Book Review: The Women Writers Handbook edited by Ann Sandham

I don’t consider myself an activist by any means but if I have the chance to support women in any way, I’ll grab it. That’s why I’m honoured to review this latest book.

Goodreads Blurb

The Women Writers Handbook edited by Ann Sandham

A revised edition of the publisher’s inaugural publication in 1990, which won the Pandora Award from Women-in-Publishing. Inspirational in its original format, this new edition features poems, stories, essays and interviews with over 30 women writers, both emerging authors and luminaries of contemporary literature such as: A.S. Byatt, Saskia Calliste, April De Angelis, Kit de Waal, Carol Ann Duffy, Sian Evans, Philippa Gregory, Mary Hamer, Jackie Kay, Shuchi Kothari, Bryony Lavery, Annee Lawrence, Roseanne Liang, Suchen Christine Lim, Jackie McCarrick, Laura Miles, Raman Mundair, Magda Oldziejewska, Kaite O’Reilly, Jacqueline Pepall, Gabi Reigh, Djamila Ribeiro, Fiona Rintoul, Jasvinder Sanghera, Anne Sebba, Kalista Sy, Debbie Taylor, Madeleine Thien, Claire Tomalin, Ida Vitale, Sarah Waters and the great-niece of Virginia Woolf -Emma Woolf. Together with the original writing workshops plus black and white illustrations. Guest editor Ann Sandham has compiled the new collection to celebrate Aurora Metro’s 30th anniversary as an independent publisher; 20% of profits will go to the Virginia Woolf statue campaign in the UK.

Review

It’s always difficult to review a book like this in comparison to a piece of fiction. Therefore, I’m going to keep it short and sweet and simply tell you why a copy of The Women Writers Handbook belongs on your bookshelf.

It includes a diverse range of female writers from a multitude of backgrounds.

There is a wonderful mix of content from short stories and personal experiences to interviews and poetry.

It is motivational in showing how a female writer can succeed.

It is eye-opening in how it shows how poorly female writers compare to men in terms of getting published.

It provides advice for women who want to get started in writing.

A number of writing workshops are included at the end.

I highly encourage you to pick up a copy of The Women Writers Handbook. Not only is it a wonderful read, 20% of profits will go to the Virginia Woolf statue campaign in the UK.

Pick up your copy of The Women Writers Handbook here.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.