As a writer myself, I've come to accrue quite a list of resources that help one develop their literary magic. The writer must master two skills: the actual craft of writing and the art of marketing and promotion. Following is my list of the most informative and effective magic on the internet:
FOR THE WRITING CRAFT
The Metaphysical Mermaid. She's here to help you relax and jumpstart your writing. Visit The Metaphysical Mermaid for story starters that are fun and whimsical, contest notifications, a tackle box full of writing tools and links to free writing evaluations. Oh, and she has a pond full of hungry fish just waiting to be fed.
Fiction Factor: Tips on writing better fiction, articles on improving your writing, how to write a novel and get stories published, promoting and marketing your fiction and much more!
The Editorial Department: A full array of critique, editorial and promotional services headed up by Renni Browne, co-author of Self-Publishing for Fiction Writers. More reasonably priced than many editorial services and providers of highly insightful analyses of your work.
Write and Publish Fiction: This site has an extensive list of topics for the fiction writer. Included are tips on writing query letters, writing your bio, ghost writing, how to copyright your work and more.
Writer's Digest: Everything from awards and contest to writing prompts to author interviews.
FOR PUBLISHING and PROMOTION
Agent Query: The webs most extensive directory of literary agents, how to query them and their guidelines.
Association of Independent Authors: A fledgling organization created to provide networking and the combined voice of the independently published author in the publishing world.
The Author's Guild: The Authors Guild has been the nation's leading advocate for writers' interests in effective copyright protection, fair contracts and free expression since it was founded as the Authors League of America in 1912. It provides legal assistance and a broad range of web services to its members.
Duotrope's Digest: a free writers' resource listing over 2825 current Fiction and Poetry publications. Use this page to search for markets that may make a fine home for the piece you just polished.
Publishers Lunch: For the "deluxe" version of this newsletter, you have to be a member of Publishers Marketplace, but the free version provides plenty of news and links.
Powell's Books Online Store: Combines the stock of their brick-and-mortar Portland, OR area stores with several warehouses. A diverse bookseller taking pride in their unique inventory and a maverick in the industry. Small press publishers and self-published authors welcome.
Preditors and Editors: A complete guide to publishers and writing services for serious writers. Listings feature warnings and recommendations, a most helpful site.
Rebecca's Reads: Offers a host of free and paid services.
Shawguides: The best way to pump up the selling power of your books is through a Workshop or Conference. Shawguides provides a complete database of these from around the country.
Shelf Awareness is a free email newsletter for booksellers. Although it is focused mainly on the persepctive of the bookstore, there are some fascinating insider news you can pick up here. Most notable is the list of events which includes links to all the fairs visited by bookstore buyers and the public alike. These websites will include information for authors seeking to participate as exhibitors.
StepbyStepSelfPublishing.net: A website which not only promotes their book about self-publishing, but offers several free tips and resources.
Publishers Weekly offers a number of free newsletters about the industry. I think you may need to be a PW subscriber to access these, though.
Good Reads Author Program: Generate buzz about your book on a website that caters to anyone seeking book information. Used by book clubs, librarians, other authors and readers to discuss, promote good reads.
WeBook: Submit the first page of your writing for maximum exposure.
Friday Follows #3
4 hours ago
