Helpful Writing Links
Writing Links:
1) If you write fantasy, science fiction, or horror, check out the Critters group to gain some useful feedback.
2) Critique Circle is a website that is just as useful as Critters, but it is open to people of all ages and includes all genres. It is among the friendliest of writing communities and features a substantial amount of fantasy writers.
3) Fiction Factor is a comprehensive collection of how-to articles. Definitely worth checking out if you have any questions, be they about the craft of writing or the business of writing.
4) Publisher’s Lunch is a free newsletter that provides the last publishing news, which includes personnel changes at publishing houses, the latest books deals, Publisher’s Marketplace job listings, and more.
5) Everyone Who’s Anyone: This is a very altruistic site run by a guy named Gerard Jones. He often posts his exchanges with editors and agents in regards to his works, and the list is indispensable.
6) Preditors and Editors; this site is facilitated by a fantasy author named Victoria Strauss, who also happens to be knowledgeable and encouraging. If you have questions in regards to the authenticity or legitimacy of a potential agent, editor, or publisher, this is the place to go.
7) Agent Query provides a searcheable directory of agents based on genres handled in both fiction and non-fiction, and best of all, it is regularly updated. Because information travels more quickly on the Internet, Agent Query is a better alternative to the yearly Writer’s Market guide to literary agents, which, although it features helpful articles before the directory and contains a list in the index of represented genres and the corresponding agents, takes a long time to produce, comes out once a year, and contains information that can quickly become out of date and that will not reflect changes in personnel that occur after its publication.
8) Writers Break: Writing Fiction; this website is also a good one to check out, especially when you want to take a break from writing and let some technique sink in.
9) Ralan is the most comprehensive website of magazine and publisher listings of speculative fiction out there. Among some other decent ones are Spicy Green Iguana and Story Pilot, which allows you to be a bit more selective.
10) SFFWorld is a good website for sf and f authors to network and to read author interviews.
Useful E-Newsletters:
1) Krista Barrett Writer’s Gazette
Useful Magazines:
1) Writer’s Digest: Still considered the top writing magazine in North America, it recently switched to a bi-monthly format, but continues to feature the best articles, interviews, and in-depth examinations of the publishing industry from a writer’s point of view. The interviewers ask insightful questions when they talk to authors and editors, and their articles are written by people who know what to focus on and how to get to the point while still being thorough. If you don’t subscribe to any other writing magazines, subscribe to this one.
2) Romantic Times Book Reviews Magazine: Despite what the title may suggest, the magazine features sections on many different genres, including mainstream books. It devotes a whole section to current science fiction and fantasy book reviews and often discusses trends in the publishing industry as a whole.
3) Locus Magazine – the magazine for the goings on of speculative fiction – it has the best interviews, news, and reviews, and the website lists upcoming books and when they’re slated for publication, as well as conventions.
4) Quill and Quire: This magazine, although specific to Canada, provides excellent insights and depth into the Canadian market and publishing industry.
Other Writers:
1) Clive Barker
3) Marie O’Regan (comprehensive dark fantasy and horror listings; detailed section on publishers)
5) Neil Gaiman
