The library on campus has a copy of Writer's Market 2001. My question is, would it be hopelessly outdated now? Should I stick to the 2002, or online market guides?
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
From what I understand, editorial positions in publishing can be a lot like musical chairs, so it's advisable to call to verify editor's names no matter what source you use. If the 2001 is available, just be sure to call the targeted publication to check its accuracy.
Posted by srhowen (Member # 462) on :
Uhmm, the 2003 guide is out. The online is updated all the time. It's about 3 bucks a month. I still buy a paper copy---I make notes all over it, and i can carry it with me.
I have found even with calling, or using the on-line----things change at light speed. I get a few queries back every time I send them out, no forwarding address, no such person, or a scribbled note sorry so and so doesn't work here anymore. Sometimes they give me an address for so and so but not very often.
Publishers and agents also change what they are looking for and their guidelines often.
Go for the newest possible.
Our library here has a 2002 edition, would I use it? Nope, not even with phone calls. It's one reference book they should update regularly.
Shawn
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
Living in an imperfect world, the newest edition isn't always available. When we were getting my husband through college and raising the kids, I'd buy a Writer's Market and use it for several years, always with back-up phone calls. Now, I buy them yearly and pass my old ones to some friends who write occasionally.
Posted by Rahl22 (Member # 1411) on :
For those of you who use the book often, do you do so because of fiction markets? Or non-fiction markets?
For fiction markets, I've found free listings aplenty on the web. I can't imagine you'd need to look at the book. Does it help you find the less popular markets?
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
I like a book in hand. Like Shawn, I'm an inveterate note scribbler.
Posted by srhowen (Member # 462) on :
Markets markets everywhere. I find many in the wirters market that are not on-line and many online that are not in the book.
It's a tool, and when doing a job it's nice to have as many tools as one can. It's a good source book.
I use it for non-fic as well as fiction, books, short stories, plays, cards, anythign and everything is in there and at their web site.
So are a good number of agents.
Though, the agent currently considering my book was found at Pubisher's Marketplace. A pay for site as well.
Shawn
Posted by Hildy9595 (Member # 1489) on :
What I like about the book is that it identifies new markets or small markets, which may be of use to a never-before-published author (like myself). However, I realize that even the current year's edition is going to have some out-of-date info immediately. I choose to call first, chat with the secretary, and confirm the person is still there and that the guidelines are still accurate. So far, they've been friendly and helpful in this regard.