Windshift for Writers:

A resource of markets, tips and courses for writers of fiction and nonfiction

Writers Resources

Markets to Try

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HOW TO CHOOSE A MARKET FOR YOUR WRITING

One of the most difficult decisions for a writer to make is to decide which market their writing suits best. Each magazine and journal not only has a style of writing that defines them but also has a well-defined process for dealing with unsolicited manuscripts. Submissions of fiction and poetry present the most difficulties. Even if you think you have the right match, you are still subject to the likes and dislikes of an editor.

Magazines tend to theme their issues. Even though magazines like the New Yorker or the Atlantic Monthly run current political or social features, their magazines are still themed. This theming is set early on in their publishing year. The issues are roughed out, and then editors assemble the content. For example, if they have recently done an issue on water pollution or divorce, your nonfiction pieces on the sociology of water pollution or divorce trends in North America, or your short fiction thriller on water pollution or your futuristic story on divorce will be dismissed not on merit but based on the fact that that they most likely won't be revisiting these themes in the next year.

There are several ways to get a copy of the calendar of issues that a magazine will be following during a particular year. Many publications tie their themes to seasonal variations. They look at particular themes in spring and autumn issues including school in September and October. You can get a strong sense of this pattern by looking through past issues in your local library. Many magazines and journals will send you a copy of their 'calendar'. There is also a growing move to include this information with on-line submission guidelines.

There are some general do's and don'ts involved in making successful article, story or poetry submissions:
1. Query your submission unless otherwise invited to submit in another way. By reading a copy of the magazine or journal submission guidelines, you will know what is expected.

2. If you are submitting a book or novel never submit the whole manuscript unless requested to do so. The generally accepted form is to write a cover letter, a synopsis of your novel or a book proposal for nonfiction books, include the first three chapters and a S.A.S.E. [a stamped self addressed envelope]. Omitting the S.A.S.E. will mean that your reply will take much longer to arrive or may not arrive at all. Most publishers, editors and agents would not be able to absorb the financial costs of replying to the hundreds of thousands of submissions that they receive annually.

3. Always write to a named person. You can easily find out the name of the current editor or agent by consulting a recent issue of the publication or by checking the publication's web site Writing to a named person ensures that your submission goes immediately to the right recipient. It also confirms that you have taken time to make yourself aware of the publication or the agency you wish to approach.

4. Never send an e-mail unless the submission guidelines confirm that your chosen publication or agency accepts this form of approach. If you inappropriately chose this advance, you may find that your e-mail goes unanswered. Some publications are set up to handle the volume of submissions that this communication form must create. When sending e-mail communications it is best to follow the same form that you would if you were writing a letter. Anything less would suggest that you are not very professional in your approach to writing.

There is no magic formula to being published. Getting published is the result of your hard work - careful writing and editing, diligent perusal of publishing guidelines and requirements, a thorough look at the house style of the publication or publisher, and a well written submission package. Oh, did I forget to mention luck? Sometimes luck just seems to be there when you most need it.

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