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Freelance Magazine Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Penske Media Corp.

Artforum: Associate Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$66K - $70K/yr

Cultivate and maintain a network of freelance writers * Regularly attend press previews, art openings, fairs, and other events on behalf of the magazine Additional duties, as assigned: * Drafting ...

Hearst

Temporary Senior Commerce Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$50/hr

Hearst Magazines is looking for a Temporary Senior Commerce Editor with a sharp editorial instinct ... Experience managing or top-editing writers and freelancers while providing thoughtful, actionable ...

Hearst

Temporary Senior Commerce Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$50/hr

Hearst Magazines is looking for a Temporary Senior Commerce Editor with a sharp editorial instinct ... Experience managing or top-editing writers and freelancers while providing thoughtful, actionable ...

Hearst

Temporary Senior Commerce Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$50/hr

Hearst Magazines is looking for a Temporary Senior Commerce Editor with a sharp editorial instinct ... Experience managing or top-editing writers and freelancers while providing thoughtful, actionable ...

Hearst

Temporary Senior Commerce Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$50/hr

Hearst Magazines is looking for a Temporary Senior Commerce Editor with a sharp editorial instinct ... Experience managing or top-editing writers and freelancers while providing thoughtful, actionable ...

Hearst

Temporary Senior Commerce Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$50/hr

Hearst Magazines is looking for a Temporary Senior Commerce Editor with a sharp editorial instinct ... Experience managing or top-editing writers and freelancers while providing thoughtful, actionable ...

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Freelance Magazine Writing information

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How much do freelance magazine writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance magazine writing in the United States is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Magazine Writing vs Freelance Content Writing?

AspectFreelance Magazine WritingFreelance Content Writing
CredentialsPortfolio, writing samples, possibly journalism or editorial experiencePortfolio, writing samples, SEO knowledge often preferred
Work EnvironmentTypically independent, project-based, deadlines set by magazinesOften remote, client-driven, with varied topics and formats
Employer & Industry UsageMagazines, editorial publications, journalism industryBusinesses, websites, marketing agencies, digital media

Freelance Magazine Writing focuses on producing articles for magazines and editorial outlets, often requiring journalistic skills and editorial standards. Freelance Content Writing covers a broader range of digital content for clients, emphasizing SEO and marketing. Both roles are flexible and project-based but serve different industry needs and audiences.

How do freelance magazine writers typically pitch story ideas and build relationships with editors?

Freelance magazine writers often start by researching publications to understand their style and audience, then craft concise, compelling pitch emails tailored to each editor’s interests. Building relationships involves timely communication, delivering high-quality work, and being receptive to feedback. Over time, successful freelancers may become go-to contributors, gaining access to more assignments and even regular columns. Networking at industry events and maintaining a professional online presence can also help writers expand their connections and secure ongoing opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Magazine Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Magazine Writer, you need excellent writing, research, and editing skills, often supported by a degree in journalism, English, or communications. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), SEO tools, and digital publishing platforms is highly beneficial. Strong time management, adaptability, and the ability to pitch creative ideas help set standout writers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently producing engaging, high-quality content that meets editorial standards and deadlines.

What is freelance magazine writing?

Freelance magazine writing involves creating articles, features, or other types of content for magazines on a contract or per-assignment basis, rather than being a full-time staff writer. Freelance writers pitch story ideas to magazine editors or respond to calls for submissions, and if accepted, they research and write the piece according to the publication's guidelines. This role offers flexibility and the opportunity to write on a variety of topics for different publications, but it also requires self-motivation, strong writing skills, and persistence in finding and securing assignments.
More about Freelance Magazine Writing jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Magazine Writing jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Magazine Writing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Magazine Writing jobs? The most popular types of Magazine Writing jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Magazine Writing jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Magazine Writing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Magazine Writing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Magazine Writing jobs are:
Freelance Magazine Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Magazine Writing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,412 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Temporary Senior Commerce Editor

Temporary Senior Commerce Editor

Hearst Magazines

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$50/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Hearst rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 65 rated media

Job description

Job Description
Be Part of What's Next
Help shape the future of shopping content across some of the most iconic media brands in the world. Hearst Magazines is looking for a Temporary Senior Commerce Editor with a sharp editorial instinct, a passion for fashion and lifestyle trends, and a strong understanding of commerce strategy to help drive engaging, revenue-generating content across our portfolio.
About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)
Hearst Magazines is one of the world's largest publishers, with a portfolio of more than 30 powerful brands in the U.S., including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper's BAZAAR, Men's Health, Oprah Daily, Popular Mechanics, Prevention, Runner's World, Seventeen, Town & Country, and Women's Health. We reach millions of readers across print, digital, social, video, and emerging platforms, delivering trusted content that informs, entertains, and inspires.
Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)
  • Edit 2-3 commerce stories per day across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle categories, ensuring content is engaging, accurate, and optimized for performance
  • Collaborate with commerce writers to refine story structure, strengthen packaging, and elevate editorial quality
  • Monitor social trends, celebrity news, product launches, sales, and cultural moments to identify timely shopping content opportunities
  • Write occasional commerce stories, including first-person reviews and UGC-driven content
  • Optimize headlines, framing, and story angles to improve engagement, affiliate performance, and audience reach
  • Use analytics and performance data to inform editorial decisions and content strategy
  • Support major retail tentpoles and seasonal shopping events, including Prime Day and Black Friday/Cyber Monday
  • Partner cross-functionally with editors and commerce stakeholders across Hearst's portfolio of brands

Qualifications (What We're Looking For)
  • 4+ years of experience creating and editing commerce content
  • Strong editing, packaging, and headline-writing skills with a clear understanding of what drives clicks, engagement, and conversion
  • Experience covering fashion, beauty, lifestyle, celebrity, and shopping content categories
  • Proficiency with analytics tools such as Parse.ly, Looker, Google Analytics, or similar platforms
  • Experience managing or top-editing writers and freelancers while providing thoughtful, actionable editorial feedback
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Trend-aware, audience-focused, and highly collaborative mindset
  • Availability to support major shopping tentpoles and retail events, including October Prime Day and Black Friday/Cyber Monday
  • This is a fully remote temporary role averaging 20 hours/week through mid-December 2026

The base salary for this role is $50/hr. This position is not eligible for bonus or commission compensation. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and location.
Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Hearst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application and interview process.

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