If you love working with wood and have a knack for sharing your knowledge, Popular Woodworking could be the perfect place for your next article.
With a strong reputation built over more than 30 years, this magazine is a trusted resource for woodworkers of all skill levels.
They welcome contributors from diverse backgrounds and pay generously for well-crafted features.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Popular Woodworking is all about, the type of content they accept, and how you can get published.
Let’s get started.
What is Popular Woodworking?
Popular Woodworking is a long-standing American woodworking magazine dedicated to inspiring people to create beautiful, lasting furniture and objects that stand the test of time.
It has been a staple in the woodworking community for decades, earning a reputation for quality, reliability, and hands-on expertise.
Published six times a year, it offers both digital and print editions, making it convenient for readers wherever they are.
The magazine focuses on hybrid woodworking — blending hand and power tool techniques — to appeal to all skill levels, from beginners just learning the craft to advanced woodworkers refining their skills.
Inside, you’ll find projects ranging from simple joinery pieces to complex furniture builds, often accompanied by detailed SketchUp models, clear instructions, and expert tips to guide you through every step.
What kind of content do they accept?
Popular Woodworking welcomes pitches from contributors and publishes a wide variety of woodworking-related content.
They are open to fresh ideas and unique angles that can inspire, inform, and engage their audience.
Here’s what they’re looking for:
- Feature articles: Step-by-step furniture builds, unique techniques, and innovative uses of materials.
- Videos and tutorials: Engaging, visual content for their website, YouTube, and other platforms.
- Tool reviews: In-depth assessments of woodworking tools and accessories.
- Tips and tricks: Practical advice to make woodworking easier and more efficient.
- Profiles and stories: Features on inspiring woodworkers and their projects.
What are their writing guidelines?
To stand out, contributors should:
- Build high-quality projects and document them with clear, high-resolution photos.
- Write concisely, providing all the necessary steps and details.
- Meet deadlines and be open to collaboration with the editorial staff.
A typical feature story is around 2,500 words, includes 20 photos with captions, and may require one or two illustrations.
Who can write for them?
Popular Woodworking welcomes contributors from all backgrounds.
Whether you’re a professional woodworker, an engineer experimenting with materials, or an artist creating functional pieces, they want to hear from you.
The main requirements are woodworking expertise, the ability to write clearly, and the skill to capture high-quality visuals.
How much do they pay?
Feature articles typically pay between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on scope and complexity.
Payment terms are set when your pitch is accepted and a contract is signed.
Why should I write for them?
Popular Woodworking not only welcomes your ideas — they provide strong reasons to contribute and grow as a creator.
They offer generous pay for quality content, making it clear that your time and skills are valued.
At the same time, your work will be shared with a passionate, engaged audience of woodworkers who appreciate both timeless craftsmanship and bold, innovative ideas.
You’ll get the chance to showcase your projects in both print and online formats, giving your work visibility and staying power far beyond a single issue.
Along the way, you’ll collaborate with an experienced editorial team who can help refine your work and bring your best ideas to life.
Over time, these opportunities can boost your portfolio, open doors to new collaborations, and connect you with a vibrant community of makers — ultimately helping you build a respected voice in the woodworking world.
How do I get started?
The best way to pitch is to email Logan Wittmer at lwittmer@aimmedia.com with:
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A few images or sketches of your proposed project.
- Details on what makes the project or technique interesting.
- Estimated build time and material costs.
- Links to your portfolio, website, or social media.
If your pitch is accepted, the team will set expectations, agree on payment, and provide a contract and deadline.
Ready to pitch your idea?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
If you’re passionate about woodworking and can share your skills in a clear, visually compelling way, Popular Woodworking is an excellent platform to showcase your expertise.
It’s not just about building — it’s about inspiring others through your craft. Your projects could reach thousands of readers who share your love for the smell of fresh-cut wood and the satisfaction of a well-made joint.
With competitive pay and a large, engaged readership, this is a great opportunity to turn your craftsmanship into published work, grow your reputation, and connect with a wider community of makers.
And beyond the paycheck, there’s the satisfaction of knowing your work will help others develop their own skills, tackle new challenges, and carry on the tradition of fine woodworking for years to come.
Start a blog & earn a fulltime income
Freelance writing is a good way to monetize your writing skills — but blogging is even better.
With your own blog, you can write what you want, build a loyal readership, and earn from your writing in more ways than per-article gigs.
My beginner-friendly guide shows you exactly how to start your blog from scratch, step by step, and grow it into a fulltime income — on your terms, from home or wherever life takes you.
START A BLOG ➤Looking for more sites that pay you to write?
Here’s a curated list of sites that pay writers.
You’ll find magazines, websites, and platforms in all kinds of niches, from poetry, fiction, and greeting cards to travel, lifestyle, parenting, and more.
Each site includes everything you need to know — from the type of content they’re looking for, to how much they pay, to how to submit your work — so you can confidently land your next paid writing gig.
SEE THE FULL LIST ➤
