Resources for Writers

Connect with trusted organizations that support writers, advocate for creative rights, and strengthen the literary community. These groups offer education, networking, mentorship, and industry standards across genres and publishing paths.

Poetry Organizations

Academy of American Poets

Library of Congress (Poetry)

Poetry Foundation

Poetry Society of America 

General Literary & Author Organizations

Poets & Writers (organization)

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

The Authors Guild

PEN America

Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA)

Industry & Bookseller Organizations

American Booksellers Association

American Library Association

Book Industry Study Group (BISAC Codes)

Protect yourself from scams, predatory publishers, and misleading services. These watchdog resources monitor the industry, investigate complaints, and provide clear guidance to help writers make informed, safe decisions.

Writer Beware Blog Scam alerts

Writer Beware Watchdog Desk SFWA program / Official portal

Explore reliable sources of writing guidance, craft essays, and professional development. These publications and organizations offer practical advice to help you strengthen your skills, deepen your practice, and grow as a writer.

Poets & Writers Opportunity hub

The Writer Magazine Craft & career

Writer’s Digest Publishing advice

Resources tailored specifically for children’s authors and YA writers. These sites offer agent research, craft support, community networks, and insights into the unique world of writing for young readers.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Global community

JacketFlap Industry database

Literary Rambles Agent spotlights

Children’s Writer’s Guild Community magazine

KidLit411 Resource hub

Boyds Mills (formerly Highlights Foundation) — Workshops & retreats

Institute of Children’s Literature — Writing courses

The Brown Bookshelf (Black children’s literature advocacy) — Black voices advocacy

Discover literary festivals, conferences, and book events that bring writers, readers, and industry professionals together. These gatherings offer inspiration, education, and opportunities to connect with the broader literary world.

The Center for Fiction Brooklyn nonprofit

American Library Association Annual Conference Library professionals

Brooklyn Book Festival NYC free festival

The National Book Festival (Library of Congress) Washington, DC

AWP Conference & Bookfair Writers' conference

Boston Book Festival Copley Square

Miami Book Fair Downtown Miami

Tucson Festival of Books University of Arizona

Hay Festival (international) Global festivals

Edinburgh International Book Festival Scotland's major festival

Stay informed about the publishing landscape with trusted news outlets, market‑tracking tools, and self‑publishing resources. These sites help writers navigate the business side of writing — from industry trends to distribution, metadata, and marketing.

Publishers Weekly Trade news  (industry coverage, reviews, and publishing trends)

Publishers Marketplace Book & agent deals (tracks daily publishing deals, agent signings, and rights sales)

BookLife Indie resources (self‑publishing tools, marketing, and author services from Publishers Weekly) 

Engage with thoughtful writing about books, ideas, and the literary arts. These publications offer essays, reflections, and cultural commentary that inspire creativity and deepen your connection to literature.

The Marginalian Essays and ideas

Oxford University Press Blog Academic insights

Find agents, publishers, editors, contests, and freelance professionals through vetted, reputable directories. These tools help writers research opportunities, track submissions, and connect with the right partners for their work.

Agent & Publisher Directories

Query Tracker Tracks agents and submissions with searchable database and query‑tracking tools.

Agent Query Free searchable directory of literary agents and their submission guidelines.

Manuscript Wish List Agents and editors share what kinds of manuscripts they’re seeking.

Poets & Writers – Agents Database Searchable listings of literary agents and agencies.

Poets & Writers – Small Presses Directory of independent presses and their submission guidelines.

Literary Marketplace Legacy directory of publishers, agents, and industry services.

Council of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP) A premier directory of independent literary presses, university publishers, and chapbook markets committed to high ethical standards.

Association of American University Presses (AAUP, now AUPresses) Association of nonprofit scholarly publishers.

Independent Book Publishers Association Trade association for independent publishers.

Open Calls, Contests, & Magazine Directories

Chill Subs A vibrant, modern directory for discovering independent literary journals and tracking active deadlines.

The Submission Grinder A robust, 100% free market database and submission tracker for fiction and poetry writers that tracks real-time response statistics.

Duotrope's Weekly Digest A highly respected industry database offering a free weekly newsletter tracking new market openings, deadlines, and status updates across the industry.

Council of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP) An active, curated bulletin board highlighting immediate, open submission windows and themed calls from reputable independent journals and print magazines.  

Winning Writers A highly vetted directory specializing in high-quality poetry and prose contests, with a heavy emphasis on fee-free options.

NewPages.com A premier, constantly updated guide to open submission calls, literary magazine windows, and writing contests.

Funds for Writers A curated resource focused on grants, fellowships, and paying submission opportunities for writers.

Editor & Freelancer Directories

Editorial Freelancers Association Connects writers with vetted freelance editors, proofreaders, and other publishing professionals.

Reedsy A global marketplace linking authors to editors, designers, and marketers, plus free publishing tools.