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Freelance Newspaper Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embarcadero Media Foundation

Features Freelancer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$74 - $83.75/hr

Content will also be featured in the Palo Alto Weekly, Redwood City Pulse, Mountain View Voice and The Almanac, as well as in weekly newsletters and newspapers. Freelance writers need to be reliable ...

Embarcadero Media Foundation

Features Freelancer

$64.25 - $72.75/hr

Content will also be featured in the Palo Alto Weekly , Redwood City Pulse , Mountain View Voice and The Almanac , as well as in weekly newsletters and newspapers. Freelance writers need to be ...

Hometown News LLC

Be Seen First

Associate Editor

South Daytona, FL · On-site

$41K - $45K/yr

Working with freelancers and staff reporters * Helping manage website content and digital ... writing skills * Working knowledge of AP style * Experience with weekly newspapers or community ...

Always Lancaster

News Correspondents

Lancaster, PA · On-site

Requirements: Successful freelancers will: * Possess excellent writing skills, interpersonal ... Have a bachelor's degree and news writing experience at a daily or weekly newspaper; reporters with ...

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How much do freelance newspaper writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance newspaper writer 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 a freelance newspaper writer?

Freelance newspaper writers are independent professionals who create articles, features, or news stories for newspapers on a contract or per-assignment basis. Unlike staff writers, they are not employed full-time by a single publication and often write for multiple newspapers. Freelance writers pitch story ideas, conduct research and interviews, and submit their work according to the publication's guidelines. Their flexibility allows newspapers to cover a wider range of topics and benefit from diverse perspectives. Payment and workload vary depending on the assignment and publication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance newspaper writer?

To thrive as a Freelance Newspaper Writer, you need excellent writing, research, and interviewing skills, often supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Proficiency in digital publishing platforms, content management systems, and AP Style is typically required. Strong time management, adaptability, and networking abilities help you stand out by meeting deadlines and securing assignments. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality, timely stories that engage readers and maintain professional relationships with editors.

What are some common challenges freelance newspaper writers face when working with multiple publications?

Freelance newspaper writers often juggle assignments from various editors, each with their own style guides, deadlines, and expectations. This can make time management and adaptability crucial skills, as writers must tailor their work to fit different publication standards while meeting tight turnaround times. Additionally, building and maintaining strong professional relationships with editors is key to receiving repeat assignments, which can be challenging in a remote or highly competitive environment.

What is the difference between Freelance Newspaper Writer vs Staff Newspaper Reporter?

AspectFreelance Newspaper WriterStaff Newspaper Reporter
CredentialsWriting experience, portfolio, possibly journalism degreeJournalism degree often preferred, reporting experience
Work EnvironmentRemote, flexible, project-basedIn-office or on-site, regular hours
Employer & Industry UsageHired by multiple publications or clientsEmployed by a specific newspaper or media outlet
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance writing opportunities or gigsSeeking full-time or staff reporting roles

Freelance Newspaper Writers typically work independently, handling multiple clients and projects remotely, focusing on article creation without daily newsroom duties. Staff Newspaper Reporters are employed by a single publication, working on daily or weekly news coverage within a newsroom environment. Both roles require strong writing skills and journalism knowledge, but differ mainly in employment structure and work setting.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Newspaper Writer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Newspaper Writer job openings:

What states have the most Freelance Newspaper Writer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Newspaper Writer jobs include:

Freelance Newspaper Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Newspaper Writer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 55% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,412 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Freelance food writer

Embarcadero Media Foundation

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$250/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Produce food features, roundups, enterprise stories, profiles and Q&As.

  • Produce food blogs, such as restaurant openings and closings.

  • Keep an eye out for food stories while in the field and pitch relevant stories to the Food Editor.

Job description

Description:

Opening: Embarcadero Media Freelance Reporter – Food
Department: Editorial, Foodist – appears in Palo Alto Weekly, The Almanac, Mountain View Voice, Redwood City Pulse
Reports To: Adrienne Mitchel / Food Editor
Location: Remote
Date: 3/3/25

About Us

Embarcadero Media Foundation is a nonprofit journalism group with three printed weekly newspapers, seven hyperlocal news websites and six email newsletters that serve a population of more than 500,000 people on the MidPeninsula and the East Bay’s Tri-Valley. We are looking for a motivated and passionate freelance reporter to join our food branch, The Peninsula Foodist, to inform, inspire and entertain our readers and the foodies of the Peninsula.

Articles for Peninsula Foodist appear on four websites – Palo Alto Online, The Almanac, Mountain View Voice and Redwood City Pulse – and may also appear in two print newspapers – Palo Alto Weekly and The Almanac. Peninsula Foodist has its own Instagram account, @peninsulafoodist, and weekly newsletter.

Job Summary

The Food Freelancer will be responsible for producing food features (generally 800-1,200 words) and food blogs (generally 300-600 words). The ideal candidate will possess excellent interviewing, writing and storytelling skills and have a passion for food. The Food Freelancer will be working closely with the Food Editor and the Features Editor at Embarcadero Media.

Key Responsibilities

  • Produce food features, roundups, enterprise stories, profiles and Q&As. Deadlines are flexible as long as you communicate your timeline with the Food Editor.
  • Produce food blogs, such as restaurant openings and closings. Deadlines are flexible as long as you communicate your timeline with the Food Editor.
  • Keep an eye out for food stories while in the field and pitch relevant stories to the Food Editor
  • While the Food Freelancer is not responsible for taking photos on the scene, they are responsible for communicating with the source about a time for a photographer to come by and/or to request courtesy images from the source

Required Qualifications

  • Degree in journalism or related field
  • 1 year of experience reporting professionally
  • Knowledge of the Peninsula’s food scene (San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, excluding San Jose)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience reporting on food and/or working in the food industry
  • Being a foodie!

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong communication and written skills
  • Ability to interview, craft a story and write in AP style

Working Conditions

  • Flexible hours – produce at least 1 feature or 1 set of three blogs per month
  • Remote
  • May have to drive to meet sources and conduct interviews

Compensation

  • $200 for a feature
  • $250 for three blogs

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and three clips via the application form. Freelance reporter applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. For details, contact amitchel@embarcaderopublishing.com.

Requirements: