Pen & Parchment (Writers and Artists Yearbook)

Member Name: xBorgx

Product:	Writers and Artists Yearbook
Date:	25/04/09 (166 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: All you need to know

Disadvantages: None

'The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook' has been in existence since 1906 (when it was a small 80 page booklet). It has been used as a reference for said Artists and Writers from then on: when a writer and artist has a creation he wishes to show to a wider audience, to get published or printed, then this is the first port of call he or she should make. It does, basically, what it says on the tin... This latest 2009 edition, boasting its traditional red over with the white and yellow writing, is considerably bigger than its first issue. There are 800 or so pages crammed full of information for the writer and artist out there.

Kicking off the Yearbook, we have a foreword by 'Labyrinth' author Kate Mosse, then we are given detailed information about the thirteen main subjects a writer and artist may wish to find more information about. This is told in a straightforward, encouraging and friendly way, with essays from some of the worlds' leading authors.

'Newspapers and Magazines' lists the national newspapers and magazines in UK and Ireland, plus several overseas too. The reader is also given tips on how to get started, plus there are tips on what to write by Richard Keeble. The listings show what the magazine and newspapers are looking for, plus what word count they accept.

'Books' is separated into over thirty sections. It spans through nearly 300 pages, filled with information about getting started, how to approach a publisher, and understanding the publishing process. Several big name authors lend a hand here, including Joanne Trollop, Neil Gaiman and, most notably in my view JK Rowling, in which she discusses how to first found the 'Writers' and Artists' Yearbook.' There are tips for illustrating for children's fiction, how to self publish and much more. There is also a listing for the book publishers of UK and Ireland and a selection from those overseas. Each publisher details what exactly they want, if they accept unsolicited manuscripts, and guidelines they want authors to follow.

'Poetry' features 'notes from a passionate poet,' by Benjamin Zephanish, plus there are tips on getting poetry published and approaching a poetry publisher. There is also a section on listings.
'Television, Film and Radio.' This section shows the reader tips on how to write for TV, film and radio, with essays from Andrew Davies and Di Speirs, to name just two. There is a comprehensive listing too of TV networks etc, and a look at the BBC.

Then there are sections for Theatre, Literary Agents, Art and Illustration, photography, Societies, Prizes and Festivals, Writers and Artists On-Line, Resources for Writers, Copyright and Libel, Finance for writers and Artists and these all show the same in-depth information as the other, including listings.

I first started referring to the yearbook fifteen or so years ago, having been alerted to it via a publisher who had thought my novel sucked! (Well, maybe not, but that is what I thought at the time). I went to a local book shop and bought a beat-up second hand one and took it home. Opening it was like unveiling this amazing well of information. There was so many tips, so many lists of would-be publishers and agents.

Throughout the last fifteen years I have purchased it two or three more times, and referred to it on many occasion with many a failed novel! This last year, having been working on a project, I decided to get my hands on the latest, 2009, copy. Agents have been since contacted, via the lists and tips and this 'project' it being looked at. I know without the yearbook, I would not really have any idea what to do with my work.
I am sure there are many writers and artists out there who would benefit from this book and would recommend it whole-heartedly.


The RRP is 14.99. but you can get it cheaper in other places.

It is published by A&C Black.

Also published on Ciao uk by me as Borg...

Summary: A brilliant reference for writers and artists of all capabilities...