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.)
While those publications pay quite well, they may not suit your needs if you write articles about politics, women's issues, personal essays, or fiction.
Here are 32 publications that either have a feminist slant, or appeal to women in areas other than dieting. 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.
Black Girl Dangerous is a website for video, comics and writing by black, indigenous and people of color who are also queer and/or trans. They are especially interested in timely pieces that reflect on current news stories (including politics and pop culture) and are much more likely to accept these pieces for publication than others. They pay $75-$120 per article from queer and trans people of color. Read their submission guidelines.
Women's Voices for Change invites submissions of news commentaries, personal essays, and expert analysis. We encourage all WVFC readers to take part in the ongoing conversation aimed at redefining the way women over 40 are seen in the culture, and how we see ourselves. Previously unpublished nonfiction work is preferred. We consider personal essays about our lives, work, passions, and history, including commentary on going against conventional wisdom, stories about triumphing over the unexpected, and essays about everyday life that reinforce the adage “the personal is political. Typical entries are between 1,000 and 1,500 words. Payment is $50 per post. Read their submission guidelines.
Autostraddle is an accepting and supportive environment for queer trans women. "Although Autostraddle is a website created for and primarily aimed at lesbian, bisexual and queer women (cis and trans) and always will be, as the community evolves we also are starting to include work by and about non-binary-identified folks in our community. Looking for personal essays, news or feature articles on topics related to queer, feminist and/or outsider culture. We’re looking for really good stories, edgy style, unique arguments, keen intellect and searing wit." Payment falls within the $40-$100 range. Read their submission guidelines.
Wanderful is a publication for 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. Although the focus is on women, 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.” They pay up to $2,000 for articles. Read their submission guidelines.
The Establishment is looking to "unearth overlooked stories, produce original reporting, and provide a platform for voices that have been marginalized by the mainstream media. And yes, we want your humor, wit, and good old-fashioned satire, too. We publish originally reported features, interviews, long-form journalism, personal essays, and multimedia of all shapes, sizes, and creeds." They pay $125 for articles 800-1500 words, and $500 for long form articles 3,000 words+. Read their submission guidelines.
Vela publishes nonfiction written by women. "Our stories have been recognized as notable in The Best American Essays, The Best American Travel Writing, and The Best American Sports Writing; selected for inclusion in The Best Women’s Travel Writing Volumes 8, 9 and 10; and highlighted on NPR, Outside, The New York Times’ Opinion Page, The New Yorker’s Page Turner, and Longform, Longreads, and The Browser." Feature stories typically run from 3,000 to 6,000 words. Payment is competitive. 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. Read their submission guidelines.
DAME features a variety of voices writing reported pieces, op-eds, and personal essays covering culture, politics, parenting, family, gender, sex, entertainment, tech culture, business and personal finance. 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.
ESSENCE is the "premiere lifestyle, fashion and beauty magazine for African-American women. With its motivating message, intimate girlfriend-to-girlfriend tone, compelling and engaging editorial lineup and vibrant and modern design, ESSENCE is the definitive voice of today's dynamic African-American woman. ESSENCE speaks directly to a Black woman's spirit, her heart and her unique concerns." Payment is negotiated. Read their submission guidelines.
Sasee welcomes editorial submissions from freelance writers. "We are looking for new, unpublished, first-person, non-fiction material that is for or about women. Essays, humor, satire, personal experience, and features on topics relating to women are our primary editorial focus. Diversity of subjects that reflect all age groups and variety of writing styles are invited. Articles should be no more than 500 to 1000 words in length." Payment varies. Read their submission 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.
More.com is looking for "smart, sassy, articulate, insightful pieces that inform, encourage, motivate, and entertain. We’re all about accessible fashion, beauty trends and techniques, sex, love, relationships, and making life easier for young women. Nearly anything is fair game, as long as it’s something women age 24-40 can relate to." Payment is negotiated. Read their submission guidelines.
Room is Canada's oldest women's literary magazine. 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.
Loudoun Woman Magazine is part of the Virginia WOMAN Magazine Group. It's 100,000+ readership includes Northern VA, Washington DC metro area and mail subscribers. Loudoun Woman Magazine is part of a nationally syndicated publication that has been rated the #1 educational newspaper for women in the United States. (U.S. World and Review.) Payment is negotiated. Read 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.
That's Life is an Australian publication covering topics related to Australian women. They accept fiction! "We are looking for humorous, clever, positive, contemporary stories with a strong and easy-to-follow plot. It's a good idea to read several issues of the magazines to get the flavour of the type of fiction we publish." They pay $300. Request 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.
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.
Make/shift "creates and documents contemporary feminist culture and action by publishing journalism, critical analysis, and visual and text art. Made by an editorial collective committed to antiracist, transnational, and queer perspectives, make/shift embraces the multiple and shifting identities of feminist communities." Pays $.02/word plus two copies for prose and a flat fee for visual art and poetry. 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.
skirt! publishes two personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women’s interests. "All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly themes. Payment for essays is $200. We reserve the right to edit articles for length and content." Read their submission guidelines.
Brain, Child is an award-winning literary magazine for mothers. "We focus on long form essays that range from 1,500 – 4,500 words. We are excited by great writing – and by both new and established writers. It makes our day when we hear from an established writer or publish an author for the first time." Pays competitive rates. Read their submission guidelines.
Salomé is an online and in-print literary magazine for emerging female writers. Salomé was regarded as powerful in her seductiveness and predatory nature. At Salomé, it is our words and the strength of the all-female collective that gives us our power. Accepts poetry and fiction. Pays £50. 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.
A mystery bonus
BUST seeks to bring a feminist perspective to a wide array of topics, from fashion to pop culture to personal stories. (They have a submissions tab on their website footer, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to submit.)
While those publications pay quite well, they may not suit your needs if you write articles about politics, women's issues, personal essays, or fiction.
Here are 32 publications that either have a feminist slant, or appeal to women in areas other than dieting. 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.
Black Girl Dangerous is a website for video, comics and writing by black, indigenous and people of color who are also queer and/or trans. They are especially interested in timely pieces that reflect on current news stories (including politics and pop culture) and are much more likely to accept these pieces for publication than others. They pay $75-$120 per article from queer and trans people of color. Read their submission guidelines.
Women's Voices for Change invites submissions of news commentaries, personal essays, and expert analysis. We encourage all WVFC readers to take part in the ongoing conversation aimed at redefining the way women over 40 are seen in the culture, and how we see ourselves. Previously unpublished nonfiction work is preferred. We consider personal essays about our lives, work, passions, and history, including commentary on going against conventional wisdom, stories about triumphing over the unexpected, and essays about everyday life that reinforce the adage “the personal is political. Typical entries are between 1,000 and 1,500 words. Payment is $50 per post. Read their submission guidelines.
Autostraddle is an accepting and supportive environment for queer trans women. "Although Autostraddle is a website created for and primarily aimed at lesbian, bisexual and queer women (cis and trans) and always will be, as the community evolves we also are starting to include work by and about non-binary-identified folks in our community. Looking for personal essays, news or feature articles on topics related to queer, feminist and/or outsider culture. We’re looking for really good stories, edgy style, unique arguments, keen intellect and searing wit." Payment falls within the $40-$100 range. Read their submission guidelines.
Wanderful is a publication for 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. Although the focus is on women, 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.” They pay up to $2,000 for articles. Read their submission guidelines.
The Establishment is looking to "unearth overlooked stories, produce original reporting, and provide a platform for voices that have been marginalized by the mainstream media. And yes, we want your humor, wit, and good old-fashioned satire, too. We publish originally reported features, interviews, long-form journalism, personal essays, and multimedia of all shapes, sizes, and creeds." They pay $125 for articles 800-1500 words, and $500 for long form articles 3,000 words+. Read their submission guidelines.
Vela publishes nonfiction written by women. "Our stories have been recognized as notable in The Best American Essays, The Best American Travel Writing, and The Best American Sports Writing; selected for inclusion in The Best Women’s Travel Writing Volumes 8, 9 and 10; and highlighted on NPR, Outside, The New York Times’ Opinion Page, The New Yorker’s Page Turner, and Longform, Longreads, and The Browser." Feature stories typically run from 3,000 to 6,000 words. Payment is competitive. 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. Read their submission guidelines.
DAME features a variety of voices writing reported pieces, op-eds, and personal essays covering culture, politics, parenting, family, gender, sex, entertainment, tech culture, business and personal finance. 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.
ESSENCE is the "premiere lifestyle, fashion and beauty magazine for African-American women. With its motivating message, intimate girlfriend-to-girlfriend tone, compelling and engaging editorial lineup and vibrant and modern design, ESSENCE is the definitive voice of today's dynamic African-American woman. ESSENCE speaks directly to a Black woman's spirit, her heart and her unique concerns." Payment is negotiated. Read their submission guidelines.
Sasee welcomes editorial submissions from freelance writers. "We are looking for new, unpublished, first-person, non-fiction material that is for or about women. Essays, humor, satire, personal experience, and features on topics relating to women are our primary editorial focus. Diversity of subjects that reflect all age groups and variety of writing styles are invited. Articles should be no more than 500 to 1000 words in length." Payment varies. Read their submission 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.
More.com is looking for "smart, sassy, articulate, insightful pieces that inform, encourage, motivate, and entertain. We’re all about accessible fashion, beauty trends and techniques, sex, love, relationships, and making life easier for young women. Nearly anything is fair game, as long as it’s something women age 24-40 can relate to." Payment is negotiated. Read their submission guidelines.
Room is Canada's oldest women's literary magazine. 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.
Loudoun Woman Magazine is part of the Virginia WOMAN Magazine Group. It's 100,000+ readership includes Northern VA, Washington DC metro area and mail subscribers. Loudoun Woman Magazine is part of a nationally syndicated publication that has been rated the #1 educational newspaper for women in the United States. (U.S. World and Review.) Payment is negotiated. Read 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.
That's Life is an Australian publication covering topics related to Australian women. They accept fiction! "We are looking for humorous, clever, positive, contemporary stories with a strong and easy-to-follow plot. It's a good idea to read several issues of the magazines to get the flavour of the type of fiction we publish." They pay $300. Request 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.
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.
Make/shift "creates and documents contemporary feminist culture and action by publishing journalism, critical analysis, and visual and text art. Made by an editorial collective committed to antiracist, transnational, and queer perspectives, make/shift embraces the multiple and shifting identities of feminist communities." Pays $.02/word plus two copies for prose and a flat fee for visual art and poetry. 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.
skirt! publishes two personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women’s interests. "All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly themes. Payment for essays is $200. We reserve the right to edit articles for length and content." Read their submission guidelines.
Brain, Child is an award-winning literary magazine for mothers. "We focus on long form essays that range from 1,500 – 4,500 words. We are excited by great writing – and by both new and established writers. It makes our day when we hear from an established writer or publish an author for the first time." Pays competitive rates. Read their submission guidelines.
Salomé is an online and in-print literary magazine for emerging female writers. Salomé was regarded as powerful in her seductiveness and predatory nature. At Salomé, it is our words and the strength of the all-female collective that gives us our power. Accepts poetry and fiction. Pays £50. 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.
A mystery bonus
BUST seeks to bring a feminist perspective to a wide array of topics, from fashion to pop culture to personal stories. (They have a submissions tab on their website footer, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to submit.)
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