Did you know that many poets make money by submitting their work to magazines, contests, and online platforms? While poetry may seem like a tough field to monetize, there are numerous publications and competitions that pay for quality poetry.
Whether you’re an aspiring poet or an experienced writer looking to earn from your passion, this guide will show you where to submit poetry for money in 2025.
Let’s dive into the best paying poetry magazines, contests, and websites that accept submissions and offer cash payments.
Paying Literary Magazines That Accept Poetry
Many top-tier literary magazines pay poets for accepted submissions. While competition is fierce, getting published in these magazines can boost your credibility and earnings.
Best Poetry Magazines That Pay Writers
| Magazine | Payment | Submission Link |
|---|---|---|
| The Sun Magazine | $100–$250 per poem | Submit Here |
| Poetry Magazine | $10 per line (minimum $300) | Submit Here |
| AGNI | Up to $150 per poem | Submit Here |
| The Threepenny Review | $200 per poem | Submit Here |
| Rattle | $200 per poem | Submit Here |
Tips for Getting Accepted:
✔ Read past issues to understand their preferred style.
✔ Follow submission guidelines carefully.
✔ Submit multiple poems to increase your chances.
Monetization Tip: If you’re serious about submitting poetry, consider using Duotrope to track submissions and discover more paying markets.
Poetry Contests with Cash Prizes
Poetry contests are a great way to earn larger payouts, often in the thousands. Here are some of the highest-paying poetry competitions for 2025:
Best Paying Poetry Contests
| Contest | Prize Money | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize | $100,000 | Spring 2025 |
| National Poetry Competition (UK) | £5,000 | Fall 2025 |
| Montreal International Poetry Prize | $20,000 | Summer 2025 |
| Rattle Poetry Prize | $15,000 | August 2025 |
Monetization Tip: Many contests require entry fees, but platforms like Reedsy Writing Contests list free competitions.
Websites That Pay for Poetry
If you’re looking for alternative ways to make money writing poetry, consider submitting to websites and online platforms.
Freelance Platforms for Poets
- Upwork – Offer custom poetry commissions.
- Fiverr – Sell personalized poems for birthdays, weddings, and events.
- Medium Partner Program – Earn money based on reader engagement.
Websites That Accept Paid Poetry Submissions
- Poetry Foundation – Pays for featured poems.
- Chicken Soup for the Soul – $200 per accepted piece.
- The New Yorker – Pays for high-quality poetry.
Monetization Tip: Use Fiverr (Affiliate Link) to offer custom poetry services and make passive income writing poetry.
How to Maximize Your Poetry Earnings
Want to earn even more from your poetry? Here are some extra strategies:
💡 Self-Publish a Poetry Book
Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark allow poets to self-publish and sell their books worldwide. If you have a collection of poems, turning them into a book can be a great passive income source.
Monetization Tip: Check out this Self-Publishing Course (Affiliate Link) to learn how to publish and market your poetry book successfully.
🎤 Perform & Monetize Your Poetry
- Start a YouTube channel and earn from ads.
- Sell poetry prints and merchandise on Etsy or Redbubble.
- Offer poetry coaching via Patreon or Ko-fi.
Monetization Tip: Etsy (Affiliate Link) is perfect for selling poetry-based art and merchandise.
Start Earning from Your Poetry Today!
Submitting poetry for money is absolutely possible if you know where to look. Whether you’re submitting to paying magazines, entering cash prize contests, or selling poetry services, there are plenty of ways to monetize your passion.
💬 Know another great paying poetry platform? Drop it in the comments!