Ten Tips For Finding Markets Online

By Debbie Ridpath Ohi

E-mail: ohi@electricpenguin.com
(written for _Writer's Market 2002 edition_, Writer's Digest Books, p39-41)

The frenzy of the dot-com gold rush may have subsided, but the Internet remains a rich resource of market research information and paying opportunities for writers.

Print publications - Many print publications now have an online presence, some with content not included in the print edition.

Electronic publications - Publications which exist solely online sometimes pay for editorial content, although pay rates are generally lower than for print publications.

Web guides and portals - These types of sites occasionally hire freelancers to provide content and maintain specific areas.

Other online opportunities - Additional ways a writer can earn money include copy editing and proofreading, writing press releases, online journalism, teaching online courses, and providing content for corporate Web sites.

How does one find these opportunities online? Here are ten tips that can help you find paying markets:

1. Use search engines and Web site analysis.

Most writers know the basics of using a search engine, but very few realize how much time and effort they could save in their writing research with advanced search features. Just entering the term "submission guidelines" in a standard search engine, for example, will turn up thousands of entries. Adding the term 'writer' will help narrow down the search, as will the word 'pay'. Many search engines will also allow you to specify terms you don't want (e.g. 'does not pay'), which can further narrow your search. If the guidelines of the resulting Web sites don't give a clear indication of whether or not they pay freelance writers, you can get some idea by asking yourself the following questions:

Is it a commercial site? Do they look like they're making money, or is this a non-profit organization run by volunteers? If non-commercial, is the site supported by a well-funded organization?

Does most of the material appear to be produced by in-house staff? Examine editorial content and names of the writers. Do some change every issue, or do the names always remain the same?

2. Learn how to verify a market information source.

Confirm payment and copyright policies. Editors and policies change more quickly online, so be sure to get written confirmation.

Ask around. If you're still unsure, ask other writers whether they have had problems with a particular publication.

Check Web resources. Ease of communication through the Internet has provided writers with increased ability to share information. Some useful sites:

3. Take advantage of online networking opportunities.

According to the results of a survey I sent out to hundreds of online writers, most of those with regular assignments said they found the work through contacts. Many networking opportunities exist online, including chat rooms, message forums, author organizations and groups, job boards, discussion lists and, of course, e-mail.

4. Investigate third-party market information resources.

One of the biggest advantages that the Internet offers writers is access to market information which can be more frequently updated than in a print version, typically in the form of guidelines databases, resource Web sites for writers, and electronic newsletters.

Quality control - When using a third-party resource, you should ask yourself the following questions: How reliable is the source? What kind of reputation do they have? Have they been around for several years, or are they relatively new? How is their market research conducted? Do they get their market information from third-party resources themselves or do they contact publishers and editors directly? How current is their information? Is there any indication of a 'last verified' date? If not, you have no idea whether the info is one week old or two years old. How often is the database or newsletter updated?

Types of third-party resources:

* Guidelines databases Several Web sites offer free guidelines databases for writers. Most are searchable, allowing you to browse listings by general category. Examples:

* Web sites and electronic newsletters

Many excellent market resources are available online for writers. Here are just a few: Inscriptions - www.inscriptionsmagazine.com
Writing-World.com - www.writing-world.com
WritersWeekly.com - www.writersmarkets.com/index-twmr.html
The Write Market Webzine - www.writemarket.com
The Market List - www.marketlist.com
Spicy Green Iguana - www.spicygreeniguana.com
Ralan.com - www.ralan.com

5. Browse electronic newsstands.

Electronic newsstands are Web sites where users can browse descriptions of hundreds of publications. The main purpose of electronic newsstands is to sell subscriptions, but they can also be used as a valuable source of market information for writers. Most are searchable by publication title or category.

6. Browse publisher Web sites.

Most book publishers these days have submission guidelines on their Web sites, saving you the cost of a SASE. Even if there are no guidelines available online, you can still learn a great deal by browsing through the site. Things to look for:

- A list of current titles. Some Web sites will have a searchable online catalog. This can give you a better idea of what kind of topics the publisher is interested in as well as specific topics which have already been thoroughly covered.

- Editorial contacts. Find out the names (and correct spellings) of the editor who will be looking at your query or submission.

- Newsletter. Some publishers offer free updates or newsletters by electronic mail. This is another way of finding out about recent acquisitions, current needs, and industry news.

7. Get into the habit of checking job boards.

Combing job boards is one of the best ways to find openings for regular online writing assignments. New Web sites will often posting job listings for columnists, editors, and freelance writers. Some offer other career resources.

8. Keep on the lookout for new online content Web sites.

Look for sites and newsletters that announce launchings of new Web sites as well as publishing news. Often these sites will be looking for new staff writers even if their submission guidelines aren't online.

9. Research hardcopy sources.

The annual Writer's Market (Writer's Digest Books) includes publications which pay for online content, and other market guides also carry information about online markets as well as regular print publications. Other hardcopy resources include THE WRITER'S ONLINE MARKETPLACE (my book, published by Writer's Digest) and Anthony Tedesco's book, ONLINE MARKETS FOR WRITERS: How to Make Money By Selling Your Writing on the Internet (Owl Books/Henry Holt & Co.)

10. Investigate other paying opportunities for writers.

Writers can earn money online in other ways, such as teaching online courses, either on your own or through a third party. If you have a strong interest and experience in a particular subject as well as an aptitude for teaching, you could combine this knowledge with your writing skills by developing a course that can be taught online. Many formats and methods exist for online instruction. Before developing your own, you should research to see what's available. In teaching writing-related courses, for example, some opt to work with an established organization (like WritingClasses.com or Writers.com) so they don't have to worry as much about administration and marketing.

Use the tips above to increase your current writing sales as well as find additional markets and market resources online. Despite the end of 'dot-com frenzy', writers can still find many paying opportunities online, if they know where to look.