Writer's Markets--Paying or Non-Paying?

Writer counting his money

I have a small rant today. It has to do with an age-old argument about submitting to paying markets vs ones that give you nothing but recognition. We'll deal with that argument a little later in the post. 

What bothers me, irks me, or rubs me the wrong way is when a market you find says that they are non-paying, but then they make it very clear that they want only the very best writing. Top-quality is all they propose to publish. A noble thought perhaps. Wouldn't everyone like to publish only the A-1 quality?

My feeling is that, if you want only the very best writers, then you should be willing to compensate them in some manner. I understand that they are fearful that every beginning writer in the USA is going to submit to them since they are non-paying, but they need to balance the scale a bit. No, I don't expect them to publish really poor writing, but to state that they want only the best is a little short-sighted. No matter what kind of submissions they receive, they still have to sort through and see which are worthy for their particular publication.

Now, on to the argument of paying vs non-paying markets. The first question is why would anyone submit to a non-paying market? If you have very few published pieces or none, you're hungry enough to have something published that you'll agree to write for free. That, of course, is what you're doing. Is it wrong? Certainly not. If this is a way to get your work recognized and to be able to build a resume of publications, it's fine. It's also alright to write for free when you're giving your work to a charitable cause. There should be no shame nor guilt involved.

Some writers submit their work to paying markets only. They feel they deserve monetary recognition for the hard work they've put in. Let's face it--we all feel we deserve to be paid, but some writers are adamant about it. They would rather have fewer publications but receive payment. That's perfectly understandable. I suppose there are writers who set a limit as to how much they are willing to accept. There are publications that pay $10. If that feels like an insult to you, move on to higher-paying markets. 

Writers who are making their living with the printed word must look at paying markets only, and high-paying ones most of the time. They are naturally going to have a different outlook than someone who is a part-time writer or a hobbyist writer.

This old argument of paying vs non-paying markets doesn't have a set answer or solution. It's a personal choice. Maybe it also depends on how stubborn you are. If you've set a goal and are working toward it, you're to be admired, but be willing to bend a bit now and then.