Search Results for “guest blogging spotlight” – The Write Life https://thewritelife.com Helping writers create, connect and earn Fri, 27 Dec 2024 23:51:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 6 Ways to Knock Your Next Guest Post Out of the Park https://thewritelife.com/6-ways-to-knock-your-next-guest-post-out-of-the-park/ Thu, 17 Mar 2016 11:00:54 +0000 http://thewritelife.com/?p=1581 The holy grail of guest blogging is not writing for a popular blog. It’s writing a popular post for a popular blog.

One that gets mentioned, shared, and retweeted.

One that sends you traffic and earns you subscribers.

The best part? It opens the door to a new relationship with the popular blogger, since hosting your viral post is also a win for them.

But let’s back up for a moment. How do you take your guest blogging game from so-so to superstar?

Here are six go-to strategies for writing a great guest post.

1. Read the guidelines

Sites that continually accept guest posts will have clear guidelines to follow. Read them. Ingest, digest and get to work.

2. Do your research

Read as many of the posts on the blog as you can. Learn which posts are popular and why. What are the readers saying in their comments? Can you find a different perspective on the same topic as a popular post?

For example, the forum on Tiny Buddha is a gold mine for the kinds of things its readers fear, love, yearn for, and worry about. I noticed a theme of loneliness, thought about a time when I felt this way (this blog’s guidelines require personal experience) and started writing.

The result? My post, “Loneliness is a Choice: Proactively Choose to Connect with People” is one of Tiny Buddha’s most popular.

3. Write a concise email

If the blogger has guest post guidelines on their site, they won’t need a 200-word intro on the post you send them.

Simply state that you’ve been reading their blog for a while and think their audience would enjoy your post. Give the title of the post and some details of its content.

And that’s it. No need to grovel, beg, or offer your pet poodle as a bribe. If they like it, they will get in touch with you. If they don’t reply after a week, follow up.

4. Use your networks

Your post was accepted? Awesome! Make a note of its go-live date and get ready to promote it to your own community.

Once the post is live, be there for your baby. Share it using all of your social media prowess. Email your subscribers a link to the post.

5. Be responsive

Be active in the comments section: answer questions left by readers, and engage in discussions with the audience. Check back on the post often or sign up to be updated when new comments are posted.

6. Build connections

Guest posting gets easier with established relationships; I had already written several posts for Tiny Buddha before submitting this particular one, so I had a good idea of what the editor was looking for.

What if you want to submit a post, but you don’t have a relationship with the blogger? Start by building a rapport through commenting on existing posts, communicating on Twitter/Facebook/their preferred social media platform, and replying to the emails they send (you are subscribed to their list, aren’t you?).

Going from writing just another guest post to creating a destined-to-be-popular post takes time. Use yours wisely, and do everything you can to show you care about its future. (Click to tweet this idea).

And now, ladies and gents, you know the secrets to writing popular guest posts. So what are you waiting for? Get writing!

What other strategies have you used in order to write a popular guest post?

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

This post originally ran in 2013. We’re sharing it again because it’s such a great resource!

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The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2016 https://thewritelife.com/100-best-websites-writers-2016/ Mon, 25 Jan 2016 11:00:00 +0000 http://thewritelife.com/?p=7077 Editor’s note: Looking for our most updated list of best writing websites? Here’s our list for 2021.

Internet overwhelm is real, guys. How many unread articles and blog posts do you have in your RSS reader? And what about those Facebook and Twitter feeds?

How do we keep track of it all? As writers, we want to keep up with the latest industry news, advice and opportunities, but we don’t have time to sift through everything happening in the online world.

That’s why we created this year’s list of the 100 Best Websites for Writers. Thanks to your suggestions, you’ve helped us curate hundreds of websites to bring you the best of the best. Many are tried-and-true favorites previously featured in our 2014 and 2015 lists, and we’re excited to have dozens of newcomers to showcase this year.

No matter what you want to accomplish in 2016, we’re sure you’ll find quality inspiration and resources.

We’ve broken this year’s list into seven categories: Blogging, entrepreneurship, creativity and craft, freelancing, marketing, publishing, and writing communities. All sites are listed in alphabetical order within their categories, and the numbers are for easy tracking (not ranking).

And if you’re looking to keep up with these sites on a daily basis, here’s an easy way to do that: we’ve compiled a Twitter list of all the websites in this post. Click here to subscribe via Twitter.

Warning: this list may inspire you to start your own website! If you want to start your own website or blog, here’s our step-by-step guide.

Sit back and explore. Cheers to the amazing resources you’ve helped us collect!

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1. Be a Freelance Blogger

Sophie Lizard is here to teach you how to take your freelance blogging skills to pro level. Through her blog posts, free community and jobs board, you’ll be able to increase your blogging income and become an expert in your niche.

Post you’ll like: The Batman vs. Superman Guide to Freelance Blogging

2. Beyond Your Blog

Are you working to grow your blog audience? Beyond Your Blog provides practical tips and resources for getting published on other blogs and and in digital publications, so you can tap into new groups of engaged fans.

Post you’ll like:  8 Things to Avoid When Pitching a Website or Print Publication

3. Boost Blog Traffic

In the big blogosphere, it’s hard to stand out and let your voice be heard over the noise. Jon Morrow and the Boost Blog Traffic team offer a wealth of resources to increase traffic to your site and build community — without sacrificing quality content.

Post you’ll like: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Irresistible Subheads

4. Copyblogger

Take your content marketing, SEO and community building skills to the next level with Copyblogger’s library of free ebooks, blog posts, forums and more. It’s a leading resource for professional blogging from the creators of the Rainmaker Platform for digital marketing.

Post you’ll like: 10 Content Marketing Goals Worth Pursuing

5. ProBlogger

It’s a trustworthy blog about how to blog. Founder Darren Rowse and the ProBlogger team bring you all the latest news and tips to build a better blog. This site offers extensive resources on how to monetize your blog as well as a job board constantly updated with new opportunities.

Post you’ll like: 10 Simple Hacks That Will Increase Your Blog Traffic

6. Sark e-Media

With practical and motivational articles and a free 30-day blogging challenge, Sarah and Kevin Arrow help bloggers gain confidence in their writing so they can get the recognition and reach they deserve.

7. The Daily Post

You’ve picked out a website name, a theme, and have your WordPress site all set up — now what? At The Daily Post, the WordPress team helps you navigate your growth as a professional writer, with daily writing prompts, interviews with successful bloggers, writing and photo challenges, and WordPress tips.

Post you’ll like: Writing About Books, Movies, Music: Quick Tips

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8. Aerogramme Writers’ Studio

Aerogramme Writers’ Studio keeps you up to date on writing news and opportunities, including contests, calls for submission, and MFA programs. The blog also contains tons of articles on the art of writing.

Post you’ll like: Who Is Your Boo Radley? Finding Characters Who Motivate You To Write

9. Ann Kroeker

Author and writing coach Ann Kroeker is on a mission to help writers reach their goals by maximizing curiosity, creativity and productivity. Her website is home to numerous blog posts, podcasts and resources for writers.

Post you’ll like: Write in the Middle of Traveling

10. A Writer’s Path

Author Ryan Lanz’s website is a wealth of information for aspiring authors. His blog features frequent guest posts, and his Writer’s Toolbox is constantly updated with his favorite picks for websites, blogs, music, apps and people.

11. Bane of Your Resistance

Using research in the creative process and neuroscience, Rosanne Bane takes on the big issue of writing resistance in all its forms: writer’s block, procrastination, perfectionism and more. Her weekly posts offer science-backed fixes to common problems for writers.

Post you’ll like: Momentum Beats Writer’s Block Every Day

12. Brain Pickings

Maria Popova created Brain Pickings to document her intellectual, creative and spiritual growth. It’s an exploration into the brilliant discoveries of different disciplines, and how we can “cross-pollinate” these ideas to move us forward in creative thinking.

Post you’ll like: How to Save Your Soul: Willa Cather on Productivity vs. Creativity, Selling Out, and the Life-Changing Advice That Made Her a Writer

13. C. S. Lakin’s Live Write Thrive

Author, editor and writing coach C. S. Lakin loves helping writers get their manuscripts ready for publication. On Live Write Thrive, she writes about proper scene structure, character development, editing and crafting a fantastic story.

Post you’ll like: 3 Things You Must Have in Your Novel’s First Paragraph

14. Elizabeth Spann Craig

Prolific mystery author Elizabeth Spann Craig blogs about all things relevant to a writer’s life, including public speaking, productivity, gaining visibility and connecting with the wider author community. Her weekly roundup of writing articles is also a reader favorite.

Post you’ll like: Tracking Our Recurring Storylines

15. Fiction University

Janice Hardy understands that there’s no “right” way to write. So instead of giving advice on what writers should be doing, she explains how you can make industry rules work for you. With new articles and guest columns every day, you’ll gain valuable insight into the book-writing and publishing process.

Post you’ll like: Why We Should Do Bad Things To Our Characters

16. Ink and Quills

With more than 10 years of studying the craft of writing under her belt, Kaitlin Hillerich created Ink and Quills to help other writers reach their novel-writing goals and tell beautiful stories. With blog posts, worksheets, ebooks and courses, there’s tons to explore.

Post you’ll like: How to Create Life-like Characters in 6 Steps

17. Inky Girl

Inky Girl is the place for children’s book writers and illustrators. Debbie Ridpath Ohi shares original comics, interviews with industry experts, and advice on telling unique stories. Her series on writing picture books is a reader favorite.

Post you’ll like: Why Picture Books Are Important

18. KidLit411

KidLit411 is the ultimate place for children’s writers and illustrators. Founders Elaine Kearns and Sylvia Liu curate the latest in the industry, including new blogs, conferences, awards, writing challenges, publishing resources. They also post weekly author and illustrator interviews and have a thriving facebook community.

Post you’ll like: The Weekly 411

19. Live Write Breathe

Live with passion, write well, and remember to breathe. These are the core principles of author Janalyn Voigt’s site, where she reminds aspiring authors that only when we lead a passionate life can we properly fuel our writing and succeed.

Post you’ll like: How to Make Time to Write a Novel

20. Positive Writer

In the pursuit of creating work that matters, all writers get stuck from time to time. Doubts can creep in, and it’s sometimes hard to get back on track. Bryan Hutchinson offers motivating blog posts to help you move beyond writing paralysis and finish the work you set out to create.

Post you’ll like: The Audacity to Be a Writer

21. ProWritingAid

The ProWritingAid blog is all about transforming good writing into great writing. From grammar tips, writing techniques, and software recommendations, this blog is a great resource if you’re looking to polish your prose.

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22. Script

For more than 15 years, Script has been the top place to go for inside information on writing for film and television. With how-to articles, interviews, podcasts, influencer columns, webinars, courses and resource directories, you’ll find everything you need to keep up with the industry.

Post you’ll like: Choosing Projects: Which Screenplay Should I Write Next?

23. Susan Dennard

In her blog and newsletter, author Susan Dennard shares her secrets: from planning your novel and  maximizing productivity, to facing writing fears and getting published.

Post you’ll like: Maintaining Passion for a Story

24. The Write Practice

The number one thing all successful writers have in common? Practice. At The Write Practice, Joe Bunting and his team help you develop your writing rhythm and grow into your voice and identity as a writer.

Post you’ll like: 10 Secrets to Write Better Stories

25. Witty Title Here

Witty Title Here is the blog “For female writers who give a damn,” offering writing advice, inspiration, writer spotlights, and more — all with a feminist twist. This site also publishes reader-submitted pieces and is a great place for writers who are just starting out and finding their voice.  

26. Write or Die

Writer Mandy Wallace believes that when it comes to writing, don’t wait to become inspired or for luck to strike. Just “Show up, shut up, and write,” and sooner or later it will all come together. Wallace’s blog documents the writing lessons she’s learned and offers practical guides for upgrading your own writing.

Post you’ll like: Where to Find Story Ideas So Good, They Practically Write Themselves

27. Writers Helping Writers

Authors Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind resources that writers will actually use. Their books and blog posts focus on helping writers become better storytellers, and their One Stop For Writers library is teeming with tools for planning, researching and writing your book.

Post you’ll like: The Subtle Knife: Writing Characters Readers Trust But Shouldn’t

28. Writers In The Storm

Just like their characters during perilous times, writers must weather the storm of their profession — and shifting industry tides. Run by a group of authors, the Writers In The Storm blog provides inspiration and tips for writers during all stages of the process.

Post you’ll like: Honey, I Broke the Writing Process

29. Writer Unboxed

Frustrated their analytical articles about books and movies were rejected, founders Therese Walsh and Kathleen Bolton decided to create Writer Unboxed in 2006 so they could freely publish their observations. It has since grown into a thriving community where writers of all levels can contribute their thoughts on the craft of writing.

Post you’ll like: Creative Work is Performance. Assess Your Creative Health Now.

30. Write to Done

Write to Done is all about learning to write well. Founder Mary Jaksch brings the age-old advice to keep writing to a whole new level, noting that it’s not practice that makes you a better writer — it’s practice directed in a positive way.

Post you’ll like: 201 Ways to Arouse Your Creativity  

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entrepreneurship

31. Author Media

A writer’s website should be robust enough to support their growing online platform, but also simple to use. The team at Author Media is made of web designers, coders, and social media managers who share tips, resources, and plug-ins for fantastic author websites.

Post you’ll like: 7 Ways Author Websites Irritate Readers (And What to Do About It)

32. High-Income Business Writing

In the High-Income Business Writing podcast and blog, Ed Gandia brings you everything you need to know about building a successful career in commercial writing. With over a decade of experience, he lets you in on the strategies and secrets of various  industries so you can find great clients and command top fees.

Post you’ll like: Why You Should Start a Newsletter (and How to Keep it From Being a Drag)

33. Men with Pens

In the world of business, content is king — and that means your content creation, blogging, and online marketing have to be on point. Men with Pens, led by James Chartrand, has over 1,000 blog posts to help with all your content marketing, website-writing and small-business needs.

Post you’ll like: 7 Simple Ways to Write a List Post That Gets Read

34. Paid to Exist

Jonathan Mead at Paid to Exist believes you can and should get paid for doing the things you’re passionate about. His blog, training programs and resource “backpack” can help you create a career you love on your own terms.

Post you’ll like: Why quitting your job won’t solve all your problems

35. Penelope Trunk

Penelope Trunk has founded four startups, and she knows a thing or two around building community. Read her blog for life advice, career advice, and everything inbetween.

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36. Productive Flourishing

Productive Flourishing is the place for “doers,” the people who are ready to use their creative talents to help themselves and the world around them. At Productive Flourishing, you’ll learn about the new world of work and how to thrive in it.

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37. Riskology

To be a great entrepreneur and make your mark in this world, you have to be able to own who you are and believe in yourself. The team at Riskology presents science-backed strategies for embracing who you are and going for your goals.

Post you’ll like: Law of Equal Effort: How to Do Big Things Without Burning Out

38. Seth Godin

Seth Godin’s daily bits of wisdom on business, marketing and life help you approach your work in new ways. His posts never fail to  inspire an energy to “Go, make something happen.” No matter your industry, Godin’s blog is not to be overlooked.

Post you’ll like: Pumpkin Seeds

39. Side Hustle Nation

At Side Hustle Nation, you’ll learn how to take your tiny entrepreneurial streak and propel yourself to full financial freedom. Nick Loper’s blog and podcast spotlight different types of side gigs, along with case studies to fuel your business savvy.

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40. The Creative Penn

Author Joanna Penn has built a best-selling writing career, and she wants to help you do it, too. Her site has a wealth of resources on self-publishing and platform-building — from her articles and ebooks to her popular podcast library of author interviews.

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41. The Identity

At The Identity, Lis Dingjan and her team help entrepreneurs build beautiful websites, courses, applications and systems. Her blog is an archive of her thoughts about system development, creativity, entrepreneurship, marketing, and going for your goals.

Post you’ll like: The Thing About Money

42. Untamed Writing

“Your life is YOUR life. You should be able to do whatever you want with it.” So says Karen Marston, founder of Untamed Writing, her internet home for helping people build a freelance writing career they love without having to sacrifice their freedom. Here you’ll find a full archive of blog posts, resources, and courses to develop your writing skills, fearlessly approach clients, and maintain a successful career.

43. Writing Happiness

You have a great online business and an active blog. Now it’s time to up the ante and create some digital products. Look no further than Marya Jan’s website for guidance on creating ebooks and online courses.

Post you’ll like: How to make sure your ebook will sell before you write a single word

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44. About Freelance Writing

This site lives up to its name, with hundreds of practical posts on how to market your skills, price your projects, and deal with the nitty-gritty aspects of a freelance business. Around for more than  a decade, About Freelance Writing is a tried and true favorite for many writers.

45. Comps & Calls

On the first of each month, Cathy Bryant posts an extensive list of competitions, contests and calls for submission. She notes whether they’re paid or not, for quick skimming. This site is a great one-stop-shop for all recent writing opportunities.

Post you’ll like: Comps and Calls for January 2016  

46. Freelancer FAQs

You have questions, they have answers. Team members and  guest contributors at Freelancer FAQs address all the things you’ve ever wanted to know about freelance life, including marketing, getting started, recommended resources, money management and more.

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47. Freelancers Union

You live to write, but remember that as a freelancer, you’re also an independent business owner. This means dealing with contracts, handling your own health insurance, figuring out taxes and more. The Freelancers Union is the major hub for everything having to do with living a great freelancer life.

48. Freelance Writers Academy

The founders of Freelance Writers Academy say enough is enough when it comes to low wages and content mills. In this community of freelancers helping freelancers, you’ll find valuable advice and resources for freelance business building as well as employment leads.

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49. Freelance Writing

It’s been around since 1997 and is still going strong: Freelance Writing has an extensive archive of articles, tutorials, media and resources all geared to helping you build a successful career. Its jobs listings are updated daily, so you’re always in the know about new opportunities.

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50. Freelance Writing Jobs

With a job board updated daily and more than eight years of freelance writing and blogging tips, this site is a favorite for writers all over the world. It’s regularly updated with all the latest trends and resources freelancers should know about.

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51. FundsforWriters

Hope Clark believes writing can be a realistic career for all writers. Her weekly newsletter lists the best competitions, grants and other well-paying markets, and her platform has grown to include a blog and a bi-weekly paid newsletter with even more high-paying opportunities per issue.

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52. LittleZotz Writing

Lauren Tharp has found a way to write as a freelancer full time and is dedicated to helping other writers do the same. With bi-monthly newsletters and blog posts along with a brand new podcast, LittleZotz is a great source of practical tips for your freelance life.

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53. Make a Living Writing

At Make a Living Writing, Carol Tice is dedicated to helping writers move up from low-paying marketings and start earning more from their work. With her blog, ebooks, and paid community, you’ll find awesome advice, support and resources to grow as a freelance writer.

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54. Productive Writers

As a full-time freelance writer, John Soares loves what he does. But he’s also interested in getting the most out of life and not having to work around the clock. At Productive Writers, he shares strategies to help freelancers get high-paying gigs, finish them quickly and get back to life.

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55. The International Freelancer

Freelancing isn’t the same everywhere in the world. Mridu Khullar Relph created The International Freelancer to provide targeted advice and resources to freelancers who work outside of the U.S. and U.K. This community is also a great source of support for U.S.-based writers looking to break into the global market.  

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56. The Middle Finger Project

Above all else in your freelance career, you want to build a business that feels good, is fun, and is totally you. Ash Ambirge provides an entertaining (and often NSFW) take on being fearless in your business ventures and dealing with the hard stuff in a bada** way.

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57. The Renegade Writer

We often think that to be successful, we have to follow the rules and play the game. At the Renegade Writer, Linda Formichelli offers advice on breaking into the world of writing by breaking the rules. If you’re looking to build a freelance writing career on your own terms, this is the site for you.

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58. Winning Writers

Winning Writers is a go-to source for information about contests for poets and writers. It sponsors four annual contests and keeps tabs on many other writing competitions. Subscription

Subscribe for free to gain access to Winning Writers’ database of writing contests.

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59. Build Book Buzz

When it comes to book publicity and marketing, you can definitely DIY it. Author and public-relations star Sandra Beckwith provides articles, training programs and other resources that help take the guesswork out of book marketing.

Post you’ll like: Put Your Fictional Characters on Social Media

60. Giving Voice to Your Story

We all have a story — a key message we want to share with the world. Through her blog and corresponding radio show, Dorit Sasson helps writers, entrepreneurs and thought leaders build a trusting relationship with their audience so they can share their message and reach new levels of success.

Post you’ll like: How Blogging Connects Authors with their Target Readers

61. Jessica Lawlor

Don’t let low confidence get in the way of your marketing success. Join Jessica Lawlor and the #GetGutsy community to find inspiration and tips on how to step outside your comfort zone and go for your goals.

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62. Kikolani

Founder Kristi Hines  brings you the latest strategies, trends and how-tos in digital marketing. Kikolani is a must-have resource for business and professional bloggers who want to make their brands stand out.

63. Michael Hyatt / Full Focus

Michael Hyatt is the bestselling author of Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World, and his blog will help you do just that. Read for tips and resources about personal development, productivity, leadership, influence and more.

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64. Quicksprout

Recognized as a top entrepreneur and influencer by The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and even President Obama, Neil Patel is definitely a go-to guy for all things online marketing. He’s helped companies like Amazon and NBC increase their revenue, and his insanely useful content is sure to help your business as well.

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65. Shelley Hitz

Shelley Hitz believes everyone has a message, and she’s on a mission to help you reach your target audience and build your author platform. With her blog posts, podcast, and Author Audience Academy, you’ll find tons of content on book writing, publishing, and marketing.

Post you’ll like: How to Set Up Your Goodreads Author Profile (And Why You Should!)

66. Social Triggers

To be successful in business, you’ve got to be able to persuade. At Social Triggers, marketing expert Derek Halpern shares his best tips, strategies and scripts for growing your audience and making the sale. His techniques are data driven, using the latest finds in psychology and social behavior.

Post you’ll like: How to Email Influential People — And Get Responses Fast

67. The Story of Telling

Bernadette Jiwa says the secret sauce to great marketing is building context and understanding between you and your audience. Read her blog if you see marketing as not just a department, but also part of a holistic — and successful — entrepreneurial experience.

Post you’ll like: The Value of Unknowns

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68. Author.Pub

Getting published is hard, and it only gets more complicated with a rapidly growing and shifting industry. That’s where Author.Pub steps in: helping aspiring authors manage the overwhelm of the publishing and marketing process through blog posts, guides and directories of trusted names and companies in book publishing.

Post you’ll like: What NOT to Say to a Literary Agent (or Editor)

69. Bent on Books

The Bent on Books blog is run by Jenny Bent and a team of literary agents. Every month, they share their agent “wishlist” — the types of books they are looking to represent — as well as advice on marketing, publishing, working with an agent and more.

Post you’ll like: How to Fire Your Agent

70. Better Novel Project

Christine Frazier takes a scientific approach to writing a best-selling novel. She deconstructs popular books to pinpoint the common elements they share. These findings are then incorporated into the “master outline” for a better, research-backed novel.  Follow along for insights on plot, word counts and character development.

Post you’ll like: How to Create a Remarkable Villain (Beyond the Cliches!)

71. Blots & Plots

Founder and author Jenny Bravo offers personal anecdotes and guidance for writers who want to take a leap into the publishing world. The blog itself reads like a story, so it’s best to start at the very beginning to watch Bravo’s own publishing process unfold.

Post you’ll like: 5 Ways to Create Your Own Writing Space

72. Goins, Writer

Best-selling author Jeff Goins created his site to inspire others to awaken to their creative gifts and develop their true voices. Through his blog posts, podcasts, and newsletters you’ll get an inside peek into the life of a successful creative professional, as well as practical advice for pursuing your own art.

Post you’ll like: The Secret to Effortless Writing

73. Go Teen Writers

Stephanie Morrill knows a love of writing often starts at a young age. That’s why she created Go Teen Writers: to provide encouragement, community and wisdom to aspiring teen writers who want to learn more about how to finish a novel and get it published.

Post you’ll like: What Teen Writers Should Know About Pitching Their Book

74. Guide to Literary Agents (Writer’s Digest)

One of the most popular blogs in publishing, Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents is the go-to place for all types of information on finding literary agents, sending query letters, building an author platform and marketing your book.

Post you’ll like: 5 Things I Learned on Deadline

75. Helping Writers Become Authors

Consider K. M. Weiland your writing and publishing mentor. With hundreds of blog posts, instructional e-books, and an exclusive e-letter, her website is the perfect place to find the answers to all your burning questions. She also responds to every email she receives (really!) about writing, publishing and marketing fiction.

Post you’ll like: My Writing Process: How I Use Scrivener to Outline My Novels

76. How to Plan, Write and Develop a Book

Through her blog posts, weekly writing exercises, and 12-week book development courses, Mary Carroll Moore is devoted to helping writers bring their novels to fruition so they can move forward in the publishing process.

Post you’ll like: Where Do You Get Your Ideas? A Basic Primer of a Novelist’s Writing Process

77. Indies Unlimited

Indies Unlimited is an overwhelming source of writing, publishing, tools and news resources for independent authors. With thousands of blog posts and weekly features like Tuesday Tutorials and Thrifty Thursday, you’ll always be able to learn something new.

Post you’ll like: Self-editing: A Helping Hand

78. Jane Friedman

Former publisher Jane Friedman explores the intersection of publishing, authorship, and the digital age. With more than 15 years in the industry, Friedman knows her stuff — and her blog is a wealth of information on how to embrace the “future of authorship.”

Post you’ll like: 5 Observations on the Evolution of Author Business Models

79. Jody Hedlund, Author

Follow along on Jody Hedlund’s writing journey. Her blog is full of advice, encouragement, and inspiration about writing and surviving today’s challenging publishing industry.

Post you’ll like: 5 Traits that Foster Publishing Success

80. Lisa Romeo Writes

Non-fiction and freelance writer Lisa Romeo blogs on various helpful topics, like how to reclaim your writing life, get through troublesome pieces and navigate the business of writing. Her biggest piece of advice? Write first, and read blogs second!

Post you’ll like: Unfinished: When it Comes to Personal Stories, Aren’t They All?

81. Literary Rambles

At Literary Rambles, blog partners Casey McCormick and Natalie Aguirre interview and highlight children’s book authors, literary agents and agencies. Get an inside look at the world of children’s book publishing.

Post you’ll like: Researching Literary Agents Part I

82. Nail Your Novel

On Nail Your Novel, bestselling ghostwriter and book doctor Roz Morris shares her best traditional and self-publishing tips as well as musings on the writing process. Be sure to check out her radio show “So You Want to Be a Writer?”

Post you’ll like: 5 Things That Established Authors Would Tell New Writers

83. Novel Publicity

The team at Novel Publicity believes every story should be told, and have its own platform and loyal fans. With that core belief in mind, it provides guidance on writing, marketing and publishing. Posts cover everything from social media strategy and book design to finances and author blogging.

84. Rachelle Gardner

Rachelle Gardner’s website is one of the most popular literary-agent blogs. Her blog archive is a great resource for sound advice on how to find and partner with the right agent, hone your elevator pitch, write a query letter and more.

Post you’ll like: What’s an Author-Agent Agreement?

85. She’s Novel

It took Kristen Kieffer two and a half years to finish her first draft — then she realized she had made every mistake in the book. She vowed not to let these personal lessons go to waste, so she created She’s Novel, a blog and resource hub that helps writers more-easily navigate the journey of crafting brilliant novels.

86. Standoutbooks

You’ve written your book. Now what? Standoutbooks has tons of articles, templates, tools and resource recommendations for getting your book published and marketed to the max. Be sure to grab your free Book Marketing Plan and Press Release templates.

Post you’ll like: Understanding Cultural Trends Can Help You Write a Bestseller

87. Terribleminds

If you’re looking for the honest — and often hilariously vulgar — truth about writing, Chuck Wendig is your guy. He’s not afraid to say what we’re all really thinking, which makes Terribleminds the perfect place to gain some writing confidence and get back to creating.

Post you’ll like: Writing Advice Is Bullshit

88. The Book Deal

Established editor and industry insider Alan Rinzler offers advice on traditional publishing, self-publishing, landing an agent, marketing and more.

Post you’ll like: What 4 Top Agents Desire in a Memoir

89. The Kill Zone

At The Kill Zone, you get access to the minds of 11 top suspense writers and publishing professionals. Each day brings new blog posts and insights into publishing, marketing and the writing craft.

Post you’ll like: 12 Tips for a Book Blog Tour

90. The Passive Voice

Navigating publisher and writing contracts? Want to brush up on your knowledge of intellectual property litigation? Attorney David Vandagriff offers his (sometimes snarky) musings on the legal side of the writing business.

91. The World’s Greatest Book

You have a fantastic manuscript, and now it’s time to make it into a beautiful book. Author, editor and graphic designer Dave Bricker offers straight talk on the book production and publishing business, with insights on book design, typography and marketing.

Post you’ll like: Book Design Basics: Choosing a Book Font

92. Writability

YA writer and soon-to-be-published author Ava Jae has made Writability her internet home for five years, sharing vlogs, book reviews, writing tips and how-tos, and blog posts about her own journey to getting published.

Post you’ll like: How to Turn an Idea into a Plot

writingcommunities

93. 1st 10 Pages

First impressions count, and that rule still applies in the writing world. At 1st 10 Pages, writers can post the first 10 pages of their work, to be anonymously reviewed by established industry insiders. Submit the beginning of your novel or movie script and see if you’re hitting the mark.

Post you’ll like: Before You Submit To That Contest

94. Fiction Writers Group

This Facebook group of nearly 10,000 traditional, self-published and indie authors has been around since 2009. It’s a popular source of community and camaraderie without slimy self-promotion. The community also publishes three anthologies a year.

Check out their member guidelines here.

95. Scribophile

At Scribophile, you’re sure to get high quality feedback on your work. The community works on a “karma points” system, in which you spend points in order to submit your writing, and receive points when you provide exceptional critiques. Scribophile also hosts free writing contests and hosts an active forum.

Learn more about Scribophile here.

96. She Writes

Over 27,000 writers of all levels of expertise have joined this buzzing community, founded by author Kamy Wicoff. At She Writes you can create your own profile, build your network, share your work, get expert advice and feedback and discuss all types of things in the forum.

Post you’ll like: 5 Tips for Turning Your Career into a Novel

97. Two Drops of Ink

Two Drops of ink is a literary blog accepting submissions from writers of almost any genre. The editors also post book reviews and blog posts about writing and the publishing industry.

Post you’ll like: Memory Lane: Memoir and Reverse Writing

98. Wattpad

At Wattpad, “Stories are made social.” Hailed as the world’s largest community of writers and readers, members are free to post and read original stories and engage in conversation with each other. This is a great platform to build buzz around your writing.

Join the community here.

99. Write On

The Amazon Kindle platform has branched out, creating an ultimate online community for writers at any stage of the creative process. Here you can talk shop on everything having to do with writing and publishing, and you can submit your writing and ideas for reviews and feedback.

Start on the writer’s forum.

100. Yeah Write

To spotlight smaller blogs, Yeah Write hosts weekly writing challenges for nonfiction, fiction and poetry, and microstories. The entire community gets to vote on the most impressive stories and discover new favorite writers.

Check out the writing challenges of the week.

What writing sites would you add to this list? Did we include all your favorites?

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7 More Writing Blogs That Want Your Guest Posts https://thewritelife.com/blogs-to-pitch-guest-posts/ Wed, 03 Sep 2014 10:00:54 +0000 http://thewritelife.com/?p=3418 You’re a great writer. You’re writing excellent posts with nuanced arguments and sharing practical advice and personal experience on your own blog. There’s just one problem: only your sister is reading it.

Blogging on your own site helps establish your voice and authority, your little corner of the internet. But attracting readers to your blog can be a challenge — where do you find them, and how do you convince them that you’re worth listening to?

For many bloggers, guest posting is the answer. By sharing your expertise on another blog, you build relationships with other bloggers in your niche and connect with a broader audience — some of whom may be your future readers and customers.

Danny Iny shared his advice on guest posting back in the early days of TWL, and since the online world changes quickly, we’ve created a new list. Here are seven more blogs to consider pitching when planning your guest posting strategy.

1. Be a Freelance Blogger

Created by Sophie Lizard, Be a Freelance Blogger helps writers earn more money by blogging for hire. Many posts focus on finding clients, figuring out how to set your rates and developing your blogging skills. They’re informative, but also entertaining for readers.

Popular posts include:

Submitting a guest post to Be a Freelance Blogger is a nine-step process, which sounds intimidating but isn’t actually that complicated. Start by getting to know the blog and its community by reading popular posts and sharing your thoughts in the comments. Brainstorm story ideas, then pitch them to Lauren, BAFB’s Community Manager (lauren@beafreelanceblogger.com). Once she gives you the green light, it’s time to write your first draft!

For more information on guest posting on BAFB, check out our Guest Blogging Spotlight.

2. Writer’s Relief

Founded in 1994, Writer’s Relief helps writers submit their work to literary agents and editors. Their blog offers tips on craft, advice on querying and interviews with successful authors, and they accept guest posts on topics ranging from marketing to conferences to writing inspiration.

Your submission must be original and unpublished, and should be a maximum of 600 words. Paste it in the body of an email to info@wrelief.com, include your bio and answer this question: “What major thing will readers learn from your article?”

For more, follow their guidelines and learn from these popular posts:

3. Writing Forward

Calling all fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction writers! Writing Forward wants to share your advice on crafting great writing, and they’re open to submissions whether or not you’ve been published elsewhere.

Popular posts on Writing Forward include:

There’s no compensation for guest posts, but you’re free to include links to your own blog in your post and bio. Note that commercial or spammy backlinks will not be published.

Interested? Check out Writing Forward’s guidelines and send a query in the body of your email to founder and editor Melissa Donovan at melissa@writingforward.com.

4. Live Write Thrive

Novelist and writing coach C.S. Lakin shares advice on storytelling, writing inspiration and promoting your book. She accepts guest posts related to her “Writing for Life” category and specifically looks for posts that will “encourage, help or instruct writers” to better their craft and share their work.

Popular guest posts on LWT include:

Review the guidelines and pitch your ideas through the site’s contact form before writing a post. Note that LWT only runs guest posts once a week and has a long lead time, so you’ll want to get in touch early if you have a specific time frame in mind.

5. Funds For Writers

C. Hope Clark runs Funds For Writers, a site dedicated to helping writers earn more money for their work. Each weekly newsletter features a note from Hope, news and opportunities in the writing world, and you guessed it — a guest post. FFW focuses on paying markets, grants, contests, writing jobs, publishers and agents; this is not the place to submit posts about writing craft or character development.

Guest posts should share your best advice and success stories about building a writing business, breaking into a high-paying niche or unusual ways to earn an income through writing. Recent examples of guest newsletter posts include:

  • Take the Stress Out of Author Marketing
  • Work Smarter 2.0

Since guest posts are shared in a newsletter, Hope is looking for tight, concise submissions: 600 words, max. Review the guidelines and send your ideas to Hope at hope@fundsforwriters.com.

6. Writers Helping Writers

Run by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi, Writers Helping Writers is a resource for writers interested in craft, publishing and marketing. To be accepted, guest posts need to share fresh, practical information that helps writers develop their writing, connect with audiences and improve their promotion strategies.

Guest posts that have done well include:

Ready to submit your ideas? Check out their guidelines and submit your suggestions through this form.

7. Pen & Muse

Pen & Muse calls itself “a writer’s haven, for writers of all ages and genres.” A team of Muses, led by Kristen Jett and Jolene Haley, shares advice on the world of writing and publishing, including advice on marketing, branding, craft, self-publishing and more.

Popular posts on the blog include:

  • When You Should and Shouldn’t Use a Pen Name
  • How To Outline Your Novel (Part One)
  • The Secret To Getting An Agent & Getting Your Work Published

If you’re interested in submitting to Pen & Muse, make sure your work is original and unpublished. For inspiration, consider adding your voice to one of their featured series: How I Plot, What I learned from [Your Most Recently Published Book] or [Title of Your Last Manuscript], My Favorite Editing Trick, or Adding Depth To Your Characters.

Read the rest of the guidelines, then submit your idea through the contact form on the same page. They’re scheduling up to three months in advance, so be sure to send your idea in early if you have a specific run date in mind.

For more information on sites that accept guest posts, be sure to follow our series of Guest Blogging Spotlights.

Now, what are you waiting for? Get pitching!

Have you submitted a guest post on any of these sites?
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The One Big Reason Some Blogs Succeed, While Others Crash and Burn https://thewritelife.com/one-big-reason-blogs-succeed/ Mon, 23 Jun 2014 10:00:00 +0000 http://thewritelife.com/?p=3096 This article is excerpted from Chuck’s book, Create Your Writer Platform.

Most writers’ blogs forever linger in obscurity. These sites never receive a number of page views that would be considered noteworthy (1,000 a day, for instance) or help them sell thousands of books over time.

If you’re just blogging for fun and don’t care about how many hits you get, that’s one thing. But if you’re using a blog as a means to build your writing network and platform, you’re probably curious about what you can do to attract a bigger readership — and I can tell you how to do just that.

So what separates the small percentage of larger, successful blogs from the rest of the herd? This is a question I’ve studied for many years, both while building my own Guide to Literary Agents Blog, as well as when I’ve reviewed other writers’ sites.

The answer is surprisingly simple: the one core element that virtually every successful blog provides. (Note that this key trait is not just relative to blogs; popular social media accounts provide this one thing, too.)

What trait sets successful blogs apart from the rest?

Stop for a moment and identify the first websites you visit upon waking in the morning. I’m willing to bet “My email account” and “Facebook” are the top overall responses.

But why do you visit these websites day in and day out? Why do you spend so much time on them? The answer is so obvious that you might have never put your finger on it. These sites provide immense value to you.

Email allows you to connect with anyone around the world instantaneously and for free. Stop for a moment and remember how mind-blowing that is. Facebook lets you share news, articles and images with all your friends and relatives around the world — again, for free. You’ve likely been using these sites for so long that you’ve forgotten just how amazing they are — and how tremendous the value is for either.

And it’s this element — value — that separates the few big sites from the many others.

Remember that at any given time, dozens (if not hundreds) of things and to-do’s and websites are competing for our attention. That means your blog must provide a darn good incentive to read it. This could mean pulling together hard-to-gather information, or making readers laugh, or informing us, or sharing advice that makes our lives better or easier. Any of these elements translates to value in a blog.

The Write Life has teamed up with Self-Publishing School to create this presentation, “How to Write & Publish Your Book in 90 Days.” In it, you’ll learn how to finish your book in just 30 minutes per day. To sign up for this free training, click here.

Am I providing value?

Let’s say I spend a Saturday with my daughter at a local Cincinnati park. I take great pictures of her on a beautiful sunny day as she swings and slides. Then I think this would make for a great blog column, and post the best pictures online with some silly jokes and comments about how cute she is. Now here comes the money question:

Do you really give a damn?

Do you really care about what I did last Saturday?

In all likelihood, no, you don’t give a damn. You don’t care enough to pull your attention away from countless other (much better) things and glance at my new post. And that is perfectly understandable — because the column provided no true worth for you. In fact, the value was for me; I had a great opportunity to document a fun day with my girl.

People have a hard time wrapping their head around the very simple fact that much of the blog content they create isn’t really helpful for others, but rather for themselves in some way or another.

How to create value

If I truly want to vie for others’ attention, I need to turn the spotlight off myself. The best way to do that is to create something that is of importance not to me, but to people I’ve never met. Note that once I decide to do this, my task immediately becomes more complicated (but that’s a good sign I’m on the right track).

So while you wouldn’t read that picture-filled post I just created, would you read a different post I wrote called “5 Great Family-Friendly Parks in Cincinnati You Probably Didn’t Know Existed”? I’m guessing you would, because this post has instant and undeniable worth for you. It will make your life easier and better.

A simple litmus test you can do when considering if a post has enough value to draw people in is to ask this question: Was the post easy to compose or not easy to compose? [bctt tweet=”The more value something provides, typically the more difficult it is to create.”]

And that’s why most blogs linger in obscurity: because writers don’t spend the amount of time necessary to compose worthwhile content that will demand attention.

Think about it. How long would it take me to create that original blog post with pictures of my daughter? Probably 20 minutes. But how much time would it take me to compose the second post? A lot longer.

I’d have to visit the parks or talk to people who had. I’d need to collect images of the parks, and show you screenshots of where they are via Google Maps. And I’d have to write up the perks and boons of each. My guess is it would take me four to eight hours in total. It’s a lot more work, but the end result is much more worthwhile to readers.

So the next time you go on a vacation to the Maine coast, don’t return and assume strangers will want to hear about how your trip went. Remember what Freakonomics taught us: Incentives make the world go round, so give readers a reason to take notice. If you write about the trip and call it “Our Crazy Vacation on the Coast,” I’m going to ignore it. But if you compose a post called “7 Fun Places to Visit in Portland, Maine,” then you just might catch my attention.

We’d love to hear from you: How do you create true value in your blog posts?

The Write Life has teamed up with Self-Publishing School to create this presentation, “How to Write & Publish Your Book in 90 Days.” In it, you’ll learn how to finish your book in just 30 minutes per day. To sign up for this free training, click here.

The giveaway for Chuck’s book Create Your Writer Platform is now over. Thanks for all your comments. Congrats to Nikki!

Other TWL Guest Posts by Chuck Sambuchino:

  1. How Successful Authors Use Social Media to Sell More Books

  2. Tips for Pitching a Literary Agent at a Writers’ Conference

  3. When Can You Call Yourself A Writer?
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The Write Life Presents: The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2014 https://thewritelife.com/100-best-websites-for-writers-2014/ Tue, 14 Jan 2014 10:00:00 +0000 http://thewritelife.com/?p=2191 Editor’s note: Looking for our most updated list of best writing websites? Here’s our list for 2021.

Is becoming a better writer your top priority this year?

Maybe you want to earn more money as a freelancer. Or land a literary agent for your book. Or figure out how to take your marketing game up a notch. Or breathe new life into your draft of a novel.

Whatever your goals for 2014, we’ve got you covered. We’ve broken our list of 100 Best Websites for Writers into 11 categories: blogging, business and career, copywriting, creativity and craft, freelancing, literary agents, marketing, publishing, travel writing, writing advice and writing communities. They’re in alphabetical order, but we’ve added numbers to make the list easier to read.

Want to start your own website or blog after browsing this list? Here’s our step-by-step guide.

Best blogging websites for writers

1. Be a Freelance Blogger

Be a Freelance Blogger teaches writers how to make real money blogging for hire. Sophie Lizard offers paid guest posting opportunities, fun group mentoring sessions and a range of useful free resources. There’s also The Freelance Blogger’s Client Hunting Masterclass for bloggers who want to win higher-paying clients.

Post you’ll like: Why You Should Step the F*ck Up to Be a Freelance Blogger

2. Boost Blog Traffic

In the big pond that is the blogosphere, it can be frustrating for the articulate yet unnoticed small fish to make a name for themselves. At Boost Blog Traffic, Jon Morrow teaches you to create a quality blog that attracts the level of traffic you’re looking for.

Editors note: This site now redirects to Smart Blogger.

3. Penelope Trunk

Even if Penelope’s out-there advice isn’t immediately applicable to your career or life, study her style as a stellar example of how to grow a blog community. Penelope’s mix of professional and (sometimes too much) personal has worked in her favor, earning her thousands of fans.

Post you’ll like: How to Decide When to Work for Free

4. Problogger

Problogger is the go-to resource for… you guessed it…bloggers. In addition to its comprehensive archive of posts on growing a successful blog, Darren Rowse’s site offers a job board that’s worth browsing if you’re looking for a few freelance blogging gigs.

Post you’ll like: 2014 Reboot: Get Ready for the New Year With a Blog Overhaul

5. Smart Passive Income

Smart Passive Income is a blog started by Pat Flynn, a former architect who now publicly builds online businesses and shares everything that goes right and wrong along the way. He writes with honesty, transparency and experience behind his words.

Best Business and Career websites for writers

6. Advanced Riskology

No one wants to look back on their life and ask, “what if?” Tyler Tervooren’s Advanced Riskology is about abandoning the familiar script the majority of society lives by and taking a more rewarding and meaningful path as a freelancer.

Post you’ll like: 99 Quotes About Risk to Inspire You to Great Things

7. Alexis Grant

It’s essential for writers to balance creativity with practicality, because we all know the bills have to get paid. Alexis Grant shares her perspective on the new world of work and offers strategies for creating alternative careers that fit well into your life.

Post you’ll like: One Small Way to Invest In Yourself and Your Business That Will Yield Big Results

8. Create as Folk

Laura Simms’ Create as Folk is a home base for purpose-driven people. She helps readers explore meaning, money, identity, contribution, and self-expression in the quest for a career that feels like home.

Editors note: This website is no longer about this topic.

9. Jessica Lawlor

Public relations professional and freelance writer Jessica Lawlor is all about getting gutsy: stepping outside your comfort zone to live a more fulfilling life. Jessica’s blog and newsletter are filled with inspiration, ideas and action items to help you #GetGutsy, pursue your passions and achieve your goals.

Post you’ll like: Get Gutsy: Celebrating One Year of Life Outside My Comfort Zone

10. Live Your Legend

Believe it or not, you can make a living doing work you love! Scott Dinsmore wants you to make a career out of the thing you are most passionate about, thereby improving the world with innovation and a better attitude.

Editors note: This website is not https compliant so we have removed the hyperlink.

11. Microlancer

Developed from what was once Collis Ta’eed’s Freelance Switch, this site helps freelancers and digital creatives find jobs and paying gigs in seven easy steps. Every Microlancer is connected to the perfect client, job and project so you can stand out from the crowd of other freelancers.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

12. Paid to Exist

Doing what you love and getting paid don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Jonathan Mead’s Paid to Exist is about eliminating the gap between the two and living your dreams.

Post you’ll like: What to Do When You Fall Out of Love With Your Work

13. Productive Flourishing

Productive Flourishing is one of the top websites for planning and productivity for professional creatives, writers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Founder Charlie Gilkey is a sought-after speaker and advisor on small business growth and strategy and a recently self-published author of the Amazon.com best-selling book, The Small Business Lifecycle: A Guide for Taking the Right Steps at the Right Time.

Post you’ll like: Use the Two Hour Rule to Make Progress on Your Creative Projects

14. Seth Godin

Seth’s aha moments about business and life will have you scrambling to, as he says, “make something happen.” He’ll help you think differently about how to be productive, what really matters in life and the best ways to reach your readers.

15. Steph Gordon

Steph Gordon’s site is a mecca for side hustlers, those building their dream business on the side of their day job. A mix of straightforward expert business how-to, from-the-trenches wisdom and a dash of sass create a blog you need to read if your dream business isn’t your full-time gig just yet.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

Best Copywriting websites for writers

16. AmpAndPivot

No filter, no apologies—that’s the AmpAndPivot rally cry. Jules Taggart, founder of AmpAndPivot, has started a BLAH Rebellion, one that begins with compelling copy. She shows entrepreneurs and small business owners how to tell their stories in bold and unforgettable ways. ¡Viva la Revolucíon!

17. Live Write Thrive

Created by author and editor C.S. Lakin, Live Write Thrive is dedicated to providing practical writing craft advice, editing tips and deep instruction to aspiring and established writers who are “writing for life.” In addition to focusing on the craft of writing, Live Write Thrive examines publishing trends and gives advice on marketing, promotion and indie publishing.

Post you’ll like: Creative Mind Mapping for Novelists

18. Men with Pens

Men with Pens has well over 1,000 articles geared to help writers with content-marketing, freelancing and small business endeavors. The blog, founded by web designer and copywriter James Chartrand, has more than 50,000 readers.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

19. Sterling Editing

Kelley Eskridge and Nicola Griffith, the Sterling Editing team, share weekly roundups of writing links from around the internet. Their blog combines advice on writing craft and publishing trends with a healthy dose of literary humor.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

20. The Copy Bot

Demian Farnworth teaches people how to write clear, concise and compelling copy through this blog and for Copyblogger Media. His goal is to create writing that is equally irresistible to search engines and readers.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

21. The Middle Finger Project

The Middle Finger Project is hell-bent on teaching writers to do business and life differently while having way more fun than the neighbors. See also: creative marketing ideas, sarcasm and copywriting advice delivered on a silver platter (alongside a glass of bourbon—neat), so you can get more clients, make more money and do this one life right.

Post you’ll like: 3 (Top Secret Ultra James Bond) Ways to Add More Personality to Your Writing

22. The Writing Whisperer

Are you trying to find your voice as a writer? This site will help you do just that, while cultivating your personal writing style. With the help of M. Shannon Hernandez, the Writing Whisperer, you’ll blend your words with your love of writing to create a masterpiece.

Editors note: This site now redirects to Joyful Business Revolution.

23. Writing Happiness

If you want to get more clients and customers with your blogging, it might be time to revamp your copywriting strategy. With help from Marya Jan’s blog, you can attract the right kind of traffic and turn leads into revenue.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

Best Creativity and Craft websites for writers

24. Aliventures

Whether you write novels, non-fiction or another genre, Ali Luke’s site offers practical advice for overcoming obstacles. She covers topics like how to be more productive, tips for finishing your projects, and even shares some behind-the-scenes details of her own life as a writer.

Post you’ll like: The Four Stages of Writing

25. Brain Pickings

At Brain Pickings, Maria Popova discusses the combinational force of creativity, the combination and recombination of ideas. She compares it to building with LEGOs—the more blocks, the more interesting the creations.

Editors note: This site now redirects to The Marginalian.

26. Dani Shapiro

When it comes to blogs about writing, Dani’s blog is a breath of fresh air. This memoir author doesn’t publish on her blog as often as we’d like, but when she does, her literary voice and her insight—often about life—is beautiful. Stop here for creative inspiration.

Post you’ll like: On Vulnerability

27. Grammar Girl

Grammar Girl, created by Mignon Fogarty, is a writer’s best friend. Each episode is a fun guide into the world of grammar, punctuation, usage and fun developments in the English language.

28. Inky Girl

Inky Girl is a blog geared toward those who write and illustrate for young people, written by children’s book writer and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Content includes interviews with industry professionals, comics, publishing industry news and advice.

Editors note: This website is not https compliant so we have removed the hyperlink.

29. It Starts With

While we all have ideas, dreams and goals, many of us have a difficult time executing them. Sarah Peck combines her background in psychology with lessons on how to turn small actions into huge results!

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

30. Marianne Elliott

Marianne believes writing can be a potent form of social action, and stories help us not only see the world in new ways, but also build the world we want to live in. She shares her own stories and others she gathers, and teaches on the courage, compassion and curiosity it takes to work with stories.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

31. Mystery Writing is Murder

If you’re looking for motivation to keep writing, this is the blog for you. Elizabeth Spann Craig covers all aspects of writing and the writing life, including character development, productivity and social media.

Post you’ll like: Tips for Writing in Short Blocks of Time

32. PickTheBrain

Led by Erin Falconer, PickTheBrain is one of the leading self-development sites. With more than 400 guest bloggers from around the world, PTB creates a global voice on all things productivity, confidence, creativity, motivation and more.

Post you’ll like: 3 Ways Your Comfort Zone is Restricting Your Life

33. Positive Writer

Created by Bryan Hutchinson, Positive Writer is for writers and all creatives who struggle from time-to-time with confidence and trust in their ability to create art that matters. Bryan writes positive reinforcement articles that help fellow artists start and finish work they’re proud of by avoiding the never-ending, never-winning goal of “perfection.”

Post you’ll like: How to Unlock Your Creativity and Stop Feeling Like a Failure

34. E Napoletano

If you feel stuck with your writing, you need the Redhead Writing blog. E Napoletano is blunt, brazen and badass, but also hilarious! This site gives a much-needed reprieve from any ordinary writer’s block.

35. Romance University

Romance University is a group blog dedicated to helping writers advance their careers, introducing readers to a variety of authors and delving into the ever-inscrutable male mind. Join them for free lectures on writing romance in any genre.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

36. Story Bistro

Story Bistro is another site by The Word Chef Tea Silvestra, whose mission is to help solo biz owners listen more deeply to their audiences, tell better stories and build stronger businesses. She publishes blog posts with concrete advice on storytelling of all kinds.

37. The Artist’s Road

The Artist’s Road is an ongoing conversation regarding the challenges and rewards of pursuing an art-committed life. As a professional storyteller who brings readers insights gathered on creativity and writing, Patrick Ross includes lessons from all types of creatives through video interviews.

Editors note: This website is no longer public.

38. The Other Side of the Story

Author Janice Hardy’s blog is dedicated to helping writers improve their craft through in-depth study of writing, focusing on how to use a “rule” as well as why the rule exists in the first place. She doesn’t just say to “show, don’t tell,” she explains how. She also offers examples and practical tips you can apply directly to your work-in-progress and see immediate results.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

39. The Story of Telling

Bernadette Jiwa is a bestselling business author and speaker. She writes about how to reinvent your business and rethink your marketing by embracing your customer’s worldview to help you tell a better brand story.

Post you’ll like: Doing Work That Matters

40. The Writer and the Critic

The Writer and the Critic is a monthly podcast devoted to speculative fiction books, reviews and occasional gossip. Hosted by Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, you’ll find a little bit of everything for your writing.

Post you’ll like: Everyday and The Woman Upstairs

41. YA Confidential

If you write for teens, this site is a must-read. The YA Confidential Operatives share everything you need to ensure your work appeals to young adults, from reviews of the newest YA fiction to undercover interviews with real teens.

Editors note: This blog no longer exists.

Best Freelancing websites for writers

42. Cordelia Calls It Quits

On this blog, Kelly Gurnett documents her attempts to rid her life of the things that don’t matter and focus more on the things that do. She shares her journey to launch her freelance business full time as a blogger extraordinaire.

Editors note: This website is no longer about this topic.

43. Freelance Folder

The life of an entrepreneur can be solitary, but Freelance Folder helps fix that. Join this community of writers, publishers, designers and artists, and learn how to improve your craft while collaborating with others.

44. Freelance Writers Academy

Freelance Writers Academy helps writers earn what they deserve with essential tools, resources and information that guides them in launching successful careers. They also provide encouraging support, in-depth business training and up-to-date employment resources in a fun and interactive membership community.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

45. Freelancers Union

As a writer, you’re also an independent business owner. And with that responsibility comes the need to understand details like contracts, health insurance, saving for retirement, taxes and more. Founded by Sara Horowitz in 2003, the Freelancers Union gives you access to resources on these topics and much more.

46. International Freelancers Academy

Creating your own freelance writing business is all about connections, so you can bring in enough money to support you and your family. Ed Gandia and Pete Savage’s International Freelancers Academy provides training on these topics and a chance to work with other freelance writing experts, along with free weekly training videos.

Editors note: This website is no longer about this topic.

47. Leaving Work Behind

Tom Ewer’s Leaving Work Behind is a blog and community for anyone interested in quitting their job and living a better life. The site’s main focus is on making money through blogging and freelancing.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

48. Little Zotz

Lauren Tharp is a freelance writer dedicated to helping other writers ease into the freelance lifestyle. Her website is a wealth of information, providing readers with weekly blog posts, video answers, newsletters and two highly-regarded free ebooks.

Post you’ll like: 16 Red Flags: Say NO to That Potential Client

49. Productive Writers

Productive Writers helps freelance writers get high-paying assignments and finish them quickly so they have more time for the rest of their lives. The site is run by John Soares, a full-time freelancer since 1994, and its motto says it all: Work Less, Earn More, Live More.

Post you’ll like: How to Write Faster: 12 Top Tips for Freelance Writers

50. Scratch Magazine

Scratch is a quarterly magazine for writers that focuses on intersection of writing and money. Created by former Writer’s Digest publisher Jane Friedman and freelance writer Manjula Martin, the site also features an ongoing collection of reports about magazines and websites and their pay rates called, “Who Pays Writers?”

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

51. The Freelance Pinoy

Stef Gonzaga’s site guides freelancers on how to get started, improve and succeed in their respective trades and industry. Whether you’re a writer or an illustrator, this is the place for expert advice, informative tips and actionable steps to help you run a successful freelancing career.

Editors note: This website is not https compliant so we have removed the hyperlink.

52. Tuts+ Business

On the new and improved site, formerly part of Freelance Switch, you can dig through the archives to find all kinds of resources for growing your business, marketing and dealing with clients. You’ll discover specific ideas and tips related to the business side of writing and freelancing.

Post you’ll like: How to Plan an eBook Series

53. Writers In Charge

Writers in Charge helps writers take charge of their careers and command the rates they deserve by delivering practical content. As a writer you should be the one calling the shots, and this site, created by Bamidele Onibalusi, helps equip you with the necessary skills to build a successful writing career.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

Best literary agent websites for writers

54. The Bent Agency

Make your writing dream a reality with the help of The Bent Agency. From navigating contracts to marketing to cover design, Jenny Bent’s blog helps new and aspiring authors publish bestsellers with a personal touch.

55. Guide to Literary Agents (Writer’s Digest)

If you’re looking to land a literary agent to represent your book, this blog is a must-read. Run by Chuck Sambuchino, the blog features posts by guest authors who have real-world experience, including literary agents who are looking for new clients and authors who have successfully sold books. Watch for a series on “7 Things I’ve Learned So Far” and “How I Got My Agent.”

Post you’ll like: 7 Things I’ve Learned So Far

56. Literary Rambles

Literary Rambles spotlights children’s book authors through interviews and giveaways, and literary agents through comprehensive profiles. Casey McCormick and Natalie Aguirre give you an up-close-and-personal look at what it takes to write a novel, book or other literary work.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

57. Miss Snark, Literary Agent

Anonymous literary agent Miss Snark vents her wrath on the world of writers, and although the author is no longer publishing new posts, this blog’s archives are pure gold. Many of the posts are replies to actual reader questions, so you’re likely to find the answer to yours.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

58. Nathan Bransford, Author

Author and former literary agent Nathan Bransford blogs about every facet of the publishing process, from writing to finding agents to the latest publishing news. If you’re a newbie to the publishing world, or even a resident veteran, this site has everything you need.

Post you’ll like:  The Publishing Process in GIF Form

59. Rachelle Gardner

Rachelle’s blog is one of the most popular resources by a literary agent. She offers the inside scoop on traditional publishing, including advice about how to sign with an agent, what to include in your book proposal and how royalties work.

Post you’ll like: How to Get Published

Best marketing websites for writers

60. Mirasee

Danny Iny’s blog, Firepole Marketing, is devoted to helping non-marketers become expert marketers. Danny and his team believe that through connecting and engaging with your audience—whether they’re clients, customers or readers—you can inspire them to new heights.

Post you’ll like: Why Guru Strategies for Blog Growth Don’t Work…and What Does

61. Kikolani

At Kikolani, Kristi Hines covers content, search and social media marketing strategies for business and professional bloggers. Her strategies will help you learn how to successfully promote your blog and your brand.

Post you’ll like: 32 Experts Share their Best Blog Post Promotion Tips

62. Social Triggers

Writers often hate sales and marketing, but whether you go the traditional or self-publishing route, you’ll have to sell your books, your proposal or yourself. Derek Halpern uses his outgoing personality to make sales fun, and his suggestions will help you earn more money as a writer.

Post you’ll like: How to Tell People What You Do (and prove you’re good at it)

63. The Creative Penn

Indie author and marketing star Joanna Penn writes this blog for authors, writers and entrepreneurs. In addition to her self-publishing and platform-building advice, Joanna gives behind-the-scenes details about how she’s making a living as a full-time author entrepreneur.

Post you’ll like: Lessons Learned From 2 Years as a Full-Time Author Entrepreneur

64. The Identity

Lis Dingjan runs The Identity, a creation and hustle studio powered on fruity tea, where she writes about branding, design, breaking the biz rules, marketing and reflections on the online world. Mixed with laughs, lashings of high quality, a sprinkle of rustic fusion and a whole lot of love and value, she’s determined to help your business succeed.

Editors note: This website no longer exists.

Best publishing websites for writers

65. Goins, Writer

If you write, you’re a writer! Jeff Goins blogs about creating a successful writing career you are passionate about and getting published. With multiple best-selling books, both self-published and traditionally published, he has loads of experience and expertise to share.

Post you’ll like: The Secret to Developing a Regular Writing Habit

66. Helping Writers Become Authors

This site, run by author K.M. Weiland, features tips and essays about the writing life to enlighten and encourage other writers. Helping Writers Become Authors was created to help other writers understand the ins-and-outs of the craft and the psychology behind the inspiration.

Post you’ll like: 15 Bad Habits That Hold Writers Back

67. How to Plan, Write and Develop a Book

Get weekly exercises, tips and techniques on how to structure and craft a book-length manuscript in any genre from Mary Carroll Moore, author of Your Book Starts Here. This blog includes interviews with published writers of fiction, nonfiction, and memoir on structuring methods, character, dialogue, pacing and more.

Post you’ll like: Your Writing Voice: How to Develop It, Recognize It, Not Copy Someone Else’s

68. Jane Friedman

This blog from the former publisher of Writer’s Digest focuses on writing, reading and the digital age. It also features a weekly column on the publishing industry by journalist and publishing consultant Porter Anderson.

Post you’ll like: Why Don’t Publishers Believe in Author Websites?

69. Jody Hedlund, Author

Jody’s blog is a chronicle of her writing journey. She offers advice, encouragement and inspiration based on all that she’s learned about writing, publication and marketing in today’s tough publishing industry.

Post you’ll like: When to Show Character Emotions and When to Tell

70. Lisa Romeo Writes

Lisa blogs about writing, editing, reading, books, submissions, freelancing, getting published (and rejected), revisions, life after the MFA, teaching writing and living the writer’s life. Her site features guest posts and interviews with authors, editors and other publishing experts, but comes with one caveat for writers: Write first, read blogs second.

Post you’ll like: When “So What?” Is a Perfectly Good Response

71. Lynette Benton

If you want to become a better writer, Lynette will help you get there. As a published author of multiple essays and blogs, she shares some of the best tools and tactics for writers. She’s also in the final stages of editing her memoir, so she knows a thing or two about the traditional publishing industry.

72. Novel Publicity

Novel Publicity aims to be a one-stop shop for published and aspiring writers alike. They blog about topics related to writing advice, publishing, social media and more. If you have a specific writing question, take advantage of their Ask the Editor feature.

Post you’ll like: How to Run a GoodReads Giveaway With Maximal Results

73. Terribleminds

Chuck Wendig discusses writing, storytelling and publishing with great irreverence and gulping bucketloads of metaphor and vulgarity. He interviews other authors, talks about writing and the publishing industry, and offers lots of writing prompts.

Post you’ll like: 50 Rantypants Snidbits of Random Writing & Storytelling Advice

74. The Book Deal

Alan Rinzler’s blog goes in-depth on how to succeed at traditional publishing. A veteran editor, Alan provides advice on writing memoir, marketing your book, landing an agent, self-publishing and more.

Post you’ll like: How to Grab, Delight or Shock Your Readers Right from the Start

75. Warner Coaching

Warner Coaching is Brooke Warner’s coaching site and newsletter, dedicated to helping writers understand the business of book publishing, including traditional, hybrid and self-publishing. Her primary goal is to give writers the confidence and information they need to publish well and self-promote with confidence.

76. Write Hacked

Created by Nick Thacker, WriteHacked.com (formerly LiveHacked.com) is all about writing better, self-publishing and building an online platform that actually works. Publishing today doesn’t mean the same thing it used to, and it’s easier than ever to create, publish and sell your work—but are you doing it well?

Best travel writing websites for writers

77. Almost Fearless

Christine Gilbert’s storytelling draws you into her life as an expat: her writing is honest and heartfelt as she describes travel, language and her writing process. If you can tear your eyes away from her stories and photos, you’ll notice that she and her husband Drew, a videographer, also teach courses and workshops on story-driven blogging.

Editor’s note: This website no longer exists.

78. Camels and Chocolate

Kristin Luna is a travel writer with a thirst for adventure. If you’re looking to incorporate more images and creativity into your writing, this is the blog you need! Her beautiful photos and honest, imaginative descriptions of exotic locations are sure to inspire your writing—and your envy.

79. Location 180

Who says you have to write in one spot or in a boring office? Sean Ogle writes about building a business you can run from anywhere and living a life worth writing about.

80. The Art of Non-Conformity

If you’re sick and tired of the status quo, Chris Guillebeau may be the answer. A published author, Chris has traveled to every country in the world and preaches the art of non-conformity through his own lifestyle. Start living a life that matters… to you!

Post you’ll like: Why You Should Quit Your Job and Travel Around the World

81. The Writer and the Wanderer

Life only seems to come together in stories and in journeys, and those two narratives—one of the mind and the other of the road—have shaped travel writer Mary Morris’ life. The Writer and the Wanderer, with its posts, photos and watercolors, is an attempt to give all her adventures a context.

Post you’ll like: On Longing

82. The Writer’s [Inner] Journey

There’s no one way to create or write, and everything you’ll discover on The Writer’s [Inner] Journey proves that. Meredith Resnick engages bestselling authors, professional creatives and emerging voices in quirky dialogue about how they write and why it works for them.

83. Travel Writing 2.0

Tim Leffel’s Travel Writing 2.0 blog is a guide to finding real success as a travel writer in the digital age, without abandoning opportunities to succeed with books, print articles or other options. It features advice and interviews from freelancers, bloggers and editors earning a good income from their writing.

Post you’ll like: Five Things Writers Should Stop Doing in the ‘20s

Best writing advice websites for writers

84. About Freelance Writing

With original articles, answers to your writing questions and resources for finding gigs, increasing pay and pretty much anything about freelance writing, this site lives up to its name. Impressively, it’s been around for more than a decade, and creator Anne Wayman has been freelance writing for over 30.

85. Advice to Writers

Curated by Jon Winokur, this site collects the writerly wisdom of the ages in the form of a Quote of the Day (also available as a daily email), hundreds of links to resources and exclusive weekly interviews with writers like Harlan Ellison.

86. Christina Katz

Christina teaches writers to prosper by building solid, salable, life-long career skills via classes and training groups that work even in a rapidly evolving publishing marketplace. Highlights of the site include the Writers On The Move health and fitness accountability group for writers, an annual round-up of Movies About Writers and The Writing Life, and monthly writing and platform challenges.

Post you’ll like: How to Navigate Tough Times & Get Back to Writing

87. Daily Writing Tips

DailyWritingTips.com features articles on grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage and vocabulary. The site was founded in 2007, and its archives contain more than 2,200 advice articles for writers.

Post you’ll like: 10 Techniques for More Precise Writing

88. Funds for Writers

FundsforWriters.com is C. Hope Clark’s website on financial resources for the serious writer. Her weekly newsletters reach 45,000 readers and contain calls for submissions for grants, contests, freelance markets, publishers, agents and jobs. Hope is also a freelance writer and mystery author.

89. Make a Living Writing

Stop getting paid pennies for your amazing content! You can move beyond the low-paying gigs and actually make a living from freelance writing. On this blog, Carol Tice writes from her wealth of experience and knowledge as a successful freelance writer.

Post you’ll like: How I Make $5,000 a Month as a Paid Blogger

90. Moody Writing

With resources for fiction writing and creative tips, Moody Writing will get you in the mindset to explore new worlds with your writing. You’ll find resources for everything from creating characters to meeting deadlines for your story.

Post you’ll like: The Best Way to Improve Your Writing

91. Procrastiwriter

Written by Shanan Haislip, a champion procrastinator who also happens to be a writer, The Procrastiwriter is for beginning and veteran writers who are trying to write more, write better, and most importantly, fit their writing into a full-time life.

Editor’s note: This website no longer exists.

92. Read. Learn. Write.

As a writer, you should constantly be reading, learning and, of course, writing. At Read. Learn. Write., Brandon Monk discusses the importance of all three and shares essays from contributors all over the world.

Post you’ll like: What Does It Mean to Be a Writer?

93. The Renegade Writer

Linda Formichelli, aka the Renegade Writer, helps freelance writers earn a living on their own terms. The blog focuses on magazine writers but also includes information for copywriters, bloggers and other types of writers.

Editor’s note: This website no longer exists.

94. The Write Practice

Founded by Joe Bunting, this site is where procrastination goes to die. It offers fun creative writing lessons and prompts to practice your craft 15 minutes a day, six times a week. It’s considered one of the best writing workbooks on the Internet.

Post you’ll like: How to Write a Book in Nine (Not So) Easy Steps

95. Write to Done

If you want to improve your writing, Mary Jaksch’s Write to Done is a fantastic online resource to tap into; it features inspiring articles and how-to posts that will help you become a better writer. Check out their free ebook, The (nearly) Ultimate Guide to Better Writing.

Post you’ll like: How to Write Better: 7 Instant Fixes

Best writing communities for writers

96. A Writer’s Bucket List

A Writer’s Bucket List is a place for entrepreneurial writers and writerly entrepreneurs to connect with, learn from, and discover awesome work by their peers. Created by Dana Sitar, the site features posts from writers in the community as well as expert columnists on blogging, freelancing, marketing and storytelling.

Editors note: This website is not https compliant so we have removed the hyperlink.

97. Laptop Cafes

Created by Lis Dingjan, Laptop Cafes is a directory of little corners all across the world where you can access free wifi in a comfortable, quality space. Whether you need to work, check your email or book the next leg of your trip, you’ll find the perfect place to do it. All cafes are vetted by the LC community and summaries include important details such as which seats have power outlet access.

Editor’s note: This website no longer exists.

98. Writers Helping Writers

Writers Helping Writers (formerly The Bookshelf Muse) is a site dedicated to serving the writing community through solid craft advice, unique tools and friendly support. Its founders Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are best known for their descriptive Thesaurus Collections on Characters Traits, Emotions, Physical Attributes, Setting, Weather, Symbolism and more.

Post you’ll like: The Seven Deadly Sins of Novel Writing

99. Writers-Network

In this free online creative writing community, writers and poets can post their writing, get feedback and discuss writing-related topics in the forums and live chat rooms. Members can also participate in contests, earn points for reviewing, maintain a personal writing profile and gain fans from all around the world.

Editor’s note: This website no longer exists.

100. Writertopia

Writertopia is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a place where writers can hone their craft while connecting with other writers. Created by Bill Katz and Jennifer Yoon, Writertopia’s goal is to build a community of collaborative, skilled writers.

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11 Ways to Doom Your Freelance Writing Career https://thewritelife.com/11-ways-to-doom-your-freelance-writing-career/ Wed, 27 Nov 2013 10:00:00 +0000 http://thewritelife.com/?p=1723 The realities of freelance writing can be daunting, and sometimes the challenges of creating a writing business can seem insurmountable. There has to be an easier way!

Luckily, there is: aim low.

Let’s take a closer look at strategies that diminish your chances of progressing as a writer.

If building a successful freelance writing business is not on your agenda, pay attention and start taking notes.

1. Write for content mills

Their business model isn’t viable, and you’ll wind up earning peanuts and drowning in the deepest obscurity. You’ll probably turn up on Google’s umpteenth search results page. But won’t those clips look good in your portfolio? Unlikely.

2. Waste your time and money selling yourself short on bidding sites

If you want to avoid being paid a fair wage for an article, try lurking around sites like Freelancer, Elance, and oDesk. You’ll earn a fabulous $3 to $15 per hour regurgitating articles on topics you loathe. Do the math to see how many hours you’d need to work to make a comfortable living. Yeah…that’s what I thought.

3. Procrastinate

Since you’re aiming for failure, keep postponing the outlining of your next article and delay reading that blogging ebook you downloaded for free ages ago. Have yet another snack, watch another episode of your favorite show and leave it all for tomorrow. Lather, rinse and repeat.

4. Expect to learn everything you need to know to grow your freelance writing business for free

Why pay for an online training session? It’s way too expensive. None of those “online gurus” practice what they preach. You’ll never see the return on your investment.

If you do go for it and pay for a webinar or course, and the trainer makes the effort to provide you with a recording, be ungrateful and never ever listen to it.

5. Don’t hire a mentor

Do you feel like you know it all? If you think you have all the answers, try writing a solid resource post with no research at all. Without consulting anybody else or asking for advice or feedback. You don’t need someone else’s guidance to help you with your strategy.

Keep admiring your role models from afar. Daydream about eventually becoming one of them without ever having to lift a finger.

6. Be a writer in a vacuum

Ignore the writing community. Don’t interact with your fellow writers. Attending networking events? Too expensive. Connecting with others on social media? Takes time away from your Fruit Ninja routine.

After all, other freelance writers are your competition, so what could you possibly learn from them? You sure don’t want to share any of your brilliant ideas, and they probably won’t either.

7. Treat your business like a hobby

Write only when you feel like it. If you’re not feeling inspired today, you don’t need to force your brain cells to produce any content. Nothing will come out of trying to brainstorm or free-write or using a prompt from another writer (see #6).

If you go out to get some fresh air, leave your notebook at home. Why would you jot down any new ideas that might come to mind?

8. Shy away from starting a blog to build your brand

After all, if you started a blog, you’d have to deal with readers and work on building an audience. And then you’d have to engage with that audience.

The commitment of starting a blog, updating it regularly and producing awesome content to attract subscribers is way more than you can handle.

9. Complain about how hard it is to be a freelance writer these days

You’re absolutely sure that none of the writers who’ve published their income reports are telling the truth. How can they earn that much when you’re still seeing nada in the bank?

They must be using some trick. Make sure you criticize them publicly on social media and in the comments section of various blogs.

10. Definitely don’t market yourself

That guest blogging thing? Too much of a hassle. Pitching guest post ideas to bloggers you didn’t want to connect with in the first place is the worst idea ever.

There are at least 100 ways to market your blog, but it’s easier to just ignore them all.

11. Give up

Earning a comfortable living as a freelance writer is impossible, so you might as well quit now.

There you are: 11 strategies that will blow your chances of ever creating a solid freelance writing career. Putting them into practice would be pretty simple, and would free you from the constraints of the writing life so you could move onto other pursuits, like checking out what your old chemistry lab partner is up to on Facebook, or reading up on the latest celebrity scandal.

It’s your call!

What are some other surefire ways to fail at freelance writing? Share your ideas in the comments!

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