Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

At last!, 26 Oct 2008
With publishers arranging to advertise any old rubbish before it's even been written, here at last is a good way to find what's worth reading to the very young, instead of just what's on the shelves. Following the recommendations becomes addictive. But, just think! Your determination is enriching the shelves of your local library (ask for a request card when things aren't there. Or ask them to order the book you want through inter-library loan.) There are companion copies for older children too.

Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

At last!, 26 Oct 2008
With publishers arranging to advertise any old rubbish before it's even been written, here at last is a good way to find what's worth reading to the very young, instead of just what's on the shelves. Following the recommendations becomes addictive. But, just think! Your determination is enriching the shelves of your local library (ask for a request card when things aren't there. Or ask them to order the book you want through inter-library loan.) There are companion copies for older children too.

Good but not comprehensive, 11 Jun 2002
This is a useful reference for anyone working in the banking industry. However it is not that comprehensive and a number of fairly standards strutures such as CLNs, CDOs, FRODOs, TRSs are not touched on at all. "Credit Derivatives" gets a very broad definition with very few specifics. It may be more appropriate to more traditional banking as it is strong in the area of mortgages, loans, deposits etc, but even here some common terms such as MOR don't get a mention.

Also in this day and age an electronic version with hypertext would be more appropriate - cross referencing is remarkably difficult now that we are all used to the web!

To conclude, the format and content could do with a little modernisation.

Good reference., 03 Jan 2001
Very useful reference for both learners and profesionals

Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

At last!, 26 Oct 2008
With publishers arranging to advertise any old rubbish before it's even been written, here at last is a good way to find what's worth reading to the very young, instead of just what's on the shelves. Following the recommendations becomes addictive. But, just think! Your determination is enriching the shelves of your local library (ask for a request card when things aren't there. Or ask them to order the book you want through inter-library loan.) There are companion copies for older children too.

Good but not comprehensive, 11 Jun 2002
This is a useful reference for anyone working in the banking industry. However it is not that comprehensive and a number of fairly standards strutures such as CLNs, CDOs, FRODOs, TRSs are not touched on at all. "Credit Derivatives" gets a very broad definition with very few specifics. It may be more appropriate to more traditional banking as it is strong in the area of mortgages, loans, deposits etc, but even here some common terms such as MOR don't get a mention.

Also in this day and age an electronic version with hypertext would be more appropriate - cross referencing is remarkably difficult now that we are all used to the web!

To conclude, the format and content could do with a little modernisation.

Good reference., 03 Jan 2001
Very useful reference for both learners and profesionals

Turn your writer's intuition into action, 11 Apr 2002
I would support the previous reviewer, who said that the book explains clearly what we struggle to do intuitively. Look through your draft screen play for all the little elements that you're still not happy with - chances are the author has a way of crystallising your problem and offering you ways to improve. A Superb book.

The best "how-to" book on screenwriting ever written., 01 Nov 1998
Lucey has effectively incorporated all the knowledge he gained from his years of writing for TV and teaching at USC and UCLA. Many of the concepts presented are practical and illuminating. Screenwriters, beginners and advanced, can find awesome value in this outstanding book.

The best book on screenwriting that I've read., 26 Jun 1998
This is a must for anyone wanting to learn screenwriting. Lucey presents a unique way of looking at the craft of screenwriting. Each idea and lesson is illustrated by a selection from one of several film examples used throughout the book. When you get done reading it, you want to start over -- and you should -- because there's more in this book than can be absorbed in a single reading.

Add this book to your Screenwriting bookshelf, 14 Jul 1997
Mr. Lucey has done an excellent job in breaking down the steps of writing a screenplay. Most of us handle the job of writing on an intuitive basis, not realizing the process we go through in developing the story.

This book clearly explains that process, giving many examples from popular movies. It is a book that has such a wealth of information, you will want to read it more than once. It will be a dog-eared reference tool that you utilize for many years.

Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

At last!, 26 Oct 2008
With publishers arranging to advertise any old rubbish before it's even been written, here at last is a good way to find what's worth reading to the very young, instead of just what's on the shelves. Following the recommendations becomes addictive. But, just think! Your determination is enriching the shelves of your local library (ask for a request card when things aren't there. Or ask them to order the book you want through inter-library loan.) There are companion copies for older children too.

Good but not comprehensive, 11 Jun 2002
This is a useful reference for anyone working in the banking industry. However it is not that comprehensive and a number of fairly standards strutures such as CLNs, CDOs, FRODOs, TRSs are not touched on at all. "Credit Derivatives" gets a very broad definition with very few specifics. It may be more appropriate to more traditional banking as it is strong in the area of mortgages, loans, deposits etc, but even here some common terms such as MOR don't get a mention.

Also in this day and age an electronic version with hypertext would be more appropriate - cross referencing is remarkably difficult now that we are all used to the web!

To conclude, the format and content could do with a little modernisation.

Good reference., 03 Jan 2001
Very useful reference for both learners and profesionals

Turn your writer's intuition into action, 11 Apr 2002
I would support the previous reviewer, who said that the book explains clearly what we struggle to do intuitively. Look through your draft screen play for all the little elements that you're still not happy with - chances are the author has a way of crystallising your problem and offering you ways to improve. A Superb book.

The best "how-to" book on screenwriting ever written., 01 Nov 1998
Lucey has effectively incorporated all the knowledge he gained from his years of writing for TV and teaching at USC and UCLA. Many of the concepts presented are practical and illuminating. Screenwriters, beginners and advanced, can find awesome value in this outstanding book.

The best book on screenwriting that I've read., 26 Jun 1998
This is a must for anyone wanting to learn screenwriting. Lucey presents a unique way of looking at the craft of screenwriting. Each idea and lesson is illustrated by a selection from one of several film examples used throughout the book. When you get done reading it, you want to start over -- and you should -- because there's more in this book than can be absorbed in a single reading.

Add this book to your Screenwriting bookshelf, 14 Jul 1997
Mr. Lucey has done an excellent job in breaking down the steps of writing a screenplay. Most of us handle the job of writing on an intuitive basis, not realizing the process we go through in developing the story.

This book clearly explains that process, giving many examples from popular movies. It is a book that has such a wealth of information, you will want to read it more than once. It will be a dog-eared reference tool that you utilize for many years.

Finding A Mixed Review, 13 Dec 2006
This book is excellent for anyone running a family history helpdesk. An excellent collection of resources that allow you to start your search for Anyone, Anywhere, Anywhen. Unfortunately, the author seems to have lost the plot and is ever so keen to impress the world with his knowledge of the Internet - but why? I don't need to know why the Internet was built, who it was created by or how many bits there are in a byte for that matter. There is also what appears to be a totally irrelevant, photocopied, 20-odd pages of German-language filler stuffed into the middle that I have yet to see the relevance of.

That said, the good far outweighs the bad and make this one for the shelf of any consulting genealogist.