In today's digital world, your words can be your paycheck. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, there are plenty of websites that pay for articles, essays, fiction, and other types of stories. From niche blogs to established publications, the internet is full of opportunities for those who know where to look.

Here’s a guide to some of the best websites that pay writers for their work—plus tips on how to boost your chances of getting accepted.

1. Medium Partner Program

Type of writing: Personal essays, thought leadership, how-tos, opinion pieces
Payment: Varies by engagement (reads, time spent)
Best for: Writers with a unique voice and something to say

Medium allows you to earn money through its Partner Program. Once you're accepted, you'll get paid based on how much engagement your stories receive from paying Medium members. It's ideal for essayists, thinkers, and creatives who want to grow a following.

2. Listverse

Type of writing: List-style articles (top 10 format)
Payment: $100 per accepted article
Best for: Writers with a knack for fun, quirky, or informative lists

If you can write a captivating and unusual list—think “10 Creepy Unsolved Mysteries” or “10 Strange Jobs You Didn’t Know Existed”—Listverse will pay you $100. The only catch? You need to have a strong hook and solid research to back it up.

3. Cracked

Type of writing: Humor, pop culture, listicles
Payment: $100–$200+ per article
Best for: Funny, sharp writers with a pop culture edge

Cracked pays for clever, well-researched humor articles. You’ll need to pitch ideas and go through an editor, but once accepted, their rates are competitive—and they help you polish your voice.

4. Narratively

Type of writing: Longform human-interest stories, personal essays
Payment: $300–$1,000 depending on the story type
Best for: Experienced writers and journalists with compelling stories

Narratively publishes deep-dive, character-driven nonfiction. They’re particularly interested in underrepresented voices and surprising perspectives. The pay is solid, but they expect high-quality, polished work.

5. The Sun Magazine

Type of writing: Essays, fiction, poetry
Payment: $300–$2,000 depending on length and type
Best for: Literary writers

This independent, reader-supported magazine is known for thoughtful, emotional writing. The Sun pays well for essays and fiction—some pieces earn thousands of dollars. Expect a slow review process, but the prestige and payout are worth it.

6. Chicken Soup for the Soul

Type of writing: Inspirational true stories
Payment: $250 per accepted story
Best for: Everyday people with heartfelt, uplifting experiences

Got a touching story about love, resilience, parenting, or friendship? Chicken Soup for the Soul accepts real-life stories (up to 1,200 words) and pays $250 upon publication. They accept pieces from non-professional writers too.

7. Travel + Leisure or AFAR

Type of writing: Travel experiences, destination guides
Payment: $0.50–$1.00 per word (varies by outlet)
Best for: Travel writers and globetrotters with a fresh angle

These big-name travel magazines look for unique takes on destinations and personal travel experiences. The competition is tough, but the pay can be excellent—especially if you have great photos or a one-of-a-kind journey to share.

8. Writer’s Digest

Type of writing: Writing advice, how-to pieces for authors
Payment: $0.30–$0.50 per word
Best for: Writers who want to write about writing

Writer’s Digest accepts articles that help other writers improve their craft or navigate the publishing world. If you have experience and advice to share, you can get published and paid here.

Quick Tips for Getting Accepted

  • Read the guidelines carefully. Each site has specific submission rules. Don’t skip them.

  • Pitch professionally. If a site accepts pitches, make sure yours is clear, concise, and tailored to their audience.

  • Revise before submitting. Editors appreciate clean, well-edited writing.

  • Write with a hook. Start strong. Your intro needs to grab attention immediately.

  • Be persistent. Rejections happen. Don’t give up—learn and keep submitting.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're freelancing full-time or just want to make some side income from your writing, there’s real money to be made online. The key is to find the right platforms, craft engaging content, and stay consistent.

Your stories are valuable—now it’s time to get paid for them.