Is it your goal for 2010 to find new markets for your writing? The good news is there are so many publications and places to choose from. The challenge is knowing where to look.
If you want to fit some extra querying into your strategy for the new year, consider these tips for finding new markets.
1. Check out the waiting rooms: Waiting rooms provide a bonanza of information for market-seekers. Many businesses subscribe to a variety of titles to keep their clients and patrons entertained while waiting. Staff members also recycle by bringing in magazines from home. Sort through the tables and racks to see if anything captures your interest. If so, open to the masthead and jot down the contact information. Once you get home, search online for more information so you can better tailor your pitch.
2. Visit the library: The library is even better than a waiting room for learning about new magazines. Most libraries subscribe to periodicals from around the world. Every time I browse magazines at the library, I find titles and niches I never even knew existed. Jot down the titles that interest you and then find yourself a copy of the Writer’s Market. Inside you’ll find almost everything you need to know about querying those markets.
3. Use the Writer’s Market: Speaking of Writer’s Market, if you don’t want to use the library copy each time you want to check out a market, consider buying you’re own. You can purchase one new or used*, or you can subscribe online for (I think) about $5 per month. What makes the Writer’s Market so valuable is that it lists tons of markets, all their contact details and everything you need to know about querying each market. It also includes querying tips and more.
4. Visit writing forums: Writing communities share market tips and advice all the time. Becoming a part of the various communities will enable you to share and learn about the different markets and the best ways to break into them.
5. Do a web search: Searching for “Writers Markets,” “Submissions Guidelines,” “Write for Us,” and “Writer’s Guidelines” will turn you on to plenty of new opportunities.
6. Talk to other writers: What are your writer friends doing? Why not ask? Ask your friends on Twitter and in the forums. Ask the people in the groups you subscribe to or the groups you personally attend. Most writers are happy to share.
How do you find new markets?
*Affiliate link for 2010 Writer’s Market Deluxe (Writer’s Market Online)