10 Best Websites for Writers in 2023
Editor's note: this article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated and edited.
A recent report showed that, on average, we spend 6 hours and 42 minutes online a day. If you're anything like me, some of that time is wasted on aimless scrolling through social media and blog posts.
However, as a writer, you can make better use of your online hours by exploring these fantastic websites that are a great resource for various aspects of your writing career. Some of these sites were recommended to me by other professional writers, others I stumbled across as I was researching (ahem!).
Whether you're a new freelance writer looking for writing gigs, a published author seeking inspiration, or dream of seeing your articles in literary magazines, here are some of my favorite websites.
FINDING AN AGENT
Looking for expert advice and inspiration for your writing journey? Writers and Artists is a great place to start. This website offers a wealth of information, including articles and inspirational author interviews. It's also home to a lively online community, competitions, and editorial services to help you hone your writing skills.
If you're in search of literary agents or editors, Manuscript Wish List is a fantastic resource. This online database allows agents and editors to share their preferences and what they're looking for in submissions. Additionally, it features a blog about the publishing process, providing valuable insights into the industry.
Keeping track of your submissions is crucial in the writing process. Query Tracker is a free website with an extensive and regularly updated listing of over 1500 literary agents. It's an essential tool for writers seeking representation in the competitive publishing industry.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
When it comes to improving your writing skills, Hemingway Editor is a great option. This online tool helps you identify areas where your writing might be too long, complicated, or filled with errors. It ensures that your writing is bold and clear.
It's easy to fall into the trap of using cliches in your writing. Cliché Finder is a useful tool for writers who want to avoid these overused expressions. It helps you identify and eliminate cliches, ensuring your writing stands out.
WRITING ADVICE
Writer Unboxed is a valuable resource for writers of all types. This website is dedicated to publishing empowering and thought-provoking ideas about the craft and business of fiction. With contributions from over 50 authors, including bestselling authors and industry professionals, you'll find a wealth of creative writing advice here.
For writers interested in exploring topics related to race, diversity, education, and children's/YA books, The Open Book Blog is a good place to start. It offers unique perspectives and insights into these important subjects.
GENRE
If you're a historical fiction writer, The History Quill is a great site to explore. It offers specialist editing services, coaching programs, beta reader and ARC services, and a range of dedicated tips and resources to help you excel in the genre.
If romance is your niche, consider joining The Romantic Novelists' Association. This professional body organizes the UK's leading awards for excellence in romantic fiction and hosts workshops, talks, networking events, and an annual conference to help you connect with fellow romance writers.
For sci-fi and fantasy writers, World Anvil is the perfect place to build your fictional worlds. It provides a set of world-building tools to help you create, organize, and store your settings, ensuring your stories have a solid foundation.
In the competitive world of writing, having an online presence and utilizing these resources can be the difference between blank pages and a successful writing career. And this is in addition to the plethora of online courses, including my own Kick Start Your Book with Karen - an 8-step online course to help you write your book. I also know many of my clients (and potential clients) love Writer's Digest and Masterclass because they both feature well-known authors and also cover the business of writing.
So, the next time you're tempted to scroll through your social network feed, consider visiting one of these fantastic websites instead to help and inspire you craft your own story. They are your helping hand in the creative writing journey, and offer a wealth of information and tools to make you a better writer in the ever-evolving digital landscape of the writing industry.
What are some of the best writing blogs and/or websites you use?
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