Writer's Fallout Shelter

Yep, Jessie and Kritter both covered the major aspects here. One other thing I always do when I'm considering markets is black listing checks. Google is fantastic for this. I'll google a market/business/publisher and if there are a large number of negative comments, blogs, forum conversations etc. it's a good sign I should give them a miss. This is dealing with the reputation of a business and since a great deal of writing is all about reputation it's an important factor to consider.

This is also important with Jessie's point about not submitting inappropriate content. If they're focusing on something specific and you send them something completely off topic, you could be remembered and they won't bother to take much time with anything else you ever decide to send them. You want to know you're hitting the right markets with the right content. No point sending poetry to a publication that only publishes non-fiction articles. No point sending non-fiction where they only print fiction. It's a great time saver as well as common curtesy.

On other thing is quality. Sure it might seem like a reader perspective but if I don't enjoy what they publish I don't want my words slotted along-side writing I don't like. If their prior publications lack a quality of standard, printed with multiple errors, failure to offer a professional presentation etc. I would rather skip having my byline attached. I take myself seriously so I'd never want to submit myself to a substandard representation. *chuckles* That puts me into the real 'prostitution' category. I'd lose my self respect. See, taking cash boosts my self respect, I'm worthy of earning money for my writing. But I'm not going to drag my work through the dregs of literature just to get my name out.

Anyway, lots of valid reasons to do the research first. Alas, it's also a valid reason why I do a lot less submitting then I'd like. *frowns* Sometimes I guess you have to stop researching and just get it out there.

Have fun and keep writing,
Yours truly,
Rebecca Laffar-Smith

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