The Yearbook of Experts, Authorities & Spokespersons 1998: An Encyclopedia of Sources (17th Edition) (Yearbook of Experts, Authorities and Spokespersons, ed 16) [Paperback]

Mitchell P Davis (Author)

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Every article needs a good quote, but finding that eminently quotable expert isn't always easy. Suppose you're doing a story on illiteracy, immigrants, impotence, or in-line skates, Indian law, indoor pollution, or infertility, the Yearbook lists expert sources for thousands of topics. The "Topic Index" alone runs to nearly 200 pages. It's followed by 677 pages of interviewable authorities, a "Geographic Index," and an alphabetically arranged "Participant Index." Mitchell Davis has compiled a remarkably helpful reference for America's media, useful to spark a story idea or substantiate one.

Product Details

• Paperback: 677 pages
• Publisher: Broadcast Interview Source; 16th edition (1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0934333300
• ISBN-13: 978-0934333306
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.8 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,518,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Useful, but not comprehensive, March 8, 2005

By 

Matt Hetling "Matt" (Bethel, ME USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Yearbook of Experts, Authorities & Spokespersons 1998: An Encyclopedia of Sources (17th Edition) (Yearbook of Experts, Authorities and Spokespersons, ed 16) (Paperback)

This is an oddball mix between a somewhat useful guide to experts on a broad range of topics, and a crass collection of phonebook-style advertisements that undercut the integrity of the information presented.

About 85% of each page is taken up by advertisements, with the remainder being more traditional listings that are also paid for, I imagine.

The fact that this information is derived from a "who will pay" philosophy instead of a "who would be most useful to journalists" means that the information is suspect. You might find what you're looking for (and will certainly find someone who will do), but you won't find a helpful set of criteria that governs who made the book.

This book might be better than a Yahoo search in that you can hone in on the contact information right away (useful on deadline), but if you have some time, a Yahoo search is probably a better way to get the perfect source for your story.