The dream of earning a living through storytelling is more achievable today than ever before.
Thanks to the internet, writers across the globe are turning their passion for fiction, drama, or personal storytelling into a profitable career, right from their laptops.
In this guide, we’ll explore proven ways to make money online writing stories, platforms you can use, and essential tips to help you thrive in the digital storytelling economy.
Guide to Make Money Online Writing Stories
1. Identify Your Niche and Genre
Before you start writing, consider what kind of stories you enjoy writing and what audiences you want to reach.
Different genres have different markets and platforms. Are you passionate about:
I. Fiction: Short stories, novels, novellas in genres like fantasy, sci-fi, romance, thriller, horror, literary fiction, etc.
II. Non-fiction Narratives: Memoirs, true crime, historical accounts, personal essays, travel narratives, human interest stories.
III. Flash Fiction: Extremely short stories (often under 1,000 words).
IV. Scriptwriting: For video content, podcasts, or even short films.
V. Children’s Stories: Picture books, early readers, middle grade, or young adult.
Understanding your niche will help you target the right platforms and readers.
2. Platforms for Publishing and Monetizing Your Stories
The online landscape offers a diverse range of platforms for story writers. Here are some of the most popular and effective:
A. Self-Publishing Platforms
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): This is arguably the most popular platform for self-publishing eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks. You retain full control over your work, set your prices, and earn royalties (up to 70% for eBooks). KDP is excellent for both short stories and full-length novels.
Draft2Digital: This platform allows you to easily distribute your eBook to multiple retailers beyond Amazon, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Nook, Kobo, and more, all from a single upload.Smashwords: Similar to Draft2Digital, Smashwords is another aggregator that distributes your eBooks to a wide range of online stores and libraries.
Leanpub: Ideal for authors who want to publish books iteratively, allowing readers to buy and read chapters as they are written.
B. Reader-Funded Platforms & Subscription Models
Medium: A popular blogging platform where writers can publish articles, essays, and short stories. Through the Medium Partner Program, you can earn money based on reader engagement (claps, reads by paying members). It’s a great way to build an audience and get paid for individual pieces.
Vocal Media: Similar to Medium, Vocal Media allows writers to publish various forms of content, including short stories, and earn based on views and engagement. They also run regular writing challenges with cash prizes.
Substack: This platform empowers writers to create their own paid newsletters and communities. You can publish serialized stories, essays, or exclusive content and charge readers a subscription fee. This offers a direct revenue stream and allows for deep engagement with your most loyal readers.
Patreon: While not a direct publishing platform, Patreon enables creators (including writers) to receive recurring income from their fans (patrons) who subscribe at different tiers for exclusive content, early access, or behind-the-scenes material. You can offer serialized stories, bonus chapters, or even interactive storytelling experiences.
Short Story Lovers: This platform focuses specifically on short stories, allowing authors to publish their work and earn 100% of the subscription fees paid by readers. It’s like a “Netflix for short stories.”
Penpee.com: This platform pays writers based on the number of pages of their short stories that are read. They offer both free and premium (Prime) memberships, with Prime members earning higher commissions.
C. Literary Magazines & Online Journals
Many online literary magazines and journals pay for accepted short stories, poetry, and essays. Rates vary widely, from a few dollars to several hundred. This route often involves a submission process and can be highly competitive, but getting published by a reputable journal adds significant credibility to your portfolio. Examples include:
The Threepenny Review
One Story
Flash Fiction Online
Clarkesworld Magazine (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
Strange Horizons (Speculative Fiction)
Asimov’s Science Fiction
The New Yorker (highly prestigious and competitive)
The Atlantic
Harper’s Magazine
Research the submission guidelines and payment rates carefully for each publication.
D. Freelance Writing Marketplaces (for story-like content)
While not always for traditional “stories,” these platforms can provide opportunities to write narrative-driven content for clients:
- Upwork & Fiverr: These platforms allow you to create a profile and offer your writing services, including ghostwriting stories, articles, blog posts with narrative elements, or even scripts. You set your rates and bid on projects.
- Textbroker & Scripted & Contently: These are content mills or platforms that connect writers with clients needing various types of content. You might find opportunities to write articles with a storytelling focus, website copy, or marketing materials that benefit from narrative techniques. Rates vary based on quality and experience.
E. Starting Your Own Blog/Website
For long-term growth and ultimate control, consider starting your own blog or website.
Content Hub: Publish your stories, build a readership, and establish your brand as a writer.
Monetization: You can monetize your blog through various methods:
- Advertising: Google AdSense or other ad networks.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services related to your content.
- Direct Sales: Sell your eBooks, merchandise, or even writing services.
- Paid Subscriptions: Offer exclusive content to paying subscribers.
SEO: Learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to help your stories rank higher in search results and attract more readers.
3. Key Strategies for Success
Beyond choosing the right platform, here are crucial strategies to maximize your earning potential:
Write High-Quality Stories: This is non-negotiable. Focus on compelling plots, engaging characters, vivid descriptions, and impeccable grammar and spelling.
Read Widely: Immerse yourself in the genres you wish to write. Analyze what makes successful stories work (structure, pacing, dialogue, character development).
Develop Your Unique Voice: Cultivate a distinctive writing style that sets your work apart.
Edit and Revise Ruthlessly: Your first draft is just the beginning. Polish your work until it shines.
Consider using editing tools (like Grammarly) or hiring a professional editor for critical pieces.
Get Feedback: Share your stories with trusted readers or join a critique group to receive constructive criticism.
Build an Audience: This is crucial for long-term success.
- Social Media: Promote your stories on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Email List: Build an email list to directly communicate with your readers about new releases, special offers, and updates.
- Engage with Readers: Respond to comments, participate in online communities, and foster a connection with your audience.
- Market Your Work: Don’t just write and publish; actively market your stories. This can include:
- Write Consistently: Regular output helps you improve your craft and keeps your audience engaged.
- Diversify Your Income Streams: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Explore multiple platforms and monetization methods.
- Learn About Copyright and Royalties: Understand your rights as an author and how royalties are calculated on different platforms.
- Consider Ghostwriting: If you enjoy writing but prefer not to publish under your own name, ghostwriting offers opportunities to earn money by writing stories for others.
4. Overcoming Challenges
Writer’s Block: Everyone experiences it. Try different writing exercises, take breaks, or seek inspiration from new sources.
Rejection: Literary magazines and traditional publishers often have low acceptance rates. Don’t let rejections discourage you; learn from them and keep submitting.
Building Readership: It takes time and effort to build a loyal audience. Be patient and persistent.
Monetization Takes Time: Don’t expect to get rich overnight. Consistent effort and quality writing will eventually yield results.
Conclusion
Making money online writing stories is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding endeavor.
By honing your craft, strategically choosing platforms, actively marketing your work, and persistently building your audience, you can transform your storytelling passion into a viable and fulfilling career.
The digital world has opened up unprecedented opportunities for writers; it’s up to you to seize them and share your unique narratives with the world.