TODAY I'm going to talk a little more about markets.
It is absolutely vital for all writers - and especially beginners - to have a clear idea of what publications want.
It seems obvious that writers should keep to the style of their target publication, write submissions to the correct length and on subjects that are suitable. However, you'd be surprised at how many aspiring writers ignore the obvious.
When working for newspapers I was frequently surprised at what writers thought we might print. On a small country weekly, we'd get 5,000 word treatises on the political situation in Eastern Europe - very well written, meticulously researched.... and totally unsuitable. Or we'd get a piece written in gutter-press, red top style, littered with exclamation marks. No doubt some third-rate tabloid might have been interested but we prided ourselves on good solid journalism, not breathless prose.
Magazines, radio and television stations and websites are are no different. They all have their own, very particular, style and won't deviate from it for anyone less well-known than JK Rowling.
So, it's easy. READ YOUR TARGET PUBLICATION. Read it once, read it twice, buy it again and read it again.
Make a note:
- What is the style - is it frivolous, serious, youthful, mature?
- What age range is it pitched at? Take a look at the advertisements; they will give you a good idea.
- How long are the articles? Count the words and find the word-count range.
- Look at the paragraphs. Are they long or are there rarely more than one or two sentences?
- What subjects are covered? What subjects could you write about that might be suitable? Don't send poetry to a publication which never uses poetry, or a short story to a magazine that doesn't carry fiction, or an article to a professional trade paper unless you are a professional or really know your stuff. There may be a few exceptions to this latter proviso - occasionally a publication may like an article with a completely different slant. However, save your time and make sure you query before writing and submitting.
- Which sections are covered by staff writers and which by freelances?
- Get right down to the detail. How are numbers written, in figures or in words? Most newspapers write numbers one to nine in words (one, two, three etc) and anything over nine in figures (10, 11, 12). How are dates written? How are initials written - do they have a full stop or do they omit the full stop (J. B. Smith or J B Smith; B.B.C. or BBC)?
In fact, go through the publications or websites with a fine toothcomb. Then you will know that your submission won't be discarded at first glance.
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