Writing for International Markets

Write Around the GlobeIf you are a freelance writer looking for more places to be published,  then try venturing beyond your borders.  Many US based writers never consider writing for any publications outside of America, yet they are missing thousands of potential markets in countries where English is the first language, as well as many countries where it is widely used by the media because a substantial percent of the population speak it as a second language. 

With the current exchange rate, writing for a foreign market may even prove to be more lucrative than writing for a US audience! 

In this two-part post I'll be giving you some pointers on finding, pitching and writing for markets abroad.

Part One - Markets and Where to Find Them

1. Writing Sites
   Here is a neat trick for finding local information on Google.  Instead of just searching away at Google.com, try their regional search engines, for example Google.co.uk or Google.co.nz and check the box to only show search results from that country.  Now look for 'freelance writing' or 'writer markets' and see what you can find.  Or you can search on your chosen topic to find publications that deal with that subject matter.
2. Magazines and Newspapers
   Wikipedia is a great for providing a central place for information about a country, including lists of newspapers and other media.  Or you can try the search method described above to search for magazines in a particular genre.
3. Expat Publications
   This is a largely overlooked market,  but English speaking communities thrive on English magazines and newspapers.  For example, a quick search for 'english magazine spain' turned up a link with a convenient list of potential markets.  Ex-pat magazines and newspapers do not tend to pay very well,  but they do tend to always be hungry for quality content, so if you are trying to get your foot on the ladder, I highly recommend these as a place to start.  Impress the editor and contribute some interesting content and you might even be able to get a regular column; great for your resume!
4. In Flight Magazines
   Most airlines around the world will have their In Flight Magazine in English, and many of them pay well for content.  They can be difficult to pitch and I have found that most of them tend to be run by media companies rather than beingindependent publications, so working with them is a little different than working for a regular magazine.  That said, they are a valid market,  and another clip which shines in a CV. 
5. ESL Materials
   These publications are very niche, and unless you speak another language I probably wouldn't bother, however there are quite a few magazines designed specifically for people trying to learn English as a Second Language.  Articles are often translated into the native language, and some key elements of grammar and language pointed out.  Because of this you need to make sure that your writing is correct, and that you are not using any unusual words or expressions.  Pay is in the low to mid range, but every penny counts, so if you are looking for another market, then give it a bash.  Pitching is normally as easy as searching online, reading an issue and emailing the Editor with a suggested idea.

If writing for foreign markets has tickled your fancy, then check back on Friday for Part Two - Keys to Success.