Making Money From Short Stories

Are you a short story writer looking to make some money from your craft? There are several ways to monetize your writing, and in this article, we'll explore the most popular options.

1. Sell your stories to magazines or anthologies

One of the most traditional ways to make money from writing short stories is by selling them to magazines or anthologies. Many literary magazines and anthologies pay for the rights to publish short stories, and you can submit your work to them for consideration. Some examples of literary magazines that accept short story submissions include The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The Paris Review. You can also find a list of literary magazines and anthologies that accept short story submissions on websites like Duotrope and The Review Review.

2. Self-publish

Another option is to self-publish your short stories as an e-book on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Barnes & Noble Press. Self-publishing gives you complete control over the process, from editing to cover design, and allows you to reach a wider audience.

3. Enter writing contests

Many organizations and publications sponsor writing contests that offer cash prizes for the winning stories. Entering writing contests is a great way to get your work in front of a larger audience and potentially win some money. Some examples of writing contests include the annual Short Story Day Africa Prize, The Bristol Short Story Prize and The Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition.

4. Sell your stories as part of a collection

Once you have a few short stories published, you can put them together into a collection and sell it as an e-book or print book. This is a great way to make money from your short stories, especially if you have a dedicated fanbase.

5. Licensing your stories for adaptation

If your short story is adapted into a film, television show, or audio production, you can earn royalties from the sale of those products. While it's not easy to have your stories adapted, it's worth considering as it can be a great way to make money from your writing.

6. Use your stories to promote your other work: If you are also a novelist or a poet, you can use your short stories to promote your other work. By including a sample of your short stories in your author website or social media, you can attract readers to your longer works.

7. Teach writing workshops: If you have experience in writing and teaching, you can make money by teaching writing workshops. You can teach short story writing workshops at local community centers, schools, or online. This can be a great way to share your knowledge and passion for writing with others, while also earning money.
   

8. Get paid to speak: Once you've established yourself as a writer, you may be invited to speak at writing conferences, events, and festivals. Many of these events pay speakers, and it's a great way to connect with other writers and share your experiences.

9. Sell merchandise: If you have a dedicated fanbase, you can sell merchandise related to your short stories such as t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags. This can be a fun and creative way to make money from your writing, and it allows your fans to show their support.

10. Offer consulting services: If you have experience in writing and publishing, you can offer consulting services to other writers. You can help them with editing, publishing, or marketing their work, and charge a fee for your services.

Making money from writing short stories can be challenging, as it is a competitive field, and it takes time and effort to build an audience and establish yourself as a writer. However, by exploring the options above, you can increase your chances of monetizing your writing and turn your passion into a profitable career.