Finding New Non-Fiction Writing Markets

For a writer finding markets for your work is vital.

Here are a couple of ways I have been going about finding non-fiction markets to date.

Newsagents and Bookstores

It goes without saying that a trip to your local newsagent/bookstore (preferably a large one with lots of magazines) will open up a range of writing markets.  Pay attention to the ones in your niche or specialty (if  in fact you have one).  Browse through the magazines on offer.  Sometimes this can be a little difficult if it is only a small store.  Shop owners obviously want you to buy the products not simply read them. 

Libraries thankfully don’t mind you hanging around and loitering over the magazines.  Check out what your local library has to offer.  One of the larger, more popular libraries is likely to have the best selection.

If you are thinking of buying several magazines regularly to analyse, look into their subscription fees to save money.

Study Writers Bios/Portfolios

Since I started writing from home, I have been paying a lot of attention to writers’ bios and portfolios.  I have found this particularly helpful for discovering new opportunities, especially when it comes to online markets.  

I pay particular attention to the portfolios of freelance writers.  Sometimes (though not always) this may give an indication as to whether the publication is freelancer friendly.   However it goes without saying, finding out whether they accept freelance submissions would require closer investigation.

Using Twitter

This links closely to the previous bio/portfolio section.  Trying to connect with more freelance writers on Twitter, I searched through the followers of established freelance writers.(and in turn who the freelancers are following).  I then reviewd more writers  bios and portfolios.  Finding Australian freelancers in this instance was particularly helpful as I found several Australian markets to research. 

I admit I am far from an expert on Twitter, so if anyone has an interesting way to uncover writers markets on Twitter, please feel free to share your knowledge in the comments below.

Contribute section of websites and blogs

I love discovering new websites and blogs.  Once I find a website/blog I really like, I check to see if they have a section for contributions /submissions and review the guidelines.

Having said that, finding a great website that accepts contributions does not mean they are a paying market.  Finding markets for your writing is one thing, finding markets that pay or pay well can be quite another.  This is particularly relevant for online writing and writing for street press style magazines and papers.   Choosing to write for low or no pay to get started is completely up to each individual.

Finding opportunities to guest post on a popular blog however could provide you with a great flow of blog traffic and new readers.

So what other opportunities have I left off this list?  I would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave your comments below.

This post was written by...

Thea – who has written 225 posts on Write Change Grow.

Hi! Welcome to my blog.  I'm a freelance writer and blogger. For more Write Change Grow goodness, sign up for my free newsletter.  You can connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.

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