Can I sell a story I wrote?

Whether you’ve just written your first short story or polished a full manuscript, the question is: Can you actually sell it?

Short answer: yes, if you do it the smart way.

This article walks you through your options, rights, revenue paths, and real steps you can take today to turn your written story into money in your pocket.

1. Do you own the rights?

Before anything else, make sure you retain copyright. If you wrote it yourself, you automatically do. But:

• If the story was created for a client, employer, or under commission, check your contract, you may have signed the rights away.

• If you used AI assistance, refer to UK law on computer‑written works, you must ensure you have enough original input to hold copyright.

  
  

Without owning the rights, selling becomes legally risky or impossible.

2. How to sell it… traditional vs self‑publish

A. Traditional publishing

• Submit to literary agents or publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts.

• If accepted, you’ll likely receive an advance + royalties on sales.

• Royalty rates in the UK typically range from 7%–15%, and you may need to give up some rights (e.g. adaptation).

  
  

B. Self-publishing

• Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital let you upload and sell your story directly.

• You keep higher royalties, up to 70% on ebooks through Amazon KDP.

• You control pricing, editions, and artwork, but you're also responsible for formatting, cover design, marketing, and ISBN registration.

  
  

Both paths can work, but self-publishing offers faster setup and total creative control.

3. Where can you sell your story?

• Short‑story markets: literary journals, magazines, anthologies

• Online platforms: Kindle Direct Publishing, Wattpad Paid Stories, Substack

• Direct sales: your own website or Patreon-style subscription

• Audio‑optic stories: via One Story, Audible Singles, or Storytel

  
  

For short stories especially, look at guides like Writer’s Market UK or Orion’s short story competition for current opportunities.

4. How much can you expect to earn?

• Literary magazines rarely pay much—£10–£200 per accepted short story

• Anthology inclusions might offer flat fees or token payments

• Self-published ebooks can earn £1–£3 per sale, with potential for scaled income depending on reach

• Serial content (via Substack or Wattpad) can generate subscription earnings or micro‑payments

  
  

Profit depends on price, platform, visibility, and your promotional effort.

5. How to make your story sellable

• Edit professionally. An error‑riddled story won’t pass muster.

• Get feedback from writing groups, critique partners, or freelance editors.

• Write appealing blurbs and keywords. People discover stories, don’t let poor descriptions kill your sellability.

• Design a clean cover. First impressions matter.

  
  

Services like LetterLab help polish your pitch, blurb, or thankyou letter to agents, publishers, or readers.

6. Real‑world path in action

One LetterLab client self-published a novella after failing to find traditional representation. We helped rewrite the blurb, tighten the story description, and format the cover letter. Within 24 hours of launch, the ebook sold 35 copies on Amazon UK and a year later, monthly royalties surpassed £500.

7. Legal must-knows & building credibility

• Include a copyright notice e.g. “© [Your Name] 2025. All rights reserved.”

• If selling online, confirm VAT and tax responsibilities (see HMRC guidance on VAT and royalties).

• Consider an ISBN for wider distribution, available via Nielsen or local registry.

  
  

Using reputable sources like UK charity Booksellers Association or The Writer’s Handbook enhances credibility.

8. What about ghostwriting, collaboration or AI?

• If commissioned, you may act as a ghostwriter, in which case rights belong to the client unless otherwise agreed.

• Collaborative work should be clarified with a written agreement.

• If you use AI, ensure your original contributions are high,otherwise you may not legally hold copyright.

Summary

• You can absolutely sell your story, if you retain rights and choose the right path.

• Traditional routes offer prestige and editing support, but self-publishing gives control and higher royalties.

• Short stories may earn modest sums but provide exposure and credibility.

• Quality, marketing and rights clarity are everything.

Need help getting it out there?

 At LetterLab, we help writers:

• Polish agent or publisher pitch letters

• Format professional submissions

• Write blurbs or promotional copy that converts

  
  

Visit LetterLab to turn your words into sales today.