Best Ways to Get Paid for Writing Stories
On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Making Money
1. AGNI
Description: A literary magazine accepting English or translated stories, personal essays, memoirs, and poetry.
Pay: $10 per printed page for fiction.
Submission Period: September 1 to May 31.
How to Start: Visit AGNI's website and check submission guidelines.
2. Analog
Description: Publishes science fiction with a solid scientific foundation, as well as science-related articles.
Pay:
- $0.08 - $0.10 per word (short fiction).
- $0.06 per word (serials).
- $1 per line (poetry).
Ideal For: Science fiction enthusiasts.
How to Start: Visit the Writer's Guidelines on the Analog website.
3. Carve
Description: Publishes honest fiction, essays, and poetry with a maximum word count of 10,000.
Pay: $100 per story.
Highlights: Year-round submissions; accepts translated works.
How to Start: Submit your work on Carve's website.
4. Duotrope
Description: A directory service connecting writers to publishers, contests, and agents.
Pay: Varies based on selected publishers.
Highlights: Lists over 7,600 active publishers.
How to Start: Explore opportunities on Duotrope.
5. East of the Web
Description: Accepts imaginative short stories in various genres, including sci-fi, romance, and children's stories.
Pay: $0.05 per word or a combination of advance and royalty.
Highlights: Stories must be at least 7,000 words.
How to Start: Check submission details on East of the Web's site.
6. Flash Fiction Online
Description: Publishes stories between 500 - 1,000 words with strong characters and compelling plots.
Pay: $80 for original fiction ($0.08 per word minimum); $0.02 per word for reprints.
Submission Window: Open from the 1st to the 21st of each month.
How to Start: Visit Flash Fiction Online to submit.
7. One Story
Description: Publishes one story per issue, covering all genres and topics.
Pay: $500 per accepted story and 25 contributor copies.
Highlights: Also accepts submissions from teenagers (ages 13 - 19).
How to Start: Submit during open periods via One Story.
8. Ploughshares
Description: A respected literary magazine featuring poetry, essays, and short fiction.
Pay: $45 per journal page; $90 - $450 per piece.
Submission Period: June 1 to January 15.
How to Start: Submit through Ploughshares' website.
9. Poets & Writers
Description: Supports writers by listing job boards, competitions, and publication opportunities.
Pay: Varies depending on the client.
Highlights: Offers contests for poetry, essays, and short stories.
How to Start: Visit Poets & Writers for opportunities.
10. The Sun
Description: Ad-free magazine that values thought-provoking, personal storytelling.
Pay:
- Fiction/Essays: $300 - $2,000.
- Poetry: $100 - $250.
Word Limit: Typically under 7,000 words.
How to Start: Check submission guidelines on The Sun's website.
Summing it up
- Diverse Genres: From sci-fi and fantasy to personal essays, there's something for every writer.
- Flexibility: Many platforms accept submissions year-round or have regular submission periods.
- Earning Potential: Combining multiple platforms can help maximize income.
