Writer's Guide to Paying Markets: How to Search the Internet for Paying Markets

More and more writers are using the Internet to seek-out paying markets. Are you one of those writers? This guide to paying markets will mention some of the many search terms you can use in your next search for paying markets. When I search the Internet for paying markets, I enter these search terms into Google, however, you're more than welcome to use the search engine of your choice. Let's begin...

Are you looking for a paying market that pays a certain amount per word? Enter the terms "pays $1 per word." You can replace $1 with whatever figure you desire ($.10, $.05, etc.). On the other hand, let's say you're in search of a paying market that pays so much per article instead of word. Then enter "pays $100 per article" or "pays $100 for articles." Again, replace $100 with the amount you desire.

What is it you're searching for again? Paying markets of course! Therefore, it should only be natural to enter the term "paying markets." Why not take it farther by narrowing it down to what you specialize in. Instead of "paying markets," try "paying business markets," "paying parenting markets" or the genre you desire. You can also enter "business magazines""writers guidelines" (enter it just like that--with the quotes and without spaces). If it's not business magazines you're searching for, then replace "business magazines" with the type of magazine you need. Furthermore, you could try "markets that pay" and "markets that pay writers."

Maybe you're looking for sites that pay for content to put on their website. Enter the terms "pays for web content" or "we pay for web content." Some more terms include "content wanted" and "articles wanted."

If you write and publish fiction more than non-fiction, try using these terms: "short stories wanted," "paying for short stories," "fiction wanted" and "paying for fiction."

Looking for paying markets for your poetry? Search for "paying for poetry," "poetry wanted," "we pay for poetry" and "pays $1 per line."

Some other search terms you can use when you're in search of paying markets in a variety of fields are: "writers wanted," "we pay writers," "looking for writers," "writing jobs," "write for us," "blogging jobs," "we pay bloggers," "blog content wanted," "bloggers wanted" or "paying for bloggers."

This list of search terms should get you started on the right track. Keep in mind, when searching for paying markets using the terms mentioned, be sure to include the quotes around the terms. Including the quotes will search for the exact phrase, which narrows the results down a bit.

Alright, now that I've helped you with terms to find paying markets how about a few writing tips as well?

As soon as you find those paying markets, place them at the end of the articles they are for. For instance, if you have an article for parents, place all the parenting markets at the end of that article. List them in chronological order by priority.

Using Microsoft Word or your favorite processing program, create a table for keeping track of your submissions. Your table could consist of six columns: submitted to, title of content submitted, date submitted, follow up date, response date and response/comments from the editor. If you don't receive a response by the allotted response time (your follow up date), send a short follow up letter to the editor and record the date you sent the follow up in your table. To help you remember when to follow up with editors, use a free reminder service.

If you're not familiar with the paying market, research them before sending a submission. Google their name, ask other writers about their reputation, check sites like Rip Off Report, Writers Weekly, Absolute Write Water Cooler and others.

Be sure to read each paying market's guidelines and follow them to a T. If they say not to submit an article with more than 1000 words, don't. If they prefer complete submissions to queries, send a complete submission. If they say no attachments, don't send attachments. And so on.

In your query or cover letter, NEVER let them know you're new. Always let them think you're a professional. Also, don't talk about your personal life; they're not interested!

Good luck with your search for paying markets! Never give up on your dreams--work toward them!