According to the ratings, and the excellent comment that was made, I didn't do my copy of the Writer's Market justice. I simmply didn't include enough information. I have updated. I am hoping that my edits bring it up to eps standards.

The Writer's Market is the granddaddy of all books of where and how to see the things you write. If you intend to make any money at all, I suggest getting your hands on a copy of this book. The good thing is that the market doesn't change drastically from one year to the next, so you can go to the library and pick up an older version. Unless you are going to be using it frequently, you do really have to ante up.

I was first introduced to this book back in the 80s in college. One of my many, many writing classes required that we submit an article for publication. Looking back, the exercise was really to introduce us the market and not the writing itself.

Here is what you can expect to find in an edition of the Writer's Market.

You will find that basic how to use the book. It does take a bit of getting used to, as it is divided into quite a log of sections, and does use some symbols for quick reference. There is a section of how tos, complete with example. Take query letters: there is an example of a bad one and a good one. It even explains what makes one better than the other. Good information for those who have written one before. In addition, there are interviews from half dozen or so authors – you know, encouraging us to reach out and write, etc.

The larger part of this reference is a massive listing of publishers – what they require, what they will accept and how to reach them. The book is conveniently tabbed into:

Introductory material: this section includeds author interviews, a how to for beginning writers, and a section on the business of writing. I found the material interesting, and some of it useful. It is here that you will find the query letters portion.

Literary agents: I work at freelance writing. Someday I know I will have to get an agent. This section tells the basics of what they offer to writers. A good source for obtaining an agent if you are in need.

Book publishers: Lists publishers by alpha. Some entries lists recent titles published. All list basic requirements and whether they accept from unagented writers.

Small presses: Again, a listing of publishers by alpha. Keep in mind that small pressed don't always mean small money. Sometimes you might have exactly what their often limited genres are.

Consumer magazines: By far the largest section of the book. Section is alpha for interests and then alpha within each interest.

Trade journals: Trade specific interests.

Contests and awards

Indices

My version came with a one year online subscription to WritersMarket.com, which, sadly, I never used. I am sure there is a lot of timely information online.

This book really isn't a how to, although there is some of that at the beginning, as I said before. It is really the bible of all publishers, when you know what you want to write or have written, but don't know where and how to send it. It encourages me just to have the thin around. It is as big as a dictionary, so I am always assured that someone somewhere will pick up publish what I have to say. If you are an aspiring writer, it is worth the trip to the library to check it out.

If you do purchase Writer's Market, know that a lot of the major information stays the same from year to year, so a version that is a couple of years old still has a lot of current information. In addition, you can often get out basic publication guidelines on line.