In today’s digital age, your words can be a steady source of income. Whether you're an experienced writer or just getting started, there are countless websites out there that will pay for your articles, essays, fiction, and more. From niche blogs to big-name publications, the internet offers a wealth of opportunities for those who know where to look.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best platforms that pay writers, along with tips to increase your chances of getting published and paid.

1. Medium Partner Program

  • Type of Writing: Personal essays, thought pieces, opinion articles, how-tos

  • Payment: Based on engagement (reads, time spent, and member interactions)

  • Best For: Writers with a unique voice and something insightful to share

Medium’s Partner Program offers an excellent way to earn money through your writing. Once you're accepted, you’re paid based on how much engagement your stories receive from paying Medium members. It's perfect for essayists and thinkers who want to reach an engaged audience and build a following.

2. Listverse

  • Type of Writing: List-style articles (top 10 format)

  • Payment: $100 per accepted article

  • Best For: Writers who enjoy creating quirky, fun, or informative lists

Got a knack for writing compelling lists? Listverse will pay you $100 for articles that feature unique, engaging content. From "10 Creepiest Unsolved Mysteries" to "10 Weirdest Jobs You Didn’t Know Existed," they love unusual and well-researched lists with a strong hook.

3. Cracked

  • Type of Writing: Humor, pop culture, listicles

  • Payment: $100–$200+ per article

  • Best For: Writers with a sharp, humorous edge and a love for pop culture

Cracked pays for clever, well-researched humor pieces. The site specializes in witty and informative content, and while the pitch process is competitive, the pay and opportunity to sharpen your writing are worth it for humorists and pop-culture enthusiasts.

4. Narratively

  • Type of Writing: Longform nonfiction, human-interest stories, personal essays

  • Payment: $300–$1,000 depending on the story

  • Best For: Writers with compelling, character-driven stories

Narratively focuses on deep-dive stories that explore humanity and unique perspectives. If you're an experienced writer or journalist with a powerful narrative to share, this platform offers solid pay for high-quality, emotionally rich writing.

5. The Sun Magazine

  • Type of Writing: Essays, fiction, poetry

  • Payment: $300–$2,000, depending on the piece

  • Best For: Literary writers with a thoughtful, emotional style

The Sun Magazine offers competitive payouts for essays, fiction, and poetry, with some pieces earning up to $2,000. Known for its literary quality and introspective writing, The Sun is a great platform for writers who want to contribute to thoughtful, moving pieces. Be prepared for a longer review process, but the rewards are worth it.

6. Chicken Soup for the Soul

  • Type of Writing: Inspirational, true-life stories

  • Payment: $250 per accepted story

  • Best For: Writers with heartfelt, uplifting stories to share

Got an inspiring story about love, family, resilience, or personal growth? Chicken Soup for the Soul accepts real-life stories and pays $250 per piece. They are open to non-professional writers, making it a great opportunity for those with a powerful story but no formal writing background.

7. Travel + Leisure or AFAR

  • Type of Writing: Travel guides, personal experiences, destination pieces

  • Payment: $0.50–$1.00 per word (varies by outlet)

  • Best For: Travel writers with unique, personal experiences to share

Travel + Leisure and AFAR look for fresh and engaging takes on destinations and travel experiences. While competition can be fierce, if you have a captivating journey or rare destination insights, you could earn solid pay for your stories.

8. Writer’s Digest

  • Type of Writing: Writing tips, how-to guides, advice for authors

  • Payment: $0.30–$0.50 per word

  • Best For: Writers who want to share tips and advice on writing and publishing

Writer’s Digest is the perfect platform for experienced writers who want to share advice and resources with fellow authors. Articles that help other writers improve their craft or navigate the industry are always in demand, and the pay is reasonable for informative content.

Quick Tips for Getting Accepted

  • Read Submission Guidelines: Every platform has specific rules—don’t skip them!

  • Pitch Professionally: Tailor your pitch to the site’s audience and make it clear and concise.

  • Revise Your Work: Editors appreciate clean, well-edited submissions.

  • Hook Your Reader: The opening of your piece needs to grab attention immediately.

  • Be Persistent: Rejection is part of the process. Learn from feedback and keep submitting.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking to supplement your income or dive into full-time writing, there’s real money to be made from your words. The key is finding the right platforms, crafting compelling content, and staying consistent.

Your stories have value—now it’s time to get paid for them.