Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Valuable Resources for Writers by Jacqueline Seewald

The internet offers loads of writer's publications and newsletters, many of which are free. Surf the internet for writer's web sites and organizations. I’ll share here some of my findings and hope they are useful to you as a fellow writer.
     Here are some sources of information that I’ve found to be especially helpful:
     WRITER'S MARKET comes out each year. It is available both in print and online. It lists markets for articles, books, short stories, novels, plays, scripts, greeting cards and fillers. It gives the requirements of each market and its accessibility. It also includes articles and advice about the publishing industry. There are also specialized source books for children's literature, mystery writers, etc. WRITER'S MARKET also maintains a website providing articles and marketing information updated each day. A free newsletter is offered. WritersMarket.com
     WRITER'S DIGEST comes out regularly and is published by the same people that do WRITER'S MARKET. This publication is a valuable source of information on writing. Not only does it include market information but it also contains interesting articles written by well-known writers and literary agents. The website is updated each day and worth bookmarking. http://www.writersdigest.com/ An online newsletter is also offered which can be subscribed to for free.
     Another print periodical which should be read by the serious writer is THE WRITER. Besides articles on the art of writing, there is information on where to sell manuscripts and contest offers. Help for the novice writer is stressed. There’s also an online offering. http://www.writermag.com/
     The same people that publish THE WRITER publish THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK. This comes out in print once a year and lists markets and literary agents. There are articles by well-known agents, editors and writers. It is well worth reading. Every public library should have it in the reference section.
There are lots of good books on how to write. SELF-EDITING FOR FICTION WRITERS by Renni Browne and Dave King is one good example. Writer's Digest Books puts out a whole line of how-to books as does The Writer, Inc.
THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk and White is a classic of advice for writers. The more modern ON WRITING WELL by William Zinsser is a terrific resource for writers.
There are a host of other writers' publications available online. Using Google, type in such search terms as “Writers Wanted,” “Freelance Writing Markets” or “Guidelines for Writers.”  Some especially valuable current resources and websites for writers are as follows: Ralan.com (market lists for sci-fi, fantasy and horror in particular)regularly updated.
http://darkmarkets.com/ (another up-to-date listing for spectulative fiction)
http://writingcareer.com/ (posts new opportunities for freelance writers) This is written daily and managed by Brian Scott of:
http://www.freelancewriting.com/ (another valuable site which offers free newsletters that are up-to-date. Do subscribe for Morning Coffee!)
http://sandraseamans.blogspot.com/ is an absolutely great resource. Sandra blogs almost every day and offers the most current market listings as well as discussions on writing. Although her interest is geared toward mystery fiction, you will find many others listings of value here. Definitely a must read!
Here are some other listings in no particular order:
 http://www.chopeclark.com (Hope’s newsletter is full of interesting articles and market information including agents and publishers)
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/
Writing-world.com (offers excellent free newsletter) http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/ (markets database plus free newsletter)
(offers monthly newsletter)
(especially good if you write romance)
(market site for plays)
(submission database)
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~mslee/mag.html (speculative fiction markets are dated)
http://www.duotrope.com/index.aspx (charges for membership)
http://evelynchristensen.com/mags.html (magazine listings for children’s writing)
http://www.cbcbooks.org/membership/member-list/ (children’s book publishers)
Craigslist is another source of writing jobs and gigs for freelancers. But be careful with this one!
I’m certain I haven’t listed every valuable market resource for writers, but I should leave some for you to find on your own. Do some research and you’ll find many resources. Just keep reading, writing and thinking!
If there’s anything you would like to add here, feel free. Comments are very welcome.




29 comments:

  1. Great list of sites, Jacquie. I feel like such a slacker. I don't read any of them. That's probably why I'm not rich, huh? Sigh.

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    1. Hi, Alice,

      To my thinking, you're already very successful and likely don't need to look for new markets for your writing. This listing is for those freelancers who are looking for the latest market calls. Hopefully, my post will prove helpful.

      Delete
  2. Good selection, Jacquie. Sandra Seaman does a great job on market listings. Hope Clark has a good site, too, though the market listings are geared more to non-fiction: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

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  3. Hi, John,

    Glad you like the listings presented. I've tried to include a variety for freelance writers. I know there are many of us who write in numerous genres.

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  4. Jacquie,
    How thoughtful of you to pass along all of this information. Of the publications you listed, my favorite is The Elements of Style, hands down.

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    1. Hi, Pat,

      I do still value Elements of Style as well. Lots of useful info.

      Delete
  5. Great list. I still use ELEMENTS OF STYLE which was introduced to me during college days -- still useful.

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    1. Hi, Betty,

      Glad you dropped by. You and Pat both value one of the older books for writers that never has gone out of Style.

      Delete
  6. An excellent list, Jacquie. I'll try some of the online markets that are new to me. My Elements of Style is worn from re-reading--a true classic that I always refer to in writing groups. I was for ten years on the staff of Writers' Digest--it's a fine magazine. Although I think I prefer The Writer--not quite so "commercial."

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  7. What a terrific list, Jacquie. I consider Self-Editing for Fiction Writers that you listed above as my Editing Bible. It lives next to my laptop. I also like Scene & Structure by Jack Bickham.

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    1. Hi, Cindy,

      I've also gotten great help from the self-editing book. There are lots of them, but I felt this was the best. Thanks for adding to the list.

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  8. I agree with you about The Writer being less commercial than Writers Digest but I consider both valuable sources of information.

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  9. Replies
    1. Hi, D'Ann,

      I hope this list is helpful. I believe pretty much every kind of writing market is covered.

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  10. Good information, Jacquie. Thanks. I wanted to suggest Dan Persinger's (from the SMFS ) little book, Writers' Devils: The Grammar Guide for Fiction Authors.What makes Dan's book unique and especially helpful for us is the focus on fiction writing. Another book that I've used a lot is Chris Roerden's Don't Murder Your Mystery.

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    1. Thanks for adding to the resource list, Anita. Those are both very helpful books for writers.

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  11. Great post, Jacquie. I bookmarked it. Thanks for all the info. A couple books I'd include: Stephen King's On Writing, Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, and Lynne Truss' Eats, Shoots & Leaves (for punc).

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  12. Trying again to post, Jacquie: Thanks for sharing such valuable info for us writers.

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  13. Terrific resources, Jacqueline. Especially for writers out and about and looking to discover markets...like me. Thank you very much.

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  14. Excellent list, thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hi, Nancy,

      Thanks for dropping by. I hope you can make use of the information.

      Delete
  15. A new(ish) market listing is The (Submission) Grinder, same format as Duotrope but free http://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/Default.aspx

    And great article, thank you!

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  16. Oops, I see that you have The (Submission) Grinder listed! But here's one, a blog that lists short story markets http://sandraseamans.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Conda,

      I did list Sandra's blog as well. I strongly recommend it!

      Delete
  17. Thanks for sharing this excellent list.

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  18. Thanks, Carole. I hope to continue writing useful columns.

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