Short stories may be brief—but their earning potential is anything but small. Whether you’re a new writer or a seasoned storyteller, learning how to make money with short stories opens up multiple streams of income in today’s digital-first world.
From self-publishing to licensing, freelance gigs to writing contests, this post breaks down 9 proven ways to turn your short fiction into real profit.
1. Submit to Paying Magazines and Journals
Many respected publications accept short stories and pay authors for selected work. Rates vary, but some offer $100 to $1,000+ per story.
Top-paying platforms include:
- Clarkesworld
- The New Yorker
- Asimov’s Science Fiction
- Narrative Magazine
Tip: Use Duotrope or Submittable to track calls for submissions, deadlines, and payment details.
2. Self-Publish Short Story Collections
Compile your stories into a digital or print collection and sell it via:
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
- Apple Books
- Kobo
Short story eBooks are especially popular in genres like romance, horror, and speculative fiction. Add a compelling cover, catchy title, and publish globally.
Tool Recommendation:
Scrivener for formatting and organizing your stories
Grammarly Premium for editing
3. Enter Writing Contests with Cash Prizes
Short story contests are a great way to earn exposure and money. Many offer awards ranging from $250 to $5,000 per winner.
Popular contests include:
- Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition
- The Masters Review Contest
- Zoetrope All-Story Contest
Winning or placing often boosts your credibility—and sometimes leads to publishing deals.
4. Monetize Short Stories on Medium or Vocal
You can earn money per read or through bonuses by publishing short fiction on platforms like:
- Medium (via the Partner Program)
- Vocal Media (with bonuses and challenges)
Stories with strong emotional hooks, real-life inspiration, or engaging plot twists perform best.
Bonus: Add affiliate links inside your stories (where appropriate) to multiply revenue.
5. Sell Short Stories as NFTs or Digital Assets
The Web3 space offers new opportunities. Writers are selling short stories as:
- NFTs (non-fungible tokens)
- Digital collectables
- Limited-edition eBooks
Platforms like Mirror.xyz and OpenSea allow you to mint and sell your content securely.
6. Offer Freelance Short Story Writing Services
Some clients look for original short fiction for:
- Magazines
- Blogs
- Greeting cards
- Brand storytelling
List your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Reedsy. Include samples and offer multiple price tiers based on word count or complexity.
7. Monetize with Patreon and Ko-fi
Build a fanbase that supports you monthly in exchange for:
- Exclusive stories
- Early access
- Behind-the-scenes writing notes
Patreon and Ko-fi are ideal for writers who consistently publish and engage with readers through social media or newsletters.
8. License Short Stories for Adaptation
Your short story could be turned into:
- A short film
- A web series
- A podcast episode
Pitch your stories to indie filmmakers, YouTubers, or audio drama producers. If you have a strong narrative arc and characters, there’s a market for it.
9. Create a Subscription Newsletter
Offer your short stories via email with a paid subscription through:
- Substack
- Beehiiv
- Ghost
You can send one original story per week or month and charge a small fee. This helps build a loyal reader base that pays you directly.
Final Thoughts
Short stories may be small in size—but they offer big earning potential when marketed right. By combining self-publishing, contests, freelancing, and direct-to-reader platforms, you can build a sustainable income doing what you love.