Which Comes First, Query or Manuscript?

Query first, but if editor does not know you then he or she will want to see a complete manuscript before making a commitment. Many writers despise writing on speculation, but in this case they should consider it. Most journals are in desperate need of good writers. They don’t have huge slush piles stacked around office that your article will have to compete with. As long as you have a topic they can use and can match their style, your article will sell.

Where Can You Find That Professional Knowledge? Begin with internet. Online searches enable you to find title, author, and journal of article you want, and request a copy of it from your local public or college library. Medical and health topics can be found on Pubmed at www.nih.gov. For other journal searches, contact your local community or college librarian. Without charging you, most libraries will order article from another library if they don’t have it in their collection. They’ll even call you when it’s ready.

Other useful sources of information include government regulators, local businesses, business section of phone directory, and professionals in industry.

Can You See Your Byline in Trade Journals?

Most full-time professional magazine writers include trade journals in their portfolio. Trade journals need knowledgeable writers who can produce interesting and well-written copy specific to their magazine. Finding these writers is difficult, because most people don’t think writing for trade journals is interesting. You’ll know differently when you see check in your mailbox. Many trade journals pay $200-$300 for a 1,000-word article, making it well worth effort to learn to write for this large and diverse market.

Trade journals are not flashiest places to publish. Your friends may not be amazed by your publication in Pit and Quarry, but as a writer trying to sell work, do not ignore journals that want to find you.

If you’ve written non-fiction and want to establish yourself as both an excellent writer and an expert in your field, submit short articles for use by other websites or ezines covering your area of expertise. You may want to use a synopsis of one of your chapters as article, so your readers have a glimpse of topic(s) your book covers. There are several websites which actively seek short, well-written articles covering a number of topics; some of most popular are: home improvement, family and relationships, law, business (traditional and internet), financial management and investing, and religion (from a practical perspective, rather than theoretical – homilitical discussions.) Be sure to include name of your book with a link to your sales site in “Author’s Biography” area.

If you are a poet or have written a screenplay, offer free performances of your work. In Indianapolis, one Starbuck’s offers musicians and performers chance to give renditions one night a week. Libraries, community playhouses, and even some restaurants may be open to this suggestion.

Finally, if you already have a book in print and it is selling, consider adding first chapter of your other book, along with sales information or a prepublication purchase discount, as an “extra added attraction” at your second (and subsequent) printings. If your reader liked your first book, they’re sure to love your second one.