The question of do you write for free to get published or do you wait to be paid before you write, is an age old quagmire. Often writers can not crack the market until they have published clips but does a writer have to give away their sweat and effort to become published?
I'm an exuberant proponent of all writers being paid for every article they write. There is a down side to my high faltun' ideals. The reality is, with few publishing credits, it will take much longer to break into the high paying markets. Opportunities like press tours, cover stories, and $1000. articles are only garnered by experienced writers.
So, the choice becomes one of time. Do you want to generate an extensive portfolio of published articles as quickly as possible? Or do you want to slowly build your writer's resume with only paying markets?
Option 1 - Storming the Market
Quickly build an overflowing clip file of published articles.
Option 2 - Waiting for the Greenbacks
Only write for paying markets.
I'm an exuberant proponent of all writers being paid for every article they write. There is a down side to my high faltun' ideals. The reality is, with few publishing credits, it will take much longer to break into the high paying markets. Opportunities like press tours, cover stories, and $1000. articles are only garnered by experienced writers.
So, the choice becomes one of time. Do you want to generate an extensive portfolio of published articles as quickly as possible? Or do you want to slowly build your writer's resume with only paying markets?
Option 1 - Storming the Market
Quickly build an overflowing clip file of published articles.
- Look for markets open to new writers.
- Magazines willing to accept queries by email will respond more quickly. A quick response to your article suggestion means less time waiting to either write the article or send out the query to another magazine.
- Online markets. Instant publishing! Screen print articles published online to include in your clip file or include the url in query letters.
- Submit the same article to multiple (non-competing) markets. Many low paying markets will accept re-prints and multiple submissions. The identical article can appear in four or five magazines/newspapers/websites, bulking up your portfolio with little effort. In the query include the line: My articles have been published in.... then list all the magazines the article appeared in.
Option 2 - Waiting for the Greenbacks
Only write for paying markets.
- The secret? Become an expert query writer. Polish every query to the point of being so seductive no editor can resist.
- Study the markets. Spend time with back issues of those magazines you are pursuing. You are then able to develop article ideas specifically geared towards that market. For example, if a magazine always uses sidebars and quizzes then suggest sidebars and quizzes for your article.
- Develop a relationship with an editor. Don't call the editor up and suggest a nice dinner! This tip refers to keeping in touch (usually by mail) with an editor. Send a new query every couple of months and respond promptly if you receive a reply from the editor.
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