25 Publications that Pay for Writing About Books

For those who want to get paid to write about books, here’s a list of 25 publications that work with freelance writers.

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1. The Avery Review is a digital journal that is “dedicated to thinking about books, buildings, and other architectural media.” It is a project of the Office of Publications at the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. They are looking for reviews and critical essays about books, buildings, and other architectural media. Their essays are usually 3,000 to 4,500 words long. According to their pitch guide, they pay $400 for essays. To learn more, refer to this page.

1. China Books Review is a digital magazine on all things China and bookish. They are a literary review for all general readers interested in China and the Sinophone world, publishing reviews, essays, excerpts and more. They are interested in pitches for reviews, essays, excerpts, and profiles. They have previously indicated to pay $400 for essays, $1000 for longer review-essays, and $1000 for literary profiles. To learn more, refer to this page.

1. H-Net is “an international interdisciplinary organization of scholars and teachers dedicated to developing the enormous educational potential of the Internet and the World Wide Web.” The editors of the H-Net Book Channel are looking for proposals for essays on topics related to new books. Book Channel essays are short-form (1,200 to 1,500 words) and have a list of titles for further reading. According to their guidelines, authors are paid an honorarium of $150. Details here.

1. Diem is a social universe that is designed for women and non-binary folks. They are seeking stories for their publication, The Power Outlet. They want stories that “cover the intersection of gender and power across verticals like technology, health, finance, relationships, and culture.” They also want “stories that examine the candid conversations that we have with each other—about friendships, birth control, toxic masculinity, burnout, harassment, chronic pain, big career moves, enthralling books, and everything in between.” According to their guidelines, their rates start at $200 per story (700 words). Visit their website here.

1. Cleveland Review of Books is “a regionally-focused journal of literary, cultural, and art criticism.” They welcome submissions of critical writing that prioritize formal vision and generous engagement with their subject matter, and look for writing that demonstrates a committed sense of style and perspective. According to their guidelines, their rates are $100 for online publication and $200 for print. To learn more, refer to this page.

1. Book Riot is “bookish site covering all things literary, from book news and commentary to reading recommendations across every genre.” They are especially in need of comics and manga writers, and posts should be about 600-800 words. According to their write for us page, they pay contributors a flat fee of $50 or $100 per post based on the post topic and post length.

1. Dirt is a newsletter about digital pop culture. They cover books, streaming, music, style, fashion, blockchain, and the internet. Their pieces are generally around 500 to 800 or 800 to 1,000 words. According to their pitch guide, standard rates begin at $0.50 per word, negotiable for reported pieces. Q&As are paid out at $250.

1. Quill & Quire is a Canadian magazine about books and book publishing. Their print edition comes out 10 times a year. They are seeking “feature and news pitches and profiles related to Canadian authors, publishing, and books.” They don’t accept unsolicited reviews. According to an old tweet by their editor-in-chief, pay starts at $0.45 per word. To pitch them, refer to this page.