As I was thinking of a topic to write about, Writer’s Market popped into my head. So, I may learn a little about what I am preaching. I used Writer’s Market like a Bible when younger and looking for work. it was very useful.

According to Wikipedia, Writer’s Market is an annual resource book for writers who wish to sell their work. The publication is released by Writer's Digest Books and usually hits bookstores around the summer of each year. Writer's Market was first published in 1921 and is often called "The Bible for writers" or "the freelancer's Bible." What is so cool now is that there is WritersMarket.com! Can't afford it? Go to your local library and grab a copy. Beforehand, buy some index cards then jot down prospects on each index card. In other words, a neat little filing system. A good way to keep track of names, dates, responses (or dreaded reject letters), payments, etc. 

With Writer’s Market, if you are unfamiliar, you learn about any and every publication out there, along with the editor-in-chief, editor, guidelines, address, telephone number, e-mail address, website, and deadlines. Have photos? There are instructions for photos also.

Another bonus? You get expert advice from men and women throughout the sections of the book. Your own private cheerleaders cheering you on. They explain their success.

Do you want more specialization as opposed to such generalization?  For example, if you are a poet, there is Poet’s Market.

Cannot afford a brand-new copy of Writer’s Market? Search through eBay and Amazon for pre-owned copies.

The advantages these days are that as long as you have wi-fi and a computer, one no longer needs to spend a fortune on good paper and good envelopes with expensive printer ink along with the escalating cost of postage stamps. So, you do have an advantage in getting a Writer’s Market. Simply use your local library’s copy and the library’s computer. All free! Be sure to ask your librarians for an updated copy of Writer’s Market if the copy there is outdated.

If you are a beginner or an advanced writer, either may benefit from a copy. You need to keep up to date as contacts change and some publications go out of business.

Things I always steered clear of were fees. Not very many publications have these though.

Again, Writer’s Market is updated and published every year.

I think this would be a really thoughtful gift for a budding writer you may know. Know a broke university student? Is anyone out of work? A bored person who does not think they have what it takes to be a good writer? Give them a challenge! Many people associate a job with having to drive a car to a job location. Just sit on your favorite chair and jot away!

So, this is my dissertation on finding work in the writing field, especially if one is poor and/or new. I hope I have given you some inspiration!  Write on!