resources for writers
I get frequent questions about How to Become a Published Writer, the short answer to which is: write until you feel like hurling your writing desk into the fireplace, and then read even more than that.
The real answer is: spend years wildly googling every question you have looking for reputable sources on all manner of topics from traditional publishing to self-publishing to finding beta readers to How Do I Find the Right Lit Mag for My Work to Do I Need/Want an MFA? Or, just come here and take advantage of the years I spent doing that.
While most likely I will be unable to personally read your work and give feedback (sorry kiddos, my time is worth money), I’m happy to help facilitate your journey with the resources I have found most useful in my travels:
the bluebird guide to publishing
My e-book will walk you through the steps of traditional publishing, from submitting short stories and essays to literary magazines to submitting full-length book manuscripts to agents. This is where you can find instructions on writing query letters, formatting manuscripts, writing cover letters for short works, using submission management systems, and identifying likely markets for your work.
general publishing information
These people seriously close down blogs as fast as I can find them, but these are my go-to agent blogs offering the best advice on how to find an agent and get published:
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/
http://www.rachellegardner.com/
Poets& Writers is where I find submission info on lit mags, contests, and more.
Queryshark is the best place to learn how to write a query letter.
And these sites are how I manage my submissions:
blogs
These are blogs I personally follow and sincerely recommend, especially Chuck Wendig’s TerribleMinds blog: he’s funny and gives sage advice about the creative process. Bookmark his post “The Varied Emotional Stages of Writing a Book.” You will thank me. Or him, more likely.
community
-Twitter is an amazing place for the publishing industry. Get yourself an account if you don’t already have one, and discover the magic of twitter pitch sessions, the #writing hashtag, and all of the agents/editors you’ve ever secretly fantasized about signing with sharing the latest in book news.
-If you’re in need of feedback, Meetup has lots and lots of writer meetups in every city that can help you find fellow writers to critique your MS.
-Medium is a great place to learn about blogging, find other writers, read lots and lots of articles about writing, and even make a little money.
-NaNoWriMo (short for National Novel Writing Month) happens in November and challenges writers to write 50,000 words in one month. The forums and local writing session meetups are stellar ways to connect with other writers, especially virtually. They also host a screenwriting-centered challenge in April.
-And for examples of things you should never put in a query, as well as a healthy dose of schadenfreude, visit http://slushpilehell.tumblr.com/