posted
Alright, so I have a question (yes, again!).
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 My question is, would it be hopelessly outdated now?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
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.
Posts: 1810 | Registered: Jun 2002
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posted
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.
posted
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.
Posts: 1810 | Registered: Jun 2002
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posted
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
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 However, I realize that even the current year's edition is going to have some out-of-date info immediately.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.
Posts: 338 | Registered: Aug 2002
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