2009 Christian Writers' Market Guide Review
Indepth Look at Sallly Stuart's Valuable, Annual Reference Tool
May 8, 2009
Each year Sally Stuart, the unofficial queen of the Christian writing world, puts out the annual Christian Writer’s Market Guide. It’s always chock full of useful information for the Christian writer and the 2009 version of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide is no different. The information is up to date, as up to date a hard copy book can be, and in an easy to use format.
Christian Book Publishers and Magazines/ Periodicals
The majority of the 2009 Christian Writers’ Market Guide is devoted to listing Christian book publishers and magazines, aka periodicals. Both the book publishers section and the periodicals section is listed topically and alphabetically. A writer is able to find out what topics each publisher covers. Then they can go to the alphabetical list for more.
For each publisher, the 2009 Christian Writers’ Market Guide lists over thirty possible areas of information, depending on availability. There are the obvious entries, such as the name of the publisher, their address, and phone numbers. Stuart also includes helpful information such as percentage of books from first time authors, average amount of royalties, the special needs of the publisher, specific tips provided by the publisher, plus much, much more.
The periodical listings have some more information specifically for the magazine market. Each listing will have the subscription rate with the recommendation that writers subscribe to at least one of their major markets to keep up on their focus and trends. The pay schedule for each magazine is listed so writers will know if they pay on acceptance or publication plus the rights that are purchased.
Christian Greeting Card, Gift, and Specialty Markets
While the book and magazine markets are the main focus of the 2009 Christian Writers’ Market Guide, Stuart does have a place for the smaller but profitable markets. The greeting card market is often overlooked but may a solid avenue of income for some writers. They are listed both topically and alphabetically. Stuart does warn that there are some companies included that are not specifically Christian but publish religious cards along with secular cars. Writers will need to do their homework to make sure the companies do not produce lines that are contrary to their beliefs.
Even smaller, but still profitable, are the gift and specialty markets. The types of products included in these listings are:
- Games
- Gift items
- Software
- Video
- CDs
- DVDs
Once again, a topical listing is provided to make the writers search easier. Stuart tells us that not all of the markets listed answered to say if they accept freelance inquiries. The onus is on the writer to contact them and see if they will accept unsolicited material.
Bonus CD and Help for Writers in the 2009 Christian Writers’ Market Guide
Included in the 2009 Christian Writer’s Market Guide is a bonus CD. On the CD is the entire book in Doc format plus another document that has resources for writers. The writing world changes fast and writers can keep up to date on their electronic copy of the book.
The resources document has websites and blogs with information on a plethora of subjects that will be a huge help to writers. Writers can find out about business and legal matters, elements of style, or service for writers just to name a few. The list can benefit any writer, Christian or not.
The 2009 Christian Writers’ Market Guide is an invaluable tool for any writer targeting the Christian market. Sally Stuart provides a complete and powerful instrument that will help further the freelance career of many writers.
 |
