Autostraddle is looking for 2-4 new writers to join our team in a capacity that will involve writing at least three posts a month, with the opportunity to write much more. Specifically, we’re seeking funny, hungry, ambitious LGBTQ+ writers with a fresh perspective, a lot to say and an original voice to say it in. We want risky, bold thoughts from writers who want to build a following and connect with readers through brutal honesty. We want you to make people laugh and change how we see the world.

Responsibilities:

You’ll be writing and publishing at least three posts a month (with the opportunity to write more), checking in with us on Slack and contributing to roundtables and the A+ Insider as requested. We know you’re not making a living here — most of our team writers have other full-time jobs or freelancing gigs — and are flexible about your schedule, but also very firm about deadlines!

You should have:

• Familiarity with basic HTML and social media
• Command of grammar/spelling/fact-checking
• Be obsessively detail-oriented and eager to hit the pavement / make phone calls when necessary.
• Passion for Autostraddle and building queer community
• Above all you need to be reliable and accountable — the nature of a “virtual office” means we need a lot more “check-ins” than you might be used to

To apply:

Complete the application below. We’re asking for:

• Your background and experience
• Your availability
• What your areas of expertise are
• How Autostraddle fits into your overall life/career goals
• 2-3 standalone story ideas
• One idea (or more, if you have them) for a recurring, limited run column (running biweekly or monthly) you could write
• A few writing samples, in the form of links to your work online or attachments as PDF
• Link us to your social medias if relevant or applicable

We are especially interested in hiring writers of color. 

We’re also interested in writers who can contribute to any of the following topics / types of posts:

• FUNNY WEIRD SHIT
• Thoughtful weird shit
• Fashion and style
• Witty, informative and accessible coverage of politics, including the upcoming U.S. election
• Sex + relationships (especially by trans women and people of color)
• Sociological type analyses: looking at studies and data and research, including our own
• Humorous, quick-turnaround pop culture or personal pieces

Bonus:

If you have any of these skills, let us know: Photoshop, graphic-making, illustration, video editing, radio production/editing, merchandising, marketing, social media, event planning, research and data analysis.

What’s In It For You:

Writers are paid per post, ranging from $40 – $100 per post ($50 is the most common rate) with opportunities for more on special occasions (sponsored posts, for example, can pay more, as can reported pieces and Theme Issue posts) and room for advancement into higher-paying positions or additional side projects as those opportunities arise. You’re also paid for contributing to roundtables and A+ advice posts.

We are well aware that these rates are not going to even approach what you deserve, but! As you’ve possibly noticed, pretty much every queer and women-focused independent website ever has died over the past five years and that is because independently-owned queer media is not exactly a cash cow! But we do a thing that apparently many other publications don’t: we pay most of our writers within a week of invoicing and all of them within one month. 

You’ll get free and discounted merchandise, gold A+ memberships, reimbursements for expenses, passes to cool stuff, and the opportunity to apply to be on the A-Camp Team (and thus be a part of camp for free) or attend at a discount.

None of us are working for the big bucks around here, but we’re passionate about the work we do and we genuinely find writing to be FUN. You’ll become a better writer, build a brand and a portfolio, build valuable skills, have the freedom to write about things you care about and exposure on a GLAAD-award-winning and very popular platform. Former (and current) Autostraddle team writers include the Editor-in-Chief of Nylon, the Senior Tech Editor of The Daily Beast, the Executive Director of Bitch, Managing Digital Editor of Ms Magazine and the Assistant Managing Editor at Business Insider.

Deadline is 6 PM PST on July 17th.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we’re only able to get in touch if we’re interested in working with you. We are aiming to get back to everybody we want to talk to more the week of July 29th – August 3rd.

Applications are now closed. Thank you!

Before you go! Autostraddle runs on the reader support of our AF+ Members. If this article meant something to you today — if it informed you or made you smile or feel seen, will you consider joining AF and supporting the people who make this queer media site possible?

Join AF+!