This is a directory of paying freelance writer's markets. You can browse the writer's markets by category below or search if you're looking for something specific. All markets included in this directory are paying markets. Payment details are included in summaries where possible.
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Flash Fiction Online
Flash Fiction Online publishes both literary and genre flash fiction of 500 to 1000 words. They accept simultaneous submissions, but not multiple submissions. Pay is $100 per story via PayPal or check.
Lightspeed
This monthly magazine features science fiction and fantasy stories. They pay $0.08/word for original fiction (it should be between 1,500 and 10,000 words; stories under 5000 words are preferred).
Ninth Letter
Ninth Letter accepts one essay or other creative nonfiction piece up to 8,000 words for print submissions, with flash prose allowed in shorter grouped submissions up to 4000 words combined. The publication pays $25 per poem and $100 for prose upon publication.
One Story
One Story publishes literary fiction. They pay $500 and 25 contributor copies for stories between 3000 and 8000 words. Submissions are only open at certain times of the year. Bookmark the submissions guidelines page for updates on open submission windows.
Pressfuls
Digital publisher and magazine of horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery / crime fiction. Minimal dialogue or none at all. 1000-1500 words. No reprints. No simultaneous submissions. Pay is $.05 per word.
Pseudopod
Pseudopod is an "audio magazine" in the horror genre. Writers can submit their stories to have them read and recorded by voice actors. They pay $20 for flash fiction reprints and $100 for short story reprints, or $.08 per word for original fiction.
Story Unlikely
We publish both fiction and narrative nonfiction (memoir) short stories, up to a limit of 7,500 words. We publish a wide array of styles and genres, and are more concerned with the quality of the story than the genre itself. A monthly e-zine, Story Unlikely pays 8 cents a word with a $350 cap ($700 cap for members at the Writer Level). We welcome and accept reprints, and pay 1 cent per word for reprints. Open submission windows run from February 14th - October 14th.
The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
This magazine is published six times a year and feature fiction that appeals to fans of fantasy and science fiction. The pay is $0.08-0.12/word and the length can be up to 25,000 words.
The Offing
The Offing is an online literary magazine that accepts essays, fiction, and poems. For 2026, guidelines state there are no submission fees, and contributors are paid $25 to $100 depending on department and length.
The Sun Magazine
The Sun publishes essays, fiction, and poetry. Payment for all submission types are $200+.
More About the Writers' Markets
All freelance writers' markets listed here include a link to writer's guidelines offered on the publication's website. All Freelance Writing does not currently accept writers' markets without this information published. This is to protect the freelance writers using the directory, ensuring that they're accessing the latest publicly advertised rates and writer's guidelines released by the hiring publications.
If you run or are associated with a paying writers' market, and you'd like it to be considered for the directory, please use the market submission form.