winning travel writing podcast and website also offers podcast interviews, author profiles, articles, and book reviews. If you fit one of these categories, you may want to reach out about a potential collaboration. 

Wanderlust Marriage

This couple met in Brugge, Belgium in 2002. They were simply solo, post-college backpackers heading to the same location—Amsterdam. Fast forward and they now help travelers create the best experiences, memories, and budget-friendly trips.

How To Break Into the Travel Blogs Niché

After viewing so many phenomenal travel blogs, you may feel the slow dread of Imposter Syndrome creeping up. Instead of focusing on the places you haven’t traveled, focus on the places you have been, even if it’s only the town you were born in. Meet Me Here is a great example of how to build travel blogs out of a single location. Hike and Dine’s niché focuses on its two most-loved activities.

If you’re unsure how to break in, ask yourself the following: 

• What do I particularly gravitate to?
• How does travel add a new angle?
• What travel blogs should I learn from?
• What ones could I learn to build ideas from?

Travel blogs differ in a variety of ways, each bringing their unique angle to the experience of travel. Whether you love rock climbing or a glass of wine after a day hike, you can find your niché among travel bloggers. 

Don’t forget that travel blogs do not usually begin as an award-winning site. It takes time to build your credibility and following, but with persistence in the right direction, you can do so.

Don’t forget to enjoy the journey, pun intended, and let us know where you travel to!