Where to Find Out What's What in Writing and Publishing
Written: Jul 16 '02 (Updated Jul 16 '02)
Product Rating:
Pros: Good organization, excellent definitions, terms that may be new (and useful) to you.
Cons: The book should be updated more frequently
The Bottom Line: An exhaustive presentation of everything a freelancer ought to know about writing and publishing, The Writer's Encyclopedia should be on every writer's shelf.
oxfordmike's Full Review: Writers Encyclopedia 3ed Books
As I've done in several other reviews, I offer a disclaimer: I wrote a dozen of the entries int the first edition of The Writer's Encyclopedia. Most have survived into the current edition.
That said, I'll add that I would buy The Writer's Encyclopedia if I hadn't written portions of the book. Actually, I did buy the current edition. (Copies of the first edition were given to contributors.)
What's so great about this book? It has the answers to so many questions newer writers might ask. "What's 'on spec' mean?" "What are galleys?" "How might a reserve against return affect my book royalties?" "Is there a difference between fantasy and science fiction?" and lots more.
Some of the definitions/descriptions are minor essays that go into a topic in some depth. So, rather than the entry for "Science Fiction" being something like "A sub-genre of speculative fiction dealing with humankind and technology," you get some good background on the subject, complementing a complete definition.
The Writer's Encyclopedia is a book that doesn't send you to the Index to find what you need. Everything is out in the open and easy to find, and well-organized. Follow the alphabetized entries, and use cross-references--you'll end up with what you want to know, and probably quite a bit more.
Anent my comment that the book should be updated more frequently: That is a personal opinion. ANY edition of The Writer's Encyclopedia is worth having. I'm just always curious as to what will be added to the next edition.
The Writer's Encyclopedia one has my highest recommendations. (And I'll buy the next edition, as well.)
This completely updated book is your first - and often, last - stop for facts, figures, definitions and examples. You'll find over 1,300 entries and m...More at Alibris
This completely updated book is your first - and often, last - stop for facts, figures, definitions and examples. You'll find over 1,300 entries and m...More at Alibris
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.