A Book Review Of The Writer's Market

I have been singing the praises of this book for so long now that I felt it was time for me to tell you about it in detail.

If you have not purchased your copy of Writer’s Market yet, and you are a writer, then what in the heck is the matter with you? You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make that sonofagun drink, right?

Listen, if you have no desire to sell your writings and be published then fine, ignore this book review and enjoy yourself as you write for the sheer joy of writing. I can respect that.

However, if you have any desire at all to one day be published, then you really need to buy this book. This is, for lack of a better term, the Bible for writers. It is published every year and, in fact, there are niche books for different genres such as Children’s Writers, Christian Writers, Novel Writers and even Cartoon Writers.

The book we will discuss today is the 2012 Writer’s Market. Yes, the 2013 is available now, and yes, I will purchase it, but until funds are available this is the book I will have to review for your pleasure and knowledge.

Shall we begin? The book is divided into the sections you see below.

FINDING WORK

Here you will find some wonderful tutorials to get you on the road to success. Included in this section are the following:

• How to write successful query and cover letters
• How to write a synopsis
• How to write a book proposal
• Manuscript formats
• How to write the perfect pitch
• How to build a platform
• Recent changes in publishing
• Self-publishing checklist
• Finding work on the internet
• Writing for content providers

And much, much more, including samples of query letters for both magazine editors and book publishers and agents.

MANAGING WORK

Here we learn how to handle your writing business as a business. Included in this chapter are:

• Finding clients
• Developing a website
• Signing contracts
• Tax deductions for writers
• Contract negotiations
• Business accounting primer
• Record keeping and pricing
• What qualifies as a business expense
• Keeping a submission tracker
• How to protect your work
• Time management
• A writing calendar
• How to launch a freelance business
• Going rates for all types of writing

PROMOTING WORK

Now it’s time to promote, promote and promote some more. I know, I know, nobody enjoys this part of the writing business, but unless you enjoy poverty then you need to learn how to promote your brand, and that brand is you. Included in this chapter are:

• Detailed instructions on building your own platform
• How to write press releases
• How to promote a book tour
• How to release book trailers
• How to plan events
• How to use a blog for promotion
• How to use Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin

Is that enough or do you want more? Well more you will get….read on!

RESOURCES

Here we have a lengthy list of professional organizations that you will find useful, as well as a glossary of writing terms. The professional organizations include agent’s organizations, writer’s organizations and industry organizations.

LITERARY AGENTS

Twenty-four pages of literary agents are listed here. Included for each agent are contact information, terms and genres they are currently looking for. You can see a sample of one of the pages below.

BOOK PUBLISHERS

One hundred and seventy-six pages of book publishers are listed in this section. Again, contact information is given as well as types of books they are looking for, submission guidelines and tips for each publisher. You can see a sample page below.

CONSUMER MAGAZINES

318 pages listing every consumer magazine in the United States. Contact information, submission guidelines, what they are looking for and tips.

This section is divided by magazine type, so if you want animal magazines you can easily find them, or if you want travel or astrology magazines you can easily find them as well.

TRADE JOURNALS

Most people trying to break into the magazine industry will submit to one of the magazines you find on newsstands and in bookstores. There is a whole other world out there for those who want to try writing for trade journals. Trade journals are publications that focus on a particular occupation or industry.

There are 114 pages of trade journal listings for you to peruse and again, all pertinent information is listed for you as well as the listings being in alphabetical order by industry.

NEWSPAPERS

Thirteen pages of the highest circulating newspapers in the United States. Contact information and submission guidelines are included.

A word to the wise: if you are interested in breaking into the newspaper industry, start small. Go local and build your credits and resume before you tackle one of the big boys.

SCREENWRITING

A small section with thirteen companies looking for scripts from experienced and novice screenwriters. All information you need is included.

PLAYWRITING

Twenty pages of companies that are always looking for new or experienced playwriters.

GREETING CARDS

Nineteen companies interested in freelancers to write for them. Freelancers make as low as $5 per card and as high as $300 per card.

CONTESTS

Eighty-five pages of writing contests and writing awards in the United States. Trust me when I tell you that there are many more contests available, but the ones listed are the more established and prestigious contests.

Need I say more? If you are considering submitting work for publication, this book is a must. I don’t know any other way to say it to convince you, so there you have it. This book carries the Bill Holland Seal of Approval and believe me, that is a coveted ranking.

Buy it new…buy it used….just buy it!

2013 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)