Chriss says: 'The writers who get their work published are not necessarily the most brilliant. They are writers who provide what editors and publishers want.'

The opening chapter, "Getting started", explains what it takes to become a published writer - equipment, basic books and where to find information, inspiration and support. Most important, there is no secret recipe. It is essential to learn both the craft of writing and the art of selling. A computer with access to the Internet is a must as soon as you can afford it. Not only is it a useful research tool, but many magazine editors and publishers prefer to communicate by email and many demand submissions on disk.

"Keeping records", "Understanding rights and contracts" and "Preparing your work for submission" covers everything from plagiarism to income tax to calculating wordage in short stories, articles and novels. The methods are necessarily different.

"Submitting your work to the market" gives a list of Do's and Don'ts, including how to deal positively with rejection, followed by a checklist to make sure that you have done nothing and omitted nothing that might spoil your chances of acceptance. To the frequently asked question: 'Why don't editors tell me where I'm going wrong?' Chriss says: 'An editor is employed to fill his publication with suitable material, not to give tutorials. If you were selling lampshades, you wouldn't ask your customers to show you how to make them.'

In "Writing for Magazines and Newspapers" you are told that there is a demand for good articles but they need to be clearly written in concise English and suitable for the target periodical. This chapter includes a specimen query letter, analysis of a magazine, the type of article to write (what interests you), essential information, photos to enhance the subject and overseas markets. Chriss even warns that since 11th September 2001 it is inadvisable to send any package to the USA without an enquiry first. "Short stories" gives advice on those that sell, choosing and analysing markets, the value of small press magazines and 'How to be your own editor', and recommends two useful books.

I love the special touches: a wealth of examples, Now You Should Know at the end of each chapter, and, along the way, Wise Words such as; Learn the business, use your common sense, and you won't create problems where none need exist. Write to express, not to impress. Market study is just common sense. A well-presented manuscript could increase your chances of acceptance. A slovenly one could destroy them.

An editor is a retailer. He buys from the manufacturer (the writer) what he knows he can sell to his customers (his readers). There is so much in this Guide that it is impossible to mention everything. One thing is certain - no writer should be without it. Beg, borrow or steal it, but preferably buy your own copy.