So you're interested in getting published in mainstream article writing?
Good idea. Its a nice way to express creativity and get your name out to the world of publishing.
Over the last couple weeks I've been working several article and short story sites. There are a lot of different on-line sites that will help you get your words published. Each site does, however, have a personality, looking for articles that will fit their profile so you should look for sites in an area of writing that interests you.
Some sites publish a specific type of article, like the "How-to" article, wanting articles that will teach readers how to do something in the article's field. Other sites post a title that you are required to write about. Still others offer contests or a listing of "Marketplace" board where publishers set down the specifics of an article. Honestly though, there are sites that will fit the article you want to write. Key is to get on line and hunt them down.
Although it can look very alarming to the beginning article writer, article writing isn't that hard. Just do a bit of research to make sure you have your facts right then put those facts down in your own words.
If you're not a go-getter, or feel intimidated by the very prospect of publishing, connecting with a friend or fellow author who can encourage you is also a good way to get you on your way. My writing network is a one-man force commonly known as my daughter. Her emails and the phone calls every day or two have me scrambling to write and publish something on the various sites. (Last night she instructed me to do three articles for three different sites. I got one done last night, but I'm counting this as the 24 hours to get them done, although I'm certain she's going to see if differently. Make no mistake, my daughter keeps me on track even when I try to balk at doing the next article. She is worth a world of gold bullion for me and that is a fact.
As I mentioned, each site offers its own unique qualifiers, so check around and see if the site offers what your looking for. Better yet, join them and do a few articles to get the feel for hat the site, and the publishers, are looking for.
Payment is also different on each site. Carefully read the pay-out info, keeping in mind that you're looking to get your name known as much as get published. Sometimes its a good thing to take the non-paying job if it gets your by-line into the public view. Because I'm interested in building a writing portfolio that can be included in the cover letter for publishing my fictional writing, I tend to write with payment in mind as well as building a solid base of by-line only articles
Below are a few sites to get you started. I'm listing the sites through my profile page, so if you'd like to join me, follow these links. I'm also listing a couple publishing sites that I've been looking over that might be of interest to you.
Associated Content
Accepts both exclusive and non-exclusive articles
This site offers assignments on a flat fee basis. It also allows articles that tey don't request which publishers will purchase through private contact with their offer.
This site also accepts audio, slideshow and video work.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/join.html?refer=511 047
Helium
Accepts exclusive and non-exclusive articles
The Helium site offers a Marketplace directory for publishers looking for specific articles. The area offers a flat payment fee per accepted article. It also has writing contest that pays out for first, second and third place. The site has listings of titles in a vast range of categories, including short stories. There are several methods of payment and can make you a goodly amount of money if you work the site.
http://www.helium.com
TextBroker
Accepts exclusive articles
This is an article marketplace site. It offers assignments based on the level of professionalism your work. They do require you submit a piece before you are accepted and sent any possible assignments, but once you are evaluated, they send all assignments for that level author. This site pays out according to word count (prescribed by the publisher) so you know what your getting before you start.
http://www.textbroker.com/a/profile.php
SearchWrap
Accepts exclusive and non-exclusive articles
SearchWrap is more passion driven than payment driven, although it does offer a payment plan once you meet the required levels. This site does offer assignments, but you may submit an any article you care to.
http://SearchWarp.com/Register.asp
Bukisa
Accepts non-exclusive articles
A "How-To" site that pays out for each unique view. It also offers a network plan where authors sign up under you and you get a percentage. I'm posting most of my How-to articles with this site as well as the Ehow site for maximum exposure
http://www.bukisa.com/join/13580
EHow
Accepts non-exclusive articles
This is a "How-to" article site. No suggested titles, you write whatever you want. Payout is kind of confusing. I haven't quite got a handle on how it works, but it is a great place to network with other authors. you can drop in and check out my work on this site at the url listed. Please do leave me a review, rating or recommendation. they all filter into the payout plan...near as I can figure <g>
http://www.ehow.com/members/peja.html?view=3rd
Note: Although one or two of these sites will issue checks, mote of these site pay out through pay pal. Be sure you can get your payments.
Mainstream Publishers
Mind Wing
Mind Wing is a site that publishes short story transcribed onto audio-books. They are looking for stories in many genres that can be read in one hour. They payout 8% of purchase price.
http://www.miwishorts.com/
Raider Publishers International
This publisher is looking for full length novels. The estimate the submission process as four months to publication. I only checked out my section of this site so each region could be different. Best thing, check out the site and see if they are what you are looking for.
http://raiderpublishing.com/Home_Page.html