If you enjoy journaling and writing poems or thoughtful short stories, you may be surprised to learn that there are several legitimate ways to monetize this hobby and earn extra money. Whether you dream of having your poetry published online or just want to get started in a creative endeavor (or both), there are plenty of options to help you make money writing poems online.
Poetry isn’t among the highest-paid forms of writing, but it’s still worth considering, as magazines, competitions, and publications all seek to compensate writers for their content.
Here are 11 of the best ways to get paid to write poetry online in your free time.
1. AGNI
AGNI is a widely known literary magazine based at Boston University. The magazine is published twice a year, in April and October. The publication loves receiving poetry submissions that push against norms and mainstream ways of thinking. This includes personal essays, reflective pieces, free verse poetry, visual poetry, short stories and much more.
There is no maximum word limit and they encourage writers of all identities, living anywhere in the world, to apply.
Learn more about their submission guidelines here.
2. Arc Poetry Magazine
Arc is a Canadian poetry magazine that publishes poems, essays, reviews and even podcasts about poetry. They generally accept applications from April 1 to July 31 each year, and writers can only submit one application per year.
Poetry must not exceed 360 lines and Arc pays a flat rate of $50 per accepted submission. US-based writers are also required to pay a small submission fee of $2, but this can be waived upon request.
Learn more about the submission guidelines here.
3. Dark Warrior Review
Black Warrior Review is a literary publication run by six University of Alabama graduates. Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, comics, and art submissions are all considered.
If your work is accepted, Black Warrior Review pays a contributor fee, but this often varies depending on the total number of contributors for a given issue and the publication’s budget allocated by the University of Alabama Office of Student Media.
Learn more about the submission guidelines here.
4. Boulevard Magazine
Boulevard Magazine, one of the most established literary journals for several decades, accepts poetry submissions from November 1 to May 1 each year. Poems can be up to 200 lines long and you can submit up to five poems at a time.
There is a small submission fee of $3, but accepted poems can earn you between $50 and $250 per piece.
Learn more about the submission guidelines here.
5. Chicken soup for the soul
Chicken Soup for the Soul is a popular collection of stories, poems, and short essays submitted by writers from around the world. If your work focuses on inspiration, hope, family, or personal growth, this could be an interesting opportunity.
Submissions are limited to 1,200 words. Chicken Soup for the Soul only pays for submissions that appear in one of its books.
Learn more about story guidelines here.
6. Iowa Review
The Iowa Review publishes three issues per year, and you can submit poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Poetry is limited to eight pages and there is a nominal submission fee of $4.
If your work is accepted, Iowa Review pays $1.50 per line for poetry ($100 minimum) and $0.08 per word for prose ($100 minimum).
Learn more about submit your poetry here.
7. Iron Horse Review
Iron Horse Literary Review accepts submissions of poetry, prose, short stories, and essays throughout the year and pays contributors regularly. You can also submit multiple poems at once to increase your chances of getting published.
Iron Horse pays $50 per accepted poem and $100 per essay or story.
Learn more about submit your work here.
8. Palette poetry
Palette Poetry is known for publishing contemporary voices and emerging poets. Applications are open internationally and you can submit up to five poems but no more than 10 pages.
Accepted submissions can earn you between $50 and $150 per poem. Another interesting fact about this publication is that regular readers can often apply for paid editor positions if and when they open up. According to the website, the current team of readers and editors was hired following a public call for readers, and many articles receive valuable editorial feedback.
Learn more about submission guidelines here.
9. Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation’s POETRY magazine is one of the most respected publications and often seeks publication from poetry writers. This magazine accepts work such as original poems and pays contributors for accepted work.
According to the website, they receive around 100,000 poems per year, so it’s very competitive, but they also tend to pay very well, ranging from $400 to $600 per accepted submission. So it can be a great addition to your writing portfolio if your work gets selected.
Learn more about the submission guidelines here.
10. The Fiddlehead
The Fiddlehead is a Canadian literary magazine that publishes four issues per year in January, April, July and October. They also enjoy publishing diverse and underrepresented voices alongside established writers.
Your work must be original (no previously published writing is allowed) and, as of 2024, the salary for an accepted submission was $65 CAD plus two free copies of the issue in which your work will appear.
11. The Kenyon Review
The Kenyon Review publishes poetry, essays, and short fiction of up to 7,500 words. You can submit your work in multiple subject areas to improve your chances of getting published.
Authors whose pieces are selected receive a contract and once your work is published, you will be paid. As a poetry writer, you also retain copyright to your work published on The Kenyon Review, which is important.
Learn more about submission conditions here.
Other Ways to Make Money From Poetry
Submitting work to magazines isn’t the only way to earn money for your poetry. Many writers create multiple income streams around their creative work.
Here are some additional ways to get paid to write poetry:
- Self-publish a book of poetry: If you have a collection of unpublished works, consider self-publishing through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. You can publish a printed collection of poetry, a ebookor both. Promote your poetry book to earn royalties as an additional source of income.
- Sell poetic products: This idea is a bit original, but you can turn your words into a physical product by printing your favorite phrases and lines of poems on journals, t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags via POD Companies.
- Build an Audience on Social Media: Many successful poets have built a strong following on social media simply by sharing snippets of their work and using them to encourage and entertain others. You can create reels for Instagram, TikTokAnd YouTube to help you attract readers, grow a mailing list, or sell some of your work.
- Sell poetry at local events: If you have a completed poetry collection, consider selling it at local craft markets, at author events, or even in partnership with your local bookstore.
- Create a poetry site: Creating your own website gives you a basis for showcasing your work. You can publish your own poems online, sell books, and even promote yourself for speaking engagements, all on your own terms. Having your own platform also allows you to monetize your website through affiliate marketingA monthly subscriptionand paid advertising, as well as establishing a mailing list.
Final Thoughts: Get Paid to Write Poetry
Getting paid to write poems can be a fun and creative way to earn money for your writing. It might not make you a lot of money overnight, but with paid submission opportunities, competitions, self-publishing your work, and even creating a website, there are more opportunities than ever for aspiring and established poets to share their work and get paid.
