45 Publications Paying You to Write About Love, Sex & Relationships

Earn as much as $2/word from your next feature.

Today I’m sharing a new roundup of publications paying for writing about love, relationships, and sex.

These are some of the most universal beats in the media. Every human alive has navigated desire, rejection, intimacy, or loneliness in some form. There really is no barrier to entry here for any writer willing to talk about their experiences or cover the topic in some detail.

And here’s the part most writers don’t realize: this topic really can pay. Guess what AI will never be able to do? Have a real relationship. Date someone. Have sex. (Despite what I’m sure some tech bros will tell you). You can get paid for your writing and your expertise.

Outlets vary from major publications to niche newsletters are actively commissioning and paying for these stories, often from writers with no prior bylines.

Below are 45 publications currently paying for essays, reporting, and advice on love, sex, and relationships, with what they’re looking for and how to pitch them.

As always, please read submission guidelines thoroughly and ensure you verify payment details with editors before you write. If you think any information here is incorrect, please do message me to let me know.

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45 Publications Paying for Writing About Love, Relationships, & Sex

Narratively is devoted to original and untold human stories. They are always interested in adding new, diverse voices to the mix. They are currently accepting full submissions for The Personals, a series of bite-sized sharply focused first-person stories that capture a single surprising unforgettable moment or event. Pays $300. Guidelines here.

Stylist is a UK-based brand leading the charge for women, whose features editor looks for smart, original, newsworthy journalism, covering women's lifestyle, feminism, current affairs, social trends, culture, health, careers, relationships, dating, sex and tech. Pays £150-£180. Pitching guidelines here.

The New York Times has a column called ‘Modern Love’. The editors of Modern Love are interested in receiving deeply personal essays about contemporary relationships, marriage, dating, parenthood. Any subject that might reasonably fit under the heading. Pay is usually $300. Guidelines here. Opens again in September.

Autostraddle is an LGBTQ+ online publication for women, non-binary and trans people, with a dedicated Love + Sex vertical covering dating, relationships, sex positions and queer culture. Reported pay for personal essays and features has ranged from $100-$300 per piece. Submission page here.

Business Insider welcomes pitches relating to love and relationships year round. Personal essays, interviews and more are welcomed. Business Insider generally pays in the $200-$300 range for this kind of work. Guidelines here.