How to Sell Short Stories for Money: A Comprehensive Guide for Writers

In today’s digital age, the opportunities for writers to monetize their craft are more abundant than ever before. Among the various avenues available, selling short stories has become a particularly viable and rewarding option. Whether you’re an experienced writer or someone just starting out, the idea of turning your creative ideas into income is both exciting and achievable.

Short stories, with their concise and impactful narratives, have a unique appeal. They allow writers to experiment with ideas, explore characters, and convey emotions in a limited space. For readers, short stories offer a quick but satisfying escape into different worlds, making them a popular choice for busy individuals. As a writer, selling short stories not only provides financial rewards but also opens up avenues for recognition and the opportunity to build a dedicated readership.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about selling short stories for money. We’ll dive into what short stories are, the popular genres you can write in, how much you can potentially earn, and the importance of marketing yourself as a writer. We’ll also guide you through various platforms where you can submit your stories for payment, including a detailed section on how to publish and sell short stories on Amazon. Whether you’re writing for passion or profit, this guide will help you navigate the process of turning your short stories into a source of income.

In This Article

2. What Are Short Stories?

At their core, short stories are brief works of fiction that tell a complete narrative within a limited word count. Unlike novels, which have the space to develop complex plots and multi-dimensional characters, short stories focus on a single event, moment, or idea. This concentrated focus allows for intense emotional impact and sharp storytelling, making short stories a beloved format for both writers and readers.

Key Characteristics of Short Stories

Word Count: Typically, short stories range from 1,500 to 7,500 words, though the exact length can vary depending on the publication or genre. Flash fiction, a sub-genre of short stories, can be as brief as 100 words, while longer short stories might stretch up to 20,000 words.
Single Plot: Most short stories revolve around a single plot or event, with minimal subplots. This streamlined approach ensures that the narrative remains focused and impactful.
Limited Characters: Due to the brevity of the format, short stories usually feature a small number of characters, each serving a specific purpose in advancing the plot or theme.
Concise Setting: The setting in a short story is often established quickly, providing just enough detail to ground the reader without overwhelming them with unnecessary information.
Emotional Impact: One of the strengths of a short story is its ability to deliver a powerful emotional punch in a limited space. Every word and sentence is crafted to contribute to the overall impact of the story.

The Appeal of Short Stories

Short stories hold a special place in literature due to their ability to convey deep meaning in a concise form. They are perfect for readers who crave a complete narrative experience but may not have the time or patience for a full-length novel. For writers, short stories offer an opportunity to experiment with different writing styles, genres, and ideas without the commitment of a longer work.

Moreover, the accessibility of short stories has led to a resurgence in their popularity, especially in the digital age. With the rise of online publications and e-readers, readers can easily discover and enjoy short stories from a wide range of genres and authors. For writers, this means there’s a growing market for well-crafted short stories, making it an ideal time to consider selling your work.

Whether you’re writing to express a personal idea, explore a new genre, or simply to hone your craft, short stories offer a flexible and rewarding format. In the next sections, we’ll explore the different genres you can write in and how you can start turning your passion for short stories into a profitable venture.

Popular Short Story Genres

When it comes to writing and selling short stories, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is the genre. Different genres appeal to different audiences and offer unique opportunities for creativity.

Fiction books

Here are some of the most popular short story genres you might consider:

Fiction Genres

Literary Fiction: This genre focuses on character-driven narratives and explores the human condition. Literary fiction short stories often delve into deep themes such as identity, relationships, and morality. The writing style is typically more sophisticated, and the emphasis is on the quality of prose and the depth of the characters. Literary magazines and journals are the primary markets for these stories, and they often pay well for exceptional work.
Science Fiction & Fantasy: These genres allow writers to explore imaginative worlds, futuristic scenarios, and speculative concepts. Science fiction short stories might explore the implications of advanced technology, while fantasy stories might delve into magical realms or alternate realities. Readers of these genres expect well-crafted worlds and engaging plots. There’s a strong market for science fiction and fantasy short stories, with numerous magazines and online platforms dedicated to these genres.
Mystery & Thriller: Mystery and thriller short stories are perfect for readers who enjoy suspense, twists, and solving puzzles. These stories often involve a crime or a mysterious event, with the plot revolving around uncovering the truth. The challenge in this genre is to create tension and intrigue within a limited word count. Mystery and thriller stories are popular in both print and digital publications, and there’s a steady demand for well-crafted tales that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Horror: Horror short stories aim to evoke fear, dread, or unease in the reader. They can range from psychological horror to supernatural or gothic tales. The key to a successful horror short story is building atmosphere and tension quickly. Horror is a genre with a dedicated readership, and there are many magazines, anthologies, and online platforms that pay for quality horror stories.
Romance: Romance short stories focus on love, relationships, and emotional connections. While the stories are usually centered around romantic relationships, they can also explore themes of self-discovery and personal growth. Romance is one of the most popular genres in both books and short stories, and there are numerous opportunities to sell romantic short stories to magazines, anthologies, and online platforms.
Historical Fiction: Historical fiction short stories are set in specific historical periods, often blending fact with fiction. Writers in this genre must do thorough research to accurately depict the time period, but they also have the creative freedom to weave fictional narratives within a historical context. Historical fiction is a niche market, but it attracts readers who are passionate about history and enjoy immersive stories set in the past.
Flash Fiction: Flash fiction refers to extremely short stories, often under 1,000 words. Despite their brevity, flash fiction stories deliver complete narratives with a beginning, middle, and end. This genre challenges writers to convey a powerful message or emotion in just a few paragraphs. Flash fiction has gained popularity due to the rise of digital platforms, and many websites and magazines specialize in publishing and paying for flash fiction.

Non-Fiction Genres

Memoir: Memoir short stories are personal narratives that focus on specific events or periods in the author’s life. These stories are often introspective and reflective, offering insights into the author’s experiences and emotions. Memoir short stories are popular in literary magazines and online platforms that publish personal essays and creative non-fiction.
Essays: Essays in the short story format are creative non-fiction pieces that explore ideas, events, or experiences in a narrative style. These stories often blend factual information with the author’s personal reflections, making them engaging and thought-provoking. Essays are a staple in literary magazines, and there’s a market for well-crafted, insightful pieces.

4. How Much Can You Make?

One of the most common questions writers have when considering selling their short stories is, “How much can I make?” The answer varies widely depending on several factors, including the publication, the writer’s experience, and the story’s length and genre. Here’s a breakdown of potential earnings:

Earnings Overview

Beginner Writers: If you’re new to writing and submitting short stories, you might start with smaller publications or online platforms that offer modest payments. These could range from $25 to $100 per story, depending on the platform and the story’s length. While these payments might not seem significant, they provide valuable experience and help build your portfolio.
Established Writers: Experienced writers with a strong portfolio and a track record of published work can command higher payments. Many literary magazines, anthologies, and contests offer payments ranging from $250 to $1,000 or more per story. In some cases, prestigious publications may offer payments exceeding $1,000, especially for longer stories or those by well-known authors.
Professional Markets: Professional markets, such as major literary magazines and well-known online platforms, often pay higher rates. For example, some magazines offer payments based on word count, such as $0.10 to $0.25 per word. This means a 5,000-word story could earn between $500 and $1,250.

Factors Affecting Income

Publication Type: The type of publication you submit to greatly impacts your earnings. High-profile literary magazines and anthologies generally offer the best payments, while smaller online platforms might pay less but offer more opportunities for newer writers.
Story Length: The length of your story can also influence your earnings. Longer stories typically command higher payments, especially if the publication pays by word count. However, flash fiction and other shorter forms can still be profitable, especially if you can place them with high-paying markets.
Writer’s Experience: Your experience and reputation as a writer play a significant role in determining your earnings. Established writers with a history of published work and awards can often negotiate higher payments or have access to more lucrative markets. Building a strong portfolio and gaining recognition through contests and publications can help you command better rates.

5. The Role of Marketing Yourself

While writing great short stories is crucial, marketing yourself as a writer is equally important when it comes to selling your work. Building a personal brand, developing an online presence, and networking within the writing community can significantly increase your chances of success. Here’s how marketing yourself plays a role:

Building a Personal Brand

Consistency: Establishing a consistent personal brand helps readers and editors recognize your work. This includes developing a unique writing style, choosing specific genres, and creating a consistent author persona across your work and online platforms.
Portfolio Development: A strong portfolio showcasing your best work is essential. This can be a personal website, a blog, or profiles on writing platforms like Medium or Substack. Make sure your portfolio highlights your published stories, awards, and any other achievements.

Online Presence

Social Media: Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are powerful tools for writers. Use them to share your work, engage with readers, and connect with other writers. Regularly posting updates about your writing process, publishing news, and any new releases can help you build a loyal following.
Author Websites: A personal website acts as a central hub for all your writing-related activities. It should include your portfolio, a blog, contact information, and links to your published work. A professional-looking website can also attract the attention of editors and publishers.
Goodreads and Other Platforms: Goodreads is a platform where readers and writers connect over books and stories. By creating an author profile, you can engage with readers, participate in discussions, and promote your short stories.

Networking

Writing Communities: Joining writing communities, both online and offline, can provide valuable connections and opportunities. Participate in writing groups, forums, and workshops to meet other writers, share your work, and get feedback.
Literary Events: Attend literary events, such as book fairs, readings, and writing conferences. These events provide opportunities to network with editors, publishers, and fellow writers, potentially leading to new publishing opportunities.

Promotional Strategies

Offering Free Samples: Sharing free samples of your work, such as a short story or an excerpt, can attract readers and entice them to purchase your other stories.
Running Promotions: If you’ve self-published your stories, consider running promotions, such as limited-time discounts or giveaways, to boost visibility and sales.
Collaborations: Collaborate with other writers or bloggers to cross-promote each other’s work. This can expand your reach and introduce your stories to new audiences.

Marketing yourself as a writer is an ongoing process that requires time and effort, but the rewards can be substantial. A well-marketed writer is more likely to attract attention, sell more stories, and build a lasting career in the literary world.

6. How Do You Get Paid to Write Short Stories?

Once you’ve written your short story, the next step is getting paid for your work. There are several ways you can earn money from your short stories, each with its own set of advantages.

payment

Here’s a breakdown of the most common payment methods:

Payment Per Story

Most publications that accept short stories offer a fixed payment per story. This can vary widely depending on the publication’s size, reputation, and budget. Payment per story is the most straightforward method, where you receive an agreed-upon amount once your story is accepted and published.

Payment Per Word

Some magazines, especially in the science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction genres, pay writers based on word count. Rates can range from a few cents to over ten cents per word. For example, if a publication offers $0.10 per word, a 5,000-word story could earn you $500.

Royalties

If you self-publish your short stories, particularly through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you can earn royalties based on sales. Typically, self-publishing platforms offer a percentage of the sale price as royalties. This method allows you to earn passive income over time as readers purchase your stories.

Advance Payments

In some cases, particularly with established writers or in high-profile anthologies, you may receive an advance payment. This is a lump sum paid upfront, with the expectation that the total earnings from the story (through sales or royalties) will eventually cover this amount. Advances are more common in book publishing but can occasionally be found in high-end anthologies.

Contest Prizes

Entering short story contests is another way to earn money. Many contests offer cash prizes for winning entries, with the amount varying based on the contest’s prestige. Prizes can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Additionally, winning or placing in a contest can significantly boost your writing credentials.

7. Where to Submit Short Stories for Money

There are numerous platforms and publications where you can submit your short stories and get paid. Below is a list of some of the best options, each catering to different genres and types of stories.

Duotrope

Overview: Duotrope is a comprehensive resource for writers, offering a searchable database of literary markets, including magazines, journals, and anthologies.
Payment: Duotrope provides detailed information on payment rates, submission guidelines, and response times, making it easier to find the right market for your stories.

Poets & Writers

Overview: Poets & Writers is a well-known resource in the literary community, offering a vast database of publications, writing contests, and grants.
Payment: The platform features many paying markets, particularly for literary fiction, essays, and poetry, with opportunities for both emerging and established writers.

The Grinder

Overview: The Grinder is a free online tool that helps writers find markets for their stories. It allows you to search for publications based on genre, payment, and submission type.
Payment: The Grinder includes detailed payment information, helping you target markets that offer the best compensation for your work.

Reader’s Digest

Overview: Reader’s Digest is a well-established publication that occasionally accepts short stories, particularly those that are uplifting or humorous.
Payment: Payment varies, but Reader’s Digest is known to offer competitive rates for accepted stories.

One Story

Overview: One Story is a literary magazine that publishes one short story per issue. It has a strong reputation in the literary world.
Payment: One Story pays $500 and offers 25 contributor copies to the authors of accepted stories.

Vestal Review

Overview: Vestal Review specializes in flash fiction and is one of the oldest publications in this niche.
Payment: While payment rates are modest, Vestal Review is a respected platform for flash fiction writers.

The BBC

Overview: The BBC regularly hosts short story competitions and broadcasts selected stories on air.
Payment: Winning or selected stories are often paid, and broadcast exposure is a significant bonus.

Flash Fiction Online

Overview: Flash Fiction Online is a digital magazine that publishes high-quality flash fiction.
Payment: The magazine pays professional rates for accepted stories, typically around $60 for stories up to 1,000 words.

The Threepenny Review

Overview: The Threepenny Review is a prestigious literary magazine that accepts fiction, essays, and poetry.
Payment: The magazine offers $400 per story, making it one of the better-paying markets for literary short stories.

Barrelhouse

Overview: Barrelhouse is an independent nonprofit literary organization that publishes stories, essays, and poetry with a modern edge.
Payment: Payment varies, but Barrelhouse offers a platform for both emerging and established writers.

East Of The Web

Overview: East Of The Web is an online platform that publishes short stories across various genres, including crime, sci-fi, romance, and more.
Payment: Payment is offered for stories, though rates vary depending on the length and genre.

Strange Horizons

Overview: Strange Horizons is an online magazine that publishes speculative fiction, particularly science fiction and fantasy.
Payment: The magazine offers professional rates, typically around $0.10 per word.

GigaNotoSaurus

Overview: GigaNotoSaurus publishes one science fiction or fantasy short story per month, with a focus on longer works.
Payment: Payment is $100 per story, regardless of length.

Clarkesworld

Overview: Clarkesworld is a highly respected science fiction and fantasy magazine that publishes both established and new authors.
Payment: The magazine pays $0.12 per word, making it one of the higher-paying markets in speculative fiction.

Asimov’s Science Fiction

Overview: Asimov’s is a leading publication in the science fiction genre, with a long history of publishing top-tier stories.
Payment: The magazine pays $0.08 to $0.10 per word, depending on the story’s length.

Analog Science Fiction and Fact

Overview: Analog is another top publication in the science fiction genre, known for its focus on stories with a strong scientific basis.
Payment: Payment ranges from $0.08 to $0.10 per word.

Ploughshares

Overview: Ploughshares is a prestigious literary journal that publishes fiction, poetry, and essays.
Payment: The journal offers up to $450 for fiction and nonfiction, making it a lucrative option for literary writers.

The Southern Review

Overview: The Southern Review is a respected literary journal that publishes fiction, essays, and poetry.
Payment: Payment varies, but the journal is known for offering competitive rates.

The Iowa Review

Overview: The Iowa Review is a leading literary journal that publishes high-quality fiction, poetry, and essays.
Payment: Payment is typically around $1.50 per line for poetry and $0.08 per word for prose.

8. How to Get Paid to Write Short Stories on Amazon

Self-publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is an excellent way to earn money from your short stories. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

Step 1: Write and Edit Your Story

Before publishing, ensure your story is well-written, thoroughly edited, and formatted correctly. Consider hiring a professional editor to polish your work.

Step 2: Create a Cover

A professional, eye-catching cover is essential for attracting readers. You can create your own using tools like Canva or hire a designer through platforms like Fiverr.

Step 3: Set Up an Amazon KDP Account

If you don’t already have an Amazon KDP account, sign up for one. This account will allow you to upload your story, set your pricing, and manage your sales.

Step 4: Upload Your Story

Once your account is set up, upload your story in a compatible format (such as .docx or .epub). You’ll also need to provide a title, author name, and description.

Step 5: Set Your Price

Amazon KDP allows you to set your own price for your story. Consider the length of your story and the prices of similar works when setting your price.

Step 6: Publish and Promote

After publishing, promote your story through your social media channels, email list, and other marketing strategies. The more you promote, the more potential readers you’ll reach.

Step 7: Earn Royalties

Amazon pays royalties based on the sale price of your story. Typically, you can choose between a 35% or 70% royalty rate, depending on the price you set and the regions where your story is sold.

9. Pros of Selling Short Stories on Amazon

Self-publishing your short stories on Amazon comes with several advantages:

Control: You have complete control over your work, from writing and editing to pricing and marketing.
Reach: Amazon’s vast customer base gives you access to millions of potential readers worldwide.
Royalties: The royalty structure can be very favorable, particularly if you price your stories strategically.
Flexibility: You can publish stories as frequently as you like, experiment with different genres, and adjust your pricing as needed.

10. FAQ: Sell Stories Online

How can I sell my short stories online?

You can sell your short stories by submitting them to literary magazines, online platforms, and anthologies that pay for accepted stories. Alternatively, you can self-publish your stories on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

Can I get paid for my short stories?

Yes, many publications and platforms pay for short stories. Payment varies depending on the publication, story length, and your experience as a writer.

Do short stories sell on Amazon?

Yes, short stories can sell on Amazon, especially if they are well-written, properly formatted, and marketed effectively. Many writers earn a steady income by self-publishing their short stories on Amazon.

11. Have Fun & Get Paid to Write Short Stories

Selling short stories for money is not only a rewarding creative endeavor but also a viable way to earn income as a writer. Whether you’re submitting to established publications, entering contests, or self-publishing on platforms like Amazon, there are numerous opportunities to monetize your short stories. Remember, the key to success is persistence, continuous learning, and effective marketing. So, have fun with your writing, and enjoy the process of getting your stories out into the world!