Writer’s Digest Is Accepting Submissions/ How To Submit (Pay: $50-$100)

Writer’s Digest is the No. 1 magazine for writers, focusing on the craft of writing and the challenges of today’s publishing environment.

It features content by bestselling authors, newcomers, and editors who provide valuable advice and real-life experiences to inspire and support writers in their journey.

The magazine accepts both completed manuscripts and original pitches, offering opportunities for new and established writers.

General Submission Guidelines For Writer’s Digest Magazine 

Writer’s Digest accepts completed manuscripts and article pitches on a wide range of topics related to the writing life, including writing techniques, author profiles, and market reports.

Submissions should include a thorough outline of the article’s purpose, the key points to be covered, and how the article will benefit the magazine’s readers.

What They Want 

Writer’s Digest Wants:

Inkwell: 1,600-word lead stories or shorter articles of 1,200 words related to trends, humor, or the writing world.

Author Profiles: 800–1,200-word profiles of lesser-known or specialized authors.

Writing Technique Articles: 1,200–2,500 words on specific writing techniques for fiction, nonfiction, freelance, poetry, or scriptwriting.

For All Ages: 1,200-word guest columns on writing for children, middle grade, and young adult readers.

Nonfiction: 1,200-word guest columns on nonfiction writing (e.g., personal essays, memoirs).

Market Reports: Articles detailing publishing trends in specific markets like fantasy or romance.

Eligibility Criteria

• Writer’s Digest encourages submissions from both new and experienced writers. However, published authors who have demonstrated success in the topic area they are pitching are given preference.
• Writers must provide evidence of expertise in their field, including relevant publication credits.
• There is no entry fee.

Author Rights

For print submissions, Writer’s Digest purchases first world rights for one-time print use and perpetual electronic use.

Authors are paid 25% of the original payment for any reprints in non-electronic formats.

For unsolicited online articles and guest posts, there is no payment except in rare cases where the content is highly specialized.

How to Submit

• Manuscripts and article proposals should be submitted electronically in text-only or Microsoft Word format.

• Please submit pitches to the print magazine using one of the pitch forms on the editorial calendar. 

• If you have a question about their submission guidelines, please email writers.digest@aimmedia.com.

• Response times range from 2–4 months.

Pay Rates At Writer’s Digest 

They offer $0.50 per word for accepted print articles. For rare cases of highly specialized online content, payment ranges from $50 to $100.

Contributors to the print magazine receive copies of the issue in which their work appears. No payment is offered for unsolicited online articles unless otherwise specified.