2015 Writer's Market: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published ninety-fourth Edition

I have been writing for a living for more than 40 years and most of those years I have bought a copy of Writer's Market. There have been years when I didn't largely because I had so much work that year that I simply didn't need to find new customers--I'm very grateful for those years which are not as common as I'd like. Some years it's a struggle to find work and, in particular, to find well-paying work with new clients. During those years I use the WM a lot and I always seem to come up with one or two new ideas and sometimes a new client.But I still have ambivalent feelings about the value of this book. There are several reasons that this book is not the nirvana that you might think it would be. I mean, with thousands and thousands of markets listed, you'd think that any professional writer, or even any beginning writer, would be able to find new clients. But that's a deceptive point of view, trust me. First of all, I have learned after all these years that you have to be as selective about the people you write for as the people you choose as friends--maybe more so, because you depend on those clients to pay your bills and keep your life moving forward.So the first thing I do when I sit down with WM is cross out (in red ink) any magazines or publishers that I would simply never work for. For example, a lot of magazine publishers list their per-word rates. Here's a tip if you're new to writing: if you are depending on earning a living from your writing, don't go bottom feeding in these listings. If you are good enough to get an assignment from a low-level magazine, you are probably good enough to work for a top-shelf magazine. So why waste your time working for a few pennies a word: don't do it. The first travel magazine I ever approached, when I was relatively new to writing was Travel & Leisure--a major magazine. I not only got my first assignment from them, in the first year I got three or four. So I cross out all of the magazines and other clients that pay less than I think I'm worth (which is a $1 word minimum, by the way). Would I work for less if I was just starting out? Yes, for a limited amount of time, I would. But I would not work for 2 cents a word, get real. I'd rather take bottles back to the grocery store and get a nickel a bottle. Cross them out.Secondly, a lot of magazines say that they "pay on publication." Don't even think about writing for them. Just don't do it. Your kids need food when they need food--and you have to pay for it when you leave the store, not when they eat the peanut butter. Does your gas station let you pay them after you've used up the gas they gave you? I have been royally screwed by "payment on publication" magazines who, after they assigned a story, held it for a year, or two years, or forever--and never paid me a dime. Cross them out.Also, the book publishing listings are often old, out of date and written by someone who doesn't want you to write for them. Cross them out. Today you can do far better with a good novel, for example, by self publishing it on Amazon. I have written more than 20 books and on average my royalty on a $30 book is about a buck. If you self pub a book on Amazon, you get a 70% royalty (go research it, you're already here on Amazon). Cross out the out-of-date listings.Now, in between these awful listings, if you know what to look for (high rates, payment on acceptance, current listings) you can indeed find some good tips and good new clients. But it takes work and a lot of time alone with this book in your lap. Take it to the beach, take it to the park, and spend time with that red pen. Circle the good listings in green. Let's face it, if you sell one good article you'll get back 20x the price of the book. That's a good deal, yes?I guess what I'm saying is that this book can be useful, even profitable, but you must be realistic and you must know how to use it. And stay away from those awful "payment on publication" magazines. Don't give them your blood, sweat and tears. This is a business, treat it like one. It took me 40 years to learn that. I honestly think that the publishers of this book owe it to their readers to start shrinking this book down and getting rid of the crap listings. Also, check out Jeff Herman's annual book--it's far better for book writers.

As every writer knows, this is one of the premier sources to find new and unique markets to publish your works, but the hard copy version is huge and heavy. I bought the Kindle digital edition this year, and it delivers well. The book is arranged so you can easily find the proper market for your work: Literary Agents; Book Publishers; Consumer Magazines, Trade Journals and Contests/Awards sub-divided by specialty or focus. There are also included articles that provide industry tips and advice at every step of the publishing process: query letters, finding an agent, succeeding in magazines, earning a living blogging, and much more.I tried searching the entire digital edition using a couple of key words without any success, but later found those keywords used in various sections. Since I'm used to making notes in the margins of the traditional publication, the digital edition took a little getting used to as far as bookmarks and notes. If you're comfortable with digital editions and e-readers, you should have no problem. Once you find the information you want and consider contacting them or submitting, it's a good idea to go to the Web site (if one is listed) and double-check the submission guidelines/deadlines and addresses. Writer's Market does a good job updating, but things change so fast in this business it could be different by the time you are ready to use it. Also, watch for duplicate entries. For example, submissions for a poetry prize may be listed both by the prize name and the journal/publication name and/or the publisher.Overall, I would recommend this. You get all the information you need without the heft of the hard-copy.

There were many aspects of writing and submitting a manuscript that I was not aware of before.This guide is absolutely critical to understanding all minute details that you need to be aware ofbefore ever sending off a manuscript. I was in the dark about so many things. I thought if I wrote a great storyand find a publishing company to send it to then success in on the horizon. Nope, not a chance that will happen.I need to spend about 2-4 weeks reading every chapter to maybe, just maybe keep the rejection letters at aminimum. Read this guide writers, read it carefully. If you think you know how to orchestrate your way through themaze of the publishing industry, as a novice I can tell you that you don't. Best $12 I have ever spent.

This is a useful book I have been buying since about 2000 when I began writing. It lists markets where you can send poetry, magazine articles and books. Since things change constantly be sure to visit the magazine or book publisher website before contacting them. The Writers Market tells you how and where to submit writing and sometimes the rate of pay. For book publishers it lists what they want and what they do not want. If it says do not send fiction, or do not send poetry, or whatever, follow the guidelines. I recommend that every writer buy this book.

This is essential for any writer, even if you have your own agent. Most agents don't handle short pieces, so this is helpful in getting those pieces published on your own. Easy to use. I will suggest you still look the company up online to make sure you're sending your material to the right person. Editors move around a lot, and appreciate when you've done your homework and send your stuff addressed to the RIGHT person. Gives you a step up on your competition, too.

I have critiqued this source of publishing resources for being short on magazines. This yearapparently they took my critique to heart as there are more magazines to pitch to in thisyears addition. Of course they also cover the usual array of book publishers and agents.Recommended for any serious free lance writer or writer wanna be.The reviewer is the author of the new Kindle book entitled: Sex Education for AdultsSecrets To Amazing Sex and Happily Ever After Too

This book is helpful and is a good guide to use if you want those professional connections you desire to get help in selling your work. I found it extremely useful and a great deal of value for the money paid to buy it.There are many entries in the book. Excellent product for the first time writer and those with many years knowledge of writing.. It can fulfil many needs . Excellent product.Thanks

Although it is a very comprehensive book, I was rather disappointed, as a UK writer to find that most of the magazines etc covered were American. This wasn't highlighted anywhere in the blurb and I had assumed that it was UK. My mistake, but I hope that by pointing it out I save others from making the same one.

As this is Amazon.co.uk, I have to grade this as 1 star. It is probably very useful if you are US based but useless for UK customers. As I bought it from a UK provider to a UK address I had assumed it was an updated version of the excellent 2010 book edited by Caroline Taggart. I wasn't. Avoid.

Great price.. delivered quickly, everything great!

Invaluable, everything easily accessible in one place.Very speedy delivery. Thank you.