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Writer Resources

 

I know there are a ton of lists of resources out there and one more probably isn't needed but I think it is important that writers have as much opportunity to find the help they're looking for.

This page is to help YOU. If you have a resource you would like to add, please send me the link and a short description (about 25 words) about the site. I will update the list when I have at least 10 more resources to post, or every two weeks. Also, if you have information about a listing like a web site URL change, the site no longer exists, or any other information that would be useful, please send me the information.Please send listings to nancy@cavanaughcreations.com with just the word 'Resource' in the subject line. I have no affiliations with any of the sites listed below.

 

Nominate Us:

If you think the Kids Writer 411 web site offers children's writers something special with their list of resources and tools, then nominate them for the Writer's Digest Top Web Sites for 2008! Send your nominations for next year's list to writersdig@fwpubs.com with "101 Websites" as the subject. Please include the name of the web site and the URL in the body of the e-mail. The more who send e-mail the better!

 

 

Index:

 

 

Agents

  • NEW! Agent Primer - From Harold Underdown.

     

  • NEW! Agent Query

     

  • NEW! Association of Author Representatives

     

  • NEW! Finding an Agent - From Harold Underdown.

     

  • Literary Agents - The Nebraska Center for Writers at Creighton University has compiled a list of links for articles about agents and lists of agents and agencies. The rest of the web site is full of useful information, especially for those living in Nebraska.

     

  • Predators and Editors - A comprehensive list of agents and editors in the US. Those with unsavory reputations are marked.

     

  • Writer Beware - A comprehensive page with lists of agents and publishers with information about who to be wary of and more.

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Articles

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Audio

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Blogs

  • Artsy Momma Chic - Jennifer VanSchoyck's blog about her artwork. Also check out her writers blog at writermommachic.wordpress.com.

     

  • The Backroom at Dehanna.com - Hosted and maintained by author Dehanna Bailee, The Backroom provides informative articles, helpful links, commentary, occasional reviews, and more for authors, readers, and industry professionals alike.

     

  • Writing Spark - The freelance.wurk.net weblog is the web’s freshest resource when it comes to career advice, jobhunting and work hacks for freelancers. (Formerly Freelance.wurk.net)

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Bookbinding

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Booksellers

  • Wonderful Children's Bookstores - Kathleen Duey has compiled a list of independent bookstores for children from around the US and world that have been recommended by teachers and librarians.

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Childrens Writing

  • Aaron Shepard's Kidwriter Page - Resources for children's writers.

     

  • Bethany Roberts' Writing for Children Workshop - Inspirational and instructional writing tips, articles, FAQs, quotes, resources, recommended books, and a directory of children's book authors and illustrators.

     

  • Charline Profiri - Features writing tips and links to inspirational quotes.

     

  • Children's Book Reviewers - A list of children's book reviewers from Writing World.

     

  • Children's Media Professionals' Forum - The Children's Media Professionals' Forum was developed by children's author April Sayre and her husband Jeff with the idea of creating a professional environment to bring high quality content to children and young adults. It's a great place for educators, librarians, media professionals, readers and writers to link up.

     

  • Colossal Directory of Children's Publishers' Online - Focus on manuscript submissions with direct links to hundreds of children's publishers' submission guidelines, how-to information about writing for children, and how authors can get their books published.

     

  • Cynthia Leitch Smith's Children's & YA Literature Resources - This web site is a portal into the world of literary trade books for children and young adults. It’s designed to serve young readers, teachers, librarians, child caregivers, undergraduate and graduate students, university professors, writers, and literature enthusiasts of all stripes.

     

  • Debi Markee - Debi's site is full of great links to all sorts of resources for writers. She also has a great list of author web sites.

     

  • NEW! Dianne Ochiltree - Tips for writers.

     

  • Jacketflap - Children's Plublishing Statistics and Information. This site has a listing of children's book publishers that allow you to find out what they're looking for and see some of the books they've published. An excellent research site for those wanting to be published authors.

     

  • Jan Fields - Learn the Nuts & Bolts of children's writing. Informational columns, checklists, quizzes, and book exceprts.

     

  • Linda Joy Singleton - Linda offers fellow writers conference tips, advice, contest, links and much more from her web site.

     

  • NEW! Linda Sue Parks - Writing tips.

     

  • Margot Finke - Margot's web site includes her monthly column on writing for children, Musings, as well as other help and resources for writers. She also offers a critique service for a reasonable fee.

     

  • NEW! Picturing Book Junkies

     

  • Picturing Books - A web site about picture books.

     

  • The Purple Crayon - An archive of information for writers, illustrators, librarians, teachers, and others interested in the publishing of children's books. This web site is run by Harold Underdown.

     

  • Smart Writers Journal - Learn the business and craft of writing for children.

     

  • Suzanne Lieurance - Suzanne has lots of stuff for writers, including a couple of free e-books for beginner writers.

     

  • Valiska Gregory - Valiska has lots of information for new writers as well as information about her books.

     

  • Verla Kay's Website - Tips and links for children's writers. Authors talks. KidLit chat.

     

  • Write 4 Kids - Tips, message boards and motivational techniques for writing childrens books.

     

  • Yellapalooza - For people who write and illustrate children's books, and for anyone who loves picture books.

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Conferences

  • The Shaw Guides - A monthly listing of conferences held around the world.

     

  • The Muse Online Writers Conference - Join the 3rd annual online writers conference where everything from registration to the many workshops, forums and resources are free.

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Critique Groups

  • Blue Phantom Writers - Free online critique groups for children's writers. The Blue Review Newsletter, with contests.

     

  • MuseItUp Club - This club is intended to gather together serious writers of fiction. All types of fiction are welcome. The main goal of the group will be to match up critique partners for authors who are willing to offer and revise a fellow writer’s work. All skill levels are welcome. The only prerequisite is: have a genuine love of writing!

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eBooks

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Freelance Job Listings/Writing Sites/Market Guides

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General

  • AuthorsLawyer.com - Legal information for authors from Charlie Petit.

     

  • Canadian Copyright Information - Learn all about Canadian copyright law from the source.

     

  • Dmoz Open Directory Arts: Literature: Children's - Various links for children's literature. Has 1,292 listings from sites about literature to organizations promoting reading to reviews and much more. Includes items in Chinese, Czech, Dutch, Esperanto, French, German, Japanese, Norwegian, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.

     

  • NEW! English Pronunciation - Understanding syllables and word stress.

     

  • FreelanceWriting.com - A web site for today's working writers. Features chat rooms, job listings, contests, forums and much more.

     

  • How Much Should I Charge? - Not sure what the going rate is for your freelance work? Check out this guide from The Writer's Market web site.

     

  • Kidon Media Link - Newspaper and news sources from the United States. You can also access the same kind of sources from other countries. It includes if they're a news agency, magazine, Internet only, newspaper, radio or television.

     

  • Know Your Authors - Find out about children's book releases, contests and more.

     

  • Power Pen Market Search - Search magazine markets and more. Registration is free.

     

  • US Copyright Office - Learn all about US copyright law from the source.

     

  • Writing.Com - Writing.Com is the online community for writers and readers of all interests and skill levels. Whether you're an enthusiastic, creative writer looking for the perfect place to store and display your writing online or a casual reader searching for a good story, Writing.Com is the website for you! (NOTE: Membership is free but to get access to many of the premium services. The premium services range from $9.95USD for three months of the basic level to $1,249.95USD for a year of their Enterprise level membership.)

     

  • Writers Write - Writers Write(R) is a professional resource for editors, journalists and writers with information about books, writing and publishing.

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Generators

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Greeting Cards

  • Sherry L. Stoll - Sherry uses her blog to list greeting card markets and tips for breaking into and staying in the greeting card business.

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Mailing Lists

  • Childrens-Writers - This list is for discussion of writing (and illustrating) for children in all media, including such topics as creativity, work styles and techniques, marketing and promotion, dealing with rejection, etc. We do allow off-topic posts though we ask that they grow out of on-topic discussions. Sometimes we are a very prolific list. (A Yahoo Group)

     

  • Children's Writers Today - For writers, poets, illustrators, editors and publishers in the juvenile to teen market to announce their latest news, reviews, columns, books and publication works. (A Yahoo Group)

     

  • Fandangle Editorial - This is a direct link between the writers and staff of Fandangle Magazine. Here you can find out submission needs and discuss the magazine. (A Yahoo Group)

     

  • HF4Kids - This is a group for those who write Historical Fiction for Children. (A Yahoo Group)

     

  • Just4kidsmagwriters - This is a group for published or aspiring writers or illustrators who specialize in children's magazines. Let's exchange information, good/bad news, guidelines, theme lists, etc. The group is now loosely connected with www.kidmagwriters.com -- so anyone who has questions they would like to see addressed in an article, go ahead and post that, too. Let's talk... (A Yahoo Group)

     

  • Momwriters - Trying to launch or keep your writing career afloat amidst Barbies and Hot Wheels? Looking for support in a writing forum? Friendship? Conversations that consists of more than, "Why, Mommy?" Momwriters is a forum for discussion of parenting, writing, and anything and everything that affects our lives in between. Momwriters members offer each other support, resources and caring. We actively support each other in various projects and events all year round. Please visit our web site: www.momwriters.com

     

  • NFforKids - This list is for the discussion of the craft, marketing and publishing of Nonfiction for Children. No manuscripts may be posted on the list, but members are free to request off-list critiques or set up off-list critique groups. (A Yahoo Group)

     

  • Writing4Children - This list is a wonderful place to learn about writing books and stories for children. Information on who's publishing what and where...What publishers are currently looking for...As well as other valuable information and a place for authors to gather. So, if you're a children's author or you just create stories for your own children, I know you'll love it here. (A Yahoo Group)

     

  • Writing_Kids_Books - This group is a tool for those interested in writing children's book. It is a place to share ideas, leads on publishers, and to critique each other's work. Jump right in a have fun. Post your current projects and learn from the other group members. All members must be on "Individual Messages" or "Daily Digest" to remain on the group. NO ADS OR SPAM - you will be removed from group. All copyrights belong to the individuals sharing their work on this list, therefore all material will be treated as copyrighted work. (A Yahoo Group)

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Marketing/PR

  • Amazon - The Amazon Associates program was the first online affiliate program of its kind when it launched in 1996. Today, it is the largest and most successful online affiliate program, with over 1,000,000 members world-wide. If you are a Web site owner, Amazon seller, or Web developer, you can start earning money today and earn up to 10% in referral fees.

     

  • NEW! Authors Den - This is a site where you can promote your work and yourself. It is a community of writers with a lot of perks. There are free and paid membership levels.

     

  • Book Promotion Newsletter - This unique online newsletter (ezine) contains feature articles, promotional coups, and many great ideas for promoting books. Feature articles cover all aspects of promoting books and have included topics such as, marketing tips, publicity from a publicist's point of view, writers' websites, and self-publishing. The Book Promotion Newsletter is interactive and readers are encouraged to share their marketing experiences. Subscribers' input include promotional coups, criticisms, websites, marketing that worked and what didn't. (NOTE: Subscription costs $7.50/year and is published bi-weekly.)

     

  • Cafe Press - At CafePress, you can create and sell products with your designs - all with no upfront costs. Get a free online shop and promote your products on your website, blog or in our Marketplace. CafePress handles all product creation, credit card processing, shipping and customer service.

     

  • Google AdSense - Google AdSense is a fast and easy way for website publishers of all sizes to display relevant Google ads on their website's content pages and earn money. Because the ads are related to what your visitors are looking for on your site—or matched to the characteristics and interests of the visitors your content attracts—you'll finally have a way to both monetize and enhance your content pages.

     

  • Google AdWords - Google AdWords ads connect you with new customers at the precise moment when they're looking for your products or services. The Google Network reaches more than 80% of Internet users. With Google AdWords you create your own ads, choose keywords to help us match your ads to your audience and pay only when someone clicks on them.

     

  • Just One More Book - A podcast discussion about books for kids.

     

  • To Market - Many authors and illustrators take an active role in marketing and publicizing their children's books. Since 1992, the To Market column has answered their questions in The Bulletin, the national publication of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and now online. There are answers to questions in these topic areas, Learning the Ropes of PR, Working with Publishers, Niche Marketing, Sales, Self Publishing, Editorial, Tools of the Trade, General.

     

  • Website Ideas for Writers - Where writers gather to improve their websites with lots of marketing tips and help.

     

  • Zazzle - You choose - or create - the artwork, customize it as you like with text and images. We supply the products, including apparel, posters, cards, and real U.S. postage!

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Misc.

  • NEW! Tiny URL - Make a long link shorter with this free service.

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Organizations

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Poetry

  • Poets and Writers Magazine - "The nation's largest nonprofit organization providing information, support and guidance to creative writers." They offer classifieds, workshops and much more.

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Press Releases

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Publishers: eBooks

  • Red Lily Press - They are an eBook publisher for women writers. We are an eBook publisher for women readers. Our intent is to publish eBooks which feed the soul, teach, share and most of all inspire.

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Publishers: Print on Demand (POD)

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Publishers: Self/Vanity

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Publishers: Traditional

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Reference

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Romance Writers

  • Perfume.com - This is a great site for finding out what current perfumes are available and what they smell like.

     

  • Romance Divas - Founded in November 2004, Romance Divas is a free writer's resource forum dedicated to the romance community. Our vision is to provide a fun place to learn about the craft and business of writing in a supportive environment, where our members share in the personal and professional journey with other aspiring and published writers.

     

  • Rules of Pacing for Romantic Suspense

     

  • Tips for Romance Novels - This Bella Online page links you to lots of resources for romance writers.

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Schools/Online Courses

  • NEW! Anastasia Suen Workshops - Anastasia offers a wide variety of workshops for writers. Check her site for the current offerings.

     

  • Barnes & Noble University - Welcome to Barnes & Noble University®, where it's easy to join our FREE online courses and reading groups led by authors and other recognized experts.

     

  • Gizmos and Gadgets - Welcome to Gizmos & Gadgets! Created by Richard Warrington, this site is designed to help crime scene officers and investigators find cost-effective ways to process crime scenes. This will also show you tricks of the trade, as well as, some of the latest technology in the field of crime scene investigation.

     

  • NEW! MFA - Children's Writing - Children's writing program.

     

  • The Institute of Children's Literature - There are a number of children's writing courses available. The ICL is a well-known and respected school for learning about the art of writing for children.

     

  • NEW! Uma Krishnaswami Workshops - Workshops for writing for children.

     

  • Universal Class - This site has a huge list of classes including writing ones.

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Spiritual Writers

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Trade Magazines/Newsletters

  • Children's Writers Newsletter - This is a monthly newsletter that's dedicated to keeping you up to date on children's writing, putting you on top of the market for children's books, stories, and articles--and keeping you there. (NOTE: The newsletter costs $15USD/year for those in the US, $17.25CND in Canada and for those in other countries it is $15USD plus $1.35USD for addditional postage costs. You can read the current issue for free by clicking on the free issue link.)

     

  • Fiction Factor - Online magazine for fiction writers. Every month we will feature tips on writing better fiction, articles on improving your writing, writing a novel and getting published, promoting and marketing your fiction and much more!

     

  • Hedgehopping - A beginner's guide to writing for children. We hope to offer inspiration, information, and support to the beginning writer. If you've always dreamed of writing for children but didn't know where to start, this is the place! (NOTE: Has a membership of approximately 240 people but the last message was sent in 2001 and announced the launch of a new publishing company, which forwards you to a POD site.)

     

  • Kid Magazine Writers - A resource for children's magazine writers with editor interviews, illustrator interviews, articles by professional children's writers and an online market directory.

     

  • Once Upon a Time - A quarterly support magazine for writers and illustrators of children's literature. (NOTE: A 1 year subscription (4 issues) is $26USD for the US, $33USD for Canada and $39USD for International.)

     

  • Pass It On - PASS IT ON is a weekly, on-line, interactive, networking newsletter for those involved with or interested in the children's writing industry. It is emailed to subscribers every Monday. (NOTE: You have to e-mail Jackie Hosking for subscription details. Back issues are archived on the web site or can be purchased.)

     

  • The Writer Magazine - The online version of The Writer Magazine with resources for members.

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Web Site Help

  • Hosting Review - A web site that reviews and rates web hosting companies as well as articles on hosting, web site marketing and more.

     

  • Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar - This is an amazing tool for web site developers. You can do so many things with it to test your web site out. This is for Internet Explorer only.

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Writing Tools

  • Writertopia - "The place for writers to hone their crafts." They have workshops and a writer's toolbox with a cute progress meter.

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