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As you already know, my blog is dedicated to giving tips and advice based on my own experience in the writing and publishing industry. I also like doing some research and sharing pertinent articles with you. Well, my latest post is the case. I did some digging and found this great article in the Writer's Digest regarding the changes the publishing industry has gone through.
When WritersMarket.com started in 2000, the writing industry was different. You'd search the web (on dial-up connections) for new results about your favorite publishers or agencies. The term social media didn't exist - Facebook didn't even start until 2003. Here are a few other things that have changed since WritersMarket.com launched 10 years ago:
1. Many publications and publishers accept electronic submissions, whether via e-mail or online submission forms.
2. More than ever, writers have to brand themselves.
3. Writers must do the work of marketing and promoting themselves to agents, editors, publishers, and--ultimately--readers. (Wondering how? We recommend Get Known before the Book Deal.)
4. Personal sites and blogs have made it easier than ever for writers to develop an audience.
5. Ad-based print resources (i.e., Magazines and Newspapers) have struggled to adjust to the Internet with new content strategies and pricing models. (Market Watch, exclusively for WritersMarket.com subscribers gives you insight on the latest changes.)
6. Due to the tough economic times, publications are relying more and more on freelancers. (With over 8000 listings, WritersMarket.com can help you find these opportunities.)
7. The proliferation of online content has opened up more opportunities than ever for writers from all backgrounds.
8. There are more online tools than ever to help writers research and write more efficiently and knowledgeably.
9. Social media offers easy and ground-breaking ways to network with publishing professionals, other writers, and potential interviewees. (If you're not already a member, join the Writer's Digest Community. You'll become a part of a supportive and creative community dedicated to the art and craft of writing.)
10. Businesses and organizations now rely on great content to attract new customers, sell products, and spread important messages--the trend of content marketing. (Wonder how much you should charge for this content? The "How Much Should I Charge? Rate Card" gives you answers!)
One thing hasn't changed: Great writing is always in demand. You can use WritersMarket.com to find those opportunities.
Thanks for these succint points on the changes to the publishing industry - the main being the potential of online opportunities!
ReplyDeleteGreat to know too that great writing is still in demand.
Take care
x
Hi Old Kitty,
ReplyDeleteYou're an early riser, aren't you? Thanks for dropping a few lines ;)
I think great writing has always been in demand. The problem is that publishers/editors have to find these little treasures.
Hi Claudia! Thanks for sharing this article! I remember back in 2005 when I started querying agents that I did submit to some online and my whole book was published all via the internet! I had never met my agent or publisher in person till a few years later!
ReplyDeleteIt boggles the mind to think how different life was only ten years ago. Remember researching in an actual library?! Thanks for the great article!
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy,
ReplyDeleteIsn't that amazing? You established a business relationship with people you didn't even know via the internet, and that was just the beginning. I, too, met my mentor via the internet and he would edit my work via email. Now he's not just a mentor, he's a good friend ;)
Hi Jenna,
Ah yes, the wonderful days where I had to drag my feet to the library to do "actual" research. I even had to take a bibliography class in university. ;) It wasn't bad at all.
Thanks Claudia, I just wrote a freelance piece on a French language teacher in our area of Louisiana. Came down from Montreal many years ago and stayed. I'll send it to you when it comes out.
ReplyDeleteHi Larry,
ReplyDeleteNice to see you around here ;)
Looking forward to reading your piece.
À bientôt!
The publishing industry is changing at such a rapid speed it's sometimes hard to keep up. Even in the last two years since my book was published, technology has brought on changes. Thanks for this timely article.
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting to see the established publishing industry shift with the times. I wonder what will happen over the next decade.
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia,
ReplyDeleteits amazing hunh? am still a library girl well maybe a library cafe girl. the internet has really made things super easy. people almost look at you like environmentally irresponsible if you don't do online submissions.
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI know, I can't believe how fast this industry changes, it's mind-boggling.
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a message. Next decade? Hmmm, scary thought!
Hi Joanna,
I'm with you on this one. Libraries are special just for the mere fact they house a plethora of books and information in general. I love libraries. ;)
If I remember correctly in 1990 (the first time I submitted a story) The Writer's Market cost about $50! I went to the library and took notes out of it...
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteYes, I know what you mean. I bought this book two years ago and haven't bought another one. I think two years is pretty recent ;)
Hi Claudia,
ReplyDeleteI was inspired by your piece here and i truly commend the efforts you're doing to educate aspiring writers to make their mark in the industry. I however get my content from the net than the library. All thanks to rising technological advancements. In a bid to brand oneself, how can one get known through their works but still stop people from plagiarising their work?
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog. I'm happy to hear you were inspired by my post. I take a trip to the library depending on the type of research I have to do. But yes, technology is also helpful.
Cheers!