14 Business Ideas For Short Story Writers [2024]
If you're a short story writer looking for new ways to monetize your talent, 2024 presents some exciting opportunities. With the rise of digital platforms and self-publishing, you could transform your passion for storytelling into a profitable business venture. The key is to leverage your writing skills in various creative directions.
Perhaps you could start by offering your short stories as e-books, reaching a global audience with minimal investment. Or, consider freelance writing for online magazines and content platforms; many pay handsomely for quality short fiction. Additionally, workshops and online courses could allow you to share your expertise, all while generating a steady income.
If you enjoy collaboration, partnering with illustrators to create story-based art or comics could also be a lucrative option. Another idea is to offer personalized short stories as unique gifts for special occasions. By exploring these possibilities, you could turn your storytelling prowess into a thriving business in 2024.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other short story writer businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a short story writer provides an ideal platform to engage with a passionate online community while sharing your creative expertise. By identifying a specific, underserved niche such as flash fiction or historical short stories, you could establish yourself as an authority in that area. This can not only supplement your income through affiliate links, collaborations, or event speaking but also build your credibility and followership, paving the way for even more lucrative opportunities.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could connect with a dedicated audience that shares your interests and values your expertise.
- Monetizing your blog through various streams like affiliate links and collaborations offers multiple revenue avenues.
- Creating unique content regularly could enhance your writing skills and establish your authority as a short story writer.
For a more detailed guide on how to start a niche blog, you can check out this resource.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website makes sense for a short story writer because it allows you to combine your storytelling skills with a specialized topic that you are passionate about. By curating engaging content that attracts a dedicated audience, you create a platform that not only showcases your creative prowess but also offers various monetization opportunities, such as affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products. Building a niche website gives you the creative freedom to explore new narratives while building a sustainable income stream.
Why start a niche website?
- It's an ideal way to showcase your storytelling talent to a highly targeted audience.
- It offers versatile monetization options, providing a reliable source of passive income.
- You can leverage your expertise and passion, making it more likely for your site to succeed.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
3. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel can be a fantastic opportunity for short story writers to diversify their income streams and build a broader audience. By creating video content that showcases your storytelling skills, you could engage viewers in a new, dynamic way while monetizing through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. This platform allows you to share behind-the-scenes looks at your creative process, offer tips and tutorials for aspiring writers, or even narrate your own stories for an engaged audience.
A successful YouTube channel requires consistency, quality content, and a good grasp of SEO and social media marketing to attract and retain viewers. However, the effort involved can be worthwhile, offering not just financial rewards but also the flexibility to share your unique voice and expand your reach. If you're willing to put in the effort, a YouTube channel could be a highly fulfilling and profitable endeavor.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could reach a global audience, expanding your reach beyond traditional readers.
- Video content offers new ways to showcase your storytelling, enhancing engagement and retention.
- Monetization through ads and sponsorships adds multiple revenue streams, making your side hustle potentially lucrative.
For more inspiration, check out some success stories here.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast can be an excellent way for short story writers to supplement their income and build a dedicated audience for their work. By creating and producing audio content, short story writers can share their stories with a wider audience, engage listeners with their narrative skills, and potentially attract sponsorships or advertisers. Additionally, running a podcast allows writers to explore new storytelling formats and connect directly with their audience through unique and serialized content.
Why start a podcast?
- It's a platform to showcase your storytelling skills outside of traditional publishing.
- Directly engage with your audience and build a loyal fanbase for your work.
- Potential to attract sponsorships and advertisers, creating multiple revenue streams.
For more details and tips on how to get started, you can check out podcast startup costs.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
5. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Creating and selling online courses is a lucrative opportunity for short story writers to supplement their income or even establish a full-time business. You could develop courses that teach the art of short story writing, story structure, character development, or how to get published in literary magazines. This not only generates revenue but also positions you as an authority in your field, attracting more readers to your work and enhancing your professional reputation.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You can monetize your expertise in storytelling by teaching aspiring writers the skills you've developed.
- Online courses provide a passive income stream, allowing you to earn money long after the course is created.
- Teaching writing can expand your professional network and open up more opportunities in the literary world. Read more about the pros and cons of starting an online course sales business.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
6. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business can be a fantastic way for short story writers to supplement their income and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. By leveraging your writing skills, you could create compelling content that promotes other companies' products and services, earning a commission for every sale generated through your unique links. It allows you to combine your passion for storytelling with an income stream that can be as passive or active as you want it to be.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- It allows you to monetize your writing skills by creating engaging content around products you love.
- Affiliate marketing offers flexibility and can be managed alongside other writing projects.
- With the right strategy, you could build a sustainable income stream without substantial upfront investment.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
7. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
As a short story writer, starting a subscription box business can be an innovative way to monetize your creative talent while engaging your readers on a deeper level. Imagine curating a monthly box filled with exclusive short stories, literary-themed merchandise, and writing prompts that keep your audience excited and eager for each new delivery. This business not only supplements your income but also builds a loyal community of readers who look forward to your storytelling each month.
For detailed guidance, you can explore successful subscription box business ideas here.
Why starting a subscription box business?
- Establish a steady income stream by offering monthly content and exclusive items.
- Strengthen reader loyalty by delivering personalized and unique literary experiences.
- Expand your creative horizons by collaborating with other writers and artists for diverse content.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
8. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Thinking about blending your passion for short story writing with technology? Consider launching an AI-based business solution. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could streamline editorial processes, automate story recommendations, and even create personalized reading experiences for your audience. This could enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and provide data-driven insights that help your business flourish—all while still focusing on what you love: storytelling.
Why explore AI-based business solutions?
- Automate repetitive tasks: Save time on mundane editorial work by letting AI handle initial edits and formatting.
- Enhanced customer insights: Use AI to gather and analyze reader preferences, helping you tailor content to your audience more effectively.
- Scale your impact: By integrating AI, you could expand your reach and create personalized experiences for a diverse and global readership.
For more information on the profitability of AI-based business solutions, check out this link.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
9. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As a short story writer, you could channel your creativity and storytelling skills into developing a mobile app, providing an innovative platform for sharing your narratives with a broader audience. Whether it's an interactive storytelling app, a library of your works, or a gamified literature experience, a mobile app could offer a more engaging and accessible way for readers to enjoy your craft. By combining your expertise in storytelling with technology, you could create a unique product that stands out in the competitive app market and opens new revenue streams.
Why create a mobile app?
- You could reach a wider audience by making your stories easily accessible on smartphones and tablets.
- You could innovate storytelling with interactive and multimedia features, offering a unique experience to your readers.
- You could generate additional income through app sales, subscriptions, or in-app purchases.
Explore inspiring success stories and get insights on how to market your app effectively.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
10. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a short story writer, branching into the world of lead generation can be an innovative way to supplement your income. Developing a lead generation tool involves creating software that helps businesses identify potential customer leads, automating the extensive process of finding new clients. This kind of tool is in high demand as businesses seek streamlined methods to expand their customer base. By diving into this venture, you could leverage your creative skills to design engaging and effective interfaces that attract and retain business users.
You can read more about how to start a lead generation tool business here.
Why consider a lead generation tool?
- You could turn your storytelling skills into marketing expertise, crafting compelling narratives that draw in quality leads for businesses.
- This business idea has a high demand, as companies constantly seek efficient ways to grow their customer base.
- Developing a lead generation tool could provide a steady income stream, allowing you the freedom to focus on your creative writing projects.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
11. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a short story writer, leveraging an AI writing tool can offer you a unique opportunity to supplement your income or even create a full-fledged business. The increasing demand for quality content across various industries makes this an attractive market. By developing an AI-based writing tool, you could not only streamline your writing process but also help others produce error-free and engaging content efficiently. Check out some success stories of AI writing tool startups here.
Why start an AI writing tool business?
- You could revolutionize the writing process, making it quicker and easier for yourself and others.
- Automated content creation can save time, allowing more focus on creative endeavors.
- This tech-forward business idea taps into the growing demand for efficient and high-quality content creation tools.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
12. Start a web scraping API ($34.2K/month)
As a short story writer, exploring the realm of web scraping APIs could provide you with an alternative revenue stream that aligns with your creative and analytical skills. In today’s data-driven world, businesses are continually in search of efficient ways to collect and analyze data. By developing a web scraping API, you could help companies automate their data collection process, enabling them to gather actionable insights effortlessly. This venture would allow you to leverage your coding skills and technical knowledge, making it a versatile opportunity catering to various industries. For more insights, you can check out success stories on Starter Story.
Why consider starting a web scraping API?
- Expand your skillset: Developing a web scraping API can enhance your technical prowess, complementing your storytelling with a strong analytical edge.
- Diversify your income: A successful web scraping API could provide a steady stream of additional income, offering financial stability alongside your writing.
- Support other businesses: By offering a reliable data extraction service, you empower other businesses to focus on their core activities while you handle their data needs.
How much you can make: $50 — $125,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $900 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.
13. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business makes sense for short story writers because it allows you to channel your creativity and problem-solving skills into a new arena while supplementing your income. As a writer, you probably have a keen eye for detail and an understanding of readers' needs, which can translate into developing plugins that enhance user experience for WordPress sites. Platforms like CodeCanyon provide an outlet for selling these plugins, allowing you to monetize your unique solutions and potentially earn a steady income.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- It leverages your existing creative and analytical skills, turning them into another source of revenue.
- The demand for innovative plugins is high, offering a lucrative market for problem solvers.
- You could develop plugins that cater to writers and readers, filling a niche you are already passionate about.
Read more about starting a WordPress plugin business here.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
14. Start a credit card comparison website
Starting a credit card comparison website might not seem like an obvious choice for a short story writer, but the skills and creativity involved in crafting stories can be surprisingly advantageous. You could leverage your narrative talent to create engaging content that educates users about financial products, thereby enhancing user experience and trust. Moreover, a well-designed credit card comparison platform can seamlessly integrate affiliate marketing, allowing you to earn commissions from financial institutions.
Why Start a Credit Card Comparison Website?
- As a storyteller, you have the ability to break down complex financial details into relatable, easy-to-understand narratives.
- You could use your writing skills to create compelling, SEO-friendly content, driving organic traffic to your site.
- This venture offers a potential passive income stream through affiliate commissions, providing financial stability while you continue to write.
For more insights into starting a financial-related business, you may find this page informative.
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
