You have a great idea for an article, and now you need to find a magazine that will buy it. But how do you do that?
You could visit your local grocery store and peruse the magazine rack.
Or visit the library and see what magazines are available there.
That’s how I did it when I first started freelancing in 2006. But I was not only attacking this task the hard way, I was doing it backwards.
When I discovered the right tools, honing in on the best markets that would buy my articles (or book manuscript) became much easier. It will for you, too.
The Right Tools
- The Christian Writer’s Market Guide, is published annually. As the title indicates, this book lists Christian literary agents, and book publishers and periodicals that publish primarily Christian content. Details provided generally include Web address, editor, contact info, payment, and many other pertinent bits specific to the publication. What I especially like about this book are its topical listings for publishers and periodicals, and the extensive listing by state of Christian writers’ conferences and workshops.
- Writer’s Market is published annually by Writer’s Digest Books. This book lists literary agents, book publishers, consumer magazines, trade journals, newspapers, playwriting, greeting cards, and contests and awards for the general market. It gives much of the same information as the book listed above. In addition, you’ll also find approximately 200 pages of advice written by publishing industry leaders. (Libraries often carry this book in their resource department.)
- http://www.writersmarket.com/ The online version of the Writer’s Market book. Includes tools for tracking your submissions as well as writing advice. Paid monthly subscription.
Each of these tools has unique benefits. Review what each has to offer and pick the best one or two for you. (Personally, I keep the books on my shelf.)
Finding markets takes an investment in time.
Once you have chosen the best markets for your idea, you need to:
- Analyze each one (visit their website to view or request samples, often for free, or visit the local store and purchase a copy)
- Then craft a strong query in the style and tone of that market.
The time you invest in this process will pay off. You may be sending out fewer queries, but you are targeting those queries to markets you know are already interested in your idea topic. Acceptance is more likely.
Take aim with your queries and you are more likely to make a sale.
Debra L. Butterfield © 2014