Hire the Best Short Story Writers

Clients rate our Short Story Writers
Rating is 4.8 out of 5.
4.8/5
Based on 1,781 client reviews
Johnathon H.

Parker, Colorado

$15/hr
5.0
69 jobs

I am a freelance ghostwriter of four and a half years standing, specializing in the editing and writing of fiction. On behalf of individual clients, I have written short stories as short as 3000 words and whole novels ranging from 50,000 to 60,000 words. I also have edited many unfinished or rough manuscripts in various stages of completion, ranging from line editing to full rewrites. I have a working knowledge of MS Word, Notepad and Excel as it relates to manuscripts. As to work under my own name, I was a regular columnist and reviewer for the website Innsmouth Free Press. I have two published short stories to my credit, "Grand Guginol" for Short Story Me! and "Faces" for the inaugural issue of the now-defunct New Zenith Magazine. I have also written my first script for a video game, the forthcoming visual novel "Starlight Drifter" for Dharker Studio. This last ties in with my education, as I am a holder of Bachelor's Degree in Media Arts and Animation (with a concentration on Video Games) through the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online. I promise that once I am hired, I can deliver work that is timely and up to specifications. I am also a great believer in communication and am more than willing to talk through any concerns you may have about our projects together. I look forward to hearing from you.

  • Short Story Writing
  • Short Story
  • Creative Writing
  • Fiction
  • Novel
  • Ghostwriting
  • Book Writing
  • Fiction Writing
Victoria P.

Warren, Ohio

$40/hr
5.0
70 jobs

Please read completely as many common questions are answered here. Born and raised in Ohio, I am a native English speaker and have a BA in English from Kent State University. For five years, I taught language, reading, and honors creative writing to junior and senior high students, writing my own drama and creative writing curriculum. Over the course of my career, I have released nearly a dozen YA novels, short story collections, a collection of plays, a cookbook, and a book on writing. I have worked as a freelance writer / ghostwriter in both non-fiction and fiction capacities, writing everything from captions and copy to short stories and novels in myriad genres. While my forte is fiction, I do accept non-fiction work. I've created characters and outlines, as well as writing from a provided outline, and can work with as much or as little as the client wishes. All work is 100% original, meaning that unless otherwise instructed by a client, I do not outsource work to other freelancers and I do not use generative AI programs. None of my writing, including any provided samples, were assisted or created by AI. Much of my work as a ghostwriter has made Amazon's top 100 ebook lists at least once, and I have had more than one make USA Weekend's Bestseller list. I have been freelancing since 2002 and have been writing full-time since December 2012. As I sign NDAs with all of my clients and while some do give permission for me to use parts of that work as writing samples, I cannot provide full chapters of any work I have done for clients. I can only provide chapters from my own work, which is all YA. I do not write samples over 500 words on request without payment. I require all communication to be through a messaging platform, which means no phone or Zoom interviews, though I am happy to set a time for an Upwork message chat interview. My current Upwork hourly rate is $40/hr and my current Upwork per word rate is $0.06/word. This is based on my experience and what my current clients are paying. Outlining, story development, and revision options vary for per word / fixed rate work and are not provided without additional compensation. I work on a first-come, first-serve basis, and that comes by contract, not discussion. I can advise what my schedule looks like at any given time, but until a contract is signed and a project accepted, that may change. I do not accept any work that promotes / portrays any of the following in a positive manner: homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, racism, hatred, or blasphemy of any religion.

  • Short Story Writing
  • English
  • Fantasy
  • Romance
  • Book Writing
  • Writing
  • Story Development
  • Character Design
  • Ghostwriting
  • Proofreading
  • Fiction
  • Outline
  • Fiction Writing
  • Creative Writing
Anamaria A.

Merida, Venezuela

$24/hr
4.8
89 jobs

Ready to bring your ideas to life with words and visuals that captivate? I’m your bilingual writer, illustrator, and content creator, here to craft something extraordinary. With a published book, features in top magazines, scripts for short and feature films, and a knack for creating engaging Instagram content and charming children’s books, I’m all about making your vision shine. Fluent in English and Spanish, I dive into topics like culture, art, philosophy, tech, and food with ease. Whether you need a compelling script, a thought-provoking article, a vibrant children’s book I write and illustrate, or Instagram posts that connect with your audience, I deliver with creativity and precision—professional, warm, and tailored to you. What can I do for you? * Scripts: From short films to full-length features, ready for any screen. * Articles & Essays: Insightful, well-researched, and engaging. * Stories: Short tales or epic narratives that pull readers in. * Children’s Books: Whimsical stories I write, illustrate, and design to delight kids and parents. * Instagram Content: Captions, stories, and posts that engage and inspire. * Poetry: Verses that evoke emotion or spark a smile. * Taglines: Memorable lines that stick with your audience. * Food Writing: Recipes, cookbooks, or articles, from global cuisines to dietary needs. * Gaming: Video game scripts, character development, quests, and worldbuilding. * Subtitles & Transcriptions: Seamless in English or Spanish, for any medium. Why work with me? * Bilingual versatility: I switch effortlessly between English, Spanish, fiction, and non-fiction. * Dedicated and detailed: I bring enthusiasm, responsibility, and a sharp eye to every project. * Your vision, my craft: I adapt to your needs and elevate your ideas. Let’s create something unforgettable—whether it’s a children’s book that sparks joy, Instagram content that builds your brand, or a script that lights up the screen. Reach out, and let’s make it happen!

  • Short Story Writing
  • Narrative
  • TV Screenplay
  • Film Screenplay
  • Storytelling
  • Screenwriting
  • Writing
  • Content Writing
  • Creative Writing
  • Food Writing
  • Food Photography
  • First-Person Narrative
  • Audiobook Narration
  • Film Dubbing
  • Transcript
Adata O.

Port Harcourt, Nigeria

$10/hr
5.0
2 jobs

Are you looking for a writer who can turn simple ideas into magical stories that children will want to read again and again? You’ve found her. Hi, I'm Adata — a passionate creative writer with a gift for crafting vibrant, meaningful, and entertaining content for children and families. I bring 10+ years of experience writing children's books, educational content, character-based stories, and emotion-rich fiction that connects with readers on a deep level. What I Can Do for You: -Write original children’s stories (ages 3–12), picture books, chapter books, and bedtime stories -Develop fun, age-appropriate characters that leap off the page -Craft dialogue-driven scripts for YouTube animations, skits, or edutainment shows -Write rhyming books, songs, or poems with humour and heart -Turn your idea or outline into a full children’s book manuscript -Ghostwrite creative fiction or short stories for adults and teens My style is: ✓ Engaging ✓ Emotionally intelligent ✓ Imaginative and visually rich ✓ Rooted in cultural relevance (I also write African-focused children’s stories) Ideal For: - Authors looking to self-publish children's books -Educators and edtech companies developing literacy resources - YouTube channels seeking stories - Publishers looking for a fresh voice with experience. Let’s create something magical together! Send me a message and let’s chat about your vision.

  • Short Story Writing
  • Short Story
  • Humor
  • Writing
  • Audiobook
  • Children's Writing
  • Storytelling
  • Story Writing
  • Fiction Writing
  • Ghostwriting
  • Educational Style
  • Poetry
  • Nursery Rhyme
  • Creative Writing
  • Data Entry
Robert W.

Raleigh, North Carolina

$50/hr
5.0
32 jobs

A native of the Chicagoland suburbs and endowed with a singular imagination, Robert plied his creativity for over a decade in the fantasy realm of Los Angeles, creating and pitching spec screenplays to the studios. It was a master class in exceptional storytelling and applied swagger. His screenplays and prose have garnered over 50 accolades. He holds a 100% success rate on Upwork, including a pair of self-published books on which he’s proudly collaborated. He’s always hunting for another lifelong collaborator or muse-tickling project. See more of his work at robwalcott.net SCREENPLAYS 1. Saturday Morning Siege Fantasy-Comedy When a pair of twelve-year old boys invites a creepy classmate to join their war with action figures, they risk losing their toys, their friendship, and their house. Finalist, Story Pros Awards 2022 Finalist, Emerging Screenwriter Animation Competition 2021 Top 10, Emerging Screenwriters Animation Competition 2023 Top 50, Top Tier Screenplay Competition 2021 Semifinalist, Filmmatic Sci-fi & Fantasy Awards 2023 Semifinalist, Script 2 Comic 2021 Semifinalist, Creative Screenwriting Animation Competition 2021 Quarterfinalist, Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices 2021 Quarterfinalist, Screencraft Sci-fi & Fantasy 2022 Quarterfinalist, Stage 32 New Voices in Animation 2022 Quarterfinalist, Outstanding Screenplays Feature 2022 Quarterfinalist, Titan Awards 2023 2. Self Storage Horror-Thriller On his first shift at a self-storage facility, a new night manager discovers that his workplace harbors some very disturbing business practices. Top 10, Emerging Screenwriters Suspense 2024 Semifinalist, Filmmatic Sci-fi & Fantasy 2024 Semifinalist, SYS’s Six-Figure Screenplay Contest 2024 Semifinalist, TSL Free Screenplay Contest 2024 Semifinalist, Roadmap Writers Greenlight Challenge 2022 Quarterfinalist, Emerging Screenwriters Horror 2025 Quarterfinalist, Southern California Screenplay Competition 2021 Quarterfinalist, Filmmatic Horror Screenplay Awards 2021 3. The Ordinary House of Extraordinary Lane Fantasy-Adventure 12-year-old Jessie Cumberland is about to discover that her new house occupies two neighborhoods simultaneously: the ordinary one located on Weeping Willow Lane, and the extraordinary one featuring a cornucopia of alien life-forms located six-hundred thousand light years away. Finalist, Emerging Screenwriters Sci-fi & Fantasy 2022 Semifinalist, Emerging Screenwriters Family & Holiday 2025 Semifinalist, Story Pros Awards 2021 Quarterfinalist, Screencraft Sci-fi & Fantasy Screenplay Competition 2021 Quarterfinalist, Stage 32 New Voices in Animation 2021 Quarterfinalist, Creative Screenwriting Animation Competition 2021 Quarterfinalist, Screencraft Family Screenplay Competition 2021 Quarterfinalist, Stage 32 Sci-fi & Fantasy Contest 2022 4. The Conduit TV Pilot Science-Fiction When five present-day teens stumble upon a top-secret Nazi vessel preparing to invade America in 1942, they’re whisked away on a time-hopping odyssey where they must learn how to cope with the glitchy technology as well as their German spy companion while exploring the danger-laden depths of Dark Matter Space. Finalist, Script Summit TV Pilot Competition 2020 Semifinalist, Script 2 Comics 2022 Semifinalist, Screencraft TV Pilot Competition 2020 Quarterfinalist, WeScreenplay TV Contest 2020 5. Dungeon of Fools Fantasy-Adventure When a professional dungeon guide is hired to lead a party of treasure hunters into mysterious and danger-laden ruins, he discovers that tools of almighty alchemy are no match for creatures of the dark. Winner, WildSound Fantasy/Sci-Fi Festival Screenplay Contest 2020 Semifinalist, Emerging Screenwriters Sci-fi & Fantasy 2020 6. Clicker Horror Short A young boy discovers that his new remote control can show him monsters that aren’t on TV. Official Selection, HorrOrigins Film Festival 2022 Quarterfinalist, Filmmatic Horror 2024 Quarterfinalist, Horror 2 Comic 2022 7. A Bedtime Story Family Fantasy On the night of her baby brother’s birth, a young girl and her parents collaborate on a bedtime story to help her cope with her anxiety. Semifinalist, Screencraft Animation Competition 2020 Quarterfinalist, Emerging Screenwriters Family & Holiday 2022 8. Have Cape, Will Accessorize Romantic Comedy-Action A budding Super Heroine falls for San Francisco’s most eligible Super Villain. Semifinalist, Stage 32 Romantic Comedy Screenwriting Contest 2025 Quarterfinalist, Filmmatic Comedy Screenplay Awards 2021

  • Short Story Writing
  • Article Writing
  • Copywriting
  • Testimonial Video
  • Screenwriting
  • Creative Writing
  • Novel
  • Poetry
Hannah A.

Marietta, Georgia

$12/hr
4.6
16 jobs

I have several years of creative writing for personal enjoyment as well as others'. I excel at essay and article composition, including those that require thorough research and multiple sources. I am able to quickly assess a situation, collaborate with others, and make fast decisions, and oftentimes I meet with a group to brainstorm creative solutions to possible problems. I have certificates of completion of English Composition from Saylor University and two certificates of both starting in fiction and "Writing What You Know" from Open University

  • Short Story Writing
  • Short Story
  • Creative Writing
  • Ebook Writing
  • Drama
  • Romance
  • Mystery
  • Humor Writing
  • Fiction Writing
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Book Writing
  • Writing
  • Research Papers
  • Ghostwriting

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How to Hire Top Short Story Writers

How to hire short story writers

From pop periodicals to fan fiction, short story writers are here to help put your ideas to paper.

So how do you hire short story writers? What follows are some tips for finding top short story writers on Upwork.

How to shortlist short story writing professionals

As you’re browsing available short story writing contractors, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the professionals you may want to interview. You can screen profiles using criteria such as:

  • Genre fit. You want a writer who understands the type of short story you wish to tell.
  • Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., instructional design background for incorporating short stories into an online course).
  • Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular short story writer.

How to write an effective short story writing job post

With a clear picture of your ideal short story writer in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.

An effective short story writing job post should include:

  • Scope of work: From periodicals to anthologies, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
  • Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
  • Background: If you prefer experience with certain genres or subject-matter expertise, mention this here.
  • Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.

Log in and post your short story writing job on Upwork today.

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SHORT STORY WRITER FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a short story?

A short story is a type of prose that is generally intended to be read in one sitting. This brevity generally means a short story, even when part of an anthology or series, can be enjoyed as a self-contained complete narrative.

Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in short story writing professionals:

  • Short story writing
  • Creative writing
  • Ghostwriting
  • Proofreading and editing

Why hire a short story writer?

The trick to finding top short story writers is to identify your needs. Is your goal to find a published author to regularly contribute content to your romance themed blog? Or are you looking for a ghostwriter to bring your pulp fiction short to life? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.

How much does it cost to hire a short story writer?

Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.

  • An experienced short story writer may command higher fees but also work faster, have more specialized areas of expertise, and deliver a higher-quality product.
  • A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their short story writing more competitively.

Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.