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Websites for Writers

There are millions of writers' websites out there. Okay, maybe not millions, but gosh darn close. And we hate to say it but, but when it comes to offering real meat and potatoes advice about how to break into the publishing industry, there’s not a whole lot to choose from. However, there are a few diamonds in the coal bucket, and we’ve listed a few websites that offer pertinent information, advice, and up-to-date raw data about literary agents, the publishing industry, and the writing process.

Conferences & Seminars

Writer’s Conferences offer a great way for writers to learn, network, and gain feedback on their writing—often in a three-to-four day marathon event. Conferences are frequented by high-profile literary agents and established editors looking for new talent. And while it’s true that some conferences pay their guest exorbitant amounts of cash to sit on a few panels, mingle in the hotel’s lounge, and endure small talk with clinging wannabe writers, generally agents and editors don’t participate for the money. Instead, they take time out of their busy schedules to attend conferences because they’ve successfully found new clients at past events. And you could be next.

Writer’s Residencies

Writers’ residencies are like mini-writing vacations. You get away, nestle yourself in a pristine picturesque environment, and meet other serious folks pursuing their literary dreams. Let’s face it—your family and nine-to-five career can really suck the creative life out of you. That’s where residencies come in. They offer emerging artists a nurturing environment to create, rejuvenate, and inspire themselves and their art. Sounds kinda fluffy, but so is cotton candy, and they both make this world a better place.

Literary Organizations

Literary organizations run the gamut. We’ve broken them down into two kinds, regional and national. We say peruse our list, do some research, and knock yourself out. Whatever sounds like it’s worth the membership fee is probably a good bet because membership has its privileges. Joining a good literary organization can help you network with veteran published writers, keep on top of the latest literary trends, inform you of fresh publishing avenues, and give you discounts on conferences and seminars. Plus, receiving a monthly literary newsletter is always a subtle reminder that you should be writing more. In our opinion, it’s always best to start local and grow from there. Take a few classes. Give a few readings. We feel that participating in an established regional literary organization is a fabulous way to find support for your literary dreams and endeavors. Your own backyard is always a friendly and inviting place to start.

Grants & Foundations

Free money is falling off your backyard trees, especially if you happen to be a resident of a state that offers grants to regional writers for simply living inside their state borders. Yes, we're not naive. We know it's difficult to win the major state fellowships. The competition is fierce. Plus, those major grant applications are more time-consuming than a weekend trip to your DMV. But smaller "mini-grants," "special assistance" grants, and "opportunity grants" are becoming more and more common as state agencies and private foundations find new ways to assist a broader base of artists. These smaller grants help off-set the cost of attending a writers' conference or residency, hosting a collaborative event between writers and the regional community, or acquiring new equipment and supplies.