If you are interested in writing for someone, take the time to learn what they are about. As much as we’d like to think the relationship is simply one of they need writing and you write, it isn’t. The whole human factor gets involved, and the sooner you realize that, the better your odds.

Magazines/Online Publications
Do you read them? Do you even know how often they publish? How large is their readership and what kind of people comprise their market? Read their masthead, study their ads, subscribe to their online missives, and follow them on social media. They like to think you are interested in them for more than making a sale. They like long-term relationships just as you do.

Agents
Do you follow them on social media? Do you read their blogs or newsletters? Do you pay attention to who they represent? Are they regional? Have you read the books of anyone they’ve represented? Where did they go to school? Where have they lived? Where are they from?

Publishers
Again, do you follow their social media? Have you signed up for their newsletters to learn about their latest releases? Who have they published in the past? What genres do best for them? What might they be seeking at any moment?

B2B/Commercial
At the risk of sounding monotonous, do you follow their social media? Do you feel their aspirations? Do you understand who they are and the image they are trying to project? Do they have in-house writers or are they only freelance? Learn the names of who handles submissions, and if no submissions, then who handles the topic you want to write about. Why are they proud of who they are and why should they want you on board?

Relationships take at least two to tango. The more you show heart and respect to those you want to work for/with, the more likely they’ll pay attention to you. The human factor still matters, probably more today than ever.