Do you enjoy writing stories by creating characters, and painting pictures that are vivid with just your words? The idea that you can put your words into use to make decent amounts of money online, is something that sounds very far-fetched. But in today’s date, the world of writing has grown far beyond the traditional boundaries of publishing houses and authors, as the internet has opened up so many opportunities for writers where they can use their storytelling to make money by writing short stories.

There are many websites that actively seek out new voices that can write short stories that are thought-provoking, and these websites are willing to pay handsomely for the opportunity to publish your story. From touching stories to intriguing mysteries, everyone wants it all. So, if you have ever thought of making money from writing short stories, now is your chance.

In this article, we will look at how to start writing short stories, how can you make money by writing short stories, and the different sites that pay you up to 500 dollars weekly.  

How to Start Writing Short Stories

Tips and Resources for Writing Short Stories:

There are many different questions that cross our mind when we think about how to start writing short stories and if you’re a beginner who has no idea where to start, then don’t you worry, because given below are some techniques as well as resources that will help you in starting your preparation for writing short stories.

Find your inspiration for writing short stories:

The inspiration for writing can come from anywhere – a moment, a vivid dream, or even a simple conversation. So, you need to keep a journal or digital note-taking app with you at all times so that you can capture ideas as they come to you.

Resources:

prompts for writing short stories:

You can find creative prompts for writing short stories on websites like “Writing Prompts” (writingprompts.com) or “Reedsy Prompts” (reedsy.com/writing), these types of websites provide you with daily inspiration for writing.

Know your topic or theme for writing short stories:

Before you start writing short stories, think about the main theme or message your story will convey. For example, is it love, loss, redemption, or resilience, when you have a clear focus on what exactly is it that you’re going to write about, it will help guide the structure of your story.

Resources:

For help, you can consider checking out YouTube channels like “Writing with Jenna Moreci” or “AuthorTube” for inspiration as well as for guidance in your topic research for writing short stories.

Developing Compelling Characters:

As a writer you already know that characters are the heart of every story. So, you need to Spend time fleshing out your characters by giving them distinct personalities, backgrounds, and motivations that make them stand out. Consider sharing their goals, fears, and conflicts that are a contributing factor behind their motivation for acting in a certain way.

Resources that Help You Create Character Development Templates:

There are websites like “Character Chart For Fiction Writers” (thestoryreadingapeblog.com) that offer detailed character development templates to help you in creating characters that are well-rounded.

Create a Captivating Plot:

In order to create a plat that is captivating and hooks your audience to their seats you need to describe the main events in your story, including the beginning, middle, and end in a manner that Creates tension and suspense to keep readers engaged from the beginning to end.

Resources:

You can experiment with different storytelling formats such as linear and non-linear storytelling to see what works best for your story. YouTube channels like “ShaelinWrites” or “Ellen Brock” provide valuable insight and tutorials on story development and story structure.

Set the Scene:

Now for the main event, you need to set the story in a way that takes readers into the world of your story by clearly describing the setting, atmosphere, and mood. Use sensory details to create an image that immerses the readers in your story.

Resources:

Online resources like “Now Novel” (nownovel.com) give you tips as well as guidance on how to set the scene correctly in your writing.

Writing, editing, repeating:

Writing the first draft is just the beginning, you need to revise and edit your story many times to make it clearer, the pacing stronger and more coherent.

Resources:

In order to get feedback on your story from trusted peers or writing groups for valuable insights and opinions. Websites like “Scribophile” (scribophile.com) provide a supportive community of writers where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism.

Embrace your voice:

Every writer has their own unique voice and you need to discover yours, as being a writer is a journey of self-expression.  In order to find your unique style of writing start experimenting with different styles, voices, and approaches until you find what truly resonates with you.

Resources:

YouTube channels like “Writing With Confidence” or “The Creative Penn” give many tips and advice on how to find your writing voice.

Practice Consistently:

Like any skill, writing improves with practice, so you need to set aside time each day or week to write and edit your work.

Ten minutes or two hours of consistent practice is the key to building up and improving your skills as a storyteller.

Resources:

Websites like “750 Words” (750words.com) provide an easy way to post your work daily and track your progress.

How to Use AI for Writing Short Stories

In your writing journey, you can even get help from AI tools. In this section, we are going to discuss some AI tools and how to use them for writing short stories.

Generating Ideas:

There are many AI-powered tools that can help writers overcome writer’s block by generating story ideas.

Resources: Platforms like “AI Dungeon” (aidungeon.io) use machine learning algorithms to create many storylines that are interactive so that you as a user can explore limitless narrative possibilities.

Character Creation:

 For storytelling that is engaging you need to create well-developed characters.

Resources: You can use AI-driven character generators, such as GPT-3-powered apps like “Sudowrite” (sudowrite.com) that will help you as a writer in brainstorming the different character traits, backstories, and dialogue. You just need to describe what you want in a character and these tools will generate character profiles to enrich your stories.

Plot Development:

AI tools can help you in creating a Plot setting as these tools use AI algorithms that have the ability to analyze datasets of existing stories as well as literary works to identify patterns and structures that resonate with audiences, so they can give you an idea for the direction of your plot development.

Resources:

Platforms like “Plotagon” (plotagon.com) utilize AI to help writers visualize and develop story plots. They also provide suggestions for plot twists, conflicts, and resolutions.

Other Top AI tools for writing Short Stories:

• Grammarly (grammarly.com) and ProWritingAid (prowritingaid.com) provide you with real-time grammar and style suggestions.
• DeepL (deepl.com) and Google Translate (translate.google.com) use neural machine translation technology to accurately translate text into multiple languages this will allow writers to reach out and connect with readers from different nationalities.  
• Tools like ShortlyAI (shortlyai.com) use GPT-3 to create coherent paragraphs and story snippets based on the user’s directions which gives the writers new perspectives and narratives for their story.
• Tools like Hemingway Editor (hemingwayapp.com) and Autocrit (autocrit.com) check your writing for readability, clarity, and conciseness, this will help you as a writer to refine your writing and improve the overall quality.

Can you make money writing short stories online?

Yes, you can make money writing short stories. In this article, we will look at 21 websites that offer you the opportunity to earn up to 500 dollars by writing short stories, along with some other ways writers can monetize their work.

21  Websites that pay up to 500 dollars for Writing Short Stories Online

1. The New Yorkers

• Payment: The amount of money you’ll get paid changes and it depends on factors such as length and quality.

• Features:  They are known for publishing quality novels, essays, and poetry. They offer content that provides exposure to more audiences.

• How to Pitch: You can send the manuscript by mail.  The Instructions are given on their website.

• Range:  The amount of money you can make ranges from $100 to $1,000 per story.

2. Narrative magazine

• Payment: The amount of money you’ll get paid changes and ranges from $150 to $1,500 for accepted submissions.

• Features: It is an online platform that will accept many different literally genres including fiction, poetry, and essays.

• How to pitch: You can submit your work online through their submission portal. The instructions are given on their website.

• Range: Beginners start at a low rate, but experienced writers can make $500 or more per story.

3.Tin House

• Payment: Tin House offers you money for every accepted submission and the amount that you’ll get paid typically ranges from $50 to $200.

• Features: They will accept short fiction, essays, and poetry.

They are known for publishing new as well as established writers.

• How to Pitch: You can submit your work through their online submission manager.

You can follow the guidelines which are provided on their website.

• Range: As a beginner who is writing short stories you may start with lower rates, but submitting consistently can help you in making up to 500 dollars weekly.

4.Tor.com

• Payment:  They pay you competitive rates for your submissions that are accepted, and they pay typically around $0.25 per word.
• Features: They Focus on Dystopian fiction genres which include science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
• How to Pitch:  You can submit your work through their online submission system. The Guidelines are available on their website.
• Range: The amount of money that you’ll get paid changes depending on the word count, but as a writer you can earn up to $500 or more per story.

5. Clarkesworld Magazine

• Payment: They Pay you market-competitive rates for accepted submissions and they pay around $0.10 per word.
• Features: They have a monthly magazine that features science fiction and fantasy stories.
• How to Pitch: You can submit your work through their online submission portal. You can follow the guidelines that are provided on their website.
• Range: As a writer you can earn up to $500 or more for longer stories and it depends on the word count and quality.

6. Strange Horizons

• Payment: They pay you semi-professional rates for accepted submissions and around $0.08 per word.
• Features: They are an online magazine that specializes in dystopian fiction. They welcome writers with diverse voices and innovative storytelling.
• How to Pitch: You can submit your work through their online submission system. You can review the guidelines on their website.
• Range: As a writer you can earn up to $500 weekly by submitting consistently stories that are high in quality.

7. Daily Science Fiction

• Payment: Pays $0.08 per word for accepted submissions, with a cap of $100.
• Features: Publishes short science fiction stories, including flash fiction. Offers exposure to a wide audience.
• How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission form. Check the guidelines on their website.
• Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by submitting multiple flash fiction pieces.

8. Flash Fiction Online

• Payment: Pays $0.08 per word for accepted submissions, with a cap of $200.
• Features: Online magazine specializing in flash fiction. Offers exposure to a wide readership.
• How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission portal. Guidelines are available on their website.
• Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting high-quality flash fiction.

9. Every Day Fiction

• Payment: Pays $3 for accepted submissions, with additional payment for stories selected as “Editor’s Choice.”
• Features: Publishes a new short story every day. Provides exposure to a global readership.
• How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission system. Review guidelines on their website.
• Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by having multiple stories selected for publication.

10. Asimov’s Science Fiction

• Payment: Pays professional rates for accepted submissions, around $0.08 to $0.10 per word.
• Features: Long-standing science fiction magazine accepting short story submissions. Offers exposure to a dedicated readership.
• How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission system. Guidelines available on their website.
• Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting high-quality science fiction stories.

11. Analog Science Fiction and Fact

• Payment: They pay professional rates for accepted submissions which is around $0.08 to $0.10 per word.

• Features: They Publish science fiction short stories and articles.

• How to Pitch: You can submit your work through their online submission system. Guidelines are available on their website.

• Range: As a writer you can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting science fiction stories that are high in quality.

12. Apex Magazine

• Payment: They pay semi-professional rates for submissions that are accepted and around $0.06 per word.
• Features: They are an online magazine that features dystopian fiction including science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
• How to Pitch: You can submit your work through their online submission portal.  You can review the guidelines on their website.
• Range: As a writer you can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting speculative fiction stories that are high in quality.

13. Fantasy & Science Fiction (F&SF)

• Payment: Offers competitive rates for accepted submissions, typically around $0.07 to $0.12 per word.
• Features: Publishes fantasy and science fiction short stories, novellas, and poetry. Provides exposure to a dedicated readership.
• How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission system. Guidelines are available on their website.
• Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting high-quality fantasy and science fiction stories.

14. The Sun Magazine

• Payment: They pay competitive rates for accepted submissions and their pay typically ranges from $100 to $2,000.
• Features: They are a monthly magazine that features fiction, essays, and poetry.
• How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission manager. Review guidelines on their website.
• Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting literary fiction and essays that are high in quality.

15. Beneath Ceaseless Skies

• Payment: They offer semi-professional rates for accepted submissions and around $0.08 per word.
• Features: They are an online magazine that specializes in literary adventure fantasy stories.
• How to Pitch: You can submit your work through their online submission system. Guidelines are available on their website.
• Range: As a writer you can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently fantasy fiction stories that are high in quality.

16. Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores

• Payment: Pays semi-professional rates for accepted submissions, around $0.06 per word.
• Features: Online magazine publishing dystopian fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, and supernatural stories.
• How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission portal. Guidelines are available on their website.
• Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting speculative fiction stories that are high in quality.

17. Albedo One

• Payment: Offers semi-professional rates for accepted submissions, typically around $0.04 per word.
• Features: They are an Irish science fiction magazine that accepts short story submissions. They have an international readership.
• How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission system. Review guidelines on their website.
• Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting speculative fiction stories that are high in quality.

18. The Arcanist

• Payment: They pay semi-professional rates for accepted submissions and around $0.06 per word.
• Features: Online publication featuring speculative flash fiction stories. Offers exposure to a wide readership.
• How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission portal. Guidelines are available on their website.
• Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting flash fiction stories that are high in quality.

19. Aurealis

Payment: They pay semi-professional rates for accepted submissions and around $0.04 per word.

Features:  They are an Australian dystopian fiction magazine that accepts short story submissions.

How to Pitch: You can submit your work through their online submission system. You can read their guidelines on their website.

Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting dystopian fiction stories that are high in quality.

20. Pseudopod

• Payment: Pays semi-professional rates for accepted submissions, around $0.06 per word.
• Features: Podcast featuring horror fiction stories. Offers exposure to a wide listenership.
• How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission system. Guidelines are available on their website.
• Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting horror fiction stories that are high in quality.

21. PodCastle

Payment: They pay semi-professional rates for accepted submissions, around $0.06 per word.

Features: Fantasy fiction podcast accepting short story submissions. Provides exposure to a global audience.

How to Pitch: Submit work through their online submission portal. Review guidelines on their website.

Range: Writers can earn up to $500 weekly by consistently submitting fantasy fiction stories that are high in quality.

Bottom-line: Making Money Writing Short Stories

As a writer you now have the opportunity to make money online just by writing short stories. Even if you are a beginner who wants to start writing short stories, with consistency and practice you’ll be on your way to turning your words into a side hustle that makes you decent money online. The websites mentioned in this article provide you with a chance to earn up to 500 dollars weekly, which is enough to make you a small fortune in the long run and you can even consider making this your primary source of income once you get good at it. So, by now your question “How to make money by writing short stories online” must have been answered.

Also Read

Adapting to a Cookieless Future in 2024: Important Strategies for Achieving Privacy-Centric Personalization in Digital Marketing

Making Money with NFTs: A Simple and Easy Guide to Buying, Selling, and Investing in Non-Fungible Tokens in 2024

Shopify vs. Amazon for Successful Dropshipping: Which One’s Right for You in 2024?

Shopify Made Easy: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Own Online Store with Shopify in 2024

Boost Your Social Media Presence: 5 Simple and Budget-Friendly Ways to Make Your Social Media Posts Go Viral with ChatGPT