5 Reasons Every Freelance Writer Needs A Copy Of Writers' Market

I know I've already mentioned Writer's Market a few times. In fact, an online subscription is the grand prize in our first monthly writing contest. But I don't think I've really taken the time to explain why I think it's *the best* resource for freelance writers. (Maybe even better than this blog ???)

Here are the five reasons why I think every freelance writer who wants regular work should always have an up-to-date copy of Writer's Market.

1. Comprehensive listings.
Writer's Market has the most comprehensive freelance market listings I have ever seen anywhere. Period.

You can find out just about anything you need to know about any freelance writing lead, including what type of content they're looking for, how they pay, how much they pay, when they pay, how many new authors they accept each year, how often they publish, how long they've been in business, and so much, much more. The listings also include short bits of advice from editors at the publication to let you know what to do, and sometimes more importantly, what not to do.

2. They've been around the block.
Writer's Market has been published for decades. The editors are good at weeding out scams, finding out who you should really be contacting at a particular publication and pointing out things you should watch out for when considering whether or not to deal with certain agent or publishing company.

3. The information is well-researched.
With a staff dedicated to nothing but making sure the information is correct, you know you're getting the best information possible. With the new edition in hand, you know exactly when the information was updated. If you also sign up for the online edition, you'll receive automatic updates any time information changes. They also list complete contact information so you don't have to spend time searching for addresses, zip codes or email addresses.

4. Listings for all types of markets.
It doesn't matter what type of freelance writer you are. You can find the markets that fit you in Writer's Market. Fiction, non-fiction, juvenile, greeting cards, childrens magazines, trade publications -- you name it, they've got it. They also list paying contests if you decide you want to enter your work in a contest.

5. Everything you need to know to submit a query, cover letter, resume or clip.
Besides all the great listings, the front section of Writer's Market is always packed with great advice and information on what to include in query letters, how to format manuscripts, how to submit your work either electronically or by snail mail. And the best part is, the advice and information they give comes straight from the acquiring editors themselves, so it's not just someone guessing at what an editor wants to see. The tips and information at the front of the book are worth the purchase price alone. It's almost a bonus that you get thousands of job leads as well.

If you purchase the book, I also recommend signing up for the online service. You can keep track of all your queries and submissions, quickly search publishers and receive free updates to the listings in the book.

And here's one extra reason that I love Writer's Market -- the writing jobs typically pay far more than any jobs you'll find online! Now, they do take longer to get, and it's a longer wait to get paid, but you can typically make between $800 and $1,200 for a well-written, well-researched article, much more than the typical online freelance writing job. Definitely worth the extra work!

Writer's Market also makes specialty editions for Children's Markets and Novel & Short Story Markets.

Follow the links below to get your own copy, pick one up at your local bookstore, or sign up for the online service. However you get it, be sure to get a copy of Writer's Market. It really is a freelance writer's best friend.

2008 Writer's Market

Pre-order 2009 Writer's Market Deluxe (Writer's Market Online)

2008 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market)

Pre-order 2009 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market)

2008 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market (Novel and Short Story Writer's Market)

Pre-order 2009 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market (Novel and Short Story Writer's Market)