Thursday, January 17, 2008

At Last, Mini Series Part Three

Somehow time got away from me and I failed to finish up the three part mini series I started. (Sorry!) The first post highlighted where freelance writing began for me and I shared with you how I finally overcame the obstacles that kept me from writing for so long.

In part two, I continued by listing ten tips that have helped me develop relationships with editors and get published (a writer's dream!) numerous times.

As promised, today I'm sharing a few methods I use for finding places to submit my work to, as well as some actual sources for markets you can pursue.

One way I locate markets is by subscribing to several newsletters and e-zines, including:


Above are just a few of the many helpful newsletters and e-zines out there. I was also subscribed to the Write-from-Home e-zine, but December, 2007 was it's last new issue. It's still worth checking out, though, because there's a wealth of articles about freelance writing, contests, and (paying) markets in the archives!

Another way to dig up places to get published is to google the words: writer's guidelines, contributor guidelines, call for submissions, etc.

I was elated when I stopped by Get Paid to Write Online one day and read what Sharon Hurley Hall said in her post: I, Ghost Blogger. Sharon is so clever! She set up a google alert for ‘blogger wanted’ and you could also choose other words like: hiring bloggers, blogging jobs, or looking for blogger, writer's guidelines, etc. How awesome is that?!


At 1,170 pages, the Writer's Market, by Robert Lee Brewer and Chuck Sambuchino, is a great asset to any writer. I love this market guide! With over 3,500 (updated) potential markets listed, you're sure to find publications to submit your writing to.

This copy also includes five new sections:
  • Newspapers
  • Syndicates
  • Screenwriting
  • Playwriting
  • Greeting Cards
There are also different versions for those who write for children, poetry, novels, etc. I cherish my copy. It's flagged and highlighted throughout and I've actually sold work through markets I found in these pages!

That covers the markets.

For guidelines, you might want to invest in a copy of
The American Directory of Writer's Guidelines.


Compiled and edited by Stephen Blake Mettee,
Michelle Doland, and Doris Hall, this 6th Ed.,
904 page, resource will help you find out what
various markets require for submissions to editors
and publishers, as well as what is required of you if
you make a sale to them. How awesome is it that the
Magazine Editors and Publishers actually share what
they're looking for from us freelance writers?! Divine!









If you're interested in Christian markets, Sally Stuart has gathered some really good ones in her treasure of religious markets , Christian Writers' Market Guide. You'll find quality Christian publications for those ideas you have that won't fit in secular publications. It's 640 pages. I have a copy and I've sold to markets I discovered in this book.

How's this information for starters? Do you feel I've left anything out? Do you have some great tips, markets, or methods for finding guidelines, etc. that you'd like to share? Feel free to join in the conversation and share your own writing wisdom!


As always, I wish you much success writing the cyber highway!