Quote Originally Posted by alura
... My personal opinion is that it doesn't matter so much if you make a lot of money at first; what really matters is getting those Kudos under your belt so that when you go for the big money...big mag....you can pull out your 'refs'.
...Also, I highly recommend to EVERY writer to buy (yearly) the new writers digest book that contains all the up to date small press, big press, magazines, periodicals, etc etc with all the new and updated editors, etc.
...IN ADDITION, I think it's so important to have a group where you can get your work edited, read other people's work, etc etc.....if you haven't found that sort of place anywhere yet, permit me to 'plug' here by saying that 'writing.com' is the number one creative writing site in america...and it's free!
Excellent advice, Alura.

If you don't have the money for the yearly Writer's Handbook, that's okay, too. Pick up one at a used book store for a couple of bucks and start planning your strategy. When you've got something to publish, then hit your local library for a new copy.

Joining a writing circle, critique club is a fantastic way to get some good hard feedback.