Ten Periodical Market Research Sites

Doing research on a potential client always makes sense. If you're writing for periodicals, here are some resources that you're likely to find useful:

• Magazine Publishers of America The trade organization has many research resources available, even if you aren't a member.
  
• Periodical Publishers Association Interested in the UK magazine market? This is a magazine publishing trade organization in the country. Check the member list for many names with whom you're probably not familiar.


• Folio Magazine This is the trade magazine for the magazine industry. See trends, who's doing well, and industry scuttlebut that can help you better target potential clients.


• Editor & Publisher What Folio is for the magazine business, E&P is for newspapers. I generally stay away from newspapers as paying poorly, but you might find some useful information if the market fits your business plans somehow.


• Jim Romenesko Romenesko's column at Poynter is one of the great resources for rumors, and it also points to many relevant articles.


• Mediabistro.comThe media news roundup is good, and you can even get it emailed to you without having to be a paid member.


• Yahoo News and Media Listings Although not exhaustive, these catalog listings of magazines, newspapers, journals, and other media can be a time saver when you want to see some of the variety of publications on the market.


• Google News Directory Not the same as Google News, it's a set of categories listings like those of Yahoo.


• BoSacks Media Intelligence Good sources of news affecting the publishing industry, extending into all aspects of the business, compiled by an industry consultant.


• Custom Publishing Council This industry group has lists of custom publishers, which is a great research tool and potential lead generator for writers.