Useful tool: The Grinder

Now that I'm trying to get some of my work published in fee-paying magazines, I came across a rather useful website that may be helpful for some of the other neophyte authors here on LitNet:

http://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/Default.aspx

It's a constantly updated database of publication markets, giving lots of information about each one (acceptance rates, turnaround times, awards won etc.). It allows you to search for markets based on story length, genre, style, and fees paid. Creating a free account also allows you to easily keep track of what you have submitted and where.

I've not yet had anything published, but it's still early days - and I'm finding the Grinder a really useful resource. It's not as useful for poetry, but for short stories it seems ideal.

I registered for moral support if nothing else. I see it is an attempt to provide a free service after Duotrope became a fee-based service.

Another way to find markets is to look where authors you like have published.

As far as tracking submissions go, you can always create a Google Sheet with the information you need for this purpose.

I started using Google Docs after finding out about the GoogleFinance function that updates market prices in their spreadsheets. Eventually I switched almost everything from Microsoft's products to Google's except for the computer's operating system.