Hi,

I'm starting my mid-life writing career, and for me, the best source of inspiration comes from real life.  I've been checking all the writer's market books, and websites, and I have a good idea who buys such pieces.  But, would I need to query first, or just send a cover letter with the completed article?  I know it may vary by publisher, but what is the general rule when submitting to magazines?  Thanks, Janice 

I think you're referring to what are often called 'personal narrative' or 'personal essays' - they go by different names according to the publication. A lot of magazines and newspapers publish them, often for $$.

Most markets that publish them do not require a query letter, just the complete work.

But make sure it meets their guidelines, esp wordcount, as most publications reserve a specific space and are unlikely to change it because your piece is longer or shorter.

If you go to my website at www.lpwordsolutions and click on the link to Handouts, you'll find a 4-page list of markets with hot links that you can follow to see who is publishing what. I have not updated the handout in the past year, but will be doing so in time for my workshop 'Having Your Say - Writing Personal Essays & Opinion Pieces' at the upcoming Surrey International Writers' Conference (www.siwc.ca). Check back on my website in late-November when I will post the updated version of this list.

Enjoy your writing - essays are so much fun.

 Hope this helps.

LoisP