Mystery Writer's Sourcebook: Where to Sell Your Manuscripts

Rating:
Summary: You should have access to this book...
Review: ...even if it is outdated. "Mystery Writer's Sourcebook" will appeal particularly to new and aspiring mystery writers. It is a pity though, that Writer's Digest Books hasn't published a new edition of this book since 1996. I agree that this market changes rapidly, but still, there is no other guide geared specifically towards the mystery genre. In it you will find agent profiles, listings for the major publishing houses as well as numerous mystery magazines, ideas for resources (online and off), and an explanation of the most famous conventions and awards for the mystery genre. Some of the information may be outdated, but personally I have found it extremely useful as a reference that at least tells me where to go look for material I might be needing for a career in the such a competitive genre. There are also interviews to the major editors and writers, and even a few pieces on which the editors comment why a particular story was chosen. What else does a book like this one need to include in order to become indispensable? Like I said before, ignore the previous review and procure yourself a copy if you write mysteries and aspire to one day be published.

And to the publishers at Writer's Digest Books: please, publish a new, revised edition for this new century!

Rating:
Summary: You should have access to this book...
Review: ...even if it is outdated. "Mystery Writer's Sourcebook" will appeal particularly to new and aspiring mystery writers. It is a pity though, that Writer's Digest Books hasn't published a new edition of this book since 1996. I agree that this market changes rapidly, but still, there is no other guide geared specifically towards the mystery genre. In it you will find agent profiles, listings for the major publishing houses as well as numerous mystery magazines, ideas for resources (online and off), and an explanation of the most famous conventions and awards for the mystery genre. Some of the information may be outdated, but personally I have found it extremely useful as a reference that at least tells me where to go look for material I might be needing for a career in the such a competitive genre. There are also interviews to the major editors and writers, and even a few pieces on which the editors comment why a particular story was chosen. What else does a book like this one need to include in order to become indispensable? Like I said before, ignore the previous review and procure yourself a copy if you write mysteries and aspire to one day be published.

And to the publishers at Writer's Digest Books: please, publish a new, revised edition for this new century!

Rating:
Summary: Contains old information about the book market.
Review: A great idea that doesn't come off well. This market changes so rapidly, a book would have to be put out monthly in order to keep up with it. The short story market is practically closed to any except famous writers, and magazines like Woman's World which use a lot of mysteries have such esoteric needs, no one can figure out what they are. Study the market by using Amazon and you'll learn a lot more on your own.