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 in the world of publishing in the past 10 years:
- Many publications and publishers now accept electronic submissions, whether via e-mail or online submission forms.
- More than ever, writers have to brand themselves.
- Writers must do the work of marketing and promoting themselves to agents, editors, publishers, and–ultimately–readers. (Wondering how? Check out Get Known Before the Book Deal.)
- Personal sites and blogs have made it easier than ever for writers to develop an audience.
- Ad-based print resources (i.e., Magazines and Newspapers) have struggled to adjust to the Internet with new content strategies and pricing models.
- Due to the tough economic times, publications are relying more and more on freelancers.
- The proliferation of online content has opened up more opportunities than ever for writers from all backgrounds.
- There are more online tools than ever to help writers research and write more efficiently and knowledgeably.
- Social media offers easy and ground-breaking ways to network with publishing professionals, other writers, and potential interviewees.
- 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 your content? Here are some freelance fee guidelines.)
One thing hasn’t changed: Great writing is always in demand!
