Writer's Market UK

A new writing directory has just been published in the UK. Published by David and Charles, Writer's Market UK 2008 is a large directory containing 976 pages of entries, advice and information useful to the writer. To accompany the book there is also a dedicated website and with a free 30 day trial available to those purchasing the book.

The first 110 pages consists of articles on all aspects of writing including Publicity and How to Get It, Writing for Newspapers, Writing for the Web and Good and Bad Letters. This is followed by the Directory listings and which include UK and Irish publishers and publications. These are extensive and just by looking through the entries I discovered publications which I did not know about and which I intend to follow up. (Only yesterday I pitched an idea to one of the publications listed.)

There are also extensive listings for Radio and Television, theatre, agencies and consultancies, organisations, groups and clubs, competition and prizes, festivals and conferences as well as a wide range of resources useful for the writer.

For those interested in selling their work, whether to a magazine or to learn of suitable publishers or agents, I thoroughly recommend obtaining a copy. It is detailed, comprehensive and has all the links and details you need.

My new website

I have often read that it is worth writers having their own website, so making it easier for readers and the media to contact as well as to help promote their work. It is something I have considered for some time and this week have launched my site,www.neilsomerville.com. I hope to be adding to the various pages shortly but do take a look and I'd be very interested and grateful for any comments.

Also my special report Achieve More Acceptances and be Published More Often has been recently updated and with a specially reduced price. Details can be obtained from this link.

My Favourite Writing Resource

Over the years I have build up a large collection of books (probably too many!) and out of all of these, the books I refer to most often and are usually on my desk are quotation books.

Not only do I find quotations a good way to start articles but also help to illustrate points I may want to make. Also, there are quotation books available on all sorts of subjects and it could be worth seeing if there are any available in the areas you write on.

One of the favourite quotation books I have was published over 100 years ago so I can hardly recommend this or give a link, but by looking in book shops, on ebay or Amazon you could find some that could be useful.

And, while on the subject of quotes, here is one from Peter De Vries,

I love being a writer. What I can't stand is the paperwork.


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May I take this opportunity of thanking all who regularly visit my blog and although I realise only a very very few ever contact, here's wishing you all the very best with your own writing.

Neil Somerville

An Extra Income for Writers

As a writer you always need to be on the look out for ideas and possibilties. However rather than limit yourself to writing ideas, also look out for visual ones and particularly photo opportunities.

There is a large and growing market for photos and, thanks to the internet, it is easy to upload and to sell them, particularly to stock image sites. Some have also sold their photos - particularly of historic sites and buildings - on ebay or for use as greeting cards, calendars or even themed screen savers.

Photos you take can be used to illustrate articles or, if you take an amusing snap, sell it to a newspaper or magazine on its own.

For more details on how you can profit from your camera and the type of pictures in demand, have a look at www.selling-photos.com At the moment the report comes with a free 110 page guide on how to make the most of online writing opportunites and which makes a great bonus for writers.

WRITING RESOLUTIONS FOR 2007

I know there will be a great many writers who will be keen to get 2007 off to a good start and have writing aims they will be keen to realise. And I hope that this Self-help for Writers blog may, in some way, be of help.

Not only will I be giving writing regular tips and advice but I hope the blog can become a forum for those keen to make more of their talents. And to help with this, I am launching several special features.

Writer of the Month
It is always good to hear of progress made and successes enjoyed and each month I will give an honorable mention to a writer who has achieved some goal or success. If you would like to be considered do please send an email giving details about your success and which you do not mind sharing with others.

How’s it going?
I know it can be of great value to have someone who occasionally enquires about ongoing work. This in itself can help to keep you on track. If you would welcome an occasional enquiry, again drop me an email about your work and objectives and every so often I will enquire by email about how you are getting on. I am only able to offer this service to the first 7 writers who get in contact.

Self-help for Writers E-letter
This free e-letter includes items of interest about writing and selling your work as well as some special offers and bonuses. To subscribe send an email to selfhelpforwriters@hotmail.co.uk and put subscriptions in the subject box. You can unsubscribe at any time and your details will not be passed elsewhere.

Also, don't forget you can be advised of updates to this blog by clicking on the Feedblitz link on the right.

A Christmas Present for Writers

As an early Christmas gift, Write Street are giving away some great writing freebies. I have already downloaded one of the free ebooks (and which is offered as something of a surprise) and it certainly is an excellent and informative read.

For details of this special gift, here's the link