Thread: The Writer's Handbook - a must-have writers' textbook

I was browsing a charity shop yesterday, looking for some Shaun Hutson books, and spotted a huge textbook on a shelf entitled "The Writer's Handbook 2008". After purchasing it for a quid, I had a long browse through and found that it was one of the handiest things I've purchased in a long time.

The book has, in alphabetical order, thousands of magazines (which includes anything from LGBT to mini train collecting to fly fishing), hundreds of publishers and agents (each in separate chapters) and useful articles. Each entry is provided with a land address, website and email address with a small description of how to contact and be published. It also has addresses for writers' groups should you wish to share your story with other writers.

I'd reccomend this book to anyone interested in sharing their life story, publishing their novel/novella/collection of stories/life journey or partaking in some freelance work. It only has UK publications and addresses in it, however, but there's no harm in overseas citizens trying, just make sure you include an SAE.

Quick note: Don't worry if the version you find is 2 or 3 years out of date; most, if not all, of the magazines are still going today.
Quick note 2: Try and find a copy in a charity shop first as it costs £15 new.

Thanks for the great pointer.
I don't live in the UK so the chances of finding a used/bargain copy here in Europe is slim to none.
I went their (Writer's Handbook) website for more info and the possibility of purchasing a copy; it seems that this year's edition of the Writer's Handbook will be their last...

A notice on their website:
"We regret to announce that the 2011 edition of The Writer's Handbook will be the last. Several factors have come together to persuade Palgrave Macmillan to cease publication. While the book no longer fits with the current direction of our Reference list; most critically, as with many trade reference works, the power of free resources online has won out."

click to be taken to their homepage --> The Writer's Handbook 2011 - Home