Geek Out Over These 15 Paying Markets for Technology Writing

If you’re a computer-savvy freelancer, you can cash in on those skills by landing technology writing gigs.

Do you geek out over new software and devices?

Are you following the latest trends in information technology, computer hardware, Internet security, web design, or programming?

Can you master a software program in a weekend, and teach others how to use it?

If you can write about things like how to build a website in WordPress, use PhotoShop, or explain technical topics like using Windows or Linux operating systems, you can tap into a niche with plenty of earning potential.

Looking for your first gig in this niche, or want to land more work?

Check out this list of 15 paying markets for technology writing. You’ll find pay rates starting at $60 for shorter pieces to $500 for 2,500-word assignments.

Ready to get started? Go ahead, geek out over this list, and start pitching:

1. A List Apart

A List Apart explores the design, development, and meaning of web content, with a special focus on web standards and best practices. Pitch an idea (to the right person) with an outline for your article, along with why it matters to readers. You’ll get feedback on how to improve your submission, as well as editing and help with revisions if your article is accepted. Read the style guide and submission guidelines on the site.

Rates: Payment is $100 per article (600 – 1500 words) and $200 per feature (1,500 – 2,500 words).

2. Indeni

Indeni is a network security company with offices in of San Francisco, Calif., and  Tel Aviv, Israel. They need writers who can technology writing assignments. “If you’re really good with firewalls, load balancers, routers, switches or servers, we’d like to work with you.”

Rates: Payment is $100 for in-depth tutorials (800-plus words) and $200 for software and hardware architecture advice (such as how to pick the right gear, pitfalls to be careful of, etc.). Check the submission guidelines for more about how to pitch article ideas.

3. Labmice

Labmice is a site for serious techies. This site wants submissions about IT topics like Windows administration, computer security, and technical project management in the form of field notes, best practices, lessons learned, white papers, and tutorials. They want “real world” documents, not things that are easily found in textbooks. Length: 1,000 to 1,500 words.

Rates: $60 -$100 per article for 1,000 to 1,500 words depending on length, content, and illustrations. Established authors should contact the editors directly to discuss rates and commission terms. Check the submission guidelines for details about how to pitch an idea and get editor contact info.

4. Linode

Linode is a web hosting platform, and published content on IT topics, and tutorials about Linux, Linode and cloud infrastructure.

Rates: $300 per assignment, in  most cases. Read the submission guidelines, and study the tech topics Linode is most interested in. Then pitch an idea for review.

5. PhotoshopTutorials

PhotoshopTutorials publishes articles, quick tips, and tutorials about using Adobe PhotoShop. Topics include interviews with digital artists and product reviews. Tutorials written by freelancers cover PhotoShop features likes text effects, drawing, layouts, photo effects, photo manipulation, retouching, and special effects. Pitch with an outline for a tutorial topic or article idea. Be prepared to provide screen shots and step-by-step instructions.

Rates: Pays $150 – $300 for full tutorials.

6. SitePoint

SitePoint is an Australian publisher of books, courses, and articles for web developers, with a focus on HTML, CSS, and Sass. Tutorials should include actual demos or code-heavy details for readers to learn and replicate. Read the submission guidelines and pitch with an idea first.

Rates: Payment is $150 for articles and $200 for tutorials, but may pay up to $300 for longer articles or tutorials. SitePoint offers $300 or more for articles and tutorials that are lengthier.

7. Smashing Magazine

Smashing Magazine is based in Freiburg, Germany, but publishes articles from all over the world about Web development and design. If you can write about web development, design, and industry trends for a tech audience, pitch an idea. Submission guidelines recommend pitches with practical examples, lessons learned from mistakes, and opinion pieces on trends and best practices.

Rates: Negotiable.

8. Tech Edge Magazine

Tech Edge is a quarterly magazine that covers news, stories, tools, and techniques for technology educators. Each issue features content based on a theme such as digital transformation, active learning, empowering students, and teaching strategies. See submission guidelines for 2017-2018 editorial calendar and pitch ideas to editor Susan Meyer.

Rates: Pays $125 for articles between 500 and 1,500 words.

9. The Graphic Design School

The Graphic Design School is an Australian-based education company that offers a series of online courses in graphic design. On its blog, The Graphic Design School publishes articles and tutorials about Adobe products like PhotoShop, InDesign, and Illustrator, along with opensource software programs, according to submission guidelines.

Rates: Payment is $75 – $120 for articles and tutorials.

10. The Write Stuff

The Write Stuff publishes articles about database development and management. Content needs include articles about database production environments and technologies. Particular interest in articles related to Compose database platform. Pitch with an article idea and brief outline.

Rates: Pays $200 in cash, and $200 in Compose database credits.

11. Tutorials Point

Based in India, Tutorials Point publishes tech-related tutorials for self-instruction. Tutorial topics include information technology, software quality management, Java, mainframe technologies, web development, project management, telecommunication, Microsoft technologies, SAP modules, open source software, and more. Send an LOI with writing samples, before pitching.

Rates: Pays $250 – $500.

12. Windows IT Pro

Windows IT Pro is a family of magazines that includes Windows IT Pro and SQL Server Pro. These magazines publish how-to articles for IT professionals (up to 2,500 words); strategic articles on industry trends, policies, and development (up to 2,000 words), and reader-to-reader tips (up to 1,000 words).

Rates: Pays $200 to $500 for how-to and strategic articles. Negotiable for reader-to-reader assignments.

13. Word Candy

Word Candy is a site dedicated to helping people use and manage WordPress websites. The Word Candy blog publishes content about website design, plug-ins, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Review past blog posts and follow submission guidelines to pitch and idea.

Rates: Pays $0.04 to $0.08 cents per word. Average blog post is 1,200 words.

14. Vector Diary

Vector Diary is another paying market that features content for graphic designers. This site specifically publishes tips and tricks, reviews, resources, and tutorials about Adobe Illustrator. The editor is completely open to any Illustrator topic. “If you have anything interesting and new to share about Illustrator, you are welcomed to write for VectorDiary,” says founder and editor Tony Soh.

Rates: Pays $150 per assignment.

15. Word Press Hub

WordPress Hub features articles and content about WordPress design and development. It’s primary audience is theme developers, plugin authors and customization specialists. Articles cover web design trends, design concepts, plug-in creation and development, coding, and best practices for WordPress.

Rates: Pays $100 to $200 per article for 800 to 1,200 words.

Find technology writing gigs

If you want to find technology writing gigs, this list of paying markets may be a good place to start. Read the submission guidelines for these markets. Study past blog posts and articles. Then submit a well-written LOI or query. And if you geek out and get excited about technology writing in the process, you know you’ve found your niche.

Know of other markets for technology writing gigs? Let’s hear about them on my Facebook.

Erica Verrillo writes about the business of freelance writing on her blog. She is also the author of the “Phoenix Rising” trilogy novels and “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Treatment Guide.”

The post Geek Out Over These 15 Paying Markets for Technology Writing appeared first on Make A Living Writing.

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