Resources for Writers The following is a list of resources for writers. Although we are glad to make recommendations, Standard Publishing cannot be held responsible for the services or content of any of these resources.
Industry Resources Determine what you want to write and then find out who publishes that type of material. To find out who publishes what (and what their submission guidelines are), here are a few resources: The Christian Writers' Market Guide by Sally Stuart. Waterbrook Press. The website www.stuartmarket.com contains information on this market guide and links to dozens of Christian publishers. Writer's Market from Writer’s Digest, an annual volume, is usually on the reference shelf at the public library. A newsletter is also available at www.writersdigest.com. Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market from Writer’s Digest. An annual volume. See www.fwbookstore.com/product/1539/writing.
Writers' Helps The more polished and professional your submission is, the more likely a publisher is to look at it seriously. The following resources will help improve the strength of your writing and presentation: Merriam-Webster’s Guide to Punctuation and Style. A thorough but easy-to-negotiate little book that can be purchased online (used) for a penny! The Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition). The University of Chicago Press, 2010. The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E. B. White. Longman, 1999. The Purple Crayon (www.underdown.org) has a terrific website created by a former children's book editor. It contains information about trends in children's publishing, as well as typical mistakes authors make in the submission process and how to avoid them.
Critique and Submission Services Because of the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to critique manuscripts. If you would like this service, you may wish to contact the following: Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service, 3133 Puente Street, Fullerton, CA 92835, www.christiancommunicator.com. They charge a fee to review your manuscript. The Writer's Edge sends summaries of recommended manuscripts to over 45 Christian publishing houses. Write to P.O. Box 1266, Wheaton, IL 60189 to request an application, or apply online. They charge a fee to review your manuscript. The web address is www.writersedgeservice.com. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association has a service to help writers. The web address is www.christianmanuscriptsubmissions.com.