Writing is a wonderful pastime, and for many people it is a way of life; either in terms of a great hobby that helps to fulfil their time or as a means to earning money and building a career. But either way, writing isn't always an easy task. And if you are looking to get your work published or to earn money from your work, it can be a very challenging task indeed.

There is a mixed view, out there in the literary world, as to whether becoming a published writer has become harder or easier over the decades. Nowadays there are certainly more opportunities to see your work published; through the introduction of self-publishing concepts, print-on-demand publishers, that great World Wide Web and the accessibility of hundreds of ezines and electronic newsletters. But it has certainly become harder, over the years, to become published in a 'traditional' sense – to have your manuscript accepted and published as a book, or to have an article accepted and published in a mainstream newspaper or magazine.

So, if you are a writer looking to see your written work in print, how do you tap into today's contemporary market? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Think about why you want your writing published in the first place. What is your motive? Is it to see the end result of your hard work, or to get your point of view and message out there in the wider world? If so, then a new age publishing route might be perfectly fine for your needs. If it is to fulfil am ambition of seeing your book in all of the Waterstones' stores across the country, or to have a regular column in a national newspaper, then a self-publishing route really isn't going to cut it for you.

• Don't dismiss self publishing or electronic publishing as a 'faddy' or 'second-rate' means of publication. Yes there are some bad ezines out there that will print any old rubbish, in the same way that there are print-on-demand publishers who will print anything, regardless of quality. But there are also a large number of reputable online publications and POD printers out there who can help you realise your writing dreams.

• Look at popular writing magazines such as Writers Forum and Writing News. These highlight which publications and publishers are currently seeking submissions.

• Persevere with a publisher or publication. It can take time and effort, but once you're in with them it is so much easier to continue writing for / with them.

Good luck!