There are so many writing markets out there, but it is hard to find the ones that are just up our alley. The thing is, even if you enjoy writing about a variety of topics (I know I do), there just seems to be plenty of publications that want queries in areas that exclude a lot of writers.
Obviously a writer can’t and won’t write about everything. But it can be frustrating to realize that there is a huge number of outlets you won’t be able to pitch to.
I’m Not Pitching to Publications On:
• Parenting/Family
I am not a parent, and I am not thinking about becoming one in the near future. I don’t have a degree /certificate in anything regarding parenting or children. And guess what? I don’t know any experts in these areas either. Which is a shame, because there are many high-paying publications that are parent/family-oriented.
• Brides/Wedding
I might be tempted to submit an article to a brides/weddings magazine if I get married and want to share the experience. But right now, I am just not interested. Plus, I really do have nothing to say…
• Fashion
As much as I love shopping for clothes, shoes and accessories, I just don’t like or follow fashion. I am against the idea of someone else telling me what is cool and what is hot. It is my style, my wardrobe and my body. So frankly, only my opinion counts (to me).
And being a bit of a shopaholic, I am more interested in quality, and quantity, than brands. So paying $100 for a T-shirt seems outrageous. So I guess being a huge fan of Sex and The City, doesn’t qualify me for fashion writing…
• Technology/Gadgets/Computers
While I might be considered somewhat of a geek when it comes to movie and rock trivia, I am just a clueless soul when it comes to computers and gadgets.
I like my laptop and other home office equipments, as well as my cell phone and mp3 player. And that is pretty much it.
• Technical Music Stuff
I might know my favorite bands by heart, but as to which musical instrument is better than which and why…Have no idea.
• Boy/Girl Scouts or Cheerleaders
Never been one.
• Ultra-techy WordPress Stuff
I’m a self-taught WordPress user and I know a lot about blogging on this platform. However, I’m a stranger to coding or web-design. So if a publication covers more of these, I’m out of my depth. But this is totally OK, because there still tons of stuff I can write about blogging and WordPress that don’t require me to be extra tech-savvy.
• Cooking
I rarely feel like performing my abilities in the kitchen. And when I do, it is usually to make uncomplicated desserts and vegetables, whose recipes are typically born from my imagination. Unless there are cooking magazines for people who hate to cook 95% of the time, I am not meant to write about this.
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So far these are the most popular subjects I can’t/don’t write about. What don’t you write about? And do you feel like your writing income would have increased, had it not been for those topics?
The writers I’ve talked to said specialization was fairly important, because it helps you claim expertise and charge higher rates. I decided to specialize in Business, because I have a business degree, and my clients decided I knew enough about Tech to also have that as a specialty, so I ran with it.
As for the techy wordpress topic, I want to get better at it. Seeing a lot of clients who want a writer with lots of CMS knowledge these days, even if it’s not specifically tech writing, just because it makes things easier on their end.