I realize I haven\u2019t 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?<\/p>\n
Lately, when I send out a query or offer a completed piece, the editor says, \u201cI\u2019ll use it in our next issue.\u201d They seem eager to receive stories to fill space. It makes me wonder, \u201cWhere have all of the writers gone?\u201d<\/p>\n
And, with all of the talk of books going digital\u2014electronic books\u2014what 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\u2014if you are viewing a magazine through a reading device, you won\u2019t be able to sample the scented perfume samples.<\/p>\n
Every era\u2014every generation\u2014has experienced what is known as \u201cprogress.\u201d 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\u2019t it? And new generations are born into a world of inventions and change which they soon take for granted. <\/p>\n
Okay, I\u2019m 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\u2019s 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?<\/p>\n
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<\/a> <\/p>\n 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\u2019ll find some articles at my website that might help you get a feel for what\u2019s involved with article-writing. I also have a great little book on the subject. A Writer\u2019s Guide to Magazine Articles. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n For articles on writing: http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/articles.htm#writing<\/a> <\/p>\n