This reference includes the names, contact information, and publication credits of over 7,400 contemporary American poets, fiction writers, and performance writers. The main listings are organized by state and country and include such information as the writers' willingness to travel and read and languages of fluency. A separate index lists writers by categories of self-identification, such as race, political interest, home, gender, and employment. The 2000-2001 edition includes more than 500 new listings and an index of literary agents. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Resource. THE DIRECTORY OF AMERICAN POETS & FICTION WRITERS is a required resource for any arts or presenting organization looking for literary readers, as well as for all publishers seeking to solicit work from the best American writers. In additon, writers can use the book to find the right writing mentor and connect with other writers. "When I directed my first arts program, [the Directory] delivered the addresses and phone numbers of writers I loved, but couldn't find. How many writers and audiences are robbed without the information between these covers?"--Cornelius Eady, co-founder and co-director, Cave Canem and author of Brutal Imagination.

Perhaps the best-kept secret in the publishing industry is that many publishers--both periodical publishers and book publishers--make available writer's guidelines to assist would-be contributions. Written by the staff at each publishing house, these guidelines help writers target their submissions to the exact needs of the individual publisher. The American Directory of Writer's Guidelines is a compilation of the actual writer's guidelines for more than 1,600 publishers. A one-of-a-kind source to browse for article, short story, poetry and book ideas.

Perhaps the best-kept secret in the publishing industry is that many publishers--both periodical publishers and book publishers--make available writer's guidelines to assist would-be contributors. Written by the staff at each publishing house, these guidelines help writers target their submissions to the exact needs of the individual publisher. ""The American Directory of Writer's Guidelines"" is a compilation of the actual writer's guidelines for more than 1,700 publishers. A one-of-a-kind source to browse for article, short story, poetry and book ideas.