Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Katie
Do you often pen down poems about your thoughts, dreams, and observations? If so, you can turn your passion into profit, and get paid to write poetry online.
I will talk about this in today’s blog post and show you over forty ways to turn your poetry into cash!
Whether you are an aspiring poet or a seasoned wordsmith, finding ways to monetize your craft will significantly enhance both your literary career and bank account.
However, I’m not going to pump you up too much and say it’s easy to make money from poetry.
Like any career or side hustle, there is competition and not all submitted poems will get posted online and get a payment.
But, don’t let that put you off! If you write great poems, there will be a market out there for what you write – I’m sure of it!
Let’s dive in and take a look at the best ways to get paid to write poetry.
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Best Sites to Get Paid to Write Poetry
You can earn a decent income by writing poetry online.
Various platforms offer opportunities for poets to share their experiences, insights, and advice on poetry while getting paid.
Plus, there are a few unusual ways to monetize your poetry, which we talk about at the end of this article that you won’t want to miss!
Here are some of the best sites where you can get paid to write poetry.
1: Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation publishes Poetry Magazine, a well-respected platform for poets.
They focus on high-quality poems and are interested in diverse voices and fresh perspectives.
They accept various formats:
- Visual poems
- Audio poems
- Video poems
- Print and digital prose
Pay rates:
- $300 per visual, audio, and video poem
- $150 per published page of prose
Steps to submit:
- Visit the sign up page
- Create an account on Submittable
- Fill out the submission form
- Upload your work in the required format
2: Goblin Fruit
Goblin Fruit is a poetry magazine known for its exploration of fantastical and mythic themes.
If you are captivated by fairy tales, myths, and folklore, this could be your perfect platform.
They are looking for modern poems that incorporate these timeless elements, told in vivid and compelling voices.
The average ay is $10 per accepted poem.
How to sign up and submit a poem:
- Visit the Goblin Fruit submission page
- Review the guidelines carefully to align your submission with their style and requirements
- Submit your poem through their online submission system
- Provide necessary personal and contact information
- Await a response regarding the status of your submission
3: The Sun Magazine
The Sun Magazine is a literary publication that seeks to explore the complexity of human experience.
The magazine publishes a variety of works, including essays, fiction, interviews, and poetry.
The editors are looking for authentic, thought-provoking poetry that resonates with a broad audience.
They appreciate well-crafted, contemporary verses that reflect emotional depth and originality.
Payments:
- $100 to $200 per accepted poem
How to Sign Up and Submit:
- Visit The Sun Magazine’s submission page.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Follow the guidelines for submitting your poetry.
- Wait for their review and feedback.
4: Crazyhorse
Crazyhorse is a well-respected literary magazine where you can get paid to write poetry.
They are known for publishing works that demonstrate literary artistry and originality and you should focus on submitting poems that showcase both depth and creativity.
The team accepts a wide range of styles and themes, reflecting their openness to diverse voices and perspectives.
Payment Rates:
- Poems: $20 to $200
How to Sign Up and Submit:
- Visit the Crazyhorse submission page
- Create an account or log in if you already have one
- Follow the submission guidelines
- Upload your poem and submit for review
5: Rattle
Rattle is a well-respected poetry magazine known for its competitive compensation for poets.
They publish both print and online versions, ensuring your work reaches a wide audience.
The magazine is looking for high-quality poetry that speaks to a broad range of readers and to succeed, your work should be original, engaging, and thoughtfully crafted.
Payment Details
- Print Contributors: $200 per poem, plus a one-year subscription to the magazine.
- Online Contributors: $100 per poem.
- Special Awards: Consideration for the Neil Postman Award for Metaphor, with a $2,000 prize.
How to Sign Up and Submit
- Visit the Rattle submission page.
- Follow the submission guidelines carefully.
- Submit your poems through their online portal.
- Wait for their response, which might take a few months.
Engage with Rattle to potentially earn a substantial amount for your poetry while gaining exposure to a dedicated readership.
6: Thrush Poetry Journal
Thrush Poetry Journal focuses on showcasing the best poetry from diverse voices.
Publishing six editions a year, they aim to present high-quality work that resonates with readers.
They seek poems that leave a lasting impression and encourage poets to familiarize themselves with the journal’s style by reading archived issues.
Payment for Submissions:
- Payment varies per poem submitted.
How to Submit:
- Visit the Submission Guidelines.
- Follow the detailed instructions provided.
- Submit your work through the specified process.
7: Ruminate Magazine
Ruminate Magazine focuses on publishing thoughtful and reflective poetry and they seek works that explore the human experience, faith, and spirituality.
The magazine accepts poetry that resonates on a deeper emotional or philosophical level.
They prefer submissions that are engaging and offer unique insights.
The average pay for poems is $15 per accepted text.
To sign up and submit a poem:
- Visit the Ruminate Magazine submission page.
- Create an account or log in.
- Follow the submission guidelines carefully.
- Submit your poetry and await a response.
8: VQR Online
VQR Online, also known as the Virginia Quarterly Review, is a well-regarded literary journal that publishes a variety of genres including poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction.
The publication is looking for high-quality, compelling work that makes a lasting impression.
They accept poetry of all types and lengths, aiming for pieces that push boundaries and offer fresh perspectives.
Payment Rates:
- $200 per poem, up to 4 poems
- $1,000 for a suite of 5 or more poems
How to Submit:
- Visit the VQR Online submissions page.
- Follow the guidelines for the specific genre.
- Submit your poem(s) through their online portal.
VQR Online values both established and emerging voices in the literary community.
9: The New Yorker
The New Yorker is a prestigious magazine known for its high literary standards.
They accept poems from both renowned poets and emerging voices. Your work could appear alongside some of the most respected names in poetry.
The publication looks for unique, compelling poetry that resonates on multiple levels.
One thing to note is that submissions are reviewed rigorously, so ensure your work is polished and distinctive.
Payment Rates:
- Up to 25 lines: $350
- Each additional line: $10
How to Submit:
- Visit The New Yorker sign up page
- Register for an account
- Follow the submission guidelines carefully
- Upload your poem(s) through their submission portal
Prepare for a detailed review process, but the reward is worth the wait.
10: The Atlantic
The Atlantic is a prestigious magazine known for its literary excellence that is worth checking out if you want to get paid to write poetry.
They publish a diverse range of content, including poetry. Submitting your poetry here can be a significant achievement.
This publication is looking for high-quality poems that resonate with their audience and they appreciate well-crafted, thought-provoking work that offers fresh perspectives.
Payment varies based on the submission type:
- Poems: Between $100 to $300 per piece.
To submit your poem to The Atlantic:
- Visit The Atlantic’s sign-up page.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Follow the submission guidelines carefully.
- Upload your poem and submit it for review.
Ensure your submission adheres to their guidelines to increase your chances of acceptance.
11: AGNI
AGNI is a respected literary magazine that publishes both online and in print.
They accept submissions of poetry and prose and are known for featuring diverse and high-quality literary works.
Only fresh and engaging poetry that offers new perspectives will have a chance of being published.
They appreciate work that challenges conventional forms and explores complex themes.
Payment for submissions:
- $40 per printed page for accepted poetry (up to a maximum of $300).
- Each contributor receives a year’s subscription to AGNI.
- Contributors to the print publication receive two copies of the issue.
To sign up and submit a poem:
- Visit the AGNI submission page.
- Follow the guidelines carefully.
- Submit your work through their online submission system.
12: The Cincinnati Review
The Cincinnati Review is a reputable literary magazine known for its high-quality poetry and they seek poems that exhibit excellence in language, emotion, and technique.
Submissions should reflect innovation and a deep engagement with contemporary themes if you want to get paid to write poetry for this publication.
Payment:
- Poems: Approximately $25 per page
- Maximum payment: Up to $30 per published page
How to Submit:
- Visit the Cincinnati Review submission page
- Create an account or log in
- Follow the guidelines to upload your poem
- Await response within the designated time frame
Ploughshares is a prestigious literary magazine known for its high-quality poetry.
The magazine has a heavy focus on contemporary styles and strong, compelling voices.
Each issue is guest-edited by a respected writer in the literary community.
They are looking for innovative and emotionally resonant poems that push boundaries and submissions are typically open at certain times of the year, so be sure to check their schedule.
Payments:
- Payments range from $25 to $250 for each accepted poem.
- They offer higher payments for more renowned, feature-length pieces.
How to sign up and submit a poem:
- Go to the Ploughshares submission page.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Follow the submission guidelines carefully.
- Upload your poem and wait for a response.
14: Poetry Northwest
Poetry Northwest is a respected publication dedicated to highlighting contemporary poetry.
Established in 1959, the magazine offers a platform for both emerging and established poets.
They are looking for well-crafted, innovative poetry that demonstrates depth and a unique voice and the publication welcomes a variety of styles and themes, from lyrical to narrative.
Payment Rates:
- $50 per poem accepted for their online features.
- $100 per poem accepted for their print issues.
How to Submit:
- Create an account on their submission page.
- Follow their guidelines for formatting and content.
- Submit your poem through their online portal.
- Wait for a response, typically within a few months.
15: Grain Magazine
Grain Magazine is a quarterly literary publication dedicated to contemporary poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
They seek high-quality, previously unpublished work that offers a fresh perspective and original voice and encourage diverse subjects and styles.
Payment for Submissions
- Poetry: $50 per page
- Short fiction: $50 per page
- Creative nonfiction: $50 per page
How to Sign Up and Submit a Poem
- Visit Grain Magazine’s submission page
- Create an account or log in
- Follow the submission guidelines
- Submit your work for consideration
16: Copper Nickel
Copper Nickel is a renowned literary journal that publishes poetry, fiction, essays, and translation folios.
Known for its diverse and inclusive content, the journal has been in publication since 2006.
You are encouraged to submit high-quality, compelling poetry that pushes boundaries and explores new themes.
Payment Structure:
- $30 per printed page.
- Two free copies of the issue with your published work.
- One-year subscription to the journal.
How to Submit:
- Navigate to the submission page.
- Follow the guidelines for submission periods.
- Submit your poem online within the designated submission windows.
- Ensure your work adheres to the journal’s formatting guidelines.
17: Oxford Brookes Poetry Center
Oxford Brookes Poetry Center, based in the School of Education, Humanities and Languages, launched in 1998.
It hosts an exciting annual program of events, including poetry readings, workshops, conferences, and community projects.
This center is known for its international poetry competition which invites poets from all around the world.
They are looking for original and compelling poetry in English, celebrating the diversity and creativity of writers.
Prize Money:
- Each competition has 2 prizes: £1,000 for the winner and £200 for the runner up
Competition Categories:
- Open category: Open to all poets aged 18 years and over.
- English as an Additional Language category: For those whose first language is not English.
To submit your poem:
- Visit the sign up page.
- Follow the guidelines provided on the page.
- Submit your poem through the online submission system.
Participating in their competition can be a prestigious opportunity for poets to gain recognition.
18: Nimrod International Journal
Nimrod International Journal promotes living literature by recognizing contemporary writing with imagination, substance, and skill.
They seek poetry that is previously unpublished by beginners or those with more experience.
They are looking for:
- Vigorous writing
- Well-developed characters
- Realistic dialogue
Payment for submissions:
- $1,000 for first place
- $1,000 for runner-up
- Publication in the journal
How to sign up and submit your poem:
- Submit your poem
- Pay a $20 entry fee
- Include 3-10 pages of poetry
Participation details:
- Virtual awards ceremony
- Fall Conference for winners and runners-up
19: Glimmer Train
Glimmer Train is a respected literary magazine known for publishing high-quality poetry and fiction.
The magazine focuses on discovering new talent and offers substantial payouts for accepted works.
They seek well-crafted, emotionally resonant poems that showcase originality and submissions should offer fresh perspectives and profound insights.
Payment for Submissions:
- Short Poems: Up to $100
- Long Poems: Up to $300
How to Sign Up and Submit:
- Visit the sign up page
- Create an account.
- Follow submission guidelines.
- Upload your poem and submit.
20: Boulevard Magazine
Boulevard Magazine is a well-known literary journal that accepts unsolicited poetry submissions.
They are looking for previously unpublished poems and accept up to five poems with a maximum of 200 lines each. Light verse is not accepted.
Boulevard offers competitive payment for high-quality poetry:
- Print Publication: $50 to $250 per poem
- Online Publication: $50 per poem
To sign up and submit your poetry:
- Visit Boulevard’s guidelines page.
- Review submission requirements.
- Prepare your poems according to the guidelines.
- Submit your work online or via postal mail following the instructions provided.
21: The Iowa Review
The Iowa Review is a prestigious literary magazine based at the University of Iowa who publishes a variety of literary works, including poetry.
They look for well-crafted, original poems that engage readers and the magazine prefers submissions that are thoughtful and exhibit high literary quality.
Payment for poetry submissions:
- Pays $1.50 per line
- Minimum payment of $50 per poem
How to sign up and submit a poem:
- Visit The Iowa Review submission page
- Create an account
- Follow the submission guidelines provided
- Submit your poem through their online system
22: Chicken Soup for the Soul
Chicken Soup for the Soul is a well-known publication that accepts submissions for both stories and poems.
They prefer poems that tell a story, reflecting the essence of their inspirational and heartwarming brand.
The site is always looking for fresh content but, does not publish poems that focus excessively on rhyming or feel like greeting cards.
What They Pay:
- $200 per published poem or story
- A complimentary copy of the book your work appears in
How to Sign Up and Submit a Poem:
- Visit the submission page
- Read the guidelines
- Fill out the submission form
- Upload your poem or story
Chicken Soup for the Soul offers a great opportunity for poets to get published and paid, reaching a broad audience who enjoy meaningful storytelling.
23: Fence Magazine
Fence Magazine is an independent literary press that publishes new writing in various genres, including poetry.
The magazine seeks energetic and innovative poetry submissions.
To get your work published,submit up to three poems, with no more than ten pages in total.
Payment for Submissions:
- Poetry: Varies (specific details not provided)
How to Submit a Poem:
- Visit the submission page
- Follow the guidelines provided
- Submit your poems online via the portal
Fence Magazine is dedicated to creating an open space for new writing and connecting with a diverse audience.
24: New England Review
The New England Review is a prestigious literary magazine that publishes high-quality poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.
It focuses on work that displays excellence in craft and a willingness to push boundaries.
They are looking for well-crafted poems that exhibit originality and emotional depth, so if this sounds like you, send in your stuff.
What they pay for different submissions:
- Poetry: $20 to $150 per poem
- Fiction and Non-Fiction: Up to $500 per piece
How to sign up and submit a poem:
- Visit the submission page
- Follow the submission guidelines provided
- Submit your work through their online portal
25: The Southern Review
Another great site to get paid to write poetry is The Southern Review which is a respected literary journal.
The publication seeks high-quality poetry and prose that demonstrate strong craftsmanship and a unique voice.
While they are open to various styles and themes submitters should ensure their work is polished and original.
Please note the following payment rates:
- Prose: $25 to $250.
- Poetry: $25 to $250.
How to Submit:
- Visit the submission page.
- Fill out the online form.
- Pay the $3 service charge.
- Submit your work following their guidelines.
Make sure to check submission deadlines and guidelines for any updates.
26: Subtropics
Subtropics is a literary magazine that publishes high-quality poetry, fiction, and essays.
They seek submissions that offer engaging, original voices and their team reviews submissions with a keen eye for creativity and depth.
Here’s what they pay:
- Poetry: $25 to $250 per submission
- Fiction: $100 to $1,000 per story
- Essays: $50 to $500 per piece
How to submit your poem:
- Go to the Subtropics submission page.
- Prepare your poem in a single document.
- Include your contact information on the document.
- Submit electronically via Submittable.
- Pay the $3.00 submission fee.
Submitting to Subtropics is straightforward and could be a rewarding opportunity for poets.
27: The Paris Review
The Paris Review is an esteemed literary magazine that publishes high-quality poetry.
Known for its dedication to the craft, the publication seeks poems that are both innovative and memorable.
Be sure to check the submission guidelines as theyare specific, so careful adherence is key.
Payment for Submissions:
- Poems: Up to $100 per poem
- Prose: Variable rates depending on length and quality
How to Sign Up and Submit a Poem:
- Visit the submission page
- Prepare a brief cover letter
- Include a self-addressed and stamped envelope (SASE) for mailed submissions
- Follow the detailed instructions provided on the website
28: TriQuarterly
TriQuarterly is a literary journal that publishes poetry, fiction, and various forms of non-fiction.
Their focus is on innovative and thought-provoking content and aims to give voice to diverse and underrepresented perspectives.
They are looking for poetry that pushes boundaries and explores new literary territories.
Payment Rates:
- $50 per poem
How to Submit:
- Create an account on the TriQuarterly submission page
- Follow submission guidelines carefully
- Upload your poem in the required format
29: Red Cedar Review
Red Cedar Review is a literary magazine that focuses on publishing work from upcoming writers and artists.
The type of work they accept includes a variety of creative submissions, including poetry, short prose, flash fiction, genre fiction, creative nonfiction, and one-act plays.
The magazine is interested in receiving high-quality, original work from writers who have been published fewer than four times.
Pay for different submissions:
- Poetry: Payment varies but is generally competitive.
To submit your work:
- Visit the submission page.
- Follow the guidelines for formatting and length.
- Submit your work during the reading period from August 1 to October 1.
- Ensure your work is unpublished and meets their standards.
Red Cedar Review provides a valuable platform for new voices in the literary community. Make sure to follow their submission guidelines closely.
30: One Story
One Story is a respected literary magazine that showcases emerging writers.
The publication focuses on publishing one short story intensely per issue, providing a platform for new voices.
They seek high-quality, engaging poetry that captures unique perspectives and emotions and value originality, depth, and strong imagery in your submissions.
Payment Structure:
- Standard Submissions: $50
- Special Features: $100
- Selected Publications: Variable rates
How to Submit:
- Visit the One Story Submissions Page
- Create an account or log in
- Follow guidelines for formatting
- Upload your poem
31: ZYZZYVA
ZYZZYVA is a prominent literary magazine based in San Francisco where you can get paid to write poetry.
It focuses on publishing creative works from West Coast writers and artists, making it a unique platform for poets.
You should be prepared to submit high-quality poetry that reflects originality and depth. as ZYZZYVA looks for fresh voices and innovative styles.
Payment for Submissions:
- Poems: $15 to $20 per poem
How to Sign Up and Submit a Poem:
- Visit the ZYZZYVA submission page
- Register for an account
- Follow submission guidelines
- Submit your poem for consideration
32: The Threepenny Review
The Threepenny Review is a respected literary magazine that accepts various types of creative writing, including poetry.
This magazine has established itself as a platform for both emerging and established writers and they look for well-crafted, original poetry that demonstrates unique perspectives and a high level of artistry.
Pay Structure:
- $200 per poem for print publication
- $100 per poem for online publication
To submit a poem:
- Visit the submission page
- Create a single document in Word format (.doc or .docx) containing up to 5 poems
- Follow the instructions to submit your document online
33: The Sewanee Review
The Sewanee Review is America’s oldest literary quarterly, known for its high-quality poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
With a focus on exceptional literary works, they have a long history of publishing notable poets.
The editors seek well-crafted and original poetry submissions, so you should submit your best work that aligns with their literary standards.
Payment Details
- Poems: Variable payments based on length and quality.
How to Submit
- Visit The Sewanee Review.
- Create an account.
- Follow their specific submission guidelines.
- Submit your poems online.
34: Colorado Review
Colorado Review is a literary magazine published by the Center for Literary Publishing at Colorado State University.
They seek high-quality poetry that stands out in terms of voice, style, and subject matter and are known for publishing works that push boundaries and challenge conventional forms.
Payment Rates
- $10 per printed page
How to Submit
- Visit their submission page
- Create an account or log in
- Follow the guidelines for poetry submissions
35: Ecotone
Ecotone is a literary magazine is another great place to get paid to write poetry that publishes a variety of creative works, including poetry.
The magazine is known for its focus on writing and art that reimagine place.
Their aim is to publish work that explores the edges and intersections of different ecosystems and cultures.
Your poems should align with their themes and demonstrate strong craftsmanship if you want to get published.
Pay Rates:
- Publishes 1-2 poems per issue.
- Pays $50 per poem.
To submit your poem to Ecotone:
- Visit their submission page.
- Follow the submission guidelines closely.
- Create an account on their submission platform.
- Submit your poem online.
- Wait for an acceptance or rejection notification.
How Else to Get Paid to Write Poetry?
Besides submitting to literary magazines, there are several additional ways to get paid to write poetry.
These methods allow you to explore your creative side and express your entrepreneurial spirit.
Take a look below for new and unique ways to show your poems to the world and make money.
36: Submit to Poem Contests
Poem contests can be a lucrative way to earn money for your poetry.
The majority of competitions open up submissions throughout the year so you need to keep an eye on their submission pages.
Take a look at a few prestigious poetry competitions worth entering:
- The Iowa Review Rewards – Submit 10 pages of poetry with a $20 entry fee. First place gets $1500 and runner up $750.
- Poetry.com Contest – This is a monthly contest offering $500 for first place, $300 for second, and $200 for third.
- Fanstory Poetry Contests – Multiple poetry contests such as love poems, rhyming poetry, and kids poems, all with cash prizes.
Write for Poem Greeting Card Companies
Greeting card companies are always on the lookout for fresh and heartfelt poems.
Some greeting card companies pay for poems and others short quotes, short stories, or a funny quip.
Here are a few worth to take a look at:
Print Poems on T-Shirts and Sell On Etsy
Designing and selling T-shirts featuring your poetry can be both fun and profitable.
How to get started:
- Create unique designs using your poems.
- Set up a shop on platforms like Etsy.
- Use print-on-demand services to minimize upfront costs.
The easiest way to do this is to sell t-shirts on Etsy using Printify.
You can upload your poetry designs to Printify and then link your account to your Etsy shop to tap into their audience.
When you make a sale, Printify takes care of printing and delivery so you can enjoy a steady stream of passive income.
Sell Your Poems on Fiverr
Fiverr is a freelance platform where you can offer your poetry writing services.
How to get started:
- Create a detailed Fiverr profile with your gig offerings.
- Showcase examples of your poetry.
- Set competitive rates and offer various packages.
This platform enables you to earn money by writing custom poems for clients around the globe.
Not sure how to start?
Check our guide on how to make money on Fiverr without skills.
Start a Poetry YouTube Channel
A YouTube channel can help you share and monetize your poetry through ads and sponsorships.
Follow these steps to start a poetry YouTube channel:
- Create high-quality videos reading or discussing your poetry.
- Optimize your channel for SEO to attract viewers.
- Engage with your audience to build a loyal following.
With enough subscribers and views, YouTube can become a significant source of income for poets.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Paid to Write Poetry
Those are the best ways to get paid to write poetry online.
Publishing poetry can be a lucrative endeavor if you have a knack for writing and expressing emotion through your words.
While it’s not easy to become a paid poet, you will make it if you keep putting your poems out there and knocking on different poetry publication doors.
And, getting paid to write poems comes with many benefits, such as:
- Flexible Income: Payment ranges from small amounts to substantial sums, with some poetry competitions offering up to $2,000 per poem.
- Wide Reach: The sites listed have massive audiences, helping you get your poems out to the world and building your name.
- Showcase Talent: Platforms offer spaces to share your unique voice and creative thoughts.
- Professional Growth: Gain recognition and credibility in your field.
Want more ways to make money from your writing?
Check these writing opportunities:
- Freelance writing websites to find paid work
- Best freelance writing gigs for newbie writers
- How to get paid to write about sports
- Best writing sites that pay daily ($100 or more)
- How to write eBooks for passive income
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