The road to publication is a rocky one. Finishing your manuscript is only the beginning of the writing journey. Agents and publishers are inundated with Great American Novels. How do you make yours stand out from the pack? The Internet is filled practical advice covering all aspects of the writing process. Misti Jackson has compiled an extensive list of web sites into a book titled On the Net: Resources for Writers.
This book mimics the classic Writer's Market format. Certain contacts are similar, but On the Net does cover a publicity-related niche not found in Writer's Market. Jackson provides an ample list of message boards, reviewers and web sites related to book promotion. The author also provides links where writers can find sample query letters and samples of book synopses.
On the Net features descriptions and contact information for several types of publishers including: print-on-demand, e-book and small-press. Writer's Market has a more substantial list of publishers, but On the Net provides a set of small companies that may be able to give more attention to new writers.
Chapters in this book are not sorted in the order of the writing process. Publishing-related information is provided first and information regarding the writing process is placed last. A "How to Improve Your Writing"-type section filled with links based on the actual craft would be the icing on this resource cake.
Jackson provides a chapter on Internet sources for writing research and applauds exclusive use of the electronic medium. A word of caution when depending on this single avenue: just because it's on the Web doesn't mean it's factual. When it comes to statements found on the Net, check and check again.
The chapter introductions in On the Net are a bit weak ("The Internet is used for many things") and there's no conclusion, literally. However, the value in this book is found in resources. Jackson provides a broad range of helpful writing contacts with the promise of regularly updated editions.
On the Net is a handy supplement to the current Writer's Market. Many of the contacts can be found elsewhere, but who wants to spend time looking when this book does it for you? Misti Jackson's compilation is an asset to any personal writing library.
