Why I Moved Back to the Print Version of the Writer’s Market
Posted on May 9, 2011 in Business Basics | 8 comments
I’ve often talked about how rare print work actually has been in my freelance writing career. I’m primarily a copywriter and wouldn’t consider myself a freelance journalist. In fact, until 2010, I’d never queried for a gig. That’s because every news or magazine article I’d ever written had been given to me by a boss or a friend of a friend. So, because I didn’t query and I didn’t focus on journalistic writer, I just didn’t have a lot of those types of clips.
In 2010, I decided to go after print work to prove to myself I could. I can be like that. Sometimes I go all Babe Ruth, pick a point in the stands and hit for that just because I can. It’s a way to challenge myself. I don’t think if I stopped challenging myself I’d be so eager to get up and do this day after day. My goals for 2011 include a number of paid print articles and I’m actually right on track. But this isn’t about my 2011 Expectations.
When I first started querying, I bought an online membership to the Writer’s Market. I thought it would be better because it’s updated more frequently than the print version. And while the printed Writer’s Market is substantial, lots of listings just couldn’t fit or didn’t make it in time to go to print. The online version includes those listings. There are plenty more bells and whistles on the site, too, including search options and interacting with other writers.
On paper, the online version seemed better than the print version. But early into 2011, I broke down and ended up buying the printed version. I just wasn’t finding the online version as useful as I thought it might be.
I’ve never been one of those people who get really excited about physical books. I love reading for the experience but I don’t care whether it’s hardback, paperback or an e-book. As long as it says the same thing, I’m happy. Still, when my printed copy of the Writer’s Market arrived from Amazon, it smelled like possibilities to me. And having the book in hand immediately inspired me to query even more than what I’d had scheduled. Another unforeseen side effect of the book was that instead of going right to a preset listing, I actually found some interesting publications I’d never thought to query.
What about you? Do you buy the printed Writer’s Market each year? Why?
8 Comments
I’ve used both the print and online versions in the past, and like you I prefer the print version. I’m not sure why. Maybe I just spend so much time in front of a screen that it feels good to sit back somewhere else and page through a book for a change.
That said, I stopped buying them when I saw a lot of criticisms about recent versions — typos galore, entries that stop mid-sentence as though an editor never glanced over the pages, a lot of outdated info even at release time, and the removal of the topic index that made it easy to find publications based on niches.
So out of curiosity, from what you’ve seen so far has any of that been approved? I’d like an updated copy, but not if those issues haven’t been addressed yet.
Jenn Mattern recently posted..Comment on What to Do When Your Client Doesn’t Believe Michael Jackson is Dead by A Writer That Cant Be Edited Diary of A Mad Freelancer
And by “approved” I meant “improved.” *slaps forehead*
Jenn Mattern recently posted..Comment on What to Do When Your Client Doesn’t Believe Michael Jackson is Dead by A Writer That Cant Be Edited Diary of A Mad Freelancer
I haven’t spotted any glaring oversights, but then again I don’t read it front to back either so I’m probably not the one to answer that question thoroughly.
I buy the print copy (and have never bought the online copy). And no, it’s not because I’m a grandma (joke).
I find flipping through looking at all the magazines listed inspiring. If I’m stumped for something to write about, paging through WM can break down writer’s block. I have notes in my copy–article ideas, highlighted publications, stickys and post-its galore.
And since I’m a visual learner, those things work much better for me than an online version where I have to know what I’m looking for.
Melissa Breau recently posted..When You Can’t Wear Your Client’s Shoes
Ok, Grandma.
I use the online version, but I’m thinking about switching next time my subscription’s up after reading this post. I rarely look at it–the bookmark is buried in a folder I usually glance over–and often forget I’m even subscribed to it. Especially now that I’m trying to get into more print writing, it’s a great tool to have. I agree with Jenn that it’d be great to jump away from the screen for a change to do work.
Do you use the print or web version of Writer’s Market? http://ow.ly/4QkyY (via @iampsjones) #writechat #freelance
Why I Moved Back to the Print Version of the Writer’s Market http://t.co/395GxLz via @iampsjones