Got a sharp take on a new release, a story about the publishing industry, or an essay that uses books in some way?
Today weâre sharing an up-to-date list of publications that pay for writing about books, publishing, and literary criticism. Some are even paying the top rates for writing in this genre.
Iâve included pay rates, editorial guidelines, and submission links for every outlet, so you have everything you need to start pitching and land your next commission.
Never written literary criticism before? Thatâs fine, you donât need a masters in comparative literature to have something worth saying. If youâve ever finished a book and immediately wanted to talk someoneâs ear off about it, argued with a friend over whether the ending worked, or noticed a trend across everything youâve read this year, you already have the instinct these editors are looking for.
Reviews, essays, industry reporting, craft pieces, author profiles, thereâs a home here for all of it.
This list is broad enough that just scrolling through might hand you your next idea. And because most of these outlets publish well beyond books too, youâll likely spot a few new places worth pitching regardless of your usual beat.
If you have insights into specific pay rates, or if youâve been offered different terms than those listed here, please let me know by replying to this email or by messaging me on Substack.
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37 Publications Paying for Writing About Books, Publishing, & Literary Criticism
Harperâs Magazine is one of the oldest and most prestigious general-interest magazines in the United States, founded in 1850. It publishes long, ambitious essays and literary criticism resisting reactive commentary in favour of deep, meditative nonfiction. Harperâs pay in the region of $0.25â$1.00 per word. Guidelines here.
The New Yorker is an American magazine featuring personal essays as well as journalism, commentary, criticism, fiction, satire, cartoons, and poetry, with extensive book criticism throughout. All New Yorker payments are at least $1/word according to reports. They accept essays on a rolling basis. Contact details here.
CRAFT Literary is a well-regarded online literary magazine exploring how writing works, publishing fiction and creative nonfiction with a focus on craft, the process of writing, and literature. General submissions are open year-round, free to submit, with no capacity limits. Pay is $100 for flash CNF pieces and $200 for longform CNF submissions. Guidelines here.
China Books Review is a digital magazine on all things China and bookish, publishing punchy, argument-driven reviews of recent works (1,600 words) as well as longer review-essays engaging with multiple works (3,200 words) for readers interested in China and the Sinophone world. They pay $0.25/word. More details here.
The Baffler is one of Americaâs sharpest voices for political and cultural criticism, publishing reviews, essays, criticism, and poetry five times a year plus daily online. They accept pitches for cultural and literary reviews alongside essays and features, with rates writer-reported at around $0.13/word. Pitches can be sent via their submission form here.