The Writer's Bible
Written: Dec 26 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Informative, interesting to read through, a necessity for freelance writers
Cons: Outdated quickly, inspired me to use an overused title
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| obnox's Full Review: 2000 Writers Market 8000 Editors Who Books |
Imagine, if you would, a thick book that lists magazines, book publishers, agents and contests, all who want to pay you to write. This book would have listings for each, coded with icons that say how well they pay, if it is an online market, and if they buy a high percentage of freelance material. Each listing would give a description of what the editor is looking for and how to submit the work. On top of that, it has articles to get you started, to help you with query letters and dealing with editors. This tome would come out once a year, as this information is in constant change.
What you are imagining is the Writer's Market, undeniably one of the best sources for freelance writers in existence. When I tell anyone involved in writing that I'm taking some time off to freelance, their very first question is, "You have a recent Writer's Market, right?"
Yes, indeed I do. Thanks to Grandma for such a wonderful Christmas present, the gift that keeps on giving. With determination and this book in hand, I will be able to be well informed as I follow my dreams and, hopefully, pay my bills.
There is one problem that I have with the Writer's Market. You see, I find it infinitely interesting to read through all of the listings of publishers and magazines. When I get to the end of it, there are all of these magazines that I have never laid eyes on that I want to read.
I fear that if I don't keep my strength, I will send out for sample copy after sample copy of magazines that I have no intention to write for, just to see what they are like. I wonder how many subscribers these magazines get each year because someone is reading through the Writer's Market and says "Wow, I've always wanted to read a magazine on tattoos for people with darker skin tones" or "Oh, boy, I knew I wasn't the only one in the world who collects matchbook covers!" The literary magazines are the worst for me. While I'd like to be paid more than many of them offer, I'm SO tempted to send them work to get a free subscription out of the deal.
One of the great things about Writer's Market is that they list magazines on almost any interest you can come up with. When I read through it, I often chuckle at listings and say, "My god, you can get paid for writing about that?" This, combined with an occasional witty comment by an editor makes the listings something you can actually sit down and read through without much pain or boredom.
There is one problem with the book-- It's a book. Market information is always changing, and after a year or two the Writer's Market is horribly outdated. To remedy this, they have created a version that contains software for going online and getting updates periodically. This version is 10 bucks extra, so I didn't get it. I figure I can do that research myself.
If you are serious about freelance writing, go buy this book. No excuses. This is a firm first step that you can take to becoming a writer. The second, of course, is not letting it get dusty.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
obnox
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Member: Julie Lynn Eberhart
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Reviews written: 98
Trusted by: 101 members
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