BKIDLMSP.RVW   990626

"International Directory of Little Magazines and Small Presses", Len
Fulton, 1998, 0-916685-70-5, U$34.95
%A   Len Fulton len@dustbooks.com
%C   PO Box 100, Paradise, CA   95967
%D   1998
%G   0-916685-70-5
%I   Dustbooks
%O   U$34.95 dustbooks@telis.org http://www.dustbooks.com
%P   946 p.
%T   "International Directory of Little Magazines and Small Presses"

Although not stated, this is obviously a reference work aimed at
freelance writers who want to find out where to submit material.  It
lists publishers of both books and periodicals.  Each listing has
contact information, plus an indication of the market to which the
publisher sells, the type of printing done, and some pricing
information.

Two indices support the main entries.  A "regional" index is set forth
by states within the US, and by country for non-American listings. 
(The vast majority of the houses are in the United States: there are
almost twice as many records for California alone as for all non-US
countries combined.)  There is also a subject index, but no indication
as to how topical divisions were derived.  There is, as a slightly
surreal example, a section for "Dada," but computers are lumped in
with calculators, technology has exactly six entries, and there is no
entry at all for telecommunications or any related subject.

The information is based on self report.  There is a slight allusion
to this in the key to directory listings, and slightly stronger
evidence in the fact that many descriptions of the operations, scope,
and interests of the house are enclosed in quotation marks.

Only one of the small presses and little magazines of which I have
personal knowledge was listed, and many were not.  The question of
what constitutes a "small press" is probably going to be subjective,
but I did notice one fairly major player included.

As a resource for the freelance writer, this book should definitely be
tried before purchase.  For those interested in certain areas of the
American market it could be very useful.  Certain topics; such as
technology; and non-US markets are not served as well.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1999   BKIDLMSP.RVW   990626