Best Ways You Can Make Money Writing Short Stories

Tips for New Writers and Freelance Writers.

With a bit of hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for writing into a profitable venture.

One of the best ways to make money writing short stories is by submitting your work to literary magazines and journals.

Many publications are looking for new writers and accept a wide range of genres, from literary and personal essays to science fiction and speculative fiction. Some of the most popular literary magazines include The New Yorker, The Sun, and The Threepenny Review. Submission guidelines and pay rates vary, but some magazines offer cash prizes and pay up to $300 per published story.

Another great way to make money writing short stories is by entering writing contests and prizes. 

There are many competitions out there, from flash fiction contests with a word limit of 500 or less to longer works with a maximum pay of $5,000. Some of the most profitable magazines include The People’s Friend, which offers a flat fee of $250 for each published story, and Amazing Stories, which pays up to $1,000 for each published story. Keep in mind that writing contests usually have a submission fee and a deadline, so make sure to read the rules carefully before submitting your work.

Key Takeaways

• Writing short stories can be a great way to make extra money, whether you’re submitting to literary magazines or entering writing contests.
• Some of the best places to publish short stories include The New Yorker, The Sun, and The Threepenny Review.
• To improve your chances of making money from writing, consider taking online courses, building an online platform, and improving your writing skills.

Best Ways to Make Money Writing Short Stories

New Writers

If you are a new writer, there are many opportunities available for you to make money writing short stories. Some literary magazines and online communities are specifically designed to help new writers get published and earn money. For example, The Little Magazine is a great place for new writers to submit their work and get recognized in the literary world.

Literary Magazines

Submitting your work to literary magazines is one of the best ways to get your short stories published and earn money. Literary magazines offer a platform for new writers to showcase their writing skills and get recognized in the literary world. Some of the most profitable literary magazines include The New Yorker, The Threepenny Review, and The Sun Magazine.

Short Fiction

Short fiction is another great way to make money writing short stories. Writing short fiction allows you to explore different genres and experiment with different writing styles. Some of the most common ways to get paid for short fiction include submitting your work to literary magazines, writing for online platforms, and self-publishing your work on Amazon KDP.

Personal Essays

If you are a good writer and have a talent for storytelling, you can also make money writing personal essays. Many online magazines and blogs are looking for personal essays that tell a compelling story and resonate with their readers. Some of the most popular online magazines that pay for personal essays include The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, and The People’s Friend.

Flash Fiction

Flash fiction is a great way to make money writing short stories if you have less time to write longer works. Flash fiction is a genre of fiction that is characterized by its brevity and conciseness. Many literary magazines and online platforms are looking for flash fiction that tells a great story in just a few words.

Short Story Contests

Short story contests are a great way to make money writing short stories and get recognized for your writing skills. Many literary magazines and online communities host short story contests with cash prizes and publication opportunities. Some of the most popular short story contests include The Writer’s Digest Short Story Contest and The Sun Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Contest. If you place well it’s another way to get attention for full time writing opportunities.

Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a great way to make extra cash writing short stories. Many businesses and individuals are looking for talented writers to create content for their websites and social media platforms. You can also find freelance writing opportunities on websites like Upwork and Freelancer.

Social Media

Social media is a great way to promote your work and earn money writing short stories. You can use social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share your writing and connect with readers. You can also use social media to find freelance writing opportunities and connect with other writers.

Online Magazine

Writing for an online magazine is a great way to make money writing short stories. Online magazines offer a platform for writers to share their work with a wider audience and earn money. Some of the most popular online magazines that pay for short stories include Strange Horizons and Vestal Review.

Science Fiction Stories

Science fiction stories are a great way to make money writing short stories if you are a fan of the genre. Many science fiction magazines and online communities are looking for talented writers to create content for their readers. Some of the most popular science fiction magazines that pay for short stories include Amazing Stories and Clarkesworld.

Literary Fiction

If you are a fan of literary fiction, there are many opportunities available for you to make money writing short stories. Literary fiction is a genre of fiction that is characterized by its literary merit and artistic value. Many literary magazines and online communities are looking for talented writers to create content for their readers.

Short Story Collections

If you have a collection of short stories, you can also make money by publishing them as a book. Self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP allow you to publish your short story collection and earn royalties. You can also submit your short story collection to literary agents and publishers for consideration.

Submission Guidelines

Before submitting your work to a literary magazine or online platform, it is important to read and follow their submission guidelines. Submission guidelines provide information on the type of content the magazine or platform is looking for, the word limit, and the maximum pay.

Places to Publish Short Stories

If you are a good writer and have excellent writing skills, writing short stories can be a great way to earn extra cash. There are many literary magazines, online platforms, and short story publishers that pay writers for their work. In this section, we will discuss some of the best places to publish short stories.

Sun Magazine

Sun Magazine is a great place to submit your personal essays, short fiction, and poetry. They publish a wide range of genres, including literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and interviews. Sun Magazine pays up to $2,000 for essays and short stories, and up to $250 for poetry. They also offer a one-year subscription to their magazine for every published story.

Strange Horizons

Strange Horizons is a speculative fiction magazine that publishes science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories. They pay $0.10 per word for original fiction, and $30 for reprints. Strange Horizons also accepts poetry submissions and pays $30 per poem.

Threepenny Review

Threepenny Review is a literary journal that publishes essays, memoirs, poetry, and short stories. They pay $400 per story or article, and $200 per poem. Threepenny Review accepts submissions year-round and publishes four issues per year.

Science Fiction Magazine

Science Fiction Magazine is a great place to submit your science fiction stories. They pay $0.08 per word for original fiction, and $0.02 per word for reprints. Science Fiction Magazine also accepts submissions for their online portal, which pays a flat fee of $25 per story.

Literary Journals

There are many literary journals that accept short story submissions. Some of the most popular literary journals include AGNI, Boulevard, and Vestal Review. These journals pay anywhere from $25 to $500 for published stories, depending on the word limit and the type of story.

Online Platform

There are many online platforms that pay writers for their work. Some of the most popular online platforms include Medium, Substack, and Patreon. These platforms allow writers to publish their work and earn money through subscription fees, affiliate links, and other revenue streams.

New Yorker

The New Yorker is one of the most prestigious literary magazines in the world. They pay up to $1 per word for fiction, and up to $200 for poetry. However, getting published in The New Yorker is extremely difficult, and it may take years of hard work and dedication to achieve this goal.

Reader’s Digest

Reader’s Digest is a popular magazine that publishes a wide range of articles, including short stories. They pay up to $100 for published stories, and they also offer a writing contest with a cash prize of $5,000.

Short Story Publishers

There are many short story publishers that pay writers for their work. Some of the most popular short story publishers include One Story, The Paris Review, and Zoetrope: All-Story. These publishers pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for published stories.

Amazon KDP

Amazon KDP is a self-publishing platform that allows writers to publish their work and earn money through book sales. Amazon KDP pays up to 70% royalty on ebook sales, and up to 60% royalty on paperback sales.

People’s Friend

People’s Friend is a popular magazine that publishes short stories, poems, and articles. They pay up to $385 for published stories, and they also offer a weekly writing competition with a cash prize.

Literary Magazine of Boston University

The Literary Magazine of Boston University is a great place to submit your short stories. They pay $500 for published stories, and they also offer a writing contest with a cash prize of $1,000.

Fantasy Magazine

Fantasy Magazine is a great place to submit your fantasy stories. They pay $0.08 per word for original fiction, and $0.02 per word for reprints. Fantasy Magazine also accepts poetry submissions and pays $30 per poem.

In conclusion there are many places to publish short stories and earn extra money. Whether you are a new writer or a published author, there are opportunities available for talented writers in different genres. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your short stories into a full-time income and achieve success in the literary world.

Writing Competitions and Prizes

If you want to make money writing short stories, one of the best ways to do so is by entering writing competitions and contests. Not only do these competitions offer cash prizes, but they also provide excellent opportunities for exposure and recognition within the literary world.

Cash Prizes

Writing competitions offer cash prizes as a reward for your hard work and creativity. The amount of money you can earn varies, but some contests offer thousands of dollars in prize money. On top of prize money you can get recognition within the writing industry and put your accolades on a resume.

Short Story Writing Competitions

Short story writing competitions are a great way to get your work in front of publishers and literary agents. These contests are typically open to new writers and offer cash prizes as well as publication opportunities.

Writing Contests

Writing contests are a great way to hone your writing skills and get noticed by publishers and literary agents. These contests are open to writers of all skill levels and offer cash prizes and publication opportunities.

Short Story Competitions

Short story competitions are a great way to showcase your writing skills and earn money. These contests are open to writers of all skill levels and offer cash prizes as well as publication opportunities.

In conclusion, writing competitions and prizes are a great way to make money writing short stories. By entering these contests, you can earn cash prizes and gain recognition within the literary world. So, hone your writing skills, follow the submission guidelines, and start submitting your best work today!

Making money from writing is fairly easy if you plan properly. If you’re a creative writer, you can make money writing many types of stories. As you’ve already seen, there are many ways to monetize your writing skills, from submitting to literary magazines to entering writing contests.

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Can I Make A Full-Time Income?

If you’re looking to make a full-time income from writing short stories, you’ll need to put in some hard work. One of the best ways to do so is by self-publishing your short stories on platforms like Amazon KDP. This will allow you to keep a larger percentage of the profits from your sales.

Another way to make extra money from writing short stories is by offering your services as a freelance writer. You can write short stories for clients in a variety of genres, from personal essays to science fiction stories.

Flat Fee

Some publications pay a flat fee for short stories, regardless of length or quality. While these publications may not pay as much as literary magazines, they can still be a good way to make some extra money. Some good options include The People’s Friend and Reader’s Digest.

How To Make Maximum Pay

If you’re looking for the most profitable magazine to submit your short stories to, consider submitting to The New Yorker. While the publication is notoriously difficult to get into, it pays up to $1 per word for published stories.

Ultimately, the best way to make money writing short stories is by writing great stories. If you’re a good writer and you’re willing to put in the work, you can make a decent amount of money from your writing. Whether you’re submitting to literary magazines, entering writing contests, or self-publishing your own work, there are plenty of opportunities to make money writing short stories.

If you want to make money writing short stories, it’s important to have good writing skills. Here are a few tips to help you improve your writing:

Being a good writer means having a strong grasp of grammar and spelling, as well as the ability to write clearly and concisely. It’s important to pay attention to the details and make sure your writing is error-free. Writing stories requires creativity and the ability to craft compelling characters and plotlines. It’s important to practice writing regularly and to read widely in the genre you’re interested in.

Creative writing involves using your imagination to create original stories and characters. It’s important to experiment with different writing styles and techniques to find your own unique voice.

Content writing involves writing articles, blog posts, and other types of content for websites and businesses. It’s important to be able to write in a clear and engaging way that will capture the reader’s attention.

Types of Articles

There are many different types of articles you can write, including personal essays, book reviews, and news articles. It’s important to understand the different types of articles and their respective structures and styles.

Different Genres

There are many different genres of writing, including literary fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. It’s important to understand the conventions of the genre you’re writing in and to read widely in that genre.

Creative Writers

Creative writers are those who are able to use their imagination to create original stories and characters. It’s important to practice writing regularly and to experiment with different writing techniques to develop your skills.

Improving your writing skills takes hard work and dedication, but it’s worth it if you want to make money writing short stories. By paying attention to the details, practicing regularly, and reading widely, you can develop your skills and become a successful writer.

Building Your Writing Career

If you’re a talented writer with a passion for storytelling, you can turn your skills into a full-time income by building a writing career. In this section, we’ll explore some of the best ways to get started and build your reputation as a published author.

To build a successful writing career, you need to hone your craft and develop your skills as a storyteller. This means writing regularly, seeking feedback from other writers, and studying the work of successful authors in your genre.

One of the best ways to establish yourself as a published author is to submit your work to literary magazines, short fiction collections, and online platforms. Look for publications that specialize in your genre, and study their submission guidelines carefully before submitting your work.

If you’re new to the world of writing, it can be challenging to get your foot in the door. One way to gain exposure and build your reputation is to enter writing contests and submit your work to literary journals and online communities.

Self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP and Barnes & Noble Press offer a great way for writers to get their work in front of readers without the need for a traditional publisher. With these platforms, you can publish your short stories, novellas, and even longer works in a variety of genres.

Joining an online community of writers can be a great way to connect with other talented writers, share your work, and get feedback on your writing. Look for online communities that specialize in your genre, and be sure to participate in discussions and offer feedback to other writers.

Online courses are a great way to improve your writing skills, learn new techniques, and get feedback from experienced writers. Look for courses that specialize in your genre, and be sure to study the work of successful authors in your field.

Online portals like Submittable and Duotrope offer a great way to find writing contests, literary journals, and other publications that are looking for short stories and other types of writing. These portals can save you time and help you find the best opportunities for your work.

Digital magazines like The New Yorker and Reader’s Digest offer a great way for writers to get their work in front of a large audience. Look for magazines that specialize in your genre, and be sure to study their submission guidelines carefully before submitting your work.

By following these tips and building your reputation as a talented writer, you can turn your passion for storytelling into a successful writing career. With hard work and dedication, you can earn a full-time income as a writer and share your stories with readers around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are some reputable literary magazines that pay for short fiction?

There are many literary magazines that pay for short fiction. Some of the most popular ones include The New Yorker, The Sun Magazine, The Threepenny Review, Strange Horizons, and Vestal Review. Each magazine has its own submission guidelines and pay rates, so be sure to research them thoroughly before submitting your work.

How can new writers break into the world of short story writing?

Breaking into the world of short story writing can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, read widely in the genre you want to write in. This will help you get a sense of what works and what doesn’t. Second, take writing courses or workshops to improve your skills. Third, submit your work to literary magazines and contests. Even if your work is rejected, you will receive valuable feedback that can help you improve.

What are some popular short story contests with cash prizes?

There are many short story contests with cash prizes, including the Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition, The Bridport Prize, The Bath Short Story Award, and the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest. Each contest has its own rules and entry fees, so be sure to read them carefully before submitting your work.

What skills do freelance writers need to succeed in the short story market?

To succeed in the short story market, freelance writers need to have strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and the willingness to revise their work based on feedback. They also need to be able to research markets and understand submission guidelines.

Where can I find submission guidelines for literary magazines?

Submission guidelines for literary magazines can usually be found on the magazine’s website. Some magazines also list their guidelines on submission platforms like Submittable. Be sure to read the guidelines carefully before submitting your work.

What are some online platforms for publishing and selling short stories?

There are many online platforms for publishing and selling short stories, including Amazon KDP, Smashwords, and Draft2Digital. Some literary magazines also have online platforms where they publish and sell short stories. Keep in mind that these platforms may take a percentage of your earnings or charge a subscription fee.