by Catherine L. Tully
Guess what? I don’t look for markets in the typical places. And guess what else? It really pays off. I’m here to tell you one of the tricks of the trade…you have to go off the map. Instead of looking for markets and guidelines in the usual places, broaden your search. Google is a wonderful tool for this. Just type in “writers guidelines” along with a keyword and boom … a list of things to investigate. For example, since I write about dance, I would use that (or variations of that, such as dancer, dancing, etc.) as the keyword. It’s a simple tip, but one that brings work. Give it a try and see what happens…
Sandra Miller-Louden is a professional greeting card writer with an axe to grind. She’s got four big pet peeves regarding the myths of greeting card writing. Do you really need to submit artwork with your prose? Or use rhyming poetry? So many old chestnuts floating out there… I ran across Miller-Louden’s excellent article, “So You Want To Write Greeting Cards?” at Absolute Write and am impressed–it seems there are plenty of opportunities in this niche market, once you know where to look. I am a big believer in spreading the word about even the tiniest bit of insider information that can eliminate myths about writing, so this one’s definitely worth your time.
Lounden is the author of many works on this subject, including her 2008 title, Well Versed: Let’s Write Greeting Cards! This one comes out Friday May 30, according to her website. If you’re looking for some additional info on breaking into this industry, she has plenty to teach. I am looking forward to seeing the book come out; greeting cards have never really been on my writer’s radar and since there’s a first time for everything…
The Renegade Writer Markets Wiki is a great idea that actually gave me a new lead–and I have been everywhere for markets–beleive me! I’m not quite sure when this began, and it is a work in progress, but what a terrific idea! Add it to the stash and keep an eye on it. Or if you have a minute–why not contribute?
Sure, children’s writing is an overcrowded market. Every mom comes up with at least three ideas they’re sure would make a great kid’s book. Don’t get us wrong, we’d never discourage anyone from putting ideas together…but the market is vastly overcrowded. How do you get an edge on your competition? The Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Guide has plenty of information and resources for the beginner. Knowing how things work in the world of children’s publishing definitely gives you an advantage, at least over the clueless competition. We’ll take a wild guess and say that for every person who properly submits to publishers in this genre, at least five people ahead of you at the post office sent manuscripts without a clue on how to avoid the reject pile. Don’t be one of them!
Buy for $17.81
Chicago-based content writing, editing, and social media. 1579 N. Milwaukee #220, Chicago Illinois 60622
