Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
 An informative and helpful directory... August 25, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Writer's Market UK is an informative and helpful read. The majority of this book is made up of a directory of magazines, publishers, theatres, agencies, resources and competitions. The layout is attractive and the information exhaustive, but there are other more established handbooks offering similar information. Where Writer's Market UK scores is in the hundred plus pages of articles.
Sadly I found the tone of some of these articles rather depressing. Yes, I know the odds are stacked against me making a living from writing - but the purpose of buying a book like this is to learn how to success in this goal. I've not felt this negative tone in similar directories I've read.
There are positive and inspiring articles. The first is by Joanne Harris, in which we learn she doesn't plan her books. There seems to be a continuum of writers, from those that start at page one and go - and those who plan everything in detail. I'm still working out where I am on that line, so it was interesting to get the point of view of an author I admire.
Elizabeth Kay's article about writing for children was my favourite. Gallons Of Lemonade, And Steak And Kidney Pud was refreshingly written and contained many gems. She also shows she knows her market when she talks about children not being idiots, merely having smaller vocabularies and less experience.
Inevitably information in a directory like this goes out of date, but it is a useful first point for further research. Writer's Market UK is a helpful tool if you want to sell what you write.
 A bible for budding writers August 13, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Contains a lot of useful information that is not in the Writers and Artists Yearbook, such as 'tips' on agents and publishers, and entries for individual imprints within the larger publishers, which makes it easier to navigate in many ways for first-time authors. Buy both!
A bit different August 7, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
There's an awful lot of information in this book. What I liked best were the articles about different aspects of writing, such as The Publishing House - who does what. I thought the layout was particularly useful - it's so nice to be able to thumb through the pages and see from the coloured edges where you are, a bit like a fieldguide for flowers!
Every Writer Should Have A Copy August 5, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Within 24 hours of first reading this glossy, sleek production, bursting with information I had accessed at least 3 of the websites recommended by the expert contributors. For example, I used `www.wordcounter.com' for this piece. Those noteworthy articles alone are worth the cover price of 14.99.
Joanne Harris has written a foreword which is packed with juicy nuggets of information; her opening invites you straight into the heart of the matter for the budding or established writer and her closing words should be a mantra for all.
Caroline Taggart's informative introduction, together with helpful bullet points and links to useful `webbies' is followed by an invaluable Q and A section.
Dressed in purple and gold, the cover of `Writer's Market' is eye-catching and has an effective layout. If I have a complaint, it is that the book is too large to carry around with ease, but you should at least try to keep your copy to hand. The competition section is an ideal starting place for the novice. Entering competitions is vital for the wannabe writer, as it encourages discipline; working to deadline and with specific subject material - always enter on the premise that you `have to be in it to win it' and if you win it, you have a massive bonus on top of the initial buzz of creativity.
There are a plethora of listings to suit every taste in this reference book, which is updated each year and boasts a huge index. Small nag here; the print is very small in some sections, such as the index, but I guess it has to be in order to pack so much info into the weighty 976 pages.
The Writer's Market Website is also a must for frequent visits and is promoted in the book. (Purchase includes unlimited website access). The webbie homepage is bright, (mirroring the hard copy) uncluttered and easy to navigate. I find `Talking Point' particularly helpful; it is really useful to view opinions shared in the topical and lively debates. The Personal Organiser is another favourite. Bookmark the site, you won't regret it. You will be sent regular newsletters after you register, and you do need to register to navigate all areas - I'd prefer that not to be the case, but it's understandable. The newsletter is a worthwhile read and is also a reminder into your `Inbox' if you forget to check the website out.
Hugely helpful August 4, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I really found this a fantastic resource, lots and lots of information and easy to use.
|
