Extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc

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Product Description

This is the an essential reference tool for everyone in the writing industry. With a brand new look and layout, the 22nd edition of this established title is edited by a well known and respected author with extensive experience in the publishing, writing and broadcasting industries. Feature new for 2008 is that it includes: free online access to the companion website and FAQs, a fully searchable directory, and a wealth of information for writers.It is completely revised and updated annually with newly commissioned articles from experts in the industry. It is rigorously checked and well known for its high level of accuracy.Described by "The Times" as 'the book no writer should be without', the new edition of "The Writer's Handbook" is the definitive guide for everyone in the writing profession. It also includes free online access to "The Writer's Handbook" website offering its comprehensive directory and even more resources and advice for writers.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #135675 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 832 pages

Review
"'A wise and witty book, packed with useful information.' - The Society of Authors 'There's a perception that you can't get into publishing if you're not connected, but I didn't know anyone. I got my agent by looking in The Writer's Handbook'. - Madeleine Wickham (aka Sophie Kinsella) 'The Writer's Handbook is an essential directory for new and established writers alike'. - Mary Clemmey, Literary Agent 'If you want to write and be published, this book should never be more than a hand's reach away.' - Christine Aziz, author and winner of Richard and Judy's How to Get Published Competition 'This book is a godsend to any serious writer.' --- Martin Brocklebank, Chairman, Speakeasy Writer's Group"

About the Author
BARRY TURNER has worked on both sides of publishing, as an editor and marketing director and also as an author. He has been a full time writer for over 30 years and has worked as a journalist and broadcaster in the fields of politics, biography, travel and education. As well as being the author of over 20 books, Barry is the editor of The Statesman's Yearbook and is a regular contributor to The Times as a book reviewer and serializer.

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Customer Reviews

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better
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 Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. 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 table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

The Writer's Handbook v. Writers' & Artists' Yearbook: Best to get both
I have used both The Writer's Handbook AND Writers' and Artists' Yearbook for 15 years and have used them to sell 7 books including British editions of US titles I've written. Which one is better? It depends on the year. In fact, in the 1990s, The Writer's Handbook was the first to make detailed listings of book editors, the key to getting your query letter or proposal read. The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook, however, fought back and greatly improved the detail of its listings, surpassing The Writer's Handbook for a year or two. Now it's a see-saw battle to provide ever more information and keep up to date: The writer is the beneficiary of this competition. For my money, buying both books is worthwhile, just to compare the listings and to get the fullest picture. You only have one chance per idea with a publishing house. Once an editor turns down your idea, you can't resubmit, so you want to make your best shot the first time.
-- Erich Hoyt (author, The Earth Dwellers, Creatures of the Deep, Insect Lives, Orca: The Whale Called Killer, and other books)

Would recommend
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.