CFBA Blog Tour—Christian Writers’ Market Guide

I’m taking time away from the discussion about book buzz in order to help create some. 😉 At least that’s the goal.

But I have to be honest with you, I am a little mystified why the Christian Writers’ Market Guide needs to be toured. I would have thought that by now its reputation had been established and it’s place in the MUST list of books for authors secured.

I’m not complaining, mind you. I am always happy to talk about a book I can support whole-heartedly. And the 2008 version of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide is certainly such a book.

Once upon a time, I used to think once I purchased a copy of the book, then I certainly wouldn’t need a newer version … maybe ever! Such ignorance! Little did I realize how dynamic the book business is. Editors change jobs, one company buys up another, another re-evaluates its mission, and from time to time, nearly all adjust their focus. That the newest version of the Market Guide clues a writer in on all this makes it an invaluable tool. But there’s more.

The “more” is because editor Sally Stuart continues to find ways to improve the Market Guide. Last year she added what I think is by far the most revolutionary writer help of all—an accompanying CD version of the book so you can actually do computer searches for what you’re looking for. The 2008 version also has this great addition. But there’s still more.

Part of Stuart’s genesis in creating the Market Guide was seeing a need and meeting it. She continues to have the pulse of publishing and has expanded the book to include, not just a list of publishers but of agents; not just agents, but editorial services; not just editorial services, but contests; not just contests, but conferences; not just conferences, but writers’ groups; not just writers’ groups, but writing related web sites. Yes, web sites. But here’s the capper.

For Stuart, the Market Guide is not a once-a-year thing. She is involved in learning what’s happening in the publishing world all year around. Recently she started a blog that gives updates. It’s like a free supplement to the Market Guide. I encourage any writers visiting here to drop by her blog, Christian Writers’ Marketplace.

I subscribed to it on my Bloglines account because I didn’t want to miss a single entry. They are succinct, titled clearly so you can tell at a glance if you want to read the details, and keep a writer informed of changes taking place in the business.

Bottom line, if you are serious about your writing, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide 2008 is a worthwhile investment of your money and Christian Writers’ Marketplace is a worthwhile investment of your time.