Imagine getting paid $100 to write a story that’s only 500 to 1,000 words long.

No agents. No publishing headaches. Just you, your imagination, and a fast, direct paycheck.

If that sounds too good to be true, let me introduce you to Flash Fiction Online — a hidden gem for writers looking to get paid for their creative work.

Here’s everything you need to know about how you can turn your short stories into cash — starting today.

What is Flash Fiction Online?

Flash Fiction Online is a professional, paying magazine that specializes in flash fiction — stories between 500 and 1,000 words.
They’ve been publishing monthly issues since 2007, featuring top-quality speculative fiction, fantasy, horror, and literary stories.

Unlike many “exposure-only” markets, Flash Fiction Online actually pays writers — $100 per story for original fiction.

And no, you don’t need to be a published author already. Beginners are welcome!

How Much Do They Pay?

• $100 per original story (500–1,000 words)
• Payment is made via PayPal or mailed check
• You retain the copyright after a short exclusivity period

Not bad for 1,000 words or less, right?

What Are They Looking For?

Flash Fiction Online runs special submission calls every month.

Some examples:

• Wilderness Horror (April 2025): Horror stories set in the wilderness
• FamPunk (May 2025): Family-centered speculative fiction (hopeful, small-scale sci-fi/fantasy)

They look for complete stories — not vignettes or mere scenes — with strong emotional impact. Whether it’s horror, fantasy, science fiction, or literary fiction, your story must feel like a real journey from beginning to end.

Key requirements:

• 500–1,000 words (this is strict!)
• Speculative or literary fiction
• Original work (unless submitting during their “reprints” call)
• Anonymous submissions (no name on the document)
• One story per submission call

How to Submit Your Story

1. Write your flash fiction (500–1,000 words)
2. Make sure it fits the current theme (example: Wilderness Horror, FamPunk, etc.)
3. Remove all personal info from the file
4. Submit it through their Submittable page

Submissions are reviewed in two rounds: a “slush” stage by first readers and a “winnowing” stage by editors.

Final decisions are usually made within 12 weeks.

Pro Tips to Improve Your Chances

• Start strong: Your opening line matters more than ever in flash fiction.
• Keep it tight: Every word must serve the story.
• End with impact: A haunting, beautiful, or jaw-dropping ending sticks in editors’ minds.
• Respect the theme: Make sure your story actually fits the current call!

Why You Should Try This

• Low word count, high reward
• Professional publication credit
• Direct payment
• Opportunity to grow your readership and build your writing portfolio

Most writers spend months chasing traditional publishing deals.

Here, you can craft a masterpiece in a few days — and get paid for it.

If you love storytelling and you’re willing to focus, Flash Fiction Online could be the stepping stone you’ve been waiting for.

Final Thoughts

Opportunities like Flash Fiction Online don’t come along every day — especially ones that actually pay.

So if you’ve been sitting on story ideas, now’s the time to dust them off.

A single afternoon of writing could earn you $100 — and much more importantly, a byline you can be proud of.

Your next great story is already inside you.

Why not get paid to tell it?