Top 10 Technology Markets

by Brenda Ramsbacher

Finding a niche in the writing business seems to be the easy portion of the game. This time, the markets featured range from the simple down-home magazines to in-depth publications that require massive knowledge about the subject. Neither are easy to conquer.

Every wonder why technology is all the rage? This is a vast market, as readers attempt to keep up with the changing world of electronics. This selection is not about who you know but what you know. To aptly write for a technology market, freelance writers need to know the background, history, and what the future holds. There are no shortcuts in this market. Either you know what you’re talking about, or you don't.

A word of caution: it will be difficult to enter into this world. Though most have guidelines that are available online, and many accept email submissions, unfortunately, none of them indicate a rate of pay. So it is possible that one or more of the markets listed may compensate in other ways besides monetary compensation.

Battery Power Products and Technology
This magazine is product oriented for the OEM professionals involved in the design and use of the systems and devices. States a circulation of 15,000.
Main website is at http://www.batterypoweronline.com/BPPT.htm. Writers guidelines available at http://www.batterypoweronline.com/bppt_write.htm. Editorial calendar available at http://www.batterypoweronline.com/bppt_editcal.htm.
Specifically states submissions must be unpublished. Send in an abstract or proposal in lieu of a finished manuscript.
All articles must be submitted via email to shannong@infowebcom.com or on diskette. Include or fax a hard copy submission.
For more information, contact Shannon Given, Associate Editor at 720-528-3770, ext. 104 or via email at shannong@infowebcom.com. No physical address given.

InformationWeek
A technology-based magazine that is published weekly, reaching 440,000 businesses and individuals.
Main website is at http://www.informationweek.com. Guidelines not specifically on the website except for the editorial calendar, available at http://www.informationweek.com/edcal/2003.
Provides in-depth analysis of current technology trends. Chris Murphy, Managing Editor of features, accepts contact information from freelance writers for future assignments via email at cjmurphy@cmp.com.
Jenny Zaino accepts pitches for the opinion column at jzaino@cmp.com.
Other editors can be located on the contact page at http://www.informationweek.com/contactus.htm.
Write to: Headquarters for InformationWeek is 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030.

Speech Technology Magazine
The only publication focused on the development, application and integration of speech technology for business and consumer applications.
Main website is at http://www.speechtechmag.com/. Guidelines are available at http://www.speechtechmag.com/submissions/. The editorial calendar is at http://www.speechtechmag.com/links/2003edcal.pdf.
Consists of the online version, print magazine, and the email newsletter. Prefers that an abstract be sent but complete story submissions also acceptable. Send via email to john@amcommpublications.com

Technology Decisions
Applies the world of technology to insurance.
Main website is at http://www.technologydecisions.com/. Non-specific guidelines are at http://www.technologydecisions.com/editcalen/. The editorial calendar is at http://www.technologydecisions.com/editcalen/techdec_edit_calen2 003.pdf. Covers the internet and technological aspects relating to these issues. Submit the article online at http://www.technologydecisions.com/writetous/.

Tech Learning
A resource for education technology leaders.
Distributed to over 80,000. Main website is at http://www.techlearning.com/content/about/tl_current.html. Writers
guidelines available at http://www.techlearning.com/content/about/tl_edguide.html.
Contributions may only be sent in for Feature Articles, Software Evaluations and What Works. Queries may be emailed to techlearning_editors@cmp.com. Attachments acceptable in Word or text format.
Submissions and queries along with a SASE may also be sent to: Technology & Learning, 600 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

Computerworld
One of the authorities on news, business and technology information. Non-specific guidelines that explain their philosophy are available at  http://www.computerworld.com/services/mediakit/editorial.
The magazine includes three sections. Future topics are in the editorial
calendar at http://www.computerworld.com/services/mediakit/calendar.
Inquiries for technology stories can be sent to tech_editor@computerworld.com. The appropriate editor's email address is also listed in the calendar for quick contact.

CNET Networks
Where readers go to get the correct news when they need it.
The main website is at http://www.cnet.com. The editorial calendar for Computer Shopper is at http://www.cnet.com/aboutcnet/0-6983522-7-6984911.html.
Guidelines for the different sites are available at http://www.cnet.com/aboutcnet/0-7251795-7-20606299.html.
Contact editors at least four months in advance. The editorial contact for each is listed on the website.

Card Technology
The place to go for network, smart card solutions, and related technologies.
The main website is at http://www.cardtechnology.com/. They do not seem to have an
editorial calendar or guidelines on the website but research indicates they do accept queries with a SASE. Donald Davis, Editor.
Write to 300 S Wacker Drive Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606 or via email at Don.Davis@thomsonmedia.com.

Broadband Wireless Business
Focuses on technology and business strategies.
The main website is at http://www.shorecliffcommunications.com/magazine/index.asp.
Guidelines unavailable. The editorial calendar is at http://www.shorecliffcommunications.com/magazine/calendar.asp.
Specifics unavailable but does offer editorial updates by e-mail. For further information, contact Tammy Fellows at t.fellows@scievents.com.
Write to: Shorecliff Communications LLC, 6311 Junipero Serra Road, Suite 110, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

Internet World
Helps management make better business technology decisions.
The main website is at http://www.internetworld.com/.
Guidelines unavailable. The editorial calendar is at http://www.internetworld.com/pdf/2003MKit_print.pdf.
Editors request story ideas be pitched a minimum of ten weeks in advance
of publication to the appropriate editor listed on http://www.internetworld.com/misc/editors_pitch.php.
Write to: 16 Thorndal Circle, Darien, CT, 06820-5421

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Future topics include , Humor, Anthologies, History, Religion, College, Christian, Specialty and Songwriting, etc. Want to see a specific market listed? Let us know. Submit markets for consideration to scribblers@runbox.com or WOLPublisher@writeronline.us. These markets should be freelance-friendly; paying markets always preferred. While they do not necessarily need to be easy to break into, please make sure the magazine does accept freelance work.

  Brenda Ramsbacher lives in Mountain Home, Idaho with her husband, four children and two spoiled dogs. She likes to sew clothes for her children, quilt, scrapbook, and read. Over the years, she has penned hundreds of articles and book reviews. Currently, Brenda is working as a book reviewer. You may reach her at scribblers@runbox.com.