I realize I haven’t addressed freelance writers in a while. There are so many people in some stage of writing, publishing or promoting a book that I write mostly for this group. Even some of my freelance writer friends are working on books. So who is holding down the periodicals fort? Are any of you still submitting articles?
Lately, when I send out a query or offer a completed piece, the editor says, “I’ll use it in our next issue.” They seem eager to receive stories to fill space. It makes me wonder, “Where have all of the writers gone?”
And, with all of the talk of books going digital—electronic books—what is the future of magazines? How do you feel about holding a metallic object in your hands in order to read your favorite magazine copy? Would you miss the feel and smell of the slick paper, the brilliance of the colors, the sound of the pages as you turn them? Speaking of smell—if you are viewing a magazine through a reading device, you won’t be able to sample the scented perfume samples.
Every era—every generation—has experienced what is known as “progress.” With each invention and step into the future, there were people mourning the loss of the old and resisting the advent of the new. But change happens anyway, doesn’t it? And new generations are born into a world of inventions and change which they soon take for granted.
Okay, I’m getting carried away. All I wanted to do this morning was to check in with my freelance writer friends and colleagues. So are you getting work? Is it easier or more difficult to get an editor’s attention today? Are you working for the same magazines and the same editors or have you been forced to (or desire to) branch out and approach new and different publications? Is the pay staying steady? I hear that some magazines are slow paying. Is this your experience?
If your work has slowed to a dwindle. I can tell you that there definitely are new magazines cropping up. There are editors seeking good works to publish. There is work for those of us who want it badly enough to meet all of the requirements of a good freelance writer. Members of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) get some GREAT resources and leads each and every month in the SPAWN Market Update posted in the member area of the SPAWN Website each first of the month. http://www.spawn.org
If you have a book to promote and you have never tried promoting it through article (or story) writing, maybe this is a good time to start. You’ll find some articles at my website that might help you get a feel for what’s involved with article-writing. I also have a great little book on the subject. A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles.
For articles on writing: http://www.matilijapress.com/articles.htm#writing
Check out the book at: http://www.matilijapress.com/writingpage.html
Brandi,
Welcome and thanks for commenting. I do wish you luck with your freelance writing business. And I’d like to hear from you again. For one thing, I’d like to know what type of blog posts would you find helpful–on what topics?
Patricia