I started a project I’d been putting off yesterday and I was reminded of a few things along the way.
I keep a log of writing/publishing newsletters and magazines that accept articles and try to keep it updated by writing in the margins when I become aware of changes. Once a year or so, I revise my list completely by typing in the changes and rechecking the submission guidelines.
I suggest that you periodically revisit submission guidelines for the magazines, newsletters and even publishers you like to work with because I can tell you that things change. Here are some of the changes I discovered yesterday, and I’m only halfway through my project:
• Publications fold.
• New editors are hired or appointed.
• Requirements change—word count, pay scale, types of articles/stories wanted, etc.
• Contact info is different.
I have recommended to those of you who are freelance writers to print out submission guidelines. I say this to hopeful authors, too. “Print out publishers’ submission guidelines and study them/compare them.” But this is a reminder to refresh those guidelines regularly so you always have up-to-date information.
Some editors do not post submission guidelines at their websites. Contact them periodically and ask for any changes.
That’s one thing we try to do in SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network)—keep members informed as to changes with publishers and in the world of magazines and ezines. Consider joining today and you will have access to the SPAWN Market Update: one of the meatiest enewsletters around. You will also have access to our huge archives. http://www.spawn.org
Would you like to receive a sample of the SPAWN Market Update? Just let me know: Patricia@spawn.org.
I’m speaking tomorrow on publishing and book promotion at the Ojai Library in Ojai, CA at 3-5 in the afternoon. It’s a free program and it is open to the public. The program will be directed at authors from beginners who are just thinking about publishing to published authors who could still use some pointers—especially when it comes to book promotion. Contact me for more information about tomorrow’s program: PLFry620@yahoo.com.
Is there anyone reading this who plans to attend the Carolinas Writers’ Conference April 2? I’ll be there.