How do writers put bread on the table and figure out places to publish their works? This reference resource, republished every year, is a big part of the how. Perusing its listings will put the writer in better shape for publishing her/his works.

The first section of this work (about 900 pages long!) is about the business of writing – how to pitch pieces as a freelance writer and how to manage a business in freelance writing. Although many describe such fodder as “boring,” these details are essential for survival for full-time freelancers. Even for part-time writers like myself, these pieces of advice – each written by a different writer – can teach me how to interact with editors and thus to get published more readily.

The remaining sections of the book consist of short ads for literary agents, book publishers, consumer magazines, trade journals, and contests/awards. Each section provides the essential (and only the essential) information on how to submit a query or a manuscript to the right publisher.

Interestingly, there are different flavors of the Writer’s Market depending on your particular literary approach. For instance, there are field-specific guides to poetry, children’s books, novel and short stories, and literary agents. These provide more listings specific to one’s business need.

Overall, this work is essential to writers seeking to produce. ( )