The Writer’s Handbook 2010

There are plenty of content websites willing to pay for your articles, Associated Content just happens to be at the top of this list. But what if you want to be published in print, such as a newspaper or magazine?

When you write for Associated Content the only thing you need is the URL and your login details. Even I can remember at least one of these. When you want to get published with a publication, you need a contact point to begin with.

I present, for your consideration, the Writer’s Handbook 2010. Edited by Barry Turner and described by The Times as ‘The book no writer should be without’.

The book describes itself as ‘The complete guide for all writers, publishers, editors, agents and broadcasters’ it contains an extensive directory of publishers, literary agents, magazines, poetry presses, broadcasters and many more. It also lists various competitions and educational courses.

The index is easy to search by genre or by name. With a list this large, you’re likely to find the publication or organisation you look for and several more in that genre. The more you talk to the better your chances of getting published.

For each listing there is a contact point for submitting articles and most have some background information on the publication or organization itself. Many have advice for the kind of content to submit and how to go about it; you can even find information on payment.

The beginning of the book features an introduction by Barry Turner and nine more informative articles of advice for the budding or established writer. The articles themselves are done by winners of a competition from the previous edition. By buying this edition, you have the chance to be published in the next edition.

By buying the book you also get access to the website which gives you more resources, news and a digital version of the listings. On that note, Associated Content is not included in the list of online resources.

It’s not that you can’t find this stuff online or in the publications themselves. But this can save you a lot of legwork, give you some great advice and maybe even some inspiration.

At $29.95 RRP it may be the best investment you make as a writer, besides perhaps a notebook and pen.