Metro Parent is a print magazine, plus an online version, both which cover the areas of Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties in southeast Michigan (AKA Detroit and Ann Arbor area). If you are an organized and experienced freelance writer who likes to write about all things parenting, Metro Parent is always looking for writers who can write engaging and informative content. If this is you, read on for the details.
Also, they have 2 posts that anyone can submit for! Get $25 for only 50 words!
Writing for Metro Parent won’t be for everyone but if you’re interested in making money as a freelance writer we highly recommend the course at 30 Days or Less To Freelance Writing Success! Make sure to check it out!
Metro Parent Requirements
You’ll need to have a little writing experience because you’ll be sending in samples of your work. Also, they don’t state it, but it makes sense that you’ll want to reside in the Detroit, MI area, at least for some of the columns.
Metro Parent strictly follows AP Style and Webster’s Dictionary journalistic standards. When submitting a story, follow these guidelines:
- Save and attach your story as a Word document
- Single spaces after paragraphs and punctuation
- Left justify; don’t use any indents
- Remember to always include your byline
- For print features, please include a short tagline (for example, Fran Smith is a mother of two from Clinton Township)
- Please provide a suggested headline
- For pieces longer than 600 words, consider including 2-3 subheads throughout
- Within a single story, be mindful of using sources from various counties
- They don’t accept re-prints, but you can do simultaneous submissions – just make sure that you let them know that you’ve submitted it somewhere else as well, and notify them immediately if it is accepted somewhere else
- When pitching a story, aim for 2-3 months before the magazine issue that you’re pitching
- For the online magazine, aim for 2 weeks before it should publish
Here’s their schedule:
- January: Self-Improvement, Winter Fun
- February: Education
- March: Camps, Parenting Month
- April: Special Needs, Money, Sports
- May: Pets, House & Home
- June: Summer Fun, Parties
- July: Travel, Health & Wellness
- August: Back to School
- September: Arts & Entertainment, Enrichment Classes
- October: Special Needs, Babies
- November: Food, Educational Help
- December: Holiday Planning
Keep in mind that this schedule can change; some things will cross over into more than one month, or some topics might be skipped. But this is generally what they have planned.
Metro Parent Application Process
When you’re ready to apply, do so by emailing the editor. Here’s what you need to include:
- Include links to 2-3 examples of your published, reporting work
- A copy of your resume
- Story pitches are welcome, as long as they’re specific, clear, and original (make sure it hasn’t already been covered)
It will help you to get familiar with the Metro Parent products and style. You can get a hard copy of the print magazine (click here to see where you can find one.) Also look at the online version, MetroParent.com.
How Much Does Metro Parent Pay?
Your pay rate will vary based on the length of the piece, the level of reporting required, and your experience. But here is what they have published as their going rates for the hard copy publication:
- Features: These are the big ones. They have 2-3 of these per issue, at 1,200-2,500 words, with 2-4 local sources. $200+
- The Pipeline: These are the short ones. Spotlights on local families, people, places, trends, and tips, at 150-400 words, plus creative infoboxes and photos. $40+
- Kids 101: These are informative child-development pieces on how kids tick. This includes babies, toddlers, school-agers, tweens, and teens. Must include 1-2 local professional sources, and come in at 600 words. $50
- My Words: These are strong point-of-view pieces or personal perspective essays from a local parent. You pitch the topic; must be specific and well thought out. 600 words. $75+
- Two Cents: This is a pair of articles, run side-by-side, where two parents have different takes on a hot topic. Are you opinionated? If you have an idea, let them know! These articles are 600 words. $75+ (it is unclear if it’s 600 words each, and $75 each, or for the pair)
- Metro Mom/Dad: These are colorful profiles of a local parent who is awesome (or it could be someone who works with families or kids). These should have 1-2 sources, and be 800 words, plus include a “5 things” sidebar. $75+
- “My Obsession”: This is a 50-word blurb on something your family loves (a toy, product, app, book, website, etc.). Supply a large photo. Any parent can submit. $25
- “Tips & Tricks”: This is a 50-word blurb on a clever hack or idea that’s been a lifesaver for your family. Any parent can submit. $25
Here are the published rates for Metroparent.com:
- General Posts: These are 600-800 word tips or advice pieces, including 1-2 sources. Topics include family fun, parenting, pregnancy, food, home, education, camps, classes, and health. $40+
- Breaking Posts: You have to act fast on these; these are quick reporting on a local story or localization of a major national news story that affects parents in the Detroit area. These are 600-800 words and should include at least one source. $40+
- Resource Roundups: These consist of compiling or updating their roundups of venue, event, and resource listings. They include 15-50 items each; the length will vary. $40+
Finally, they have what they call ancillary magazines. These are 3 annual print guides that they publish:
- Fun Guide: This covers events, theme/water parks, zoos, stage shows, nature centers, museums and fun centers. Assigned in February and comes out in April. $100+
- Big Book of Schools: These are regional public, private, and charter schools, and statewide colleges. They’re assigned in March, and come out in May. $125+
- Pink + Blue: These are pregnancy, baby, and toddler resources. Assigned in June and comes out in August. $100+
When Does Metro Parent Pay?
Metro Parent pays freelancers once a month. It sounds like they pay via check, stating that “they usually arrive” within the first two weeks of the month.
You will send an invoice to the editor you are working with as soon as you book a story. Email the invoice as a Word document. Be sure to include your submission date, your full legal name, address, phone number, SSN, story title/publication, and payment amount. File one invoice per assignment to ensure the quickest payment.
Metro Parent Schedule
This writing gig will truly be at your own schedule!
Remember the pitching time-frame guidelines:
- When pitching a story, aim for 2-3 months before the magazine issue that you’re pitching
- For the online magazine, aim for 2 weeks before it should publish
Is Writing for Metro Parent a Scam?
Based on my research, writing for Metro Parent is not a scam! If you’re in the Detroit-metro area and you’re looking for freelance writing gigs, you should check it out! When you’re ready to pitch; email the editor!
Writing for Metro Parent won’t be for everyone but if you’re interested in making money as a freelance writer we highly recommend the course at 30 Days or Less To Freelance Writing Success! Make sure to check it out!
Not a writer? Check out these helpful links for some other work at home ideas:
