If you like to journal and write poems or thoughtful short stories, you may be surprised to learn that there are several legitimate ways to monetize this hobby and earn some extra cash. Whether you’ve dreamed of seeing your poetry published online or simply want to pick up a creative side hustle (or both), there are plenty of options to help you earn money writing poems online.
Poetry isn’t among the highest-paid forms of writing, but it’s still worth considering, since magazines, contests, and publications are all looking to pay writers for content.
Here are 11 of the best ways to get paid to write poetry online during your spare time.
1. AGNI
AGNI is a widely known literary magazine that’s based at Boston University. The magazine publishes twice yearly, in April and October. The publication loves receiving poetry submissions that push past norms and generalized ways of thinking. This includes personal essays, think pieces, free verse poetry, visual poetry, short stories, and more.
There isn’t a 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-based poetry magazine that publishes poems, essays, reviews, and even podcasts about poetry. They usually accept submissions from April 1 to July 31 each year, and writers can make only one submission per year.
Poetry must not exceed 360 lines, and Arc pays a flat rate of $50 per accepted submission. U.S.-based writers must also pay a small $2 submission fee, but it can be waived upon request.
Learn more about the submission guidelines here.
3. Black Warrior Review
Black Warrior Review is a literary publication that is run by six graduates of the University of Alabama. Submissions of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, comics, and art are all considered.
If your work is accepted, Black Warrior Review does pay a contributor fee, but it often varies based on the overall number of contributors for a given issue and the publication’s budget allocated by the University of Alabama, Office of Student Media.
Read more about the submission guidelines here.
4. Boulevard Magazine
Boulevard Magazine, one of the more well-established literary journals that has been around for several decades, accepts poetry submissions from November 1 to May 1 each year. Poems can be up to 200 lines, and you can submit up to five poems at a time.
There is a small $3 submission fee requirement, but accepted poems can earn you anywhere from $50 to $250 per piece.
Read 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 all over the world. If your work focuses on inspiration, hope, family, or personal growth, this could be a worthwhile opportunity.
Submissions are limited to 1,200 words. Chicken Soup for the Soul only pays for submissions that appear in one of its books.
Read more about story guidelines here.
6. Iowa Review
The Iowa Review publishes three issues per year, and you can submit works of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Poetry is limited to eight pages, and there is a small, $4 submission fee.
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 submitting your poetry here.
7. Iron Horse Review
Iron Horse Literary Review accepts poetry submissions, prose, short stories, and essays throughout the year and regularly pays contributors. You can also submit more than one poem at a time to increase your chances of getting published.
Iron Horse pays $50 per accepted poem and $100 per essay or story.
Learn more about submitting your work here.
8. Palette Poetry
Palette Poetry is known for publishing contemporary voices and emerging poets. Submissions are open internationally, and you can send up to five poems but no more than 10 pages.
Accepted submissions can earn you anywhere from $50 to $150 per poem. Another interesting fact about this publication is that consistent readers are often able to apply for paid editor roles if and when they open. According to the website, the current team of readers and editors was hired through a public call for readers, and many pieces 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 looks to publish poetry writers. This magazine accepts work like original poems and pays contributors for work that’s accepted.
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 this can be an excellent addition to your writing portfolio if your work is selected.
Learn more about the submission guidelines here.
10. The Fiddlehead
The Fiddlehead is a Canadian-based literary magazine that publishes four issues per year in January, April, July, and October. They love to publish diverse and underrepresented voices alongside established writers as well.
Your work must be original (no previously published writing allowed), and as of 2024, the pay for an accepted submission was $65 CAD plus two free copies of the issue your work will appear in.
11. The Kenyon Review
The Kenyon Review publishes poetry, essays, and short fiction up to 7,500 words. You can submit your work in more than one area to improve your chances of getting published.
Authors whose pieces are selected receive a contract, and once your work is published, you’ll be paid. As a poetry author, you also retain copyright to your work that’s published on The Kenyon Review, which is important.
Read more about submission requirements 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 are creating multiple income streams around their creative work.
Here are some additional ways to get paid to write poetry:
- Self-publish a poetry book: If you have a collection of unpublished work, consider self-publishing through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. You can publish a print collection of poetry, an ebook, or both. Promote your poetry book to earn royalties as an extra stream of income.
- Sell poetry merchandise: This idea is a little out-of-the-box, but you can turn your words into a physical product by printing your favorite phrases and verses from poems on journals, t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags through POD companies.
- Build an audience on social media: Many successful poets have built a strong following on social media by simply sharing snippets of their work and using it to encourage and entertain others. You can create reels for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to help you attract readers, grow an email 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 and artisan markets, author events, or even partner with your local bookstore.
- Create a poetry website: Creating your own website gives you a home base to showcase 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 marketing, a monthly membership, and paid advertising, as well as establish an email 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 may not earn you a ton of money overnight, but through paid submission opportunities, contests, 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.
