If you’re a writer looking to make some extra cash, there are plenty of websites for writers, out there that can help you earn $200 – $500 or more for your short stories. These platforms cater to various genres and styles, allowing you to showcase your creativity while also getting paid for your work. Whether you prefer writing fiction, poetry, or even personal essays, you can find a niche that suits your talent. Many of these sites not only offer monetary compensation but also provide exposure to a wider audience, which can be a great boost for your writing career.
In addition to the financial benefits, these websites often have a supportive community of fellow writers and readers. Engaging with others in the literary world can lead to valuable feedback, networking opportunities, and even collaborations. Some platforms host contests or themed submissions, which can inspire you to push your creative boundaries. So, if you’re ready to turn your passion for writing into a profitable venture, exploring these websites could be a fantastic step in the right direction.
Here’s a list of 15 websites for writers that offer such opportunities, along with real-life examples of writers who have cashed in on their writing talents!
1. Narratively
Narratively specializes in publishing in-depth stories about extraordinary people and experiences. Writers can earn anywhere between $100 to $300 for a story.
Example: Writer Wendy Goodman shared her story about a 70-year-old NYC-based artist, which not only earned her a paycheck but also brought attention to an underappreciated artist. Wendy mentioned how her feature opened doors for future writing opportunities with major outlets.
2. The Sun Magazine
The Sun Magazine is well-known for its long-standing history of accepting powerful personal essays, stories, and poems. They offer up to $2,000 for fiction submissions, with most paying around $300.
Jane Robinson, a writer who contributes regularly, shared her journey through addiction and recovery in an article. Her heartfelt stories not only found their way into print but also struck a chord with thousands of readers, earning her a payment of $1,200.
3. Chicken Soup for the Soul
Chicken Soup for the Soul pays $200 for each accepted story. This platform is based on to write heartwarming, inspirational stories of personal experiences.
Example: James Wilkins shared a story about reconnecting with his estranged father after 20 years, which was featured in their “Family” edition. His relatable tale not only earned him $200 but also became a motivational piece for readers dealing with similar situations.
4. Cricket Media
Cricket Media is a children’s literature publisher that accepts stories aimed at young readers. You can earn anywhere from $100 to $300 for a short story submission.
Example: Author Emily Hinton wrote a fantasy story for their “Spider” magazine, centered around a young girl who learns to talk to animals. Her story was a hit with children and earned her $250.
5. Clarkesworld
Clarkesworld is a science fiction and fantasy magazine that pays up to $500 for short stories. They’re always looking for compelling, innovative tales that push genre boundaries.
Example: Sci-fi writer Kevin Matthews submitted his dystopian short story about an AI-driven society, which was accepted and earned him $500. Kevin later shared how this recognition helped boost his career as a sci-fi author, leading to other writing gigs.
6. Daily Science Fiction
Daily Science Fiction publishes short speculative fiction and pays 8 cents per word, which averages around $100 for most stories.
Example: Writer Lucy Adams submitted a 1,200-word story about a future where humans can download dreams. It was published within two weeks, and she received a check for $96. Lucy credited her success to following the site’s submission guidelines closely.
7. The Threepenny Review
The Threepenny Review is a prestigious literary magazine that pays $400 for short stories, as well as non-fiction and poetry.
Example: Samuel White submitted a historical fiction piece about a forgotten 19th-century civil rights leader, which landed him a spot in the magazine and a payment of $400. The exposure also opened doors for him to speak at literary festivals.
8. One Story
One Story is a literary journal that publishes one story every three weeks, and they pay $500 per accepted story.
Anna Jefferson’s charming short story revolves around the unexpected encounter of two strangers on a train, which garnered her a $500 payment. She highlighted how the editorial feedback played a crucial role in refining her writing skills even more.
9. AGNI
AGNI is known for publishing literary fiction and creative non-fiction articles. They pay writers up to $300 for short stories.
Example: Amanda Stone’s story about a mother-daughter relationship was accepted, earning her $250. She shared how her piece, based on her real-life experiences, connected with readers who had similar family dynamics.
10. Strange Horizons
Strange Horizons focuses on speculative fiction, offering 10 cents per word, which typically amounts to $200 or more for a short story.
Example: Jamie O’Connell wrote a chilling tale about a haunted space station. The story’s uniqueness and depth earned Jamie $280 and praise from speculative fiction fans. This exposure also helped him build a loyal reader base.
11. Fireside Fiction
Fireside Fiction is recognized for its excellent stories in every genre, offering 12.5 cents for each word. Authors typically make about $250 for a story that is 2,000 words long.
Tyler Green’s supernatural thriller was released by Fireside, for which he received a payment of $250. Subsequently, his work was highlighted in Fireside’s podcast, thereby expanding its reach to a wider audience.
12. Vestal Review
Vestal Review publishes flash fiction (short stories under 1,000 words) and pays writers $25 to $50, depending on the length.
Example: Zoe Barker’s 900-word flash fiction about a time traveler meeting their past self earned her $45. Zoe later mentioned how writing short, concise stories helped improve her overall storytelling abilities.
13. Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine
This long-standing magazine pays up to 12 cents per word for science fiction and fantasy short stories. Payments often range between $100 and $1,000, depending on the length.
Example: Mark Jenkins submitted a 4,000-word story about an alien invasion, earning him $480. The publication of his work led to a spike in his readership and more sci-fi writing gigs.
14. The Missouri Review
The Missouri Review publishes both fiction and non-fiction and pays up to $400 for accepted stories.
Example: Cynthia Holland’s contemporary fiction about life during the pandemic earned her a feature in The Missouri Review. She received $400 for her submission and shared that the magazine’s support motivated her to pursue a full-time writing career.
15. Flash Fiction Online
This platform is dedicated to flash fiction stories, paying $60 per published piece.
Example: Jess Morgan’s 800-word flash fiction story about a magical library earned her $60. She mentioned how the positive feedback from readers encouraged her to write more flash fiction and pursue other writing platforms.
Conclusion
These websites for writers, is not only a way to earn money but also a chance to gain recognition and build your portfolio. Each publication has its own style and requirements, so be sure to follow their submission guidelines closely. By crafting compelling, high-quality stories, you can turn your writing hobby into a lucrative side hustle!
