"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." - Walt Disney

Monday, October 12, 2015

10 Markets to Inspire Your Muse

We all get stuck at times. Writer's block, a mute muse, depression... they all mean the same thing. If you've found yourself experiencing a rut then it's time to try something different. Try writing in a genre you've never tried before, or write for a new publication. Not sure who to try? Start with your own favorite reads. If you still feel stuck for inspiration, try perusing and writing for some you don't usually read. A new pace can mean fresh inspiration. Try one of the following 10 markets to get you going again. Simply click the title of each to view their writers guidelines:

Azizah Magazine — AZIZAH is the magazine for the contemporary Muslim woman, presenting her aspirations and achievements, and reflecting her experiences and empowerment as she seeks spiritual growth in today's world. All articles should be written from the perspective of the thinking Muslim woman. Regular features and fiction should be between 1500 and 2500 words. Rates vary depending on the article, and payment for first rights is made upon acceptance of the article. 

Chatelaine magazine(Canada) — Chatelaine is Canada's biggest, oldest and best women’s magazine. The editors are looking for topics that range from investigative reports, politics and crime to engaging profiles and first person narratives. The editors are always looking for informative or controversial health stories as well. Chatelaine pays $1/word and buys first North American rights in English and in French, as well as the right to archive your story and post it on Chatelaine.com 

Essence magazine — To submit your ideas, please write a query letter that explains your story concept, proposed story length, possible experts (if it is a reported piece) and why this idea would appeal to the Essence reader. Query letters should be no more than one page in length, and should be addressed to the editor whose section interests you at Essence Magazine. Payment to be determined. 

Ladies Home Journal — The editors are open to many topics, as long as the topic is something that most woman age 35-50 can relate to. They are not looking for tips or advice, but stories of personal growth told with insight and/or humor. Story length, payment, and deadlines are discussed with the writer upon assignment.

MS. Magazine — Co-founded by Gloria Steinem in 1972, Ms. quickly became a national and international forum for new ideas and issues, investigative journalism, fiction, the arts, political coverage, humor, women’s health, and international women’s news. Ms. is looking for pieces that use a feminist lens. We consider articles on politics, social commentary, popular culture, law, education, art and the environment. We do not consider articles on fashion, beauty, fitness, travel, food or of a "self-help" variety. Film, music and book reviews are covered in-house. Writers should reference several recent issues to familiarize themselves with content and style. Rates vary and are not discussed until an assignment has been made. 

REDBOOK magazine — REDBOOK is targeted to women between the ages of 25 and 45 who define themselves as smart, capable, and happy with their lives. Many, but not all, of our readers are going through one of two key life transitions: single to married and married to mom. Editors prefer to see queries rather than manuscripts, and suggest that you provide us with some ideas for sources/experts. Payment: TBD. 

Sasee magazine — Sasee welcomes editorial submissions from freelance writers. The editors seek essays, humor, satire, personal experience, and features on topics relating to women are our primary editorial focus. Diversity of subjects that reflect all age groups and variety of writing styles are invited. Articles should be no more than 500 to 1000 words in length. Payment for articles varies. 

Today's Christian Woman magazine — Today's Christian Woman's mission is to help Christian women grow deeper in their faith, influence their family, workplace, and community for Christ, and life out their calling and giftings. Today's Christian Woman articles need to offer first-hand, honest, biblical perspectives on a woman's life, relationships, faith, and ministry. Payment on acceptance of completed articles, $50-$150, exclusive online rights. For article that appear in print, we purchase first rights and pay $100-$300. 

Woman's Day magazine — Woman's Day publishes articles from freelance writers on a broad range of subjects of special interest to women, including marriage, health, diet and exercise, spirituality, saving and managing money, interpersonal relationships, careers, lifestyle issues, etc. Article lengths range from 650 to 1,600 words. Woman's Day pays top rates upon acceptance. 

Women's Running magazine — Women's Running is the only women-specific running magazine. The magazine covers all aspects of the running lifestyle, from active beauty needs to training plans. The editors are looking for experienced freelance writers to contribute. Payment to be determined. 

No comments: