Directories Books

A great resource for the starting writer and an even better way to know what publishers and literary agents are out there. This along with the novel and short story market book are sure to help you get published.

These books are my annual present for loving to write. Each is filled to brimming with articles and publishers that real people need. Always a wonderful buy, always worth every cent.

I first saw THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK sometime in the mid-1970s. I was already aware of (and owned) WRITER'S MARKET, but as always and still, I craved more market information. I found it in THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK.

What's the difference between the two? Oh, where to begin ... THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK has the nice feature of listing items in multiple categories when appropriate. THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK and WRITER'S MARKET each contain listings the other doesn't. Some listings are more informational in one than the other. And of course the articles are different in each.

And, if nothing else, when I cannot turn up a listing that turns me on, or info I need in one market book, there's always the other.

The bottom line: I recommend THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK equally and concurrently with WM. Buy or borrow both!

If you were to use only two of the best writer's resources I would say that "The Writer's Market" and this book along with it as your main tools of marketing and refining your work. Why this book? This book contains about 60 articles of advice by the most successful writers in the business. Even for a beginner this may be the only book they'll use.

It's packed with useful information. It's gives the writer techniques, inspiration and advice. Some of these techniques are discussed how to find more time to write, creating memorable characters and revising your writing. It evens tells you specific wways to market your work, designing your website and writing for niche markets. As an added plus there are over 3000 listings of markets and resources including 2000 magazines in 45 categories ranging from performing arts and religion to adult literary to juvenile. Each one with descriptions and contact information. There's 600 book publishers, plus organizations and a glossary. This is one source that will be referred to many times over. I know I have. This is one of the best writer's resource book you can get. I'm sure this is to be updated in 2003.

This is a veeeery long book, but it's most definitely worth it for any writer, and I recommend purchasing it on an annual basis. Before I decided on a market guide for the writing craft, I compared this book to "Writer's Market", by the editors of Writer's Digest magazine; and I must say that I love their bookclub, but "The Writer's Handbook 2003" is the guide that I picked up for me. Nowadays, competitiveness is everywhere, and in a market so vast and varied as the one for the writing craft, one needs a guide that feels also like a close friend. Thank God I found it in this big book (my copy is full of colored flags sticking out of it, marking my choices for submission, conferences I'd like to attend, etc).

The first part includes selected articles that at some point or another have been previously published throughout the year in "The Writer" magazine. Everything from inspirational ideas, to legal advice on copyright and selling your material through the different magazines and agents, advice for poets, etc. There is also an article on how to better set up your website, something that is no longer an option but a "must" as a promotional tool; plus conversations with famous authors. The different listings include non-fiction and fiction magazines, with as much information as possible on requirements, website, editor's name, etc.; book publishers, agents, arts councils and syndicates, writer's colonies and conferences, prizes and awards, drama and theater, TV and film producers; even greeting card publishers.

I recommend purchasing this guide on an annual basis or, at least bi-annually; if the price comes to be a bit too stiff for you. All the same, it can become your best friend.

Novel and Short Story Writer's Market is an excellent resource for writers looking to expand their sales. Not only does it contain hundreds of markets, it also provides suggestions and writings from contemporary authors. It is a handy book for the new and experienced writers.
Anne Jones

You've created the perfect cast of characters. The most-compelling plot. Your novel or short story is absolutely solid.

Now what?

The "2002 Novel and Short Story Writer's Market" to the rescue.

This gateway to seeing your work in print identifies everything you need to know before you submit your manuscript - what editors are looking for, pay rates, how long you'll have to wait for a response, who to contact, even tips directly from the publisher. They're all covered in this 100 percent updated, annual guide to getting your fiction published.

But you could easily invest in this reference for the articles alone. Building believable worlds for science fiction writers, the business behind fiction writing and dissecting the short story are just some of the numerous articles included. And authors like John Updike, Joyce Carol Oates and Sue Grafton also share their experience on the writing life.

If you'd rather pursue an agent, flip to the literary agent section or search by genre represented. Choosing the electronic publishing route? Find out if it's right for you and learn how to evaluate your E-book options.

Achieving your publishing dreams begins here. Every opportunity imaginable is listed:

* Literary Magazines
* Small Circulation Magazines
* Zines
* Online Markets
* Consumer Magazines
* Publishing Houses
* Conferences
* Organizations

First-time novelists to prevously published authors rely on the Novel & Short Story Writer's Market year after year. If you're serious about getting published, the "2002 Novel and Short Story Writer's Market" is a vital tool for your writing career.

As a source book for the short story writer, this one is hard to beat. The advice, given by numerous authors, editors, publishers, etc. may be of value in encouraging the beginning writer, but doesn't mean much for those of us who have already suffered through the initial stages of the process.

This book has an extensive listing of magazines (general, specialized, and little), book publishers and agents. As a comprehensive listing of where to send your writing and what the markets are looking for, it is unparalled and for novice writers indespensible. Much of the rest of the content is just filler with a lot of personal stories about publishing or basic tips about writing and revising. I wish it had more about the 'business' of writing: how to format manuscripts, how to write cover letters, how to approach markets. For self-taught writers, I think this is more important than five page lessons on how to write. We'll have to make it on our own with our writing but we have no one to pass on the little 'do's and 'don't's of publishing.

An excellent tool for locating possible markets for your short stories, plus many extra helps such as how to write a cover letter, or query, how to present your manuscript, etc.
This book will not replace formal instruction, or hands on help from someone who knows the business, but if you are looking to break into print, you've already taken pains to learn the craft, and just don't know where to go next, this is a must have addition to your writer's "tool box".

This is a must have book for adoption in Russia. It is well supportive of independent adoption. It covers the process of adoption in Russia in detail. The book also has a large section of Russian law, translated and explained, that is very helpful to adoptive parents. An excellent travel tool for Russian adoption.

This book is excellent. Especially for PreAdoptive Parents. Anyone who has already went to Russia can relate to much of this book. Whether you are using an Agency or Adopting Independently you should read this book. It tells all about what to expect from the laws and your dossier to what to expect while in Russia and Court. There is alot of information in it that I was not able to find anywhere else. The Laws of Russia are always confusing and the book explains them very well. If you are using an agency this book will help you answer some questions. You will have much more knowledge on what questions to ask your agency and what to expect. It helps make learning Russian words and phrases easy. If you want to learn anymore about the children in Russia this book is definitely for you. And let's not forget all the FAQ's, there all there, and we've all asked them. Good Luck and God Bless you on your Adoption.

For anyone who is interested in an indepth understanding of Russian Law and how it related to international Russian adoption, this is the book to read! Well written, well thought out, easy to use and very informative! Irina O'Rear has written an outstanding book that explains in detail how the law works in Russia and how it applies to adoption.

Did you know adoption in Russia is free? Did you know that the Russian Law DOES NOT require two trips? Did you know there is an appeals process for adoptions that are turned down by the judge? Do you want to know if you can request a specific child in a specific area, from a specific orpahage? Irina explains the whys and wherefores of the law, and how it applies to various adoption situations. She explains the adoption process, gives a list of documents commonly needed for a Russian dossier, and explains what is involved in the court hearing.

A well written, concise, and thorough book. A must read for anyone interested in adopting from Russia. A great place to get the right answers to some tough adoption questions.

This book is a MUST to read!! You will REALLY see where your money goes after reading it! I was quite amazed. However, compared to the other reviewers, I ended up using Alaska Adoption Agency. (Excellent company by the way!) We did a 2 trip region. (Khabarovsk) Was a great overall experience. For more info on adoption, I used to go to www.adoptionforums.com Great source for MORE updated info on what's going on with the adoptions these days!

A must read for anyone adopting from Russia.

From the introduction of the book: "This book has been written in order to provide the reader with basic and helpful information pertaining to Russian adoptions and Russian adoption law." There is no doubt that Irina O'Rear has managed to accomplish this in her recently published book.

Pre adoptive parents have many questions and MS O'Rear has managed to consolidate most of the answers to these questions into one book. A family going through the adoption process would be turning to this book daily to get valuable information. Some of this information can only be found in this book.

The book starts out with a general discussion on making a decision to adopt and specifically why to adopt from Russia. From there the author describes what to expect in Russia. This covers everything from how to dress, what to expect in the court hearing, and generally what to expect while sight seeing. There is a good description of the adoption process form the Russian side, which lets the parents know what is happening while they are anxiously awaiting an invitation to travel.

There is one section of the book, and I feel the most valuable section, where MS O'Rear translates excerpts of the Russian family law that pertains to adoptions. She also provides her expert commentary on each section of the law. In my work with Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption (FURA) I have repeat idly heard parents ask what the Russian laws says on certain issues. Now I have a resource that I can point them to for answers.

Besides the unique section on Russian law the author provides another unique section of useful words and phrases. Nowhere else have I seen a list like this. It is in English word order and the Russian translation is done using the English phonetic alphabet instead of the Russian Cyrillic. This is most helpful to those who don't know the Cyrillic alphabet.

For people looking for a resource and reference guide to help with a Russian adoption then this is the book for you.

This book is the coolest thing since sliced bread.

I just love the laid-back style of humour that the authors use, especially in their choice of highly colorful words for the definitions.

Clever and charming, this little book is a must stocking stuffer for your literate friend or relative. I hope they come out with a sequel!

The premise of this book is the following:

Step 1: Make up tons of portmanteaux.
Step 2: ???
Step 3: Comedy gold!

I don't know about anyone else, but this seems a weak foundation, and I did not find the execution particularly amusing.

On the other hand, I adore the design and typography. That alone yields three stars, because I am an obsessive æsthete.

Not expecting much, I picked up this little book while waiting in line at my local Barnes & Noble. By the time I reached the cashier I was laughing so hard I had to step aside to catch my breath. Afterward I bought 10 copies to give to my friends and co-workers, who found the book as clever as I did. Even the drawings are great!

This book is a gem, to be treasured and re-read for years.

Like a bowl of Hershey's kisses, this sweet little book delights with clever verbal bonbons. And they're not fattening.

This was ourchased for my 11 year old granddaughter. She love it. Basic things are explained perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!!

This book is a great addition to your ceramics library.
It has many beautiful and colorful pictures that will definately inspire the artist in you.

excellent reference book. covers all aspects of pottery. full of wonderful ideas and is a great inspiration for the artist. i am excited about adding this book to my reference libary.

I've been throwing for about 3 years and this book was given to me as a gift. It briefly touches on many subject and has a lot of good pictures.

I would recommend this to anyone with interest in pottery, both wheel throwing and hand building.

This is a great reference book with lots of ideas and lots of illustrations. Great for someone who wants to explore out of just throwing or hand building. Great step by step ideas with great color illustrations.

This is the tell all book about the entertainment industry and braodcasting set up. I would like to recomend this book for anyone that is searching for direction when it comes down to entertainment, and how to get started.

I had the pleasure of meeting the author last fall for a workshop where she was the keynote speaker. It was inspirational and reaffirming. Entertainment Power Players, EPP for all those 'in the know, is a great resource to use for the television, film, and music business. Ms. Sterling also included in this book interviews with people in the industry. I highly recommend this book for anyone (YES, anyone) searching for contacts and information for the entertainment industry. Use it for inspiration, use it as a resource, use it to help propel you to the next level in your quest to delve deeper into the industry. It is not only a must read, but a must have.

Ms. Dackeyia Sterling has manifested a entertainment manual that really gives direct liasons with the power players you really need to know to move and shake in the respective entertainment industries. In addition to legitimate contact information, she integrates into the fabric of the manual inspirational stories and interviews of those in various facets of the arts that have beaten the odds and made strong names for themselves. The subjects she chooses are not conventional, they are diverse and often times behind the scenes. Those whose creativity has made others shine. The presentation of the manual is also top-notch. Definitely a good and smart buy for anyone who is serious about the biz, any creative biz.

I recently received my copy of Entertainment Power Players and it has been a great resource for me. It has given me plenty of contacts to use for my clients. Thank you!

I am a screenwriter and filmmaker. My career has gone through a number of stages and degrees since purchasing the first volume of this series from a business conference. It was a tremendous resource. Though the larger company contacts are ones that I could have found online, it saved me a lot of time searching (and time is money). But, the real value came in some of the other information in the book. Every significant production company in every part of the industry is listed, and there are even specific listings for more obscure segments of the industry such as animation and sound. So, information that I couldn't readily find online is now at my fingertips.

Since the first volume, I've purchased this one. My career is a little further ahead now, and still I find this to be an invaluable resource. What it does for me now is give me ideas that I would have never come to without having the book sitting in front of me. I can have one path in mind for getting something done, or for getting a project into the right hands, and as I'm looking for a phone number in this book, I'll run across another listing that makes me consider another option. I've even beat my manager to finding contacts and phone numbers at times when she was flipping through her rolodex. She was impressed.

If you're just starting out in the entertainment industry, and you've spent time online looking for agents and production companies, save yourself some time and purchase this book. If you are into your career, but still climbing, this book can only be of assistance in helping you make your way. And, if you are an industry bigwig ... well ... you or your company are probably already in the book :-)

Until search engines get a heck of a lot more intelligent than they are now, the best source for web site recommendations is from human beings. Particularly humans passionate about their subject matter. Judy and Gloria won't waste your time with a bazillion irrelevant links. They know their subject matter, and they know a good site when they see one. They're also a stitch. Or perhaps two stitches. Buy this book!

In addition to extremely helpful tips throughout, this little book is jammed-packed with great sites that are nicely arranged. No more wasting time with a search engine for me! I give it two thumbs way up!

Judy and Gloria have done it again! They've boiled down all the obfuscations of the net into discussions that quilters will enjoy. They offer their picks for the best Web sites to find free patterns, free quilting how-tos, and even free stuff for doll-makers. It would be hard to find this kind of stuff with a searcher. The net information in this book is completely different from what's in their Quilter's Computer Companion. That's a good book too, but this is more updated and complete. This is a very easy book to read, learn from and enjoy.

This book is a valuable resource for quilters at all levels of computer knowledge. It explains away a lot of the "mysteries" of why your computer acts the way it does and points you in various directions to research out your own particular interests. Written in an easy conversational tone, it imparts a lot of information without talking down or over your head.

Every quilter should own this book. Thanks Judy and Gloria for putting together such a wonderful book. Keep up the good work!!

it was one of my favourites until i got the phaidon atlas of contemporary architecture but this book is also a good one. 500 houses over the world. quick guide to have information around the world.
ayse gokbakan yildiz, architect

I was thrilled with this book (and all the other mini-Phaidon books: The Art Book, The Movie Book, The Fashion Book, and The Garden Book -- I think that's all). It's absolutely gorgeous with large pictures on each page and just enough text to make it interesting and informative. I love the alphabetical organization that essentially randomizes all the eras and countries, thus making the diversity more apparent. And, of course, IT'S CHEAP! I love it!

This book is absolutley the most amazing book on house architecture I have ever seen. Anyone who is interested in houses and house architecture around the world should have this remarkable work.

In the best tradition of the phaidon culture books, this one explores architectural styles.
It covers most periods and is eclectic in terms of style and the cultural heritage of the buildings. It also manages to present a huge time span of works, though the focus is on the boom years of architectural styles and changes (from the Victorian era onwards).
Inspires plans for lots of day trips for culture vultures or indeed travels abroad. Very interesting, I imagine there was not quite the struggle to overcome snobberies with this book as there must have been with this books family members, Art, Modern Art, Fashion and Photography.

Fascinating tour of homes, with most of the really rewarding images revealing the indigenous styles of homes across the globe, including the iglu, the long house, dung hovels, and dozens of other styles that incorporate the folk wisdom of humans across the centuries. The modernist austerities were the least interesting, even more boring than castles from the Hapsburgs. Some of the contemporary puzzle pieces were striking, and each page repaid the time invested pouring over the details captured. I wish that they would double page load, and show a representative interior of each exterior captured here.

Being the author of this book I am naturally biased toward it. What I can say is that I contacted the best authorities in the world for information and pictures and did not borrow from any other book.

One thing I would like to say about the reviews on this book. The book is exactly as described by Amazon and the University of Oklahoma Press and I want to debunk the few odd reviews stating that this book consists of ten yellowed pages. I have no idea why anyone would state such a thing but can assure you that it is untrue and completely ridiculous.

Thanks,
Bonnie Hendricks

This book is wonderful. Lots of information, but a little pricy. Overall, it's a good deal for you if you love horses like me. One problem I had was I didn't know how many pages were in the book. All I know is it has more than 17 pages because there are 17 sample pages. I enjoyed looking at the sample pages. Thank you.

This book is truly a complete guide to horse breeds. Unfortunately the quality of the book material was a disappointment. It was filled with photos; but only a few were color photos. The pages were not much better than the quality of a comic book, thin and yellow. I expected much more for the price. 4 stars solely on the detail and depth of it's information.

Bonnie Hendricks has gone far beyond what any other horse breed researcher has done...she has contacted every breed association she possibly could. She has written with far more detail, greater accuracy, and on many more breeds than any other horse book I have seen. Her intelligent ideas inserted into some breed descriptions are well worth noting. This is a MUST-HAVE for the serious equine enthusiast! It has definitely spoiled my appetite for any other horse book that attempts to describe the breeds. Thanks Bonnie, we needed this book!

Intresting and somewhat overwhelming a great insite into the world of horses.

Excellent book. I use this book to plan all my vacations. Have discovered many great naked resorts and beaches. If you're queer and like to go naked, ya just gotta have it!

Being a world traveler as well as a nudist, I am always looking for resources to help me with my travel planning. This book is now the only one I use when planning a trip. Michael Boyd has collected and organized some of the most accurate listings of nude accomodations that I have found. In addition, he's compiled breathtaking photos from some well-known "nude" photographers including NAKEDTONY and many others. Highly recommended!

I now own all three editions of Naked Places, having started with the first edition when it came out several years ago. This book is truly outstanding. I continue to be impressed with each new edition. The photos of nude men outdoors are, of course, beautiful, but it is the incredible amount of information as well as the level of detail that makes this book well worth owning. You need only look through a few pages of the book to realize that this book must have been a monumental research project. As someone who travels extensively across North America on business, I have had the opportunity to visit many of the places in the book (both beaches and resorts). I can report that the author's directions and descriptions are right on target. Had it not been for this book, I would never have known about a good number of these places. As I am writing this, I have had the 3rd edition for just a few days and haven't had a chance to put it to use, but I'm looking forward to checking out some of the new places. This book is absolutely a must-have item for any gay man who enjoys social nudity.

As most people know, Dr. Leisure's speciality is nude recreation with an emphasis on nude beaches. Michael Boyd's characterization of nude beaches of which Dr. Leisure is personally familiar (That's more than a couple!) was right on target. He gives good directions and a good sense of the current situation. If the rest of the book's content is as on target, which I believe it is, then this is a must for the male nude recreationist traveler. Nice job Michael, Aloha Dr. Leisure at DrLeisure.com

This incredible book is truly an asset to the gay naturist community. This book is very descriptive and covers tons of unexpected places. (Or should I say UNcovers?!) Any gay man who likes to let it all hang out should most definitely own a copy of this book.