There are so many publishers of short stories that pay their writers. The following is a list of publishers that pay $200 for at least some of their stories.

I have tried to make this an eclectic list of publishers. Hopefully one of them will match your writing. If not, here is a list of even more short story publishers, and here are even more.

1. Upstreet is a literary magazine that features fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. They, unhelpfully, say that publish “the best” writing available. They seem to publish “literary” stories. This likely means no hint of genre in the writing. They are currently accepting submssions for their 11th issue. They pay up to $250 for short stories. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.

2. Uncanny is a magazine of sci-fi and fantasy. They want “intricate, experimental stories and poems with gorgeous prose, verve, and imagination that elicit strong emotions and challenge beliefs.” They pay 8 cents a word, up to 6,000 words. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.

3. The Masters Review calls itself a “platform for emerging writers.” They currently have contest with a $20 entry fee. We DO NOT recommend paying the fee, but they do accept submissions for free, under their “New Voices” category. They seem to have quite a few ways for writers to pay them. But, fortunately, payment is not required. They pay 10 cents a word, up to $200. To learn more, and to submit your writing, read this page.

4. One Teen Story accepts submissions from writers of all ages. 4 of the 12 annual stories are published by teens. Their target audience is teen readers. They pay $500 per story, and 25 contributor copies. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.

5. Confrontation Magazine is a very established literary journal, with a prestigious background. They published W.H. Auden, John Steinbeck, T.C. Boyle, and many other legendary writers. They pay up to $250 for short stories. To learn more, read their submission guidelines.