by David Dewitt

Created on: June 17, 2009

One of the keys to getting writing published is the ability to understand the writing market. Freelance Writers need to take advantage of all the possible markets to make the best possible living. Understanding and being able to navigate or write for the various markets is essential to long term writing success. Knowing what is needed, what formats are acceptable and how to write in various methods helps the freelancer tremendously.

Identify Possible Markets Available

Freelance writers need to identify the markets that are available for their specific skills and areas of expertise. Understanding what markets are seeking writing is the first step to getting published. Targeting the right market with the right type of writing is crucial to success. Freelance writers can provide services for a variety of different markets.

* Copywriting

* Grant writing

* Ghost Writing

* Technical Writing

* Speech Writing

* Report Writing

* Public Relations Writing

* Magazines and Newspapers

* Online Writing

This partial list of writing opportunities shows that there is a wide market for writing. Some of the services may not be traditional for writers but earning a respectable salary writing is the goal of the freelancer.

Determine the Kind of Writing Projects to Accept

Each writer needs to determine their personal writing goals and desires. Knowing the goals will help the writer to determine what kinds of writing projects to pursue and which ones to accept. Writing goals will determine much of the projects that a writer will pursue. A writer trying to publish a non-fiction book may not want to invest time in pursuing short story fiction contests. Each project and each writing pursuit is the decision of the writer.

Know the Needs of the Market

Knowing the needs of the pursued market is important for publication. Writing an article on a topic that has been overdone will rarely sell. Explore and examine the various markets for possible opportunities. Write the kinds of articles that publishers are searching for. Some magazines will post theme lists or topic lists for upcoming issues. Be sure to check the website for such information.

Freelance writing can be a lucrative and rewarding business. Knowing the market and being able to negative the twists and turns is important for publishing success. Be sure to identify the target market, determine the kind of writing projects t pursue and know the needs of each market and each specific publication. Doing a little homework can go a long way to making the sale.

Take the time to explore all of the possibilities and options that are available. Making the right fit with personal skills, personal needs and writing plans can create an ongoing path for writing success.

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