Writer's Market: 8,000+ Book and Magazine Editors Who Buy What You Write [Paperback]

My one gripe is that the book has ads in it. I count three cardboard inserts advertising their magazine, their Web site, workshops, and their other books.

If anything, the book gives all the contact information to reach these publishers that JAS-WEBB was referring to. Please don't let someone who has been obviously soured by the publishing process wreck your dreams or think it's a waste of time. Using this book helped me write a great query letter that DID get the attention of some publishers who requested my manuscript for consideration. 2004 Writer's Market lists 100's of publishers that recieve unagented authors and requests proposals and writing samples from all categories. Don't expect the book to get you a publishing deal, you have to put in the time and energy and 2004 Writer's Market helps you do that.

DON"T BELIEVE JAS-WEBB!!!

The first 100 pages or so contain articles and advice while the rest is markets, markets, markets. These articles include agents, pricing, interviews, building a career, and queries. Writers have been complaining about one critical item that's missing from the 2003 edition. It's back. Yes, the "How much I should charge?" article is here to rescue writers (me included) who struggle with pricing. The article has seven pages worth of gold with going market rates sorted by categories. Scan these 100 pages as soon as the book arrives in your hands to put the advice to immediate use.

Copyright issues make me crazy. "The Business of Writing" defines terms relating to rights and provides a brief overview of selling subsidiary rights and contracts and agreements. It's a painless five to ten minutes read. Online markets have pounded writers with more confusion over rights and rates. "Strategies for Negotiating Electronic Rights and Rates," untangles the web.

If you own an older version of the book, this one is still worth the purchase. It has 1,100 new listings and contacts change often with people moving around within the industry and to new locations.

For those who have never seen or heard of this book, read the first article in the book, which takes you on a tour of what's in it and how to use it. The markets cover 300+ agents, book publishers, magazines, journals, scriptwriting, contests and awards, and resources making this a valuable paperweight or doorstopper. Inside of the front and back covers is a key to the symbols and abbreviation to help you make heads and tails of each entry.

Each listing comes with contact information, pay rates, statistics, tips on how to deal with the resource, and details on the publisher's needs. The agents sections provides terms, recent sales, representation type (subjects, fiction, etc.), and member agents.

We get too busy to read books. This is not a book you need to make time to read. When you come up with a brilliant article or manuscript, search the book for possible publishers to pursue. It's a heck of a lot faster than researching online or at the library.

This baby with over 1,000 pages pays for itself with one cheap article. Even if you find just one or two markets from the book, it's worth the investment.