Every writer is on a journey, a journey self discovery, writing skills improvement, genre discovery, exploration, and—we all hope—publication. This page offers some resources writers can use to improve their skills. There are many, many workshops, classes, books, coaches, blogs, and articles teaching writing skills.
The editors do not intend or pretend to have selected the best possible skill improvement resources, but offer the following as possible resources for you to consider. This is not an endorsement of these resources, though the editors have had some interactions with each to warrant including them for your consideration. If you have favorite resources we should consider please suggest them with a comment.
Writing Skills Improvement
Writer’s Digest, the publisher of every writer’s marketing bible, Writers Market, also offers courses, a free newsletter, and many articles, tips, and techniques to improve the writer’s skill set.
Writers Online Workshops offers many writing courses from basic writing fundamentals to advanced techniques.
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time freelance writer with contributions to magazines such as Reader’s Digest, Writer’s Digest, Health, Woman’s Day, Spirituality & Health, alive, and MSN Health. She publishes many online tips and techniques blogs such as Quips and Tips for Successful Writers.
The Writing Hall offers a wide range of writing services, including proofreading and editing, and one-to-one writing coaching for novice and experienced writers. Owner Diane Hall has an energy and passion for writing which transfers to her clients as confidence and inspiration. Diane indicates she can help those with writer’s block, writing anxiety, or writers needing modest help to publish in the English language. The Writing Hall offers special promotions to FWP writers.
Bill Henderson is a fiction writing coach and consultant. Henderson describes the coaching function as part editor, part teacher, writing adviser and consultant, supportive but necessarily critical, and one who helps you focus on your writing issues. Henderson also authors a novel-writer’s blog.
Marketing and Promotion Resources
Marketing and promotion are important aspects of writing which
are often not a writer’s favorite activities—very often not even a skill. If marketing and self-promotion don’t come easily, consider some of the following resources.
Book promoters Phyllis Zimbler Miller and Carolyn Howard-Johnson are writing a book aimed specifically at the hard-to-promote genres of fiction. See a free sample chapter at www.fictionmarketing.com.
Carolyn is the author of the “HowToDoItFrugally” series of books for writers including a brand new booklet “Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips“.
Maryglenn McCombs is a book publicist who has worked in the book publishing industry since 1993. McCombs specializes in targeted book publicity campaigns, offering press kits, print and media coverage, coordination of PR campaigns, and production consultation. McCombs offers a special promotional discount to FWP writers.
Award winning author Nikki Leigh offers blogging and social media promotional options for authors at Promo 101 Promotional Services. She offers Virtual Blog Tours and Social Media Network setup to help you promote your books and writing.
Agents and Publishers
Agent Rachelle Gardner publishes an informative blog, On Life as a Literary Agent, which is included in Writer’s Digest’s 101 Best Sites for Writers. Though Rachelle’s company, WordServe Literary primarily serves the Christian market, her blog material is appropriate to all writers and she indicates she is currently moving into handling general fiction. WordServe accepts online submissions.
Lebrary.com is a new portal where aspiring writers can publish their ebooks, gaining exposure as well as valuable reader feedback. There are two levels of membership. A basic free membership earns 30% on each sale of the author’s ebook through Lebrary. The VIP membership costs $50/year and earns 50% of sales revenue, along with additional author benefits. Lebrary accepts fiction and non-fiction, with a special promotional discount to FWP writers.
Media Angels publishes fiction and non-fiction for the Christian market. President Felice Gerwitz, herself an accomplished author, consultant, and speaker, is actively seeking new authors. Authors may apply online. Felice hosts a weekly blogtalk radio show on the art of writing and publishing. Felice has a generous offer for FWP writers; for more on that as well as interesting background on Media Angels, see Brenda Layman’s article on her recent interview with Felice Gerwitz. Gerwitz offers a special promotional discount to FWP writers.
