These are hard times economically speaking, of course.
But here’s where I think writers finally have the upper-hand: We’re used to being poor! The rest of the world could learn a thing or two from us.
On that note, I’ve compiled a list of 10 great (free!) resources on the Web for writers. It was hard to narrow it down, but here are 10 of my favorites:
• The Merriam Webster Dictionary is a must-bookmark for every writer. There’s even a thesaurus and a helpful Spanish-English dictionary.
• The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr., a classic guide to writing that every writer should read at least once, is now available free online.
• Duotrope’s Digest provides a free, searchable database of market listings for poets and fiction writers.
• Find a Literary Agent via the AAR searchable databse.
• The Guide to Literary Agents blog is another good resource for getting the lowdown on agents.
• Free blog software and hosting services are available at Wordpress.com. Have I mentioned already how much I love Wordpress?
• Shaw Guides provides a handy, searchable index to find writers conferences and workshops.
• Go directly to the U.S. Copyright Office for answers to all of your copyright questions and concerns.
• Writer Beware is another site every writer should have bookmarked. They fearlessly track the scams in the literary world.
• For a great database of FAQ writers questions—grammar, ethics, rights issues, whatever—go to Brian A. Klems Questions & Quandaries blog. He addresses writers questions weekly so if you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, ask Brian!
Please add your favorite (free!) online resources for writers here in the comments. Or you can discuss on the Editor Unleashed forum.
-Maria Schneider
Allow me to add a bonus online resource: The all-new Editor Unleashed forum is open to all writers for chatting, resources, and peer critiques. Join this growing community—it’s entirely free. Register between now and November 30 and you’re automatically entered into a drawing to win a free manuscript critique!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
You must be psychic.
“• Shaw Guides provides a handy, searchable index to find writers conferences and workshops.”
Just last night I was searching for writer conferences in Missouri.
Today, I have the needed link! Thanks.
~jon
Thanks for the links. I’ve gathered many writing related bookmarks and use them all the time. I use stumble upon to find a lot of useful sites.-DavdiG
I use the Library of Congress site a lot when writing articles requiring updates on legislation. http://thomas.loc.gov/
If you’re looking for new markets for your work, you have to bookmark erelease’s site. http://www.ereleases.com/lists/
Another one I particularly like is the Area Code Listing by Number site (and I use it often) at http://www.bennetyee.org/ucsd-pages/area.html
Also, I LOVE Clear English because it give you multiple options for dictionaries, plus grammar and writing links. http://www.clearenglish.net/resources.php
NewPages.com and its blog, http://newpagesblog.blogspot.com/, belong on every writer’s list on invalubale free resources.
Maria, thanks for the helpful links!
I love the free newsletters offered on C. Hope Clark’s Funds for Writers site at http://www.fundsforwriters.com/ . Lots of great info and opportunities for writers.
Fantastic links, thank you!
I hope you don’t mind that I’ve stalked you from the Writer’s Perspective…
There are several databases that are very useful when doing research for writing. Unfortunately, most of them are paid subscription services. But check your local library. You may have free online access to many valuable research databases such as ProQuest, INFOTRAC, and EBSCO Host. Another good source I’ve found for research is EurekAlert. It is free, and a great source for doing science research for both science articles and science fiction stories.
~jon
I can’t believe that the Elements of Style is available for free online! Amazing. What a service you have provided by pointing this out.
Thank you.
During my expert interview Wednesday night, one of a series of weekly author and marketing interviews, I conduct, the guest mentioned the importance of using online timers, such as the one available at http://www.online-stopwatch.com/.
You can use it as a timer or a stopwatch. The guest said he gets so much more done by giving himself a time limit, and focusing on one project at a time until either it’s finished, or the time is up.
A great procrastination-buster!
Thanks for the links. These links can be helpful for our writers so that they can delivery only the best contents.
I am a publsher and I am looking for non-fiction submissions that will make a difference – see
http://fabooks.wordpress.com/ for my thoughts on this