Click joney Poets and short story writers rarely fill their bank accounts by publishing their writing in traditional literary journal markets. But there are some ways to make money on your poetry, short stories, and personal essays without sacrificing the quality of your writing. Check out our tips! Enter creative writing contests offering cash prizes. Many writing contests hosted by reputable organizations offer cash prizes. And guess what—it may be easier to win a writing contest than tto think! Search for paying markets for your short stories, poems, and narrative nonfiction. Think outside your genre box. Poets can make money by submitting their work to greeting card companies. Story writers and essayists can submit to niche magazines that accept freelance queries. Apply for grants.