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💸 How to Get Paid $500+ for Writing One Story (No Fancy Degree Needed)

 ✍️ By Subhasri Devaraj

The no-fluff guide to earning real money from longform essays — even if you’re a total beginner.

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Let’s be honest.

Most online writing advice sounds like this:

“Start a blog!”
“Write 100 articles first!”
“Build an audience!”

But what if I told you there’s a place that pays you $500 or more for writing just one good story?

No audience.
No blog.
No journalism degree.
Just you, your life, and your voice.

Welcome to the world of longform nonfiction essays — and today, I’ll show you exactly how to get paid to write them.

.

🧠 What Are Longform Essays?

These aren’t listicles or news updates.

Think of them like the stories that stay with you.

  • That one experience that changed the way you see the world.

  • That moment you realized you were stronger than you thought.

  • That deeper dive into something others overlook — a cultural shift, a quiet rebellion, a forgotten truth.

It’s personal.
It’s emotional.
It’s researched.
It’s real.

And platforms love to pay for it — if you do it right.

💵 How Much Can You Earn?

Most people don’t believe this until they see it:

You can earn $500–$1,500 per accepted story.

Some writers get paid more if their piece requires heavy research or has viral potential.

Yes, even first-time contributors have been published.
Yes, even if you’re from a small town, a different country, or don’t have English as your first language.

What matters most?
The story and how you tell it.

✅ What They’re Looking For

Here’s what platforms that publish longform essays typically want:

🔍 They Want...🚫 Not This...
A unique angle or emotional journey       Generic motivational tips
Personal truth + reflection       Surface-level advice
Strong storytelling (show, don’t tell)       Listicles with no depth
Thoughtful structure       Rambling rants

You can write about:

  • A personal transformation

  • A cultural issue you’ve lived through

  • Mental health struggles with raw honesty

  • Something you investigated deeply because it mattered to you

  • Or even a curated list of other longreads on a topic you care about

✍️ How to Submit (Step-by-Step)

Let’s break it down:

1. Pick a Powerful Topic

Ask yourself:

  • What’s a story only I can tell?

  • What experience shaped me?

  • What have I lived through that others can learn from?

Tip: Journals, WhatsApp messages, or old blog drafts often hide gems.

2. Write a Solid Draft OR a Strong Pitch

You can:

  • Send a fully written draft (if it’s polished)

  • OR send a pitch with your story idea + why it matters

Pitch format:

Subject: Essay Pitch – [Your Title Idea]


Hi [Editor’s Name],


I’d love to submit a longform essay titled “[Tentative Title],” which explores [one-line summary].


It’s a personal story about [brief 3–4 line pitch], but it also touches on [broader theme]. I believe it’ll resonate with readers because [why it’s timely, unique, or emotional].


I’ve attached a brief outline / sample paragraphs / or full draft for your consideration.


Thanks so much,

[Your Name]

3. Email the Right Person

Send your pitch or draft to the email listed on their site (usually hello@[platform] or editor@[platform]).

Keep your subject line clear and respectful:
"Essay Submission – [Title]" or "Pitch: [Story Topic]"

4. Be Patient But Professional

Some platforms reply in days, others in weeks.
Don’t spam. Don’t chase.
Do follow up once after 3–4 weeks if you haven’t heard anything.


👀 Real Talk: Why Most Writers Don’t Try This

Because it sounds too good to be true.

But the truth?
These platforms are paying. You just don’t hear about them often because:

  • Writers are scared to submit.

  • They think their story isn’t “big” enough.

  • They assume it’s only for professionals.

Let me remind you:

Real stories, told with heart, always have value.

Your background, accent, or resume doesn’t matter.
Your honesty and skill do.

🧡 Final Thoughts (From One Writer to Another)

You don’t need a blog.
You don’t need an Instagram following.
You just need the courage to tell one true story well — and send it.

And that story… could be your first $500 payday.

If you’re ready to try, I’ll help you pick a topic or write a pitch.

From one hustler to another,
– Subhasri Devaraj

✍️ Want to know which sites pay for longform essays?
DM me or check my list of “Writing Sites That Pay” — coming soon to Skill to Bill!



🧠 Disclaimer:
✋ No AI Here:
This blog post was written 100% by me, Subhasri Devaraj, without the use of AI writing tools.
Every word is real, personal, and written from scratch — just like a proper conversation over filter coffee. ☕
No bots. No auto-generated fluff. Just me, talking to you

⚠️ No content here is copied or auto-published. I don't post anything I wouldn’t say to a friend.

📌 Copyright © 2025 — Subhasri Devaraj | Skill to Bill.
All rights reserved. Please do not copy, republish, or reprint without permission.


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