Customer Reviews

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008: The Essential Reference Tool for the Christian Writer

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I ordered this book having heard good things about it. There are many valuable references contained in this book. However, if you are a fledgling author looking for legitimate publishers, BEWARE. I found no less than three so-called publishers that were not publishers at all, but are at best vanity publishers, at worst, scammers who scam authors out of their own money. One of these publishers I had personal experience with and know it to be a complete scam, and to the author's credit, she wrote back to me saying that publisher would be removed from future additions. However, I didn't bother to communicate the other two "publishers" I found to be highly suspicious and just did a quick search on a popular web search only to find that my suspicions were correct. It makes me wonder how many other mistakes and unresearched links/publishers etc. are included in the book. So I strongly advise if you are searching for a vanity publisher or regular publisher, research your choices first. Simply because they appear on the pages of this resource does not mean it is a legitimate organization.

However, I will say overall the resource is very useful. Just do your checking!

A book that survives and thrives through 23 editions is a successful and valuable product. This is certainly true of Sally Stuart's "Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008."

As her sub-title suggests, this work is THE reference tool for the Christian writer. Such a claim is not the stuff of info-mercials; it is reality. As The Midwest Book Review extols: "An essential reference for anyone seeking to be published in the Christian community."

The 2008 Edition is completely updated and revised, now with even more markets for Christian writers, periodicals, publishers, e-book publishers, agents, and so much more. Stuart's tireless and meticulous research saves the aspiring and experienced Christian writer thousands of hours of personal research (time better spent writing and marketing).

If you want to keep abreast of trends and stay informed on contacts in the Christian publishing arena, then the "Christian Writers' Market Guide 2008" remains the best in the business. I purchase a new copy each year.

Reviewer: Dr. Bob Kellemen is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spirtual Direction," "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction" and "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

Christian Writer's Market Guide 2008 by Sally Stuart is an amazing resource for Christian writers. With lists of agents, publishing houses, periodicals, writers' groups and conferences, this is a book that can and should change the life of any writer reading it. I found several magazines I intend to submit articles and reviews to, plus several agents who are willing to look at unpublished authors. The book is arranged in an easy to understand fashion with TONS of info packed on every page. A CD is included with the listings, so you can search through them on your computer as well. Stuart has provided a unique and vital help for any Christian writer either well established or just getting started. Don't pass this one up!

I have always appreciated the depth of research and help Sally Stuart puts into these yearly market guides, and having the CD is an extra bonus. Having the current book is a must for any writer who wants to get published. Send out submissions to some of the many non-paying markets first; build up your list of published clips, and then you will have the credibility you need to get paid work.

Even in this Internet age, a solid resource like Sally Stuart's guide is indispensible. There is so much "free" publishing information now on the web that it's often impossible to sort the legitimate from the fraudulent. And, sadly, even the world of Christian publishing is awash with scammers, charlatans and vanity publishers ready to take advantage of ill-informed authors. Sally's guide is THE place to get grounded in reality and learn "who's who" and "what's what" in the Christian publishing industry, and how to get in contact with everyone!

Two years ago, all I had was my newly written manuscript, my vision for helping more people honor Christ in everyday legal situations, and Sally Stuart's market guide. Now, thanks to contacts I made through the guide, my first book is published (The Believer's Guide to Legal Issues) and thousands of readers will be encouraged and equipped to incorporate biblical Christian values into their real life legal decisions!

As a Christian author, you have your own vision for touching many hearts for Christ through your writing. If you're ready to get serious about pursuing the publishing journey, then you need Sally Stewart's guide.

Though I think that this is probably the only reference of publishers in the Christian industry I would not recommend it for those who actually want to make a living at publishing. Instead I'd suggest the Writers Market. 2009 Writer's MarketThis Christian writers market has very few listings that pay money for articles or submissions. This is sad. Just because you are writing for a Christian publication does not mean that you should not be paid for your work. I suppose if you want to get your foot in the door, or write for free it is a good resource. However, I'd rather take my chance writing inspirational items for other markets that pay. I must also add that I have been disappointed with some of the online markets that this book sends me to. They don't seem professional at all, and in my experience have not been long lasting. It is a resource to have on my shelf, but I am not sure I would buy it again.

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This is the guidebook to have, if you are interested in the Christian publication market.
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The main categories of interest are publishers, agents, and periodicals.
Trying to pull these out of a general guide like WM or WH would take a lot more work. The agents list is buried under "Helps" and should be given a separate entry at the main indexing level.
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The resources are excellent. The other guidebooks should copy this approach. On the other hand, there is no "how to" or introductory writing information. That is good. It is available elsewhere and should not be duplicated especially in a useless watered down format as other guides do.
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Vanity press publishers are separated from traditional publishers.
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There is a very useful market analysis that tells the sub-genre/topic of books that are most published. Also the publishers are listed by size wrt the number of books they publish.
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There are entries for greeting cards and specialty markets such as software and games.
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There is a helps section that lists conferences, clubs, services and contests.
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The usual glossary and index are at the back.
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As with any similar guide, there are some E&Os. With the constant changes in the publishing industry always check the information and the current editors name before submitting a mss.
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With the CDRom, this book is worth buying if your writing is aimed at this marketplace. I would refer to WM or WH at the library. The online adjuncts to other guides have not proven useful in the past. but this CDRom makes the book worth owning.
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As a writer in the Christian Market, this is the one tool that I can't live without. Sally Stuart has done all the research for writers who want to submit articles to publications and manuscripts to publishers in the Christian market. This has saved me an enormous amount of time! As Sally updates this book every year, it's important that I have a new version on my desk every time the new one comes out. I'm so thankful for her research and for all the updated information. For any writer who is trying to break in to the market or just trying to succeed at something they've already started, THIS is a must!

In this edition of the "Christian Writer's Market Guide 2008" Sally Stuart has included seven sections including: An introduction and instructions on using the book, a comprehensive listing of resources for writers, and a topical listing of book publishers. She also provides an updated listing of periodicals, including mention of new additions appearing this year. Another section is devoted to greeting card publishers.

I especially look forward to the section entitled "Helps for Writers" calling attention to Christian writer's conferences and workshops, area Christian writer's clubs and groups, editorial services, literary agents, and contests.

Another unique feature of this writer's guide is the complete index, glossary of terms, denominations listing of book publishers and periodicals as well as a list of book publishers and periodicals by corporate group.

A CD Rom is included with the book. Stuart's Market Guide has been one of the most highly recommended books at each of the Christian Writer's Seminar I have attended over the years. I add my recommendation to Sally's other fans.

This is a reference book full of useful valuable information. It is not a book you will read and give away. Rather it will be kept and referred to continually especially for the first time writer.