For Writers

Over the last few years the biggest thing that has helped me gain a better understanding of the writing process and the publishing industry has been reading many, many blogs and websites for writers. I've been blogging for over five years now, and have accumulated quite the list of sites I find useful. Below are some of my favorites. If you see any gaping holes in my list, please let me know so I can fill them in! I always love contacting with other book people online and reading their opinions and advice.

Writing Process:
  • Natalie Whipple - Natalie is a smart, talented writer who has talked just about everything on her blog, from the challenges of first drafts to the heartache of being on submission and not having publishers want your novel. She is honest, but puts a positive spin on writing every Friday for her "Happy Writer's Society" posts. Her blog is one of my very very favorites.
  • Shannon Hale - This "On Writing" section of her website is what first helped me to realize I can do this! She has some good advice, and since I love her books, too, it's fun to see how they came to be. Be sure to check out her blog, too!
  • Laini Taylor - Laini is an impeccable writer, and she shares advice (along with delicious photos) on her blog. You can also read more about her writing proccess at Not For Robots.
  • Throwing Up Words - Authors Carol Lynch Williams and Ann Dee Ellis talk about the writing life (and regular life to). They often have writing prompts, goals, and challenges. Plus they are awesome!
  • Sunday Scribblings - A new writing prompt every week! There's even a space to link up and share your projects with the world.
  • NaNoWriMo - Every November thousands gather at Nanowrimo.org to particpate in National Writing Month! Join in and see if you, too, can finish a 50,000 word first draft in one month. (I did!)


Literary Agents, Editors, and Publishing:
  • Nathan Bransford - A former literary agent (now author) who is extremely knowledgable about the publishing industry. If you read nothing else about publishing, do follow his blog, as he posts once a week about publishing news. A very easy way to keep up with the most important stuff!
  • Janet Reid - Represents the adult crime fiction and occasionally drops the F-bomb but MAN does she know about the business.
  • Query Shark - Run by Janet Reid, she posts query letters with her critiques, what's working and what isn't. SUPER helpful if you getting ready to query agents.
  • Rachelle Gardner - Represents Christian fiction, but talks about all genres and writing on her blog.
  • Pub Rants - Another literary agent talking about the industry. She has some high profile clients, and she sure has good taste!
  • Editorial Anonymous - A children's book editor discusses the woes (and good parts, too) of the publishing industry.
  • Miss Snark's First Victim - Run by an anonymous authoress, this site gives writers the opportunity to have their first pages critiqued, and has led to several agents offering representation! A fun way to meet other writers and get a feel for what's being written right now.
  • Predators and Editors - If you are trying to get published visit this site to make sure your "agent" or "publisher" isn't just a big scam.
  • Agent Query - A database of literary agents, which you can search by genre. It shares agent's information and what genres they are accepting all for free! Remember to check the agency websites for query guidelines before you submit.


Misc Author Websites (Just for Fun):
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