Before I signed up with duotrope.com, I was searching for agents and publishers via Google. To be fair, Google does a fairly good job. Duotrope.com has saved me time and effort, though. Everything is there and as far as I can tell, up-to-date.
There are other sites with similar information. I can’t compare because I’m happy with Duotrope. However, feel free to argue with me in the comments.
Duotrope has two versions: free and paid. I am a paid subscriber because I like all the extra features. However, the free version would probably suffice to find who’s out there and what they’re looking for in your work.
My top 10 favorite features of Duotrope:
10. Sensitivity of search data: Finding what you want can be extremely broad or pinpointed. It’s completely under your control.
9. The site is rarely down or malfunctioning.
8. The submissions tracker is quick and easy to use. It is also easy to filter. (Mine only shows pending submissions and acceptances; I hide the rejections.) The tracker keeps up with how long your submissions have been in someone’s possession and when it’s time to send a nudge or give up.
7. Statistics regarding any agent/publisher are available. This is limited to duotrope.com users, but it gives you a general idea of how long most have waited, how many have been accepted/rejected, and how many are ghosted.
6. Duotrope does not include vanity or hybrid publishers. Find some information about a publisher or agent online and wonder if they’re for real? If they’re not listed on Duotrope, consider it a red flag. (Always check the Writer’s Beware site, too.)
5. The weekly newsletter is worth reading and using. Every Tuesday, it’s part of my routine to look at the lists in the newsletter. New publications and contests (paying and non), new agents, publications and contests that have recently re-opened for submissions, agents that are re-opened for submissions, and publications and agents that seem to have disappeared.
4. Other features on the site are relevant, not just the search capability. The site contains interviews with agents and editors, general writing advice, and links to other resources. If you accidentally delete your newsletter, you can find the lists you need in the “News”.
3. The links work. They really do. Not once have I clicked on an agent or publisher website and ended up someplace unexpected. Someone at Duotrope stays on top of the content.
2. Duotrope remembers things you may have forgotten. It may be difficult to believe, but after submitting for so long with so many different pieces, I have forgotten where I have tried before. Duotrope tells me. It knows what I submitted, when, and what happened.
1. Using Duotrope is more efficient than using a general search engine. The search itself is faster and you’ll find anything you want to know on one succinct page. You’ll have time to write, not just market.
Again, my experience is using the paid version. The free version does not include as much information (I believe the statistics are limited and the newsletter is not as thorough, but I’m not sure.) Whatever you use to keep track of your submissions and find new places to send them, happy writing!
