Writers' and Artists' Yearbook 2007 (Writers' & Artists' Yearbook) -

There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), published by A&C Black. Its rival, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), is published by Macmillan. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, producers etc - you only really need one of them. But which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. At the time of writing this review, they are both being offered at the same price by Amazon. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer structure that is easier to find your way through.

The W&AY gains extra points for the many different articles by professionals covering all aspects of the writing industry. Famous authors such as Joanna Trollope, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell and J.K. Rowling address various aspects of the writing process and discuss different genres. Many other highly informative articles cover diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing your book, writing for TV, radio and theatre, the electronic world of websites and e-publishing, and on financial aspects such as tax. This makes the W&AY more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing. Much overlooked is of course the fact that this is a yearbook for artists too. Correspondingly there are sections for the budding illustrator and photographer in the W&AY which are not to be found in TWH.

All in all, an excellent guide. Definitely recommended for the aspiring writer or artist.

Self publishers bible (13/16 people found this helpful)

I self published my own manuscripts and this book was my bible I found it full of helpful phone numbers address ect. I also purchased the writers handbook 2006 and was equally happy but the information not as helpful. I am still a novice and still plugging away with my works and STILL using my trusted writers artists handbook.....I have so much to learn and like many others on here who write reviews way down the line of professional editing......... ... Go out and buy if like me you are walking the road alone!!!

Not infallible (6/10 people found this helpful)

While this tome contains a few useful anecdotes, all literary agents of note both in the U.S and the U.K as well as the all important publishers, it is, perhaps, slightly too inclusive.
Not all the agents in here are as reputable as you would expect, so a bit of a background check is always useful. Don't take this thing as gospel. Plus, there is another problem.
The fact is, all the information is readily accesible online, and with a couple of simple searches you may well have superior and more up to date information than this. That said, having a 'hard copy' for reference is never a bad thing, despite the slightly inflated price tag.

Generally useful but disappointingly out of date (51/59 people found this helpful)

While I don't regret buying this book at Amazon's low price, I was disappointed to find that it contains out-of-date information and notable gaps in the listings. For the 100th Anniversary Edition, I would have expected an extra effort by the compilers to get everything in order. Many news-stand magazines that I have written for over the past few years are still not listed, and certain sectors of the magazine publishing market are severely under-represented. Walk into WH Smith's, note down the name of (say) five computer magazines you see, and the chances are only one, if any, will be listed in the 2007 edition of the 'Writers' and Artists' Yearbook'. I was also appalled to find that one of the book publishers is listed with out-of-date contact information, a good two years after it moved premises. Also slightly surprising is the inclusion of the old 1976 BSI proofing correction marks: these were updated by the BSI in 2005 (BS 5261-2:2005). Despite these problems, I very much like the book's bite-sized introductory articles (e.g. on literary agents, UK copyright, tax returns, writing screenplays, e-publishing...) and the vast scope of the listings beyond just 'publishers'.

A vital tool for those who need to place their work. (51/53 people found this helpful)

Firstly, I must agree with the previous reviewer who said this book is a "must have" for all writers etc. It is certainly that. I cannot, however, give this book the same "5 Star" rating because of it's shortcomings.

The problem is simply that it is not complete. I write magazine articles about scuba diving, shipwrecks and nature. As an example, several of the UK's diving magazines are not listed within this book. It must, therefore, follow that several other niche market publications are also not included.

Make no mistake, not only is this an excellent publication, it is also a vital tool for those who need to place their work. Quite often, however, those who are only just starting out on that road of disappointment and success, need to find those smaller publications which may not be included here.

Perhaps the publishers might like to spend some time looking into the niche publication market in order to make the necessary improvements to this, otherwise, excellent work.

On a final note, I found it curious that, according to Amazon.co.uk, the author of the 2007 version of this book is Ian Rankin and the author of the 2006 version as Terry Pratchet - whereas, much of the content has always been copied from one year to the next.

NM

Writers' and Artists' Yearbook 2007 (Writers' & Artists' Yearbook)

Reader Reviews:

Excellent guide - informative and comprehensive (42/46 people found this helpful)

Self publishers bible (13/16 people found this helpful)

Not infallible (6/10 people found this helpful)

Generally useful but disappointingly out of date (51/59 people found this helpful)

A vital tool for those who need to place their work. (51/53 people found this helpful)

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