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All Credits (are not) Considered Equal
(5 things about submitting strategically)
By Jennifer Brown Banks
Remember back in college days? Classes were assessed as having
greater “weight” or value than others. Sometimes that designation
depended on the number of hours and days they were offered,
complexity, whether or not the class had a “lab” component, and
whether it was advanced level or basic. The more credits you
accumulated the quicker you graduated.
A similar system applies in the field of publishing. Beware---
all publishing credits are not created equal. This unwritten rule
is unknown by many new or “unsavvy” scribes who crank out work on
the regular without recognition or monetary rewards they desire.
Take for instance by friend “Valeria”. Every month or so she
floods my Email inbox with articles she’s had published by the
online content mills or small blogs that virtually have neither
screening process nor credibility.
If I were to hazard a guess, I’d say that she devotes the hours
equivalent of a work week on a 9 to 5 gig. She exerts this effort
in the hopes of being validated for her byline. There’s an easier way.
As a veteran professional writer and editor, I can attest that
publishing success is just as much about strategy as ability.
Here are some pointers on how to elevate your status, get paid,
and make the most of your submission strategy.
Have a game plan---What are your short and long term goals? Would
you like to one day publish a book? Pen a column? Freelance full
time? Your goals will determine your goal plan.
Diversify your portfolio---There’s nothing wrong with the
occasional article to free article directories or small niche
blogs, particularly when starting out. But keep in mind that
your career should show the ability to write about different
topics, in different publications, and should show progression
and versatility.
Research before you submit—Increase your odds of success by
doing your homework. No matter how eloquent your writing, if it’s
sent to a publication that is a mismatch in terms of editorial
content, you’ve wasted your time and theirs, and most likely
burnt a bridge.
Keep in mind that quality is more important than quantity in the
publishing business. Though there are exceptions to the rule,
here are some general guidelines:
A publishing credit in a paid publication trumps that of a non-paying.
A national publication credit is generally more impressive than a
local one.
Publication in a non-paying, but well regarded magazine is better
than that of a content mill. A good example would be Small Business
CEO Magazine, (which at the time of this writing was a non-paying
publication), but very well written by industry experts and offers
a good degree of visibility for your efforts.
Publication in an anthology is more valuable than self-publishing.
Whenever possible, maximize your efforts by sending out simultaneous
submissions. This allows for less waiting time and more exposure
for your work.
Keep these five tips in mind and you’ll make more money and move
forward faster in 2010!
BIO
Jennifer Brown Banks
Veteran freelance writer, columnist, editor
http://penandprosper.blogspot.com/
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