Do I Develop the Article Idea First or Find the Market First?

By Linda Formichelli

Here’s a question I get often from my Write for Magazines e-coursestudents: When I want to pitch an idea, do I come up with the idea or the market first?

And it’s a good question. Doesn’t it make more sense to find one market you really want to pitch, study it, and brainstorm appropriate ideas? Or, wait — maybe it’s more efficient to find an idea and then tweak it to fit the publications you love.

When You Feel Like You Have Nothing Special to Offer the World

One of my earliest obstacles was my belief that I didn’t have anything to offer the world.

I wanted desperately to express myself.

To share my truth. To follow my heart.

But I thought I wasn’t good enough, and that held me back for years.

I’ve also received emails from readers on how they feel like they have nothing to offer.

Perhaps you’ve felt that way, too?