Women's magazines are typically associated with check-out lines in grocery stores, where they sport loud headlines that either promise a "beach body" in ten days, or describe exciting new ways to please a man in bed. (Back in the old days, all you had to do was show up.)
Times have changed. Women's magazines now focus on a variety of topics: politics, social issues, not to mention all forms of creative writing by women.
Here are more than three dozen publications that either have a feminist slant, or cover topics that interest women. They accept a wide variety of submissions, including articles, personal essays, fiction, news items, humor, and poetry.
________________________
Bitch Magazine. From the website: "Bitch Media's mission to to provide and encourage a engaged, thoughtful feminist response to mainstream media and popular culture." They pay $500 for feature articles, $200 for dispatches, and $50 for Department of Everything pieces. Nonfiction only. Read their submission guidelines.
Ms. Magazine was founded by feminist activists Gloria Steinen and Dorothy Pitman Hughes. It was first published in 1972, making it America's oldest feminist magazine. They consider articles on politics, social commentary, popular culture, law, education, and the environment. Payment rates are negotiated. Read their submission guidelines.
Autostraddle is an accepting and supportive environment for queer trans women. "Autostraddle is currently only accepting submissions that center the fight for Black lives and Black futures, and the end of white supremacy. We are also looking for on-the-ground reporting of current protests and community action." Payment falls within the $40-$100 range. Read their submission guidelines.
Wanderful is committed to high-quality, interesting and useful content to women travelers. Their pieces are inspiring, engaging, personal, and community-oriented. "We’d love to read your personal essay or feature piece on topics related to women and travel. Though some of our pieces aren’t women-specific, every article is written with our audience and community in mind. While we like to provide tips for other women travelers about how to make the most of their global experiences, we are known to also take on tough conversations related to feminism, women’s safety and violence against women, issues concerning women’s bodies, and other subjects. We handle these discussions with a combination of fact and tact." They pay $50 per article. Read their submission guidelines.
Bustle is "for & by women who are moving forward as fast as you are." Topics range from politics, to motherhood, to books, fashion and entertainment. Articles by men are accepted. Payment varies. Read their submission guidelines.
LiisBeth is a “a reader and community supported zine that examines entrepreneurship, start-up culture, and the innovation eco-system through a progressive feminist lens. We look for journalistic, edgy, positive, well-informed articles that offer readers’ a feminist’s perspective on entrepreneurship and innovation happenings, including policy and politics.” Varies per article. Read their submission guidelines.
Ravishly is the Internet’s cool aunt. "Do you want to be part of the awesomeness and think your voice fits here? Please send along three published clips and your resume for consideration. You’ll see us talking about gender equality, body acceptance, coercing your toddler into eating broccoli, the horror that is Republican politics — oh, and orgasms." They reportedly pay around $50 to $75 per article or essay. Read submission guidelines.
Herizons is a Canadian publication with a feminist readership. "Articles about applying feminist principles in work, in relationships and organizations, and in social justice are welcome. Our readers are interested in health issues, social and political issues, environmental issues, equality issues, justice issues, spiritual issues; parenting issues and all issues informed by diverse racial and cultural experiences. Articles in which the writer is engaged with the material work best; personal experiences, journalism style articles, interviews, articles which bring in current research and a clear feminist perspective are all things we look for." They pay $250 to $750 for features, $175 for news, $65 for reviews. All payments in Canadian dollars. Preference is given to Canadian authors, and Canadian topics. Send a full pitch outlining your proposed article, describing how your proposed article fits in with Herizons mandate and include suitable writing samples to editor [“at”] herizons (“dot”) ca. Read their submission guidelines.
DAME features op-eds, and personal essays covering breaking stories, moving essays, expert advice, and unique takes on relationships, gender politics, sex, race, entertainment, the arts, business, politics, Internet culture, health and everything in-between. DAME’s tone is irreverent, witty, and provocative. "Our objective is to move the conversation forward around trending and topical subjects most relevant to women—that is, when we're not starting the conversation. We accept narrative-driven reported features, first-person essays, Q&As, op-eds, and humor essays (especially satire). Stories are generally between 800 and 2,000 words, depending on the subject matter and the story format." Payment is negotiated. Read their submission guidelines.
Rebellious Magazine for Women delivers a unique feminist perspective on Chicago news, events, politics and culture through original articles, essays and interviews. "We support women-owned and women-operated businesses and organizations through editorial coverage and business partnerships." Payment is $100 for 500-word profiles & articles, $50 for columns, essays, $25 for reviews (music, movies, books, TV). Read their submission guidelines.
Redbook is targeted to women between the ages of 25 and 45 who define themselves as smart, capable, and happy with their lives. Many, but not all, of our readers are going through one of two key life transitions: single to married and married to mom. Payment is negotiated. Read their submission guidelines. (No recent guidelines)
Chatelaine "talks about what Canadian women talk about, and that means we want smart articles about everything from politics to engaging profiles to first-person narratives. The magazine is organized into five sections: Style and Beauty, Home, Health, Life and Food. Within those sections we have stories of different lengths and formats: briefs, how-tos, features, photo essays and packages. Feature articles are usually about big ideas (social issues, controversies, culture, crime, etc.), while the Health section covers the latest news and studies, gives fitness and workout tips and explores hot-button issues and the Home section is the place to go for inspirational décor ideas, clutter busting tips and quick, crafty projects." They pay $1 per word. Pitch your idea first. Read their submission guidelines.
Room is a "diverse community of writers, artists, and readers who make space for all women's voices." Room publishes original short stories, poems, creative non-fiction, or art by women, including trans persons, gender-variant and two-spirit women, and women of non-binary sexual orientations. All contributors will be paid upon publication: $50 CAD for one page, $60 for two pages, $90 for three pages, $120 for four pages, $150 for five or more pages. Read their submission guidelines.
Austin Woman Magazine is a free monthly publication from AW Media, focusing on the women of Austin, Texas. Read their submission guidelines.
Room is a "diverse community of writers, artists, and readers who make space for all women's voices." Room publishes original short stories, poems, creative non-fiction, or art by women, including trans persons, gender-variant and two-spirit women, and women of non-binary sexual orientations. All contributors will be paid upon publication: $50 CAD for one page, $60 for two pages, $90 for three pages, $120 for four pages, $150 for five or more pages. Read their submission guidelines.
Austin Woman Magazine is a free monthly publication from AW Media, focusing on the women of Austin, Texas. Read their submission guidelines.
Lilith Magazine welcomes submissions of high-quality, lively writing: reportage, opinion pieces, memoirs, fiction and poetry on subjects of interest to Jewish women. "Our features usually run no longer than 2,500 words. News briefs are 500 words or less. Fiction submissions should be under 3,000 words. When submitting, please make sure your name and contact information appear on each page of the manuscript, and include a short bio: one to two sentences, written in the third person. We accept submissions year-round." Payment is negotiated. Read submission guidelines.
Canthius "accepts submissions of poetry and prose from a diversity of established and emerging women and genderqueer writers. For those who wish to submit to Canthius, we ask that your submission reflect the best of your creativity, your voice, your humour, your intelligence, your strength. Be political, honest, witty. We thank you for considering us as a forum for your work and for reading and writing about women's experiences and feminist issues." Pays $5 per page. This publication has reading periods. Read their submission guidelines. (Has reading periods)
Contemporary Verse 2 is a quarterly literary journal that publishes poetry and critical writing about poetry, including interviews, articles, essays, and reviews. "It is our policy to publish new writing by both emerging and established poets. The writing we encourage reflects a diversity representing a range of social and cultural experience along with literary excellence." Payment: Poetry: $30 per poem, Interviews: $50-$100, depending upon length, Articles: $50-$100, depending upon length, Essays: $40-$150, depending upon length, Reviews: $20-$75, depending upon length. Read their submission guidelines.
Canthius "accepts submissions of poetry and prose from a diversity of established and emerging women and genderqueer writers. For those who wish to submit to Canthius, we ask that your submission reflect the best of your creativity, your voice, your humour, your intelligence, your strength. Be political, honest, witty. We thank you for considering us as a forum for your work and for reading and writing about women's experiences and feminist issues." Pays $5 per page. This publication has reading periods. Read their submission guidelines. (Has reading periods)
Contemporary Verse 2 is a quarterly literary journal that publishes poetry and critical writing about poetry, including interviews, articles, essays, and reviews. "It is our policy to publish new writing by both emerging and established poets. The writing we encourage reflects a diversity representing a range of social and cultural experience along with literary excellence." Payment: Poetry: $30 per poem, Interviews: $50-$100, depending upon length, Articles: $50-$100, depending upon length, Essays: $40-$150, depending upon length, Reviews: $20-$75, depending upon length. Read their submission guidelines.
Mslexia is a quarterly geared to women. The magazine includes prompts, competitions and workshops for writers. "There are 14 opportunities to submit for women writers of all specialisms – poetry, fiction and nonfiction, with five slots kept solely for subscribers to the magazine. There’s something to tickle any writer’s creative fancy." They pay £25. Read their submission guidelines.
WOW (Women on Writing) is open to general queries, as long as it relates to the craft of writing and publishing. "We are particularly looking for how-tos on a variety of writing and publishing topics, and interviews/round-ups with acquiring editors/literary agents/publishers. All articles must have takeaway value for fellow writers." Pays $50 or $75. Read their submission guidelines.
BUST is a "cheeky celebration of all things female and a trusted authority on up-and-coming trends among discerning, educated, and culturally aware women." Payment is not specified. Read their submission guidelines.
The (y) Syndrome is always looking for female writers (and occasional allies) who want to help "educate, enlighten, and promote women through comedy and humorous story-telling. At The Syndrome Mag, we cover a broad list of topics from a women’s perspective, including those that directly address gender equality issues such as reproductive rights, pay equity, #MeToo, the glass ceiling, and women in politics (because we REALLY need to laugh about these things) and those that are lighter-hearted and focus on what it’s like being a woman in the world today, including sex and sexual identity, relationships, dating, body image, work, fashion, food, etc. Funny is who we are and what we’re looking for, no matter the topic." You can pitch feature articles between 500-1200 words, memes and art. Payment: $20 for articles chosen for publication. After your 5th published article, the amount increases to $40 per article. They do not pay for memes or artwork that will be published. Read submission guidelines HERE.
The Fuller Project is always on the lookout for excellent stories on issues that affect women in the United States and globally is always on the lookout for excellent stories on issues that affect women in the United States and globally. "We are primarily interested in stories that will raise awareness and/or could spur accountability. But it’s not enough for a story source or character to be a woman. What is the clear angle centred around women Payment: The Fuller Project pays competitive rates for freelance work. The rate depends on the length and scope of the story, either based on a per word or project rate. Read submission guidelines HERE.
The VIDA Review is a bi-monthly online literary magazine publishing original fiction, nonfiction, poetry, reviews, and interviews. VIDA: Women in Literary Arts (VIDA) is a non-profit intersectional feminist literary organization dedicated to creating transparency surrounding gender imbalances and the lack of diversity in the literary landscape. VIDA also aims to amplify historically-marginalized voices, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); writers with disabilities; and queer, trans, and gender nonconforming individuals. The VIDA Review is a bi-monthly online literary magazine publishing original fiction, nonfiction, poetry, reviews, and interviews. Payment: $20. Read guidelines HERE.
Last Girls Club publishes dark fiction and poetry from the female gaze. The focus is horror, supernatural, and creeping dread. "I created this space for problematic fiction. It’s fearless, feminine, sometimes fairy-tale based, and usually ends with blood. My heroines are flawed, angry, not interested in being loved, and not afraid to get ugly. Fierce. You don’t have to identify as female to submit to us, but you best come proper. You’re in the halls of the goddess. Remember that." Payment: Short Story-$20 upon acceptance 3,000 words or less and a copy of the magazine issue. Poems-$15 less than 200 words and a copy of the magazine issue. Nonfiction/Reviews 500-800 words contact editor to pitch your idea. Read guidelines here. Has submission periods.
Aster(ix) is a transnational feminist literary arts journal committed to social justice and translation, placing women of color at the center of the conversation. Accepts fiction, reviews, interviews, commentary. Payment: $250. Has open calls for fiction. Read guidelines here. Has submission periods.
Sisters From AARP is a free, weekly newsletter celebrating Black women, and anyone is welcome to read and subscribe. "Our audience includes Black women of various backgrounds and ages, including those in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. Sisters readers get the very best in health, money, culture, style, relationships and more in every issue. We also feature exclusive related content here on our website. And the conversation continues in our social media communities, including Facebook and Instagram." Payment: According to Who Pay Writers, Sisters From AARP pays between 50 and 67 cents per word. Read guidelines here.
Torch Literary Arts seeks original creative work by Black women writers. "We are interested in work that challenges and disrupts preconceived notions of what Black women’s contemporary writing should be. Your stories and poems are valuable and necessary." Payment: $50. Read guidelines here.
Midnight & Indigo publishes short Stories, Speculative Fiction, and Personal Essays written by Black women writers. Payment: $50 - $100. Has submission periods. Read guidelines here.
Liber is a broadly feminist publication that welcomes timely reviews and essays on forthcoming books of all genres. "Our interest is in feminist theory, culture, history, and publishing, though we welcome submissions that use a feminist lens to analyze works that are not explicitly feminist. Although primarily a review, we also publish poetry, comics, photo essays, and long-form reported features on topics related to feminist history and publishing." Reviews can vary in length, from 800 to 1500 words. Average length for a reported essay is 2500 to 4000 words. Payment: $100 per book review, $50 per poem, essays and reported pieces are negotiated on an individual basis with fee commensurate to experience and the demands of the piece (anywhere from $250 to $2500, or more). Read guidelines here.
Minola Review is open to women and non-binary writers. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $25 - $175. Has submission periods.
Corvid Queen Journal. Genre: Fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and pieces that are in-between up to 5,000 words. "Feminist tales, feminist retellings of traditional tales, and personal essays related to traditional tales." Payment: $5.
Dorothy is an award-winning feminist press dedicated to works of fiction or near fiction or about fiction. "Each fall, we publish two new books simultaneously. We work to pair books that draw upon different aesthetic traditions, because a large part of our interest in literature lies in its possibilities, its endless stylistic and formal variety. Dorothy books are available through most major retail channels, but we offer special sales on titles purchased together through this website, to encourage readers to approach them as a conversation (a project)." Open to submissions for two weeks every September. Read guidelines HERE.
Fahmidan Publishing is a publisher for all POC & Women ardent in battle against subjugation. Genre: Poetry or fiction chapbook. Payment: Royalties. Has submission periods. Read guidelines HERE.
Agnes and True is a Canadian journal that celebrates the achievement of women. In addition, they are particularly interested in discovering and publishing the work of emerging older writers. "We are dedicated to providing a place for the work of Canadian writers, both established and emerging. While we accept submissions from outside Canada, we do place an emphasis on works of fiction that exhibit a Canadian sensibility." Payment: $75.00 (CAD). Read guidelines HERE.
Writers Resist is an intersectional feminist literary journal born of the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. "We publish creative expressions of resistance by diverse writers and artists from around the globe. We are dedicated to challenging all things that diminish our nation’s quest for equality and equity, freedom, justice, and a healthy planet for all—and to celebrating progress toward social justice while having a bit of fun." Genre: Prose, poetry, art. Payment: $10. Read guidelines HERE.
The Lighthouse: Black Girl Times (BGX) is always looking for thought-provoking stories and content for Black women, girls, and the people who love them. We focus on the lives and experiences of women, and we provide a brave space to enlighten, express and share ourselves. We want to hear your unique stories of community, family, and self. We want your triumphs and your disappointments. We want your tales of personal growth, and we want to hear about the growth that still needs to happen in our community, our schools, and our government. Above all, we want our readers to gain a better understanding of our identity, triumphs, struggles, and the beauty of Black girls and women in the Southeast and beyond. Payment: $0.25 to $1.00 per word. The pay rate for art (i.e., graphic design, cartoons and photo essays) can range anywhere between $150 and $1,000. Read guidelines HERE.
Luna Station Quarterly is open to women writers only. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $5. Some reprints accepted. Has submission periods.
The Banshee welcomes work from all women. Non-binary people are also very welcome to submit work providing they’re happy to appear in a women’s magazine. They publish fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, reviews, academic (or semi-academic) articles, art, comics, and interviews. Gothic and horror-focused short stories are particularly welcome; relationship confessionals less so. Length: Under 2000 words. Payment: Not specified.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.