Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #66919 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-24
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 832 pages

Ian Rankin
'Even established writers can feel as though they're climbing a mountain. Think if Writers' & Artists' Yearbook as your sherpa'

The Society of Authors
'A must for established and aspiring writers'

Eoin Colfer
'Every possible scrap of information needed by the upcoming or established writer is included'

Customer Reviews

Excellent guide - informative and comprehensive
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), published by A&C Black. Its rival, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), is published by Macmillan. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, producers etc - you only really need one of them. But which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. At the time of writing this review, they are both being offered at the same price by Amazon. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer structure that is easier to find your way through.

The W&AY gains extra points for the many different articles by professionals covering all aspects of the writing industry. Famous authors such as Joanna Trollope, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell and J.K. Rowling address various aspects of the writing process and discuss different genres. Many other highly informative articles cover diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing your book, writing for TV, radio and theatre, the electronic world of websites and e-publishing, and on financial aspects such as tax. This makes the W&AY more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing. Much overlooked is of course the fact that this is a yearbook for artists too. Correspondingly there are sections for the budding illustrator and photographer in the W&AY which are not to be found in TWH.

All in all, an excellent guide. Definitely recommended for the aspiring writer or artist.

Self publishers bible
I self published my own manuscripts and this book was my bible I found it full of helpful phone numbers address ect. I also purchased the writers handbook 2006 and was equally happy but the information not as helpful. I am still a novice and still plugging away with my works and STILL using my trusted writers artists handbook.....I have so much to learn and like many others on here who write reviews way down the line of professional editing......... ... Go out and buy if like me you are walking the road alone!!!

Not infallible
While this tome contains a few useful anecdotes, all literary agents of note both in the U.S and the U.K as well as the all important publishers, it is, perhaps, slightly too inclusive.
Not all the agents in here are as reputable as you would expect, so a bit of a background check is always useful. Don't take this thing as gospel. Plus, there is another problem.
The fact is, all the information is readily accesible online, and with a couple of simple searches you may well have superior and more up to date information than this. That said, having a 'hard copy' for reference is never a bad thing, despite the slightly inflated price tag.