Writing instructors can combat the odds against getting published by making sure that students submitting their work to professional publications know what they are doing. Generally, entries in the "Writer's Market" guide to publishing markets include a description of the material the magazine is looking for and words of wisdom from the editor. Probably the most useful general work of its kind, "Writer's Market" can present some problems if used without caution. First, it uses the same format to describe all the magazines, tending to make them sound alike. Second, it occasionally lists magazines no longer publishing or editors no longer on the staff. Third, it states needs in such general terms as to be frequently meaningless. One way to help students avoid these problems is to abstract representative "tips" from the "Writer's Market" listings. These tips fall into five general categories: (1) know the publication, (2) write well, (3) be honest, (4) know the publication's specific needs, and (5) do not be discouraged. "Writer's Market" entries do offer guidelines for writing for specific publications and some sample copies, which are worth sending for. Finally, several additional magazines are useful for market analysis, "The Writer" and "The Writer's Digest" being perhaps the best known. (HTH)