Many writers dream of making money from their fiction, but novels aren’t the only way to do it. Short stories can be a profitable and rewarding way to earn income, build your reputation, and attract readers to your work.
Whether you want to sell your stories to literary magazines, enter contests, self-publish collections, or license your work, there are many ways to turn your short fiction into a revenue stream.
Here we look at the best places to sell your short stories, how to get paid, and strategies to maximize your earnings as a fiction writer.
Contents
Sell to Literary Magazines and Journals
One of the most traditional ways to make money with short stories is by submitting them to literary magazines and journals. Many publications pay writers for their work, and getting published in a respected magazine can also boost your credibility.
✔ How It Works
- You submit your short story according to the magazine’s guidelines.
- If accepted, the magazine publishes your story and pays you a fee.
- Payment can be per word, per story, or as a contributor’s copy.
✔ Where to Submit
| Magazine | Genre | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Clarkesworld | Science Fiction & Fantasy | $0.12 per word |
| The New Yorker | Literary Fiction | Competitive (often over $1,000 per story) |
| Asimov’s Science Fiction | Science Fiction | $0.08 – $0.10 per word |
| The Sun | Literary & Personal Essays | $300 – $2,000 per piece |
| Flash Fiction Online | Flash Fiction (1,000 words max) | $80 per story |
To find more opportunities, check out resources like Duotrope or Ralan for genre markets.
Enter Short Story Contests
Writing contests can be another profitable way to earn money with short stories. Many contests offer cash prizes, publication, and exposure.
✔ Benefits of Writing Contests
- Cash prizes can range from $50 to $10,000.
- Winning stories often get published in magazines or anthologies.
- Some contests offer mentorships or literary agent exposure.
✔ Recommended Short Story Contests
| Contest | Prize | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| The Bridport Prize | £5,000 ($6,000 USD) | £12 ($15 USD) |
| The Writers of the Future Contest | $1,000 – $5,000 | Free |
| The Commonwealth Short Story Prize | £5,000 ($6,000 USD) | Free |
| The Bath Flash Fiction Award | £1,000 ($1,200 USD) | £9 ($11 USD) |
Always read contest guidelines carefully, as some require unpublished stories while others accept reprints.
Self-Publish a Short Story Collection
If you have multiple short stories, consider self-publishing them as a collection. This allows you to earn royalties on platforms like Amazon Kindle (KDP), Apple Books, and Kobo.
✔ Steps to Self-Publishing
- Compile a set of thematically connected stories.
- Format your manuscript using tools like Scrivener or Vellum.
- Design a professional cover (or hire a designer).
- Upload your book to Amazon KDP, Apple Books, and other platforms.
- Promote through social media, book blogs, and Amazon ads.
Short story collections often work well when bundled together with a strong theme (e.g., horror stories, sci-fi shorts, or inspirational tales).
License Your Stories to Podcasts & Audio Platforms
Many podcasts and audio platforms pay for short fiction to feature in their episodes.
✔ Where to Submit Short Stories for Audio Adaptation
- PseudoPod (Horror) – $0.08 per word.
- Escape Pod (Sci-Fi) – $0.08 per word.
- PodCastle (Fantasy) – $0.08 per word.
- The NoSleep Podcast (Horror) – Pays per story.
Submitting to podcasts expands your audience and gives you another revenue stream.
Sell Short Stories as NFTs
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) allow writers to sell digital ownership of their short stories. Platforms like Mirror.xyz let you tokenize your work and sell it to collectors.
✔ How It Works
- Mint your short story as an NFT.
- Sell it on platforms like OpenSea or Rarible.
- Earn royalties on future resales.
While still a new market, NFT storytelling is gaining traction among digital creators.
Making money from short stories is possible through multiple channels. You can:
- Submit to literary magazines and journals.
- Enter writing contests for cash prizes.
- Self-publish short story collections.
- License your stories to podcasts and audio platforms.
- Sell digital ownership through NFTs.
The key to success is diversifying your income sources and consistently submitting your work. Start exploring these opportunities today and turn your short fiction into a profitable writing career!
