2004 Writer's Market (Writer's Market, 2004) [Paperback]

Kathryn Struckel Brogan (Editor), Robert Lee Brewer (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Writer's Market | Publication Date: August 2003

Writer's Market is the world's bestselling writing reference. Why? Because more writers get published using Writer's Market than any other resource. Unlike any other reference, the information in Writer's Market is completely updated every single year--guaranteed! From book publishers to script buyers, writers will find the crucial information they need to contact more than 8,000 editors, including what they're looking for, how much they pay, how fast they respond, and more. Quick-reference symbols and indexes make finding the right information easy and fast. An invaluable selection of articles and interviews add even more to the mix, helping readers to break into print and market their work successfully.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Writer's Market is THE indispensable writer's reference. -- The Best Reviews

Writer's Market is the bible for scribes trying to get paid for their work in today's fast-paced, competitive market. -- The Tampa Tribune

Product Details

• Paperback: 1111 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books; Revised edition (August 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582971897
• ISBN-13: 978-1582971896
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.9 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,540,583 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Writer's Bible Continues to Live up to Its Name, October 18, 2003

By 

Meryl K. Evans "Content Maven behind meryl.net" (Plano, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 2004 Writer's Market (Writer's Market, 2004) (Paperback)

The writer's bible dated 2004 A.D. has arrived! Most writers won't wonder what book I'm speaking of since it's THE BOOK.

The first 100 pages or so contain articles and advice while the rest is markets, markets, markets. These articles include agents, pricing, interviews, building a career, and queries. Writers have been complaining about one critical item that's missing from the 2003 edition. It's back. Yes, the "How much I should charge?" article is here to rescue writers (me included) who struggle with pricing. The article has seven pages worth of gold with going market rates sorted by categories. Scan these 100 pages as soon as the book arrives in your hands to put the advice to immediate use.

Copyright issues make me crazy. "The Business of Writing" defines terms relating to rights and provides a brief overview of selling subsidiary rights and contracts and agreements. It's a painless five to ten minutes read. Online markets have pounded writers with more confusion over rights and rates. "Strategies for Negotiating Electronic Rights and Rates," untangles the web.

If you own an older version of the book, this one is still worth the purchase. It has 1,100 new listings and contacts change often with people moving around within the industry and to new locations.

For those who have never seen or heard of this book, read the first article in the book, which takes you on a tour of what's in it and how to use it. The markets cover 300+ agents, book publishers, magazines, journals, scriptwriting, contests and awards, and resources making this a valuable paperweight or doorstopper. Inside of the front and back covers is a key to the symbols and abbreviation to help you make heads and tails of each entry.

Each listing comes with contact information, pay rates, statistics, tips on how to deal with the resource, and details on the publisher's needs. The agents sections provides terms, recent sales, representation type (subjects, fiction, etc.), and member agents.

We get too busy to read books. This is not a book you need to make time to read. When you come up with a brilliant article or manuscript, search the book for possible publishers to pursue. It's a heck of a lot faster than researching online or at the library.

This baby with over 1,000 pages pays for itself with one cheap article. Even if you find just one or two markets from the book, it's worth the investment.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable!, August 6, 2003

By 

Javafanatic "javafanatic" (Wakefield, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 2004 Writer's Market (Writer's Market, 2004) (Paperback)

The 2004 edition of Writer's Market is as complete and wonderful as it is every year. The massive paperback is brimming with tips and information about the craft as well as the business of writing. It is complete with contact information for book publishers, agents, and magazines. It also has a section on contests and awards, and a nice glossary. It is a good value.

My one gripe is that the book has ads in it. I count three cardboard inserts advertising their magazine, their Web site, workshops, and their other books.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Resource for freelance writers wanting to sell their work, September 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: 2004 Writer's Market (Writer's Market, 2004) (Paperback)

I have to admit I was very disappointed last year when I bought the 2003 Writer's Market only to find that the article "How Much Should I Charge?" was missing. That is one of the big reasons why I buy the book every year. I tried to find the information elsewhere, but did not have much luck. So, I figured I would give the book one more chance, and I am glad that I did! The pay rates have been added back to the book and they have all been updated--there is even a list of organizations I can contact if I want more information about the pay rates and various jobs. This article alone made my purchase worth the money.