Longreads: Earn $500+ Writing Essays

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Hey there, aspiring writers! 📝🌟 Curious about making $500 for your essays and stories? You’re at the right spot. This quick guide will explore Longreads, a haven for longform nonfiction storytelling, where your essays aren’t just welcomed; they’re celebrated and rewarded!

We’ll cover all the essentials – from earning potential to getting your work published. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a newbie with a story bubbling in your heart, this might just be your next stop in your writing journey. Ready to turn your passion into paychecks? Let’s get started! 🚀✍️



What is Longreads?

A screenshot of the website of Longreads
A SCREENSHOT OF THE WEBSITE OF LONGREADS

Longreads shines as a beacon 🌟 for avid readers, standing tall since its inception in 2009 by Mark Armstrong. This platform is a treasure trove dedicated to unearthing and sharing the crème de la crème of longform nonfiction storytelling across the web.

It’s not just about stories; Longreads celebrates a diverse palette of content including:

  • Personal and reported essays
  • Curated reading lists
  • Engaging interviews
  • In-depth investigative reporting

Whether you’re in search of inspiration, knowledge, or a deep dive into complex topics, Longreads has something for every curious mind.



Is Longreads legit?

Wondering if Longreads is the real deal? 🔍 Let’s put those doubts to rest:

  • Award-Winning Excellence: With four National Magazine Awards nominations, a Canadian National Magazine Award (Gold) under its belt, and recognition from the Online News Association and Peabody Awards, Longreads isn’t just legit; it’s a leader in digital storytelling. 🏆
  • Podcast Prowess: The acclaimed podcast series, Bundyville, didn’t just captivate listeners; it earned an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2020 and was hailed as one of the best podcasts of the year in 2018. ✨
  • Community & Quality: Unlike the typical profit-driven model, Longreads thrives on reader support, ensuring that quality storytelling that meets the highest standards remains the north star. This means every piece you dive into is there because it’s believed to be the best of the best. 💌
  • Accessible to All: While Longreads cherishes its member-supported model, it ensures top-tier content like Editors’ Picks, Exclusives, and Originals are available to everyone. Yes, that means you don’t have to be a member to get in on the good stuff! 🎉



What exactly is Longreads looking for?

Longreads is on a quest for narratives that captivate, challenge, and inspire. Here’s a snapshot of what catches their eye:

Personal Essays

  • Submission on Spec: Your story, your voice. Longreads is scouting for personal essays that bring new perspectives and unique voices to the forefront. 📜
  • Length & Style: Pieces that range from 2,000 to 6,000 words find a home here, though there’s flexibility for longer works or series, depending on the narrative’s depth and subject matter. 📝



Researched & Reported Essays, Critical Essays, & Columns

  • Pitch Perfect: Got an idea that blends research, reporting, or critical analysis? Longreads welcomes pitches for essays and columns that inform, provoke thought, or offer new insights. 🕵️‍♂️
  • Fact-Checked & Finely Crafted: Essays, including some personal narratives, undergo fact-checking as needed, ensuring credibility and depth. Length typically mirrors that of personal essays, with the same openness to longer pieces or serialized content. 📝



Reading Lists

  • Curated Journeys: Longreads is on the lookout for writers eager to guide readers through thematic explorations via curated reading lists. Each list kicks off with an essay-style introduction, followed by a collection of links to longform stories, books, and other resources. 📚
  • Pitching Process: Interested in weaving a reading list? Shoot an email to hello@longreads.com with “Reading List” and your theme in the subject line. Whether it’s timely topics or unique angles, diversity in featured publications and writers is key.

Each category offers a unique avenue for writers to share their stories, insights, and explorations. Whether through personal reflections, in-depth analyses, or curated journeys, there’s a space for your voice on Longreads.



Who can write for Longreads?

Anyone with a story to tell! ✍️

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a newbie with a compelling tale, Longreads is open to your submissions.

However, Longreads draws a firm line: no submissions or pitches crafted with generative AI tools like ChatGPT. They’re seeking the authentic and original human touch in every piece. 🚫🤖



How much can I earn with Longreads?

Earning potential 💰 :

  • Personal Essays: $500 each
  • Researched, Reported, & Critical Essays & Columns: Starting at $500, with variations based on reporting depth and word count
  • Reading Lists: $350 per list



Why should I write for Longreads?

  • Recognition: Your work will be showcased on a platform renowned for quality storytelling, earning you readership and acclaim. 🌟
  • Monetary Reward: Competitive compensation rewards your effort, creativity, and research. 💸
  • Creative Freedom: Longreads encourages unique voices and perspectives, offering a space for your personal and investigative stories to shine. 📚
  • Community & Support: Join a community of like-minded writers and readers passionate about longform storytelling. 🤝
  • Professional Growth: Writing for an award-winning platform can open doors, enhance your portfolio, and establish you as a thought leader in your field. 🚪



Is Longreads worth it?

  • Pros: Opportunity to join a prestigious community of writers and readers passionate about longform storytelling, with competitive compensation for your work. 💵
  • Cons: The highly selective nature and the volume of submissions can lead to long response times, and not all pitches will be accepted.

Verdict: Yes, if you’re passionate about writing and have a unique story to tell, Longreads is definitely worth exploring. The platform offers a great opportunity for writers to publish their work, gain recognition, and be compensated.

While the acceptance rate may be competitive due to the high volume of submissions, the potential rewards in terms of exposure, community, and financial compensation make it an appealing avenue for writers dedicated to their craft. 📜



How do I get started?

  • Craft Your Pitch: Begin by preparing a pitch for your original work. Longreads is open to personal essays, researched essays, critical essays, and curated reading lists. They do not accept fiction at this time. ✍️
  • Email Your Submission: Send your pitches, essays, reading list ideas, or any other queries to hello@longreads.com. Enhance your email’s subject line with specific details and context to capture their attention. 📧
  • Patience is Key: Due to the small size of their team and the high volume of daily submissions, Longreads only responds to pitches they are interested in publishing. It’s advised to pitch to other publications simultaneously but do inform Longreads if you’re doing so.
  • Follow-Up & Persistence: If your pitch isn’t accepted, don’t be discouraged. The reasons for rejection can vary, and timing often plays a crucial role. Feel free to pitch new ideas again.
  • Exclusive Pitches: If you prefer to pitch exclusively to Longreads, set a deadline for them to consider your idea before approaching other outlets.

WRITE FOR LONGREADS ➤



Final thoughts

Hey, writer friends, the world is your oyster and Longreads might just be your pearl! 🌍🐚

With a platform that not only values but celebrates and compensates your words, why not take a leap? Your stories, whether personal tales or deeply researched essays, deserve to be heard, read, and appreciated by a community that cherishes storytelling.

So, polish that pitch, hit send, and who knows? Your words might just be the next big hit on Longreads! And remember, every story – yes, including yours – has the power to touch hearts and change worlds.

Happy writing, and may your words flow effortlessly onto your screen! ✨🖥️



Are there other sites that will pay me to write essays?

Ah, the allure of penning down essays and seeing them bloom across various platforms! 🌸✨ While we’ve navigated the seas of Longreads, there are numerous other shores where your essays can find a home (and bring in some treasures too!).

Whether it’s your personal tales, travel adventures, or insightful musings, there’s a platform eagerly awaiting your words. Let’s explore some spots where your essays can not only shine but also fill your coffers a bit, shall we? 🗺️💼

🌞 The Sun Magazine: A platform that basks in personal essays, The Sun Magazine welcomes your heartfelt, thought-provoking tales, offering not just a space but also handsome compensation for your stories.

📜 Get Paid to Write Poetry: While this spot is a haven for poets, they also adore prose that tells a story, offering a cozy nook for your narrative essays amidst the verses.

👣 Barefoot Writer: If your essays dance around the world of freelancing and writing, Barefoot Writer might just be the stage for your words, offering pay and a community of like-minded scribes.

👨‍👩‍👧 Sites That Pay Parents to Write: Parenting tales, anyone? Your stories of trials, triumphs, and adorable tantrums can find a home (and some dollars) here, where parenting is celebrated in all its chaotic beauty.

🌍 Travel Writing: For the wanderlust-infused souls whose essays traverse through various cultures and landscapes, this spot offers a platform for your travel tales and tips, along with a side of compensation.

🚐 ROVA: On the road again? ROVA is all ears for your road trip essays, offering a space for your adventures on wheels to be shared and cherished by a community of fellow travelers.

Each of these platforms offers a unique flavor, welcoming your essays with open arms and, of course, a bit of financial appreciation for your storytelling prowess! 🎉💵



Are there other sites that will pay me to write?

Ahoy, adventurous writers! 🚢✒️ While Longreads is a fantastic harbor for your words, the vast sea of the internet is teeming with other platforms, eager to hoist your stories up the mast for readers (and your bank account) to cherish!

Whether your words dance in verses, convey heartfelt messages, or narrate tales from distant lands or imagined worlds, there’s a spot for you. Let’s set sail and explore some other exciting destinations where your words can drop anchor and find a lucrative home! 🗺️💰

🚀 Poets, Gather Round: If you can turn a phrase that makes our hearts flutter or our minds race, check out these spots that will pay for your poetry. Dive into the poetic universe and earn up to $700 here.

💌 Heartfelt Message Makers, Send Your Best: If you can craft a message that tugs at the heartstrings, your words can find a home (and some cash) in the world of greeting cards. Send your words and earn up to $700 here.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parenting Pros, Share Your Wisdom: If you’ve got parenting tales, tips, or advice, there are spots ready to pay for your parental ponderings. Share your parenting tales and earn up to $500 here.

🌱 Green Thumbs, Let’s Grow: If you can share the secrets of the soil and the tales of your tulips, there are platforms ready to pay for your gardening wisdom. Plant your words and earn up to $600 here.

🌍 Travel Writers, Pack Your Bags: If you’ve got tales of adventures, cultures, and breathtaking spots, your stories can land safely (and lucratively) in the realm of travel writing. Start your journey and earn up to $800 here.

👽 Sci-Fi Scribes, To Your Keyboards: If your mind is a playground of futuristic cities, alien interactions, and technology yet to be imagined, your stories could earn you some earthly dollars in the realm of science fiction writing. Beam up your sci-fi stories and earn up to $4,800 here.



Start a blog & earn a fulltime income!

Ah, dear storytellers, our journey through the realms of Longreads has been nothing short of enchanting, hasn’t it? 🌌✨ But what if I told you the adventure doesn’t have to end here? That’s right! Your words, your tales, and your expertise can carve out a cozy nook on the internet, all of your own! 🏡💕

Imagine a space where your words aren’t just visitors but permanent residents, where you not only share your stories but also weave a community, and—wait for it—earn a full-time income! 🎉💼 Starting a blog can be your gateway to not just sharing, but also monetizing your knowledge and passions.

Fear not if the world of blogging seems like uncharted territory! 🗺️🙌 Your guide (that’s me!) has crafted a beginner-friendly tutorial to navigate through the exciting terrains of starting a blog and turning it into your very own profitable online haven. Whether your heart beats for travel, fashion, food, or any whimsical or profound topic under the sun, there’s a corner of the internet just waiting to be illuminated by your words and stories. 🌐💖

So, why not sprinkle a little magic, take a leap, and with a dash of dedication and effort, turn your passion into a thriving online abode? 🚀✨ Embark on your blogging adventure with my guide, packed with tips, tools, and treasures to set you on the right path!

Ready to dive in? Your adventure awaits just a click away! 🖱️🌟

Longreads: Earn $500+ Writing Essays

START A BLOG & EARN A FULLTIME INCOME ➤



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