If you are just getting started in the field of history writing, begin by reading the submission guidelines. The list below contains online and paper publishers looking for history articles and essays.
1. History Today
Guidelines: https://www.historytoday.com/submissions
History Today is a UK based magazine featuring history articles. They accept proposals for feature-length, mid-length, and short articles.
2. History Magazine
Guidelines: https://www.history-magazine.com/anotes.html
They accept queries for article ideas and focus on any history from after the fall of Rome to the end of the 1950s. Pay is $0.08 per word.
3. Atlas Obscura
Guidelines: https://docs.google.com/document/d/148yIs0J9bsmN3guV9arbundXjvZAL_OLUk4BywX9tm4/edit
If you haven’t visited Atlas Obscura, you have no idea what you are missing out on. They do not pay for “Places” articles, but they do pay competitive rates for “Stories.” They accept pitches.
4. Listverse
Guidelines: https://listverse.com/write-get-paid/
Listverse is where I got my start at writing history articles. It is also where I got noticed by other people in the industry. Read Jamie’s guidelines and don’t get discouraged if your first article or two don’t make the cut. It took me a few tries to get my first article published on this site.
5. Wonderful West Virginia
Guidelines: https://www.wonderfulwv.com/Guidelines/Pages/default.aspx
This magazine accept history article about West Virginia. For initial contact, they want a cover letter, resume, story proposal, and 3 to 5 published writing clips. Pay is $150.
6. Archaeology
Guidelines: https://www.archaeology.org/writer-s-guidelines
One of my top 3 favorite magazine, Archaeology accept proposals from freelance writers.
7. Wartime
Guidelines: https://www.awm.gov.au/wartime/submissions/
Wartime focuses on “the Australian experience of war.” They prefer to receive proposals. Pay is $300 per 1,000 words.
8. New Mexico Magazine
Guidelines: https://www.newmexico.org/nmmagazine/contributor-guidelines/
Accepts history articles about the Old West as it relates to New Mexico. They prefer stories of places that can be explored today. Send story idea with short synopsis. Pay is 35 to 40 cents per word.
9. Our State
Guidelines: https://www.ourstate.com/contributor-guidelines/
A magazine about North Carolina. They accept history articles and prefer queries. Pay is on acceptance for the amount you and the editor have agreed upon.
10. Smithsonian Magazine
Online Article Submissions: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/contact/article-submit-website/
Read some of their articles before you fill out the form to pitch an idea.
