My Favorite
(& Most Helpful)
Writing Resources
Funds for Writers — This website is chock full of contests and submission opportunities for writers of all levels. They have a weekly newsletter featuring interviews, writerly advice, and usually a list of publishers and literary agents to submit to. Funds for Writers is probably the biggest contributor to my massive Excel spreadsheet of agents to query.
Manuscript Academy -- The place to be if you're looking to up your query game! MA offers a monthly membership, but if that's not in your budget, they also have non-membership classes, workshops, and events. Chat with a real live agent about your query package and opening pages (yes, seriously!) or take a class to hone your skills. They also have a lovely encouraging and inspiring podcast.
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Jane Friedman — If you’re hungry for information on the business of being a writer, Jane’s website is the best. She features tons of online classes and has a treasure trove of recommended resources for everything from writing a query letter and synopsis to book design and legal issues. Sign up for this newsletter too.
Littsburgh — You read that right! Littsburgh is a regional organization that highlights reader and writer-related events and news in the Pittsburgh area. Even if you don’t live in the Golden Triangle, this is a great resource for book recommendations. They are huge supporters of indie bookstores and their calendar is always teeming with events like author talks, classes, and interviews.
HerStry — An inclusive, feminist literary mag with themed submissions, editing services, and critique groups, this website focuses on all aspects of being a woman. They were one of the first publications to publish one of my pieces when I got back into writing, so I’ll always have a soft spot for them.
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Bad on Paper Podcast – While not really a writing resource, per se, Becca and Olivia are both freelance writers and authors. They have plenty of episodes about the ups and downs of a writer’s life and have their own book club and Facebook group where listeners and readers can connect. The two women are super relatable and often hilarious. BOP is a great listen for writing inspiration or just commiserating over life, and each episode leaves you feeling like you've spent the day with a good friend.
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing — I could gush about these incredible women forever, but believe me when I tell you that their witty, uncensored banter combined with their welcoming approach and spot-on advice will change your writing life. Writing instructor Bianca Marais and two agents read and critique real query letters from real writers and offer insight as to how to make them better. They always have fascinating author interviews and an amazing segment where listeners can call in to ask a bookseller with help finding comps for their WIP. (Fun Fact: I was on one of these episodes on April 24, 2023! Bookseller Emilie gave me some great suggestions on authors whose tone might match mine for Ocracoke’s Daughter. My call is right around the 2-hour mark). If you’re querying agents or interested in learning more about craft and the publishing world, you MUST subscribe to this podcast.
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(I subscribe to the newsletters for every organization on this list
& follow them on social media):
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Submittable (if you've never used them before, the home page kinda looks like a scammy MLM or something but if you create an account and sign in, there's a "Discover" tab at the top of the screen where you can search for open calls).
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The Career Novelist Podcast with Camille Pagan
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Creative.Inspired.Happy with Evelyn Skye
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