Want to know how to make money by selling short stories? Yes, it’s possible to earn from home by doing this.
Short stories are quick, engaging tales that range from a few hundred to a few thousand words. Despite their brevity, they have a complete arc with a beginning, middle, and end. They can cover a variety of genres like mysteries, adventures, or even humorous moments.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to turn your short stories into a profitable side hustle. You’ll learn:
– What a short story is
– Where you can sell short stories
– How to maximize your earnings from short stories
### Best Places to Sell Short Stories for Money
Here are some ways to sell your short stories for cash:
1. **Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)**
Amazon KDP is a self-publishing platform that’s widely used. To get started, create an Amazon KDP account, ensure your story is well-edited and formatted, and design an eye-catching cover. Kindle eBooks typically start at $0.99, and you can earn up to 70% royalties. KDP also offers global distribution and the option to print physical copies.
2. **Clarkesworld Magazine**
This fantasy and science fiction magazine publishes short stories monthly. Submissions should be between 1,000 and 22,000 words, and you’ll earn 12 cents per word. Payment is via PayPal or check. Stories must be in the science fiction or fantasy genres—no horror.
3. **One Story**
One Story publishes a single short story each month. They accept stories between 3,000 and 8,000 words, offering $500 and 25 contributor copies. Stories must be new and unpublished. Responses to submissions take about three months.
4. **East of the Web**
This platform offers exposure to writers, attracting over 500,000 page views a month. Your story should have a compelling narrative that feels complete. If accepted, your work could catch the attention of agents, press, and other publishers.
5. **Flash Fiction Online**
This magazine publishes short stories in genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror, and literary fiction. Stories must be between 500 and 1,000 words and correctly formatted. They pay $100 per original story.
6. **The Threepenny Review**
This American literary magazine accepts short stories up to 4,000 words. They pay $400 per story and do not accept previously published material. Submissions can be made via mail or their online system.
7. **Poets & Writers**
This nonprofit organization serves creative writers and offers a magazine available in major bookstores. They feature writing contests, grants, and awards. You can filter their database by genre, cash prize, and entry fee.
8. **The Atlantic**
Known for its journalism, The Atlantic also accepts fiction and poetry submissions. Check their past publications to understand what they’re likely to accept. Submit your story as a Word document or PDF.
9. **Reader’s Digest**
This long-standing magazine covers a variety of topics. Submitting a short story is straightforward; just include your name, address, and email.
10. **Medium**
Medium allows writers to publish and monetize their content. Earnings depend on how much time members spend reading your stories. Building a following and consistently producing high-quality work can increase your chances of making money.
11. **Barrelhouse**
This literary magazine accepts unpublished short stories, usually under 8,000 words. They also run a small press and organize writer conferences and retreats.
12. **The New Yorker**
This influential magazine accepts submissions via email. Stories are read within ninety days, and no response means your story was not accepted.
13. **Short Story Contests**
Many organizations run contests with specific guidelines, themes, and prizes. Notable contests include The Bridport Prize, The Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition, and The Sunday Times Short Story Award.
14. **Start Your Own Blog**
Creating a blog allows you to share your stories and build a readership. Monetize through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling eBooks.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**What are short stories?**
Short stories are brief works of fiction that focus on a single plot, theme, or set of characters. They range from a few hundred to a few thousand words and have a complete narrative arc.
**What genres do short stories cover?**
Popular genres include mystery, science fiction, thrillers, fantasy, horror, adventure, historical fiction, romance, and drama. You can also mix genres or write personal essays.
**Are short stories fiction or nonfiction?**
Short stories are fiction by definition.
**How much money can I make?**
Earnings vary based on the story’s length, market, and publication. You might earn from $25 to over $1,000 per story, depending on where you sell it.
**Do short stories sell on Amazon?**
Yes, through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It’s a popular platform due to its ease of use and resources for authors.
**How do I sell my first short story?**
Create a high-quality, engaging story free of grammatical errors. Choose platforms or literary magazines that fit your style and follow their submission guidelines.
**How many pages is a short story?**
A short story can range from 500 to 20,000 words. The actual page count depends on formatting and font size.
**Where’s the best place to sell short stories online?**
It depends on your writing style and goals. Amazon KDP is great for self-publishing, while literary journals offer different opportunities.
### Summary
Selling short stories can be a lucrative side hustle. Platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing, Clarkesworld Magazine, and One Story offer great opportunities. Ensure your stories are compelling and error-free to maximize your chances of success. Good luck!