I cannot emphasize enough how much this article hits a thought spot for me. I see no reason that mags can't simple say that they do or don't pay. How much they pay may depend on whats going on, the range they pay might fluctuate, but the simple act of saying whether you monetarily compensate should be clear and upfront on the submissions guidelines and the submittable/moksha/duotrope/form page. Of course its also good to note if there are any other types of compensation, but this one is base level.
If I really like a mag that doesn't pay I might still submit. But a mag that can't put it upfront is now one that goes on my side eye list (as opposed to when I first started and felt like I didn't have a right to filters like this).
I think its very important for influencers in the community to continue to craft an environment in which magazines list whether they pay as easily as they list what font/genres or submission methods they expect.
I would like journals that mention they do have a monetary payment to mention how it is paid (most don't). For many of us living in the non-developed world, paypal is not an option.
(In over 130 countries, it either isn't possible to set up an account or, if you can, you can't withdraw the money -- only recieve and pay out.)
Also, some publications based in the US are demanding a W9 for payment -- which can be problematic ( = ahem = ) in some countries to have any sort of relationship with the US federal government.
So, in short: In several ways, overseas writers from the "developing world" are being left out.
I have to go halfway through the submission process at times just to find out whether there’s a reading fee. If you charge, tell us upfront. If you pay, tell us upfront. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about money.
Amen. One mag that published an essay of mine sent me what the editor apologetically described as a "token" payment ($15). I was pleased but surprised they had never said they would do this.
I've done a fair amount of work for small nonprofits, and this discussion reminded me of an attitude that's fairly common in that world--that contractors shouldn't expect to be paid according to their experience & expertise because they ought to be as devoted to the mission as the salaried employees. The lack of money is replaced by a large measure of righteousness. So I wonder if that is also present sometimes here. I do admire the people who work so hard to produce literary mags, and I don't mind paying a small submission fee if that helps support them. And I know that money is hard to talk about, but they should make the effort.
Thank you for this article! As suggested by the comment from KW of New Pop Lit, I appreciate when lit mags are transparent both about compensation and if/how they promote a writer's work. I also like when they state whether they nominate work for awards.
Recently, I wrote to a well-known opportunity listing emailer, expressing my wish that she please include the simple line PAYS or NO PAYS to save me the time and trouble of having to inquire with each magazine. She got brittle with me. The question of money in writing, translation, editing, and the arts in general has got to be on the front burner all the time, along with solidarity among creatives. There are some mags that don't pay and are transparent about it. Fine. Others don't pay but offer you a sub. Fine. Still others offer a little bit because that's what they have. Fine. But to dither about it as if somehow money were a dirty topic among "real" artists? That is inexcusably classist and disrespectful. Bravo!
There are several magazines on Chill Subs that are listed as paying- but when you read the mags website, you cannot see what the payment is. Somewhat screwy methinks! 🤣
Excellent points. I’ve edited a nonpaying online lit journal, and I know that many journals are out there with volunteers who just want good writing to read. So, that’s okay. But just say it. Say it right away, so the person looking for paying sources only can move on.
I ran across a lit mag the other day that tried (horribly) to describe how it paid, something along a lines of a percentage of the submission fees. Um. WTF? It made NO sense and while I usually avoid fee charging places like the plague, I thought the story I wanted to submit might be a good fit. But OH HELL TO THE NO on that explanation. Move along, next.
I'm still fairly new to this whole "I'm a writer" thing (I started writing last spring), so it's been a BIG learning curve on the entire submission process. I am at the point where there are some things I'm picky about more than others, and for now, getting paid or not isn't a big deal for me. I'm just trying to get my name out there.
I cannot emphasize enough how much this article hits a thought spot for me. I see no reason that mags can't simple say that they do or don't pay. How much they pay may depend on whats going on, the range they pay might fluctuate, but the simple act of saying whether you monetarily compensate should be clear and upfront on the submissions guidelines and the submittable/moksha/duotrope/form page. Of course its also good to note if there are any other types of compensation, but this one is base level.
If I really like a mag that doesn't pay I might still submit. But a mag that can't put it upfront is now one that goes on my side eye list (as opposed to when I first started and felt like I didn't have a right to filters like this).
I think its very important for influencers in the community to continue to craft an environment in which magazines list whether they pay as easily as they list what font/genres or submission methods they expect.
Lit mags not listing payment (and how much) or no payment upfront has been my BIGGEST pet peeve since I became a freelancer decades ago.
While you're wafting for some mags to do the right thing, you might want to subscribe to:
Erica Verillo -Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity Newsletter
Erika Dreifus - The Practicing Writer
ChillSubs
They all publish lists of paying opportunities and do the work for you.
I would like journals that mention they do have a monetary payment to mention how it is paid (most don't). For many of us living in the non-developed world, paypal is not an option.
(In over 130 countries, it either isn't possible to set up an account or, if you can, you can't withdraw the money -- only recieve and pay out.)
Also, some publications based in the US are demanding a W9 for payment -- which can be problematic ( = ahem = ) in some countries to have any sort of relationship with the US federal government.
So, in short: In several ways, overseas writers from the "developing world" are being left out.
I have to go halfway through the submission process at times just to find out whether there’s a reading fee. If you charge, tell us upfront. If you pay, tell us upfront. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about money.
Amen. One mag that published an essay of mine sent me what the editor apologetically described as a "token" payment ($15). I was pleased but surprised they had never said they would do this.
I've done a fair amount of work for small nonprofits, and this discussion reminded me of an attitude that's fairly common in that world--that contractors shouldn't expect to be paid according to their experience & expertise because they ought to be as devoted to the mission as the salaried employees. The lack of money is replaced by a large measure of righteousness. So I wonder if that is also present sometimes here. I do admire the people who work so hard to produce literary mags, and I don't mind paying a small submission fee if that helps support them. And I know that money is hard to talk about, but they should make the effort.
Thank you for this article! As suggested by the comment from KW of New Pop Lit, I appreciate when lit mags are transparent both about compensation and if/how they promote a writer's work. I also like when they state whether they nominate work for awards.
I often have difficulty in navigating lit mag sites.
I know many are run by people who work full time jobs and put out their publications on something like a volunteer basis.
Still it's in everyone's interest to make sure that important information is easy to find and understand.
Maybe it's a holdover from my years as a reporter striving for clarity above all but I hate cutesy, obscure language.
If you want people to know something say it plainly.
Simple for lit journals and mags.
Pays money. (state the amount)
Pays in copies. (state the number)
Published acknowledgements only.
Recently, I wrote to a well-known opportunity listing emailer, expressing my wish that she please include the simple line PAYS or NO PAYS to save me the time and trouble of having to inquire with each magazine. She got brittle with me. The question of money in writing, translation, editing, and the arts in general has got to be on the front burner all the time, along with solidarity among creatives. There are some mags that don't pay and are transparent about it. Fine. Others don't pay but offer you a sub. Fine. Still others offer a little bit because that's what they have. Fine. But to dither about it as if somehow money were a dirty topic among "real" artists? That is inexcusably classist and disrespectful. Bravo!
There are several magazines on Chill Subs that are listed as paying- but when you read the mags website, you cannot see what the payment is. Somewhat screwy methinks! 🤣
Well said, Thanks Doug for mentioning Erica Vs monthly posts, they are invaluable.
Excellent points. I’ve edited a nonpaying online lit journal, and I know that many journals are out there with volunteers who just want good writing to read. So, that’s okay. But just say it. Say it right away, so the person looking for paying sources only can move on.
Yes, you do but I think we should all support the idea of curators being paid to collate opportunities to get paid as writers. ;-)
I ran across a lit mag the other day that tried (horribly) to describe how it paid, something along a lines of a percentage of the submission fees. Um. WTF? It made NO sense and while I usually avoid fee charging places like the plague, I thought the story I wanted to submit might be a good fit. But OH HELL TO THE NO on that explanation. Move along, next.
I'm still fairly new to this whole "I'm a writer" thing (I started writing last spring), so it's been a BIG learning curve on the entire submission process. I am at the point where there are some things I'm picky about more than others, and for now, getting paid or not isn't a big deal for me. I'm just trying to get my name out there.
Yaaay for lit mags that list compensation (monetary and otherwise) up front, because time is also money and it's no fun to search!