Smashing Magazine is one of the best known online publications for web designers and developers, covering front-end development, CSS, JavaScript, accessibility, UX and design. It pays its authors for published articles, and its authors are usually practitioners writing for knowledgeable peers. If you work in web design or development, it’s a respected place to publish and earn.
At a glance
| What it is | A web design and development magazine |
| How you earn | An honorarium for published articles |
| Typical pay | Commonly reported around $200 to $250 per article |
| Process | Pitch an outline, then write with an editor |
| Audience | Professional designers and developers |
| Where it works | Online, worldwide |
How it works
Smashing asks authors to send an outline first rather than a finished article. If editors like the idea, they help shape it, then you write the piece and work with an editor through review. Every article must be original, technically correct and up to date, and Smashing’s publishing policy says each article needs at least two positive reviews before publication. The magazine states that all editors, regular writers and guest authors are paid.
What editors want
Practical, in-depth articles that teach something useful to experienced practitioners: techniques, case studies, accessibility, performance, design systems, UX research and tooling. Working code, real examples and clear explanations matter. Promotional content and hidden advertising aren’t accepted.
Pay
Smashing pays an honorarium on publication. Independent lists of paying tech publications commonly report around $200 to $250 per article. Check the current guidelines when you pitch.
Why write for Smashing
Beyond the fee, a Smashing byline carries weight in the web community. It can lead to speaking invitations, freelance clients and job offers, and articles may also appear in Smashing’s ebooks with the author’s consent.
Getting started
Read recent articles and the Write for Us guidelines. Pick a topic you know deeply from real work, write a clear outline of a few hundred words, and send it to the editors.
Writing a strong outline
A good outline states the problem your article solves, who it’s for, the main sections, and what readers will be able to do afterwards. Include examples of the code, demos or case study material you’ll use. Keep it to a few hundred words. Editors can often help refine a promising outline, so don’t wait until the article is finished before pitching.
The editorial process
Once your outline is accepted, you write the full draft and work with an editor. Expect technical review and requests for changes, since Smashing checks accuracy carefully and wants up-to-date advice. Plan for several rounds of feedback before publication.
Other paid tech outlets
If Smashing isn’t the right fit, several other developer publications and company blogs pay technical writers, often at similar or higher rates. A published Smashing article makes pitching those outlets much easier.
Is Smashing Magazine worth it?
For practitioners, yes. The fee is modest, but the credibility, audience and editorial guidance are valuable.
Building authority
A published article on a respected industry site gives you a link to share with clients and employers, material for talks and a reason for others to reference your work. Many developers and designers use a first article as the start of a regular writing habit, publishing on their own blog between paid pieces.
Who reads Smashing
The audience is professional web designers, developers and people building websites and online businesses. Editors ask authors to treat readers as knowledgeable peers, so skip beginner explanations unless your topic is aimed at newcomers, and focus on insight that experienced practitioners will value.
Owen’s take
Smashing pays modestly for the effort, but a byline there is worth more than the fee if you work in web design or development. It suits practitioners who want to build authority while earning something.
Who it suits
It suits web designers, developers and UX professionals with real expertise. It suits less well general writers without technical experience.
Similar options
- Codeable pays WordPress experts for client work.
- Medium pays from member reading, including tech topics.
- Mediabistro lists content and UX writing jobs.
- Contently matches writers with tech brands.
More options are in Writing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Paid, respected byline
- Editorial support
- Builds professional reputation
Cons
- Requires real technical expertise
- Thorough review process
- Modest pay for the work involved
FAQ
Does Smashing Magazine pay writers?
Yes, an honorarium for published articles.
How much does Smashing Magazine pay?
Commonly reported around $200 to $250 per article; check the current guidelines.
How do I pitch Smashing Magazine?
Send an outline first, following the Write for Us guidelines.
What topics does Smashing cover?
Web design, front-end development, UX, accessibility and related topics.
Do I need to be a professional developer?
Authors are typically practitioners writing for peers.
