Marisol Dahl – The Write Life

The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2017

Marisol Dahl — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Editor’s note: Looking for our most updated list of best writing websites? Here’s our list for 2021.

What do you picture when you imagine yourself writing?

Are you quietly tapping away on your office desktop computer in the early morning hours? Maybe you’re scribbling new ideas and observations amidst the hustle and bustle of a coffee shop.

It’s likely that you imagined yourself alone. And that’s not surprising, because when it comes down to actually doing the work, you — the writer — are the one who has to put pen to paper.

But here’s the thing about great writing: it takes a village.

They may be your words, but the words you write are a culmination of years of practice, learning from mentors, emulating your favorite authors, workshopping with peers and supporting fellow writers.

Each year, The Write Life celebrates this “village” by releasing a list of the 100 Best Websites for Writers, and we’re excited to do so again this year.

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, 2015, and 2016 lists, and this year we’re thrilled to feature more than 50 newcomers.

Each website featured in this list meets the following criteria:

It was recommended by readers of The Write Life
It publishes content helpful to writers
It has been updated recently and regularly

We’ve broken our 2017 list into eight categories: Blogging, creativity and craft, editing, freelancing, marketing and platform building, podcasts, publishing and writing communities. For the first time, we are excited to include a category for podcasts, which have proven to be a powerful and growing resource for writers. All sites are listed in alphabetical order within their categories, with numbers for ease of reading (not ranking).

No matter what your writing goals are, there’s something here for everyone.

And if you want to start your own website or blog, here’s our step-by-step guide. Your website could be next on our list!

1. Be a Freelance Blogger

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

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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.

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3. 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.

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4. ProBlogger

Founder Darren Rowse and the ProBlogger team bring you 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 blogging opportunities.

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5. See Jane Write

At See Jane Write, founder Javacia Harris Bowser seeks to empower women to be “authors of their own lives and live a life worth writing about.” Consistently recommended by many of our readers, See Jane Write is a great place for bloggers who are looking to grow their platforms and turn their blogs into businesses.

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6. Aliventures

Ali Luke provides both practical and motivational advice on writing books, blogging and building a business around your writing. Check out her Writer’s Huddle community and ebooks on blogging.

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7. 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.
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8. Australian Writers’ Centre

No matter what type of writing you enjoy, the Australian Writers’ Centre has a course for you. Along with a full blog archive, this site offers dozens of online and in-person courses on freelance writing, creativity, novel writing, business writing, blogging and more. Courses start at $97.

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9. Bang2Write

If you’re a screenwriter, Bang2Write is for you. This site offers tons of advice on how to develop great stories and pitch your scripts, along with best practices for writing research.

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10. Barely Hare Books

You are the hero of your own novel-writing adventure, and Rae Elliott of Barely Hare Books is here to help you defeat the monster keeping you from writing that fandom-worthy story. With blog posts, a podcast and several ebooks, this site has lots to explore.

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11. C. S. Lakin’s Live Write Thrive

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

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12. DIY MFA

The folks at DIY MFA believe you can access the benefits of an Master in Fine Arts without having to go the traditional (expensive) route. It all comes down to a simple but powerful combination: writing with focus, reading with purpose and building your community.

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13. 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 a reader favorite.

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14. Eva Deverell

A passionate writer and creative writing teacher, Eva Deverell offers tons of resources for readers, writers, poets and people who just love learning. With worksheets, blog posts, writing prompts and ebooks, this site offers practical ways to deepen your craft.

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15. Every Writer

At Every Writer, owner and editor Richard Edwards covers everything you can imagine about writing, including writing tools, website building, and how to overcome writer’s block. He even shares tips on starting a literary magazine. Check out his poetry and writing contests, too.

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16. Fiction University

Janice Hardy understands there’s no “right” way to write. So instead of giving advice on what writers should do, she explains how to 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.

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17. How to Write a Book Now

At How to Write a Book Now, author Glen C. Strathy shares tips on everything about the writing and book publishing process, from where to start, to story model analysis, to creating compelling characters. Readers can also submit their questions about writing.

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18. 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.

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19. Journalist’s Resource

Run by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center, Journalist’s Resource offers write-ups on the latest scholarly studies, reports and data. This is a great place to find reliable research as well as inspiration for your next freelance article.

Browse the latest research here.

20. Knockin’ Books

The editors at Knockin’ Books are self-described “addicted” to reading, so they’ve created this site to help connect readers and authors. Whether you’re a reader looking for your next favorite book, or a writer looking for a beautiful cover design, you’ll find it at Knockin’ Books.

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21. Lucy Flint and the Lionhearted Writing Life

After eight years of a love/hate relationship with writing, Lucy Flint went on a mission to explore how writing can be more enjoyable, easy and fulfilling. In her blog posts, she shares tips on how to be more courageous in your writing, stop being stuck and more. Her site is a mini dance party for your writing life.

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22. Market Meditations

At Market Meditations, Charles Chu documents the experiments and lessons he’s learned in the pursuit of being more productive, successful and effective at the work he does. This is a great blog to follow if you’re looking to raise your potential at work.

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23. 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.

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24. PsychWriter

At PsychWriter, Tamar Sloan explores the intersection of psychology and writing, specifically as it pertains to character development and reader engagement. This blog covers the art of making your characters and story believable.

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25. Re:Fiction

No matter what kind of fiction writer you are, Re:Fiction welcomes you. This site offers resources to help you at all stages, from getting better at writing, to publishing, to marketing and building your platform. It also offers multiple scholarships for professional editing and critiques each month, on manuscripts of up to 5,000 words.

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26. The Write Practice

What do 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.

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27. The Writing Kylie

Kylie Day’s blog is a great place for those who are in the midst of writing a novel. With tips on outlining and story structure, and a dose of inspirational posts about the writing life, this blog will help you on your path from story idea to complete manuscript.

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28. Tweetspeak Poetry

Tweetspeak Poetry is the go-to site for “the best in poetry and poetic things.” Here, readers and writers alike can indulge in beautiful poetry, writing workshops, book clubs and more. This is also a great place to find resources for teaching poetry.

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29. Write or Die

Writer Mandy Wallace believes that when it comes to writing, you can’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.

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30. Writerology

The one constant when it comes to writing? It all comes down to the people: you as a writer, your characters and their development, and the audience you seek to connect with. At Writerology, Faye Kirwin combines her expertise in writing and psychology to help you hone your craft, understand people, and write amazing stories.

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31. 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.

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32. 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.

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33. 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.

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34. 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.

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35. Grammar Girl

You may speak English fluently, but the language can still be quite a mystery. Grammar Girl is the go-to guide for all things “grammar, punctuation, usage, and fun developments in the English language.” She has a popular podcast, too.

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36. Kathy Steinemann

Kathy Steinemann loves words. On her blog, she shares master lists of adjectives and offers tips for avoiding overused words and being more descriptive and original in your writing.

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37. Scribendi

Scribendi is focused on the art of editing and proofreading. Their resources for writers cover everything from grammar, to finding inspiration, to the mechanics of writing.

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38. 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.

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39. Elna Cain

Elna Cain believes you don’t need experience to be a successful freelance writer — you just need a passion for writing. On her blog, she shares tips and strategies to help new freelance writers succeed.

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40. 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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41. Freelance to Freedom

You love to write. But in order to be a successful freelancer, you need to work those business muscles. That’s where Freelance to Freedom comes in. Founder Leah Kalamakis offers articles and e-books that teach everything from client management to setting up your business website.

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42. Freelance to Win

At Freelance to Win, Danny Margulies wants you to stop compromising and start living a life of freedom — all by building a freelance career. Danny is an expert at landing gigs on Upwork, and his blog shares all the latest tips on how to use this platform for ultimate success.

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43. 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 get updated daily, so you’re always in the know about new opportunities.

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44. 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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45. Horkey Handbook

Within six months of starting her freelance writing career, Gina Horkey was earning $4,000 a month. Now, she wants to help others achieve their dreams of making a real living off freelance writing.

46. 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, a blog, and a podcast, LittleZotz is a great source of practical tips for your freelance life.

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47. Make a Living Writing

At Make a Living Writing, Carol Tice helps writers move up from low-paying markets and earn more from their work. With her blog, e-books and paid community, you’ll find awesome advice, support and resources to grow as a freelance writer.

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48. Pen & Pro$per

At Pen & Pro$per, Jennifer Brown Bank shares more than 15 years of professional writing experience to help others reach financial success with their writing. As one The Write Life reader said, “With an outstanding array of diverse topics, tips and tricks of the writing profession, this is a blog well worth bookmarking!”

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49. 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 sacrificing their freedom. 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.

50. Writers in Charge

With over 600 posts in its archives, Writers in Charge is filled with resources and leads for freelance writers who are looking to be well-compensated for their work. Don’t miss founder Bamidele Onibalusi’s master list of 110 websites that pay writers.

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51. Writers Weekly

Around since 1997, Writers Weekly is a tried-and-true resource for freelance writers. It offers regular updates on paying markets, as well as expert interviews and success stories.

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52. Writing Revolt

At Writing Revolt, Jorden Roper is leading a revolution to help freelance writers and bloggers make serious money. Her site is filled with actionable articles, courses and resources that will help you become better at writing, pitching and landing great clients.

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53. HubSpot

For business, sales and marketing-focused writers, HubSpot is a great place to stay on top of the latest research, insights, and strategies for connecting with your audience and making them fall in love with your brand.

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54. 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.

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55. MarketingProfs

If you’re looking to grow your expertise in marketing communications, MarketingProfs is the place to go. It offers articles, podcasts, training events and more, so you can learn to use strategic, data-driven marketing.

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56. Seth Godin

Seth Godin’s blog might not be specifically about writing, but his daily bits of wisdom on business, marketing and life will help you approach your work in new ways. His posts never fail to inspire an energy to “Go, make something happen.”

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57. 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.

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58. The Creative Penn

Author Joanna Penn has built a best-selling writing career, and she wants to help you do it, too. Her site offers 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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59. Beautiful Writers Podcast

On the Beautiful Writers Podcast, host Linda Sivertsen features authors and thought leaders about their writing, business and publishing adventures. With a touch of spirituality, these conversations are great listens for those interested in creative contemplation.

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60. Create If Writing

We all love writing, but sometimes platform building and promotion don’t feel as natural. That’s where Create If Writing comes in; host Kirsten Oliphant shares tips and tools on how to build an authentic platform for your creative brand.

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61. I Should Be Writing

With author interviews and a huge archive, I Should Be Writing chronicles the journey to becoming a professional author. Conversations focus primarily on speculative fiction and traditional publishing.

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62. Rocking Self Publishing

Looking to be a published indie author? This podcast is for you. Each week host Simon Whistler interviews some of the top names in self-publishing, so you can create success for yourself.

63. Science Fiction & Fantasy Marketing Podcast

On the Science Fiction & Fantasy Marketing Podcast, the hosts interview successful authors, engage in group discussions and dive deep into specific writing genres and niches. This is a smart listening option for those looking for solid discussion around the science fiction and fantasy markets.

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64. Self Publishing Formula

Hosted by a writer who’s just starting out and another who is a best-selling author, the Self Publishing Formula podcast features interviews with some of the biggest names in the self-publishing game. Listen for tips on writing, publishing, marketing and more.

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65. Story Geometry

Ben Hess is an award-winning producer, director and screenwriter. After hitting a creative wall, he decided to start Story Geometry, where he interviews esteemed writers on their craft.

Episode you’ll like: The Deep End

66. Story Grid

On the Story Grid podcast, author Shawn Coyne and “struggling” writer Tim Grahl discuss the art and science of writing a story that resonates. There’s a blueprint for great novels — and these co-hosts seek to crack the code.

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67. The Dead Robots’ Society

Throughout the nearly 400 episodes in its archive, the many hosts of The Dead Robots’ Society gather to discuss their writing journeys and offer tips on the writing process. They also occasionally invite guests on the show.

Episode you’ll like: Being a Career Writer

68. The Worried Writer

On The Worried Writer podcast, Sarah Painter investigates how authors overcome anxiety, distractions and worried feelings on their way to publishing success. Listen to this podcast if you’re looking for practical advice on managing self doubt.

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69. The Writer Files

On The Writer Files, host Kelton Reid uncovers the secrets of productivity and creativity of some of the most well-known writers. If you find yourself stuck, plagued with writer’s block or just need to get those writing gears turning again, this podcast is for you.

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70. Writer 2.0

On Writer 2.0, A. C. Fuller sits down with bestselling authors and publishing experts like literary agents and book marketers. This show offers great content around both traditional and self-publishing, as well as the writing journey.

Episode you’ll like: The NY Publishing Scene with Susan Shapiro

71. Writing Class Radio

This show brings you inside an actual writing class, where you can hear other people tell their stories, witness breakthroughs, and hear the ins and outs of learning to write well.

72. Writing Excuses

In these weekly 15-minute episodes, writers Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, and Dan Wells talk about all things writing. They often have season-long themes — check out season 10 for a masterclass-type season on creating a story.

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73. Your Creative Life

On the Your Creative Life podcast, co-hosts Vanessa Carnevale and Kimberley Foster help writers connect to their creativity. With discussions on publishing, platform building and different genres of writing, this is a choice place to find inspiration.

74. Anne R. Allen

Publishing veterans Anne R. Allen and Ruth Harris created this online space to offer wisdom and tips for navigating the increasingly complex (and sometimes predatory) publishing world. Whether you’re an indie author or looking to land a traditional publishing deal, check out their archives and resources.

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75. 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.

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76. 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.

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77. Helping Writers Become Authors

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

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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.”

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79. Jenny Bravo Books

Author Jenny Bravo offers personal anecdotes and guidance for writers who want to take a leap into the publishing world. From her blog full of tips to her “Blots and Plots Party” Facebook group, to her Busy Writers Starter Kit, Jenny is here to help you realize your dream of writing a book.

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80. My Story Doctor

At My Story Doctor, author David Farland offers tips and workshops on how to write your story and get it published. He offers strategic advice on the business of writing, covering topics like how to get great deals and make the most of your publishing opportunities.

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81. Nail Your Novel

At 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?”

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82. 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.
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83. Self-Publishing School

Chandler Bolt believes everyone has a book inside them. With proven systems and strategies, the Self-Publishing School blog will walk you through writing and publishing your book, even if you don’t even know what you want to write about yet!

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84. 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.

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85. 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. While you’re there, grab your free Book Marketing Plan and Press Release templates.

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86. The Book Designer

At The Book Designer, Joel Friedlander uses his experience in book design, advertising and graphic design to help writers “build better books” and get published. Along with his extensive blog archive, check out his book design templates and Book Launch Toolkit.

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87. The Steve Laube Agency

What better way to get book publishing advice than from an agent himself? From resource recommendations to eight years (and counting!) of blog archives, The Steve Laube Agency website is full of advice for writers who are taking their first steps into the world of publishing.

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88. Writer’s Digest Editor Blogs

Writer’s Digest is home to many resources, competitions, and communities. Their editor columns are quite popular, and we particularly like The Write Life contributor Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents, featuring all types of information on finding literary agents, sending query letters, building an author platform and marketing your book.

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89. Writer’s Relief

For more than 20 years, Writer’s Relief has helped creatives successfully submit their writing to literary journals, book publishers, agents and more. The staff’s blog is full of publishing tips, and they also have a paid-subscriber-only classifieds section listing contests, conferences and residences.

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90. Chronicles

Chronicles is a thriving community for science fiction and fantasy writers. Community members gather to discuss favorite books, authors and common themes in science fiction and fantasy writing.

Join the Chronicles community

91. Fiction Writing

The Fiction Writing Facebook group is a community of nearly 10,000 writers. Here, you can post your writing for critique or reviews, and veteran members can announce details about upcoming book releases and published pieces.

Join Fiction Writing here

92. Inkitt

Inkitt is a data-driven book publisher and community where writers can share their work and find an audience for free, even if their novel is not yet finished. Inkitt’s algorithm analyzes reading behaviors to understand whether a novel has a strong potential to become a big success. If readers love your work, Inkitt will offer you a publishing deal.

Check out Inkitt’s community groups

93. Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Whether you’re just beginning to write or a best-selling pro, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is here to help you overcome whatever doubts and insecurities might keep you from being your best.

Join Insecure Writer’s Support Group

94. Now Novel

The Now Novel program offers a structured, straightforward way to get your book done. With a step-by-step process that takes the guessing out of what to do next, personalized mentorship and community groups for even more support, you’ll be an author in no time.

Join Now Novel

95. Prose

Prose is a social network platform for writers who want to focus on the work — not the superficiality of social media. This is a great place to publish your work, connect with other authors, and participate in writing challenges.

Join Prose

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 topics in the forum.

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97. Talentville

Talentville is the online destination for screenwriters and storytellers. This community focuses on bringing together people across the industry — from novice script writers to top agents and producers — so high-quality work can be easily discovered.

Join Talentville

98. The Masters Review

This community is focused on supporting emerging writers. They publish works from writers who don’t have published novels and haven’t been featured on larger platforms yet. Be on the lookout for their annual anthology, which features the 10 best emerging writers in the country.

Post you’ll like: Submission Strategies

99. 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

100. 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

What writing sites would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

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!
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Tell Us: What Are Your Favorite Writing Websites?

Marisol Dahl — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:00:00 +0000

Okay writers, pencils down! Just for a minute, step away from your NaNoWriMo novels and control-save that magazine article.

We need your help.

You’ve seen our list of the best writer resources for 2014, 2015 and 2016.

We look forward to continuing the tradition with a new edition of 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2017.

Whether your goal for 2017 is to land a book deal, become a full-time freelancer, up your guest posting game or find a writing partner-in-crime, we’ve got you covered with this list of websites for writers. We want to make sure we include valuable resources, and to do that, we need your input.

What’s your favorite writing website? Which blogs do you visit for inspiration, information or writing-related entertainment? Which sites have earned bookmark status on your toolbar? Who do you want to nominate for our list?

Let us know your favorite sites in the comments. We’re looking forward to sharing the list with you in January!

16 of Our Favorite Kindle-Publishing Resources for First-Time Authors

Marisol Dahl — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 11:00:55 +0000

As the largest online retailer and likely the most popular place to buy books, Amazon.com can’t be ignored — especially if you’re a writer.

By 2011, ebook sales on Amazon had surpassed those of printed books. And with self-publishing on the rise, we can only expect Amazon to become an even bigger player in the publishing world.

There are some great resources out there to help you publish effectively on Amazon and access the ever-growing Kindle readership.

Here’s a round-up of The Write Life’s favorites to help you get started self-publishing for Kindle.

Websites and books

1. KBoards

KBoards is a forum and blog dedicated completely to all things Kindle. It features resources for writers including a Writer’s Cafe community, a promotional Book Bazaar, and a directory of editing and art services for authors.

2. Self Publishing.com

With a name like that, you can trust that this is the definitive resource for indie authors. Packed full of free guides, tools, and reviews, this is your one-stop destination for self-publishing excellence.

3. How I Sold 30,000 eBooks on Amazon’s Kindle

Martin Crosbie is an Amazon success story, having sold tens of thousands of copies of his self-published books and entering the ranks of Amazon’s top ten overall bestseller list. In his website and book, Crosbie shares the secrets to his success.

Courses

4. Kindle Launch Plan: $1,400 in 30 Days & an Amazon Bestseller

This is a step-by-step guide to writing, editing, publishing and marketing your Kindle ebook, based on strategies creator Nick Loper used to earn $1,400 in his book’s first month on Amazon. This 36-lecture course is targeted to non-fiction writers who want their book to have maximum impact, even if they don’t have an established audience yet. The course package costs $199.

5. Picture eBook Mastery

This course from the editors of Children’s Book Insider, Jon Bard and Laura Backes Bard, guides children’s authors publishing illustrated ebooks using Amazon’s Kindle Kids’ Book Creator tool. It’s a video-based course, so you can watch the entire process of planning, designing, illustrating, publishing, and marketing unfold. Lifetime access to the course costs $217.

6. How to Start Publishing for Kindle

In this 50-minute audio course, Jeff Goins tells you everything you need to know to create an ebook, upload it to Kindle, and promote it on Amazon. The course package also comes with a step-by-step PDF guide and an exclusive interview with best-selling author and publishing expert Michael Hyatt. You can get How to Start Publishing for Kindle for $47.

Tools

7. Kindle Samurai

Kindle Samurai is a tool for optimizing your Kindle book’s SEO to get tons of organic sales. The software includes a traffic keyword finder, a Page One Conclusions tool that identifies a keyword’s ability to get your book ranked on the first page, and an individual book analyzer so you can scope out the competition. Kindle Samurai costs $38.

8. KindleSpy

KindleSpy does your market research for you. Choose any category in the Kindle marketplace, and KindleSpy will give you a breakdown of the bestselling books, a wordcloud of top keywords in popular titles, and a look at the potential profit in certain niches. Download KindleSpy for $47.

9. Kinstant Formatter

Formatting for Kindle can be tough, and poorly formatted books can keep you from scoring great sales. Kinstant Formatter makes formatting simple, eliminating the need to understand html or have to learn all the little rules. You can have your book Kindle-ready in minutes. Download Kinstant Formatter for $27.

Tools from Amazon

10. CreateSpace

It’s self-publishing on Amazon made easy: Simply upload your book and CreateSpace will take care of the rest, including formatting, manufacturing and shipping hard copies. Hard copies are printed as they’re ordered, so you don’t have to pay up front for a set number of books. For each book sold, you earn royalties, meaning Amazon and CreateSpace keep a cut to cover the overhead.

11. KindleGen

KindleGen is a free application from Amazon that helps you convert your ebook file into a format compatible with all Kindle devices and apps. While there are many other third-party apps that convert to Kindle-compatible files, using KindleGen will ensure your files work well with current and future Kindle updates.

12. Kindle Previewer

Upload your ebook to Kindle Previewer and you’ll be able to see how it displays across all Kindle devices and apps, for any orientation and font size. Use this free app to make sure you’re submitting the best quality formatting for your ebook.

13. Kindle Scout

Kindle Scout gives you the chance to get your book noticed by Amazon and published through Kindle Press. Submit your book, and collect nominations from your biggest fan during a 30-day campaign. throughout the If your book is selected, it will be published by Kindle Press; you’ll receive five-year renewable terms, a $1,500 advance, a 50 percent ebook royalty rate, and featured Amazon marketing. Participation is free.

14. Kindle Comic Creator

If you want to publish comics, graphic novels or manga, this free tool is a must-have. Kindle Comic Creator accepts a variety of graphic file formats, so you can create artwork with your preferred design apps. The Kindle Panel Views tool gives you control of the reader experience.

15. Kindle Kids’ Book Creator

With this free tool, you can easily publish your illustrated books and ensure they’re Kindle-ready. The Kindle Kids’ Book Creator lets you import artwork, add text to pages, and make sure everything looks great before you publish.

16. Kindle Textbook Creator

This free tool is great for creating interactive educational texts. Simply import your PDF into the Kindle Textbook Creator and supplement with audio, video and pop-up images to take learning to the next level.

What other Kindle self-publishing tools and resources would you add to this list?

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!

231 Publications That Actually Pay Freelance Writers

Marisol Dahl — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 11:00:00 +0000

So, you’ve invested in all the right writing tools, and The Elements of Style has a permanent spot on your desk. You know how to write the perfect pitch. But when it comes to growing your freelance writing career, it’s time to take it up a notch.

That’s right. I mean going for the big bucks. Let’s go.

Here’s a round-up of all The Write Life’s posts on great places to write that actually pay.

31 Travel Magazines and Websites That Pay Freelance Writers

19 Websites and Magazines That Want to Publish Your Personal Essays

Calling All Foodie Freelancers: 20 Dining and Food Magazines to Pitch

Where to Submit Short Stories: 23 Magazines and Websites That Want Your Work

29 Free Writing Contests: Legitimate Competitions With Cash Prizes

28 Parenting Blogs and Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

Get Paid to Write Articles: 10 Magazines That Pay $500 Or More

Get Paid to Write Personal Finance Articles: 18 Outlets to Pitch Now

How to Get Published by 19 Health and Fitness Magazines

Get Paid to Write: 17 Great Grants for Writers

Get Paid to Write: 17 Fantastic Writing Fellowships for Authors, Journalists and Poets

And don’t forget about our ebook, 71 Ways to Make Money as a Freelance Writer

What amazing publications would you add to these lists?

The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2016

Marisol Dahl — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 11:00:00 +0000

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Post you’ll like: 5 Tricks for Writing Fast Without Losing Quality

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

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.

Post you’ll like: How to pick a career you’ll like

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.

Post you’ll like: Clarity, Commitment, and Community: The 3Cs of Successful Thought Leaders

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.

Post you’ll like: 5 Steps to Turn a Hobby Into a Business

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.

Post you’ll like: Social Media Tips for Writers with Frances Caballo

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

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

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

46. Freelancer FAQs

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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.

Post you’ll like: 13 Worthwhile Hobbies That’ll Make You Better At Brainstorming Freelance Writing Topics

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.

Post you’ll like: 6 Freelance Writing Niches That Are Often Overlooked

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.

Post you’ll like: How to Engage a Reader When you are Writing About a Boring Topic

51. FundsforWriters

Post you’ll like: No Room for Snark

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.

Post you’ll like: 12 Common Freelance Writer Mistakes

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.

Post you’ll like: How I Made 6 Figures as a Freelance Writer

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.

Post you’ll like: 8 Simple Steps to Writing Faster

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.

Post you’ll like: The Nuts and Bolts of Turning a Story Idea Into a Query

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.

Post you’ll like: Business Lacking Direction? Start With the Money

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.

Post you’ll like: How to Work Less and Earn More as a Freelance Writer

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.

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.

Post you’ll like: A Reverse To-Do List: What What You Say NO to Matters More Than You Think

62. Kikolani

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.

Post you’ll like: 5 Steps to Building a Platform When You Hate Selling Yourself

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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98. Wattpad

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?

Are Book Trailers a Marketing Must-Have?

Marisol Dahl — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 11:00:07 +0000

Congratulations! You’ve written your book. You’re ready for its big debut.

But with an increasing number of books published each year, combined with declining sales, it’s more important than ever to make sure your book stands out.

One way to do this is through a book trailer: a short video introduction to a book. Book trailers come in many different forms: You could feature a scene from the book, show a clip of yourself speaking about your novel, or present a slide show relevant images and animated text.

And since selling books in the digital age is all about getting exposure, a book trailer might seem like a natural marketing tactic.

But is a book trailer truly the way to go? Here’s what you need to know about book trailers before you make a decision.

Three reasons to make a book trailer

Excited to show off your new book? Here’s why a book trailer might be a good choice for you.

Book trailers can make a lasting impression

A trailer offers a greater sensory experience than a typical print ad or online feature to communicate your book’s purpose.

Since book trailers are still pretty new and not every book has one, your book has the chance to make a much stronger impression on a potential reader.

They’re easy to consume and easy to share

Let’s face it: Fewer people are browsing through bookstores and perusing book reviews in the newspaper.

In an age of information overload, book trailers offer a low barrier to entry to consume. t’s easy to sit back and watch a one-minute clip, especially if it’s one you stumble upon in your Facebook newsfeed or YouTube suggestions.

Viewers recognize video as entertainment, so while a book trailer might be one of your more labor-intensive pieces of your marketing material, it is one of the most shareable, with potential to go viral.

Book trailers are eternal

While the financial investment in a book trailer might not pay off right away, it may over time. One of the greatest strengths of video marketing is that it’s eternal.

Other book marketing efforts, like ads or launch parties, have temporary reach, but a book trailer will live on as long as it remains online. Over time, it can continue to introduce new potential readers to your work.

Four reasons to skip it

Not convinced it’s worth making a book trailer? These reasons might confirm your skepticism.

Book trailers are held to a high standard of quality

Anyone who comes across your trailer will expect a high-quality cinematic experience. Book trailers get compared to and essentially compete with movie trailers, according to an episode of Thomas Umstattd’s podcast, Novel Marketing. We’re used to the quality of high-budget movie trailers with superior editing, emotion-grabbing audio and exciting visual effects.

But “a bad trailer is worse than no trailer,” Umstattd warned. A poorly made book trailer sticks out. It can damage the image of both you and the book, and it can hurt sales.

Because they’re so memorable, book trailers that miss the mark can turn into painfully public marketing failures.

Book trailers are not a universally accepted book-marketing tactic

Many authors, publishers and readers are wary of the emergence of book trailers, because they intrude on the reading experience.

It’s like seeing the movie before reading the book: The book no longer has the privilege of introducing readers to its world. The trailer can take away from the world the reader imagined.

A good book trailer involves a huge investment of time, money, and skill

A 45-second book trailer may sound simple to produce, but remember video is an entirely different medium than print — it requires a tailored perspective and set of skills.

Think about everything needed to make a quality trailer: storyboard, script, scenery, music, props, actors and crew, camera and other film-making technology, editing expertise and more.

While there are some great ways to make a low-cost book trailer on your own, an exceptional trailer can end up costing thousands of dollars.

It’s hard to determine ROI

Book trailers are notorious for getting few lifetime views and unimpressive conversion rates. Only 0.2 percent of people surveyed by the Codex Group in 2010 said they found their most recent book from a trailer, and 0.1 percent identified the book trailer as the persuading factor to purchase it.

Buta great video on a sales landing page can increase conversions up to 80 percent, Unbounce reported in a recent podcast on video marketing.

These statistics highlight a major risk of producing a book trailer: What if you make one, but your target audience never sees it? A video may get a lot of views, but not all viewers are potential readers.

More promising prospective buyers find their way to sales pages, and that might be where a book trailer best contributes to sales.

A book trailer has the potential to be an incredibly successful and valuable addition to your marketing campaign — or it could be a total disaster. It’s a risky marketing strategy, and a good decision depends on a strong cost-benefit analysis well before your book’s launch date.

Does your book have a trailer? How has it contributed to your sales?