Still not moved beyond research...

[gauchecritic]

So, those of you seeking paying markets, what do you do? Write the story first then look for the market or look at the market and write for that publication?

Each time I look at the web-page/reference for a magazine or publisher I think I could write something that would fit there or I actually have a story/in progress that would fit there.

Are you or would I be, binding myself by writing something specifically for "Detective Weekly"? Should I write the story first and then think "Ah, this will fit in "Detective Weekly"?

Those of you not seeking pecuniary gain from your hobby are free to chime in, because I suppose the question applies to Lit. contests too.

 

[Vermilion]

So, those of you seeking paying markets, what do you do? Write the story first then look for the market or look at the market and write for that publication?

Each time I look at the web-page/reference for a magazine or publisher I think I could write something that would fit there or I actually have a story/in progress that would fit there.

Are you or would I be, binding myself by writing something specifically for "Detective Weekly"? Should I write the story first and then think "Ah, this will fit in "Detective Weekly"?

Those of you not seeking pecuniary gain from your hobby are free to chime in, because I suppose the question applies to Lit. contests too.

Why not do both?
If you have something that fits already then submit it, if you have an idea that springs to mind upon seeing the kind of thing they like, then write it.

Why limit yourself? Maximise your opportunities...
x
V

 

[impressive]

It's a mix. Sometimes I write for a particular themed submission call. Others, I just write it first & find a place for it later. I don't seem to have a preference, although the themes (and associated deadlines) do motivate me to finish stories.

 

[rgraham666]

So far I write and then sell it.

As I've said before trying to write to spec and/or deadline stresses the hell out of me, so I won't do it.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

Search the market to see what's out there. Do not pick a specific publication or publisher, just look at general genre - Sci-Fi, Romance, Historical, Mystery, etc. Then write it. When you are done submit it.

If you write for a specific publication and it's rejected, what then?
Leave yourself another door to try.

 

[cumallday]

I am one of those not seeking pecuniary gain. I really don't need it and am a crap writer to boot. That being said, and allowed to pitch in my own two cents, I feel like good literature is always working on several levels at once; it holds within it a suggestiveness of the other stories it is not; it has an irony and ambivalence about its own identity and posture and immunizes itself against take-over by any definitive reading or interpretation. This is good literature. All the better if people wish to pay you to read it, n'est ce pas?

 

[Lucifer_Carroll]

I write and then seek out the market.

I would rarely reccomend writing directly for a magazine unless you are a reasonably established author and can well expect to be published there. It's really really really hard for an upcoming author to be published and a story that's written and "happens" to fit is more likely able to fit into multiple markets than a specifically written work for one specific magazine.

Trying to get published, even for the greats, is a road paved with rejection notices. I have a rather full board.

A possible exception is contests, but they have that same chance of backfire.

But if a contest or specific magazine gives you a great idea, there is little reason not to write it.

 

[CharleyH]

So, those of you seeking paying markets, what do you do? Write the story first then look for the market or look at the market and write for that publication?

Each time I look at the web-page/reference for a magazine or publisher I think I could write something that would fit there or I actually have a story/in progress that would fit there.

Are you or would I be, binding myself by writing something specifically for "Detective Weekly"? Should I write the story first and then think "Ah, this will fit in "Detective Weekly"?

Those of you not seeking pecuniary gain from your hobby are free to chime in, because I suppose the question applies to Lit. contests too.

I write for market and deadline mainly because it is asked of me and I get paid for it. Sometimes I write for myself, but even if I think I am a good author it is really hard to get picked up by a worthy magazine and especially a publisher (edit to add or agent) - its A LOT OF WORK to get published and more work to get published than writing sometimes and getting picked up for online publishing (nothing against it - glad to do it and happy people do - I just don't consider it a real publish.)

I think you would be binding yourself to write for a specific magazine, Gauche. If you want to publish then you need to write first, find your markets and tailor your stories later.

 

[CharleyH]

I cannot believe so few have answered you. I am bumping because it's a great ask.

 

[CharleyH]

A bump before oblivion.