Newspapers Hiring Writers for Columns & Feature Stories

Nov 20, 2011
Margi Desmond

Newspapers seek freelance writers for features and columns. - Photo by binarydreams

Numerous U.S. newspapers and publications are accepting queries from freelance writers for both feature and regular columns.

Working as a freelance writer or columnist for a newspaper can be a rewarding experience for writers seeking extra income. The following U.S. papers are accepting queries from interested writers.

Adelante – 215 Lee Hills Hall, Columbia, MO 65211

Established in 2000 with a circulation of 14,000, this monthly publication is seeking work relevant to the Latino experience in the USA. Writers may query or send the complete manuscripts of 300-1,500 words. Departments include reviews of Latino music, books and movies, Latino recipes, news items and current affairs.

Amityville Record – 85 Broadway, Amityville NY 11701

Established in 1904 with a circulation of 3,000, this weekly publication responds in two weeks to queries, negotiates pay rates and gives bylines. It currently employs ten percent of writers under contract and one percent on a one-time basis. Special issues include home cleanup, bridal, and health. Articles should be 500-1,000 words in length.

Bay Windows – 46 Plympton St., Boston, MA 02118

This weekly publication was established in 1983 and covers topics relevant to the New England area. It responds in three months to queries and pays $25-$100 per article ranging 500-1,500 words. The publication is interested in news, opinion, art reviews and interviews with a gay/lesbian perspective.

Black & White – 1312 20th St. South, Birmingham, AL 35205

Black & White is a biweekly publication with a circulation of 90,000. It pays $50-$600 per article of 200-8,000 words. Established in 1992, the publication requests a simple, short query with writing examples.

Chronicle of the Old West – PO Box 2859, Show Low, AZ 85902

This monthly newspaper focuses on news of people and events in the 1880s written as if the author was a reporter for the paper at the time the event happened. Articles should be 500-1,500 words and photographs are encouraged. Articles should give the reader the impression that the event just happened and should be reader-friendly, not dry or technical. It responds in one month to queries and pays $0.05-$0.08 per word.

Dayton City Paper – 322 S. Patterson, Dayton, OH 5042

This weekly publication caters to upscale, young and active people with articles ranging 500-2,500 words. Established in 1994 with a circulation of 15,000 it buys 50 columns/features annually and pays $30-$150 for assigned articles.

Hendricks County Flyer – 8109 Kingston St. Suite 500, Avon, IN 46123

This biweekly publication with a circulation of 45,000 buys 200 features annually. Word length and payment varies.

Italian Tribune – 427 Bloomfield Ave., Newark, NJ 07107

This 71-year-old publication has a circulation of 67,000. It purchases more than 100 features annually and payment is negotiable. It is not looking for book reviews or nostalgic pieces, but rather features on new people and events relating to the Italian community. Articles should be 100-1,200 words.

Metro Santa Cruz – 115 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

This weekly publication is looking for well-written seasonal articles of 500-4,000 words catering to a sophisticated coastal university audience. Established in 1994 with a circulation of 35,000 it pays $50-$500 per article and purchases 75 freelance articles annually.

Random Lengths – PO Box 731, San Pedro, CA 90733

Random Lengths publishes exposes, scientific, environmental, and political articles geared to “make people mad enough to do something about it.” The biweekly publication was established in 1979 and has a circulation of 30,000. It purchases 150 features each year and pays $0.05 per word.

San Antonio Express-News – PO Box 3171, San Antonio, TX 78297

Established in 1865, this publication is seeing features related to travel, books and food. With a circulation of 253,069 it purchases 400 feature articles annually. Payment varies and queries with published clips are considered.