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Last Updated: 13 July 2010, 14:00 GMT
~ Featuring 672 Links ~
categorized & alphabetized
Fully checked for broken links as of 26 April 2010
New Links:
(INTERVIEWS)
Duotrope Interviews: with magazine and book editors
(LIBRARIES)
FreeFictionBooks.org: a collection of free, legally published, fiction books that can be read online
(GRAMMAR & HELP)
The Most Helpful Resources Available for Proofreading, Grammar, and Writing: categorized list of helpful links
— Thanks to Robert Laughlin for his annual search for broken links, typos, etc. on this page; & a new link & category (Interviews).
All links were operational & 'as described' at the time they were added. I try to keep them current, but there are so many now! These links are provided in good faith with the belief the info is correct, but I accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions in them. Each visitor assumes all risk associated with their use or misuse. Please let me know if you encounter any difficulties, disappointments, etc. These links to websites are provided for information purposes only. Inclusion does not imply any endorsement of the products, services, information, or resources provided. Ralan.com does not make any claim as to the quality or content provided through these links.
Please note that all e-mail addresses (printed in italics) on this site are protected to avoid abuse by spammers.
For some. however, you will need a JavaScript-enabled browser to see the e-mail addresses.
[Top]
Agents (see also: "Beware"):
Agent Query: a searchable treasure trove of reputable, established literary agents
Association of Authors' Representatives: list of approved agents
Author Advance: Agencies list of literary agents by city/country
FirstWriter.com searchable & category list of literary agents
Preditors & Editors: list of approved agents
QueryTracker: online tracker/organiser for agent queries; includes searchable database of agents
The Safest Way to Search for an Agent: by Victoria Strauss on SFWA's site
Writers free Reference, Agents: literary agent e-addresses, names & web sites (if available).
Writers Guild of America, East: list of signatory agents
Writers Guild of America, West: list of signatory agents
Writer's Net Index of Literary Agents: search through this directory of agents to find the right one
[Top]
Articles about Writing (articles are the main fare):
Eclectics.com Articles: synopses, characters, settings & sensual romance
The Editorial Department: "Guides for Writers" - articles, interviews for writers, editors, & publishers
The Fiction Writer's Page: topical articles by Crawford Kilian
How to Find an Agent & Sell Your Writing by J.A. Konrath: free chapbook download
Just About Write: a resource for lesbian writers & readers; articles, newsletter, promotion
Novelists Ink: sample articles from the newsletter
PoeWar.com Writer's Resource Center: articles, resources, and links
Published!: great advice from a seasoned pro, Marcia Yudkin
Solutions for Writers: workshop, great articles, links, message boards
Storyfix.com: no motivational B.S., just the truth about what it takes to get published, by Larry Brooks
You Too Can Sniff Out Scams: Marcia Yudkin's good advice
[Top]
Artists:
M.W. Anderson: artist & writer, fine art & illos, has done covers for Lone Wolf Pubs & others
Cathy Buburuz: Canadian artist & author
Jesse Bunch: American artist; fine art & illustrations
Jennifer Carson: custom dragons, fantasy & wildlife art, needle felting, photos
Sean Madden: oil/acrylic paintings, pen & ink drawings, jazz/improvisation, surrealism
Aurel Manole: Rumanian artist with a patented process
Catherine Marche: freelance artist/illustrator; editorial, publishing, fashion, greeting cards, commissions
Teresa Tunaley: UK/Canary Island artist: all genres, nature, landscapes, people, humor, e-cards
Frank Wu: Hugo Award Winner of Best Fan Artist & 13th Best Science Fiction Artist in the World
[Top]
Associations for Authors:
Australian Horror Writers Association: editors, agents, resources, articles, publication advice, contests, more
The Authors Studio: Own your own small press? Help with printing, distribution, rights, & marketing
British Fantasy Society: info, links
Canadian Authors Association (CAA): oriented towards beginning writers
Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP): the name says it all
Dark Fiction Guild: international community of authors, editors, publishers and other creators of high quality dark fiction
Erotica Readers & Writers Association: author resources, markets, articles, links & networking ops
Freelance Writing Organization - Int'l: a vast variety of free authoritative writing resources in a searchable database
The Golden Crown Literary Society & Convention: organization for lesbian writing professionals & fans
Horror Writers Association (HWA): for dark fiction writers, editors, publishers, etc.
Infinite Worlds of Fantasy Authors (IWOFA): for writers of sf/f/horror/supernatural/alt history/paranormal or dark romance/df/magreal
International Women's Writing Guild: non-profit; serving the writing community since 1976
Internet Writers' Guild: free membership
Mississippi Writers Guild: provides information & guidance on the craft of writing; upcoming literary events
National Writers Union: contract advice, grievance resolution, health/dental, education, Job Hotline, networking
PEN Center USA: non-profit literary/human rights org. for professional writers
Periodical Writers Association of Canada (PWAC): avoid scams, tips, advice, sample contracts, articles, etc.
Quebec Writers Federation: represents English-language writers in the majority French-speaking province
SF Canada: "how-to" articles, links, membership info
SFWA: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer's of America, Inc.
Women Who Write
Writers Union of Canada (TWUC): for novelists; good web site, many contests, etc.
[Top]
Authors (all web sites listed here offer significant and free writing help material):
Piers Anthony: one of the greats -- lots of help for writers here too, be sure to visit
Jerry Aragon's humordoctormd: to share, inform, educate, motivate, entertain, & encourage humor
Daniel Arenson: author of fantasy novel "Firefly Island," several good, original articles on writing
Charlotte Boyett-Compo: SpecFic author & founder of IWOFA, a large research area for writers
Marion Zimmer Bradley's: basics for new writers
Orson Scott Card: need I say more?
Stephen Coonts: "Tips For Writers," a sobering, and true, article for hopeful writers
Victory Crayne: lots of writing hints and tools
Susan Hanniford Crowley: sf & f author, editor, & writing teacher
Elaine Cunningham: popular fantasy writer, has "For Writers" section
Carol Anne Davis: crime fiction & true crime author; extensive crime, horror, & literary links
Lars Eighner: writer's info page
Ronald Green & David Lloyd: links complex subjects: Meaning & Genre, Odyssean Fiction, Tragedy, Philosophy, etc.
Heather Grove: freelance writer, gourmet cook, & Harvard student
Simon Haynes: "Hal Spacejock" series author; excellent "How to" articles: ...Write a Novel, ...Get an Agent, etc.; free writer's software
Emily Hanlon - The Fiction Writer's Journey: articles on writing, prompts, exercises from a novelist & writing coach
Joe Konrath: mystery writer ("Whiskey Sour"), good writing tips, links, free writing chapbook download
Lori L. Lake: novelist, anthology editor, short story writer; many helpful articles about the writing craft
Mary Soon Lee: professional sf/f writer
Holly Lisle: SpecFic writer with LOTS of writer help online
The McNeil Variations: links & commentary by Dan McNeil
Hilary Moon Murphy: noted author & psychic
Scott Nicholson: thriller writer (The Red Church); several great articles on writing
Jason Sanford: illuminating sf/f/mys writing blog by creator of storySouth & the Million Writers Award
SFF Net People Pages: find your favorite genre author
Douglas Smith: Canadian sf/f writer, info on foreign markets
Robert J. Sawyer: simply the biggest writer/writing web site, bar none
Lisa Silverthorne: lots of info here
Rick Sutcliffe: some book hype, but also good resources for writing, Canada, Irish/Celtic, & Christian
James Van Pelt: SFWA/HWA writer & teacher, great writing links
Staci Layne Wilson: multi-talented writer, photographer, and wit; lots of good links
Marcia Yudkin: great writing articles & advice from a seasoned pro
[Top]
Beware (see also: "Agents"):
The DON'T Post: Where NOT to send your mss
Federal Trade Commission: main page, look for link
Avoiding Literary Agency & Poetry Contest Scams: don't get taken in by unscrupulous operators
National Fraud Information Center
National Writers Union Writer Alerts!:
Poetry Scam Alert: scams, threats, & perils to writers
Preditors & Editors: warnings
SFWA "Writer Beware": warnings for writers by SFWAs Victoria Strauss
13 Warning Signs of a Bad Poetry Contest: watch out before you send a check
Writer Beware Blogs: sponsored by the SFWA & the MWA
Writers Weekly: check that publisher before you submit
Writers Weekly Newsletter: a scam report in each issue
[Top]
Blogs:
GreenGenrePoetry: Scott Green's blog for genre poets
Writer's Resource & Information Blog: writing websites, conversation groups, market listings, more
[Top]
Book Stores:
Barnes & Noble: haven't tried it, but supposed to be good
BooksPrice.com: free, find the best price on a purchase of several books
Bookwire Index: Non-English Booksellers: long worldwide list of online bookstores
Borders: no reviews, has videos & CDs too
CengageBrain: new textbooks, electronic, print, & individual chapters; just what you need at low prices
Dark Delicacies: online presence of the famous Burbank horror book shop
DavesCampus.com: textbooks, fiction, music, movies
Direct Textbooks: find books/textbooks; searches 30 online stores & 1000s of U.S. libraries
FetchBook.Info: shops new & used book prices at 81 bookstores & 40k sellers
Free Books: links to web sites that offer free public domain eBooks
The Genre Mall: chapbooks, books, anthos, etc. from small press publishers, writers, editors, & artists
IndieBound: a great alternative; get books online from independent bookstores near you
KaosOrb Books: a feast of used & new books; 99% small press
Powell's Books: online U.S. book store
[Top]
Chat for Writers:
BellaOnline.com, Fiction Writing Forum: message boards & chat
- e-mail for info about this group
Southern Horror: forum for discussions on writing horror & the horror genre in general
The Writer's BBS
[Top]
Contests:
FreelanceWriting.com's Writing Contests: contests, grants, & fellowships
SFWA's Contest Beware: contests & anthologies to avoid
Winning Writers: finds & creates quality resources for poets & writers; WD Best 101
The Writers' Circle of Durham Region, Writing Contests: list of contests
[Top]
Copyright & Contract:
American Society of Journalists and Authors: ASJA
ASJA Contract Watch: by ASJA
AuthorsLawyer.com: news outdated, but still lots of copyright info
ASJA: free resources for writers
CopyLaw.com: e-zine about copyright issues
Copyright Clearance & Fair Use: resources on fair use & permission to use copyrighted material
Epic Authors: sample contract (model for all publications)
International Property Rights Office: Copyright Registration Service; online registration
The Copyright Website general & specific info, forms, online registration with fee
First Amendment Handbook: free speech, source protection, journalism rights, libel, invasion of privacy, etc.
Ivan Hoffman: Attorney at Law (several articles)
Negotiating Book Contract Terms & Royalties: by Morris Rosenthal
Novice Writer's Guide To Rights: part of Claire White's "Writers Write" site
Patent, Copyright & Trademark: copyright, plagiarism, & online protection
Plagiary & the Art of Skillful Citation: useful info
"Rights and Copyright Issues": on Moira Allen's Writing-World.com
ScrivenersError: blog; law & reality in publishing from the author's side
SFWA: sample contract for anthology publications
SFWA: sample contract for author/agent agreements
SFWA: sample contract for hardcover novel publications
SFWA: sample contract (model for print publications)
SFWA: sample contract (model for web/electronic publications) -->
10 Big Copyright Myths Explained
Trade Book Publishing Agreement Checklist: overview of a book publishing agreement
United States Copyright Office: info, forms, online registration
What is Copyright?: find the answer, & more, here
When Works Pass Into the Public Domain: illustrates when copyrights expire
[Top]
Courses, Classes & Schools:
Ace Reader: learn to read faster
Centauri Summer Arts Camp: for ages 9-18, writing, acting, moviemaking, drawing, photographing, etc.
Clarion: the famous Clarion workshop (scroll down for info)
Clarion blogs, journals, articles & interviews: author Liz Argall's excellent Clarion resource
Clarion South: the famous Clarion workshop now in Brisbane, AU
Clarion West: 6-week summer program for writers who pursue sf/f/magical realism professional careers
Lars Eighner's Homepage Writers' Workshop: a complete course on writing
Paula Guran @ Writers.com: Stoker winner teaches sf/fantasy/horror/basic skills/alt. publication/editing
HollyLisle.com: free online writing classes
Long Story Short School of Writing: perpetual classes on every aspect from fiction to poetry to novel writing
The New School: a vital center for writing & the instruction of writing for almost 80 years
Odyssey Summer Writing Workshop: Jeanne Cavelos' SpecFic workshop —
Odyssey Writing Workshop Free Podcasts: excerpts from lectures given by guest writers, editors, & agents
Pen to Press Writers' Retreat: 5 intense, hands-on, inspiring days on how to shape & present a saleable manuscript
Purdue University Online Writing Lab
Ringer's Secret School of Writing: lessons & exercises, lots of helpful writing samples
Scribe & Quill: online writing courses, newsletter, articles, resources
Seton Hill College: the only MA degree in "Writing Popular Fiction" in the US
Writers Village: free writers' course, links, bulletin board, group, chats
Writing the Other: Nisi Shawl & Cynthia Ward; diversity fiction writing workshop & book
[Top]
Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, etc. (for translation engines, see also: "Services."):
Acronym Finder: web's largest acronyms & abbreviations searchable database
alphaDictionary.com: with links to foreign dictionaries, grammar, & related resources
AskOxford.com: tips, origin of words & dictionaries, word games, crosswords, jargon buster, e-mail questions
Biographical Dictionary: 20,000+ notable people who have shaped our world throughout time
Cambridge History of English & American Literature: "Non-English Writings: Aboriginal," free 18 vol. encyclopedia
C.J. Cherryh's Antique Words: or words of changed usage
Dictionary.com: free online dictionaries, word games & reference directory
DOD Dictionary of Military Terms: military words, phrases, abbreviations, acronyms, NATO terms
The Encyclopedia Mythica: mythology, folklore, legends, super beings, legendary creatures/monsters
English Dictionary for Word Games: free, fast, powerful, no-frills; 200,000+ references; US & Brit spelling
English Synonym Dictionary: find synonyms, standard or enriched searches
The Phrontistery: 14k word obscure & rare word dictionary
TheFreeDictionary.com: dictionary, thesaurus, literature reference library & search engine
Free Online Thesaurus: what it says
Gaelic-English Dictionary: a good guide to Gaelic words & pronunciation
Global Fairies: the different types of Little People found all over the world
Memidex: free online dictionary/thesaurus; extensive cross-referencing, complete inflections, simple interface, & frequent updates
Merriam-Webster: searchable dictionary, thesaurus, Spanish/English, & medical; also word games, language links
Monstropedia: the ultimate online encyclopedia of monsters in myth, magick & legend
OneLook Dictionaries: searches 300 online dictionaries, multiple definitions
OneLook Reverse Dictionary: when you don't know the word, but you know something about it -- great!
Online Dictionary: list of free-access online dictionaries of all types
A Plethora of Dictionaries
RhymeZone: rhyme, synonym, antonym, definition, related/similar words, Shakespeare, quotations, spell, pics
Roget's Thesaurus Search: synonym finder from ARTFL, 1911 edition
Rhymer: free online rhyming dictionary
The Septics Companion: British slang dictionary with audio pronunciations
Travlang's Translating Dictionaries: free, lots of languages including Esperanto
Urban Dictionary.com: user contributed slang dictionary
Virtualology: virtual museum of art, history, library, science, natural history, & war
Visual Thesaurus: entertaining visual tour of the English language
Wikipedia's List of Online Dictionaries: with links to grammar & related resources
Word Plays: love to play with words? — here you go
Yawiktionary.com: with audio, translations, conjugations, 6/8 braile, sign, morse code, binary, hex, pig latin, & more
Your Dictionary: huge index of multi-lingual, specialty, thesauri, language ID & indices
[Top]
Editors:
Susan Hanniford Crowley: sf & f editor, author, & writing teacher
Cindy Davis: much published author, strong editing experience; editing/critiquing/ghostwriting
Cyberwizards: editing services, from brief comments to a ready to sub mss; ghost writing; link at top of left menu
The Editorial Department: professional editing, fiction/nonfiction
"Cemetery Sonata," "Dead Promises," & other anthologies
Dave King: free articles; fee advice & editing from Writer's Digest contributing editor
Precise Edit: Good writing always matters: editing, proofreading, & manuscript analysis; expert, responsive services
[Top]
Events: books fairs, conventions, etc.:
Publishers Weekly Book Event & Conferences: dates & info for book events worldwide
Twilight Tales: Monday night readings (open mike 1st Monday) at Red Lion Pub, 2446 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
UK Literature Festivals: book fairs & literature laced "arts" festivals
Wilf's International SF Convention List: straight from "Mother"
[Top]
Film - TV - Theater:
Box Office Guru: release dates for films & more
CBC Radio: how to pitch a radio show idea to the CBC
Centropolis Interactive IF Magazine: news from independent film world
Creative Screenwriting: articles, interviews with big names, free software
Daily Script: screenwriting contest info
Done Deal: script sales, agents, query/contract examples, & more
Drew's Script-O-Rama: links to 100s of TV & film script samples
Electronic Text Archive: links to 100s of theatrical plays
E-Script: the Internet's scriptwriting workshop
Film Threat: covers independent & underground films
From Fade In through Fade Out: online book with essays, reviews, links
Hollywood Creative Directory: phone # list of agents & managers, job board
Hollywood News Network: film industry general info
The Hollywood Reporter: film industry general info
Independent Film Channel: site of the TV channel, festival & coming film news
IndieFilms: matches filmmakers with investors, agents, & distributors
IndieWIRE: the leading source on independent film since 1996
International Center: for women playwrights
International Screenwriters Association: promotes & encourages films
Internet Movie Database: general info
Larry Brody's Tips & Tricks: for TV writing
Lifewriting: free 9-week course on screenwriting, by Steven Barnes at UCLA
The Lonely Keyboard: John Robert Marlow's extreme-depth interviews with working screenwriters
Making Sense of Screenplay Format: by Charles Deemer
Nielsen EDI: ratings, box office receipts, Oscar handicapping & more
The Playwriting Seminars: by Richard Toscan
James Russell Publishing: good advice, buy books & sample scripts
ScreenStyle: great tools for screenwriters, try & buy programs
The Screenwriter in Cyberspace: by Charles Deemer, professor
Movie Bytes: screenwriting contests; free newsletter, news & deadlines
Screenwriters Online: classes, script analysis, screenplays, newsletter, more
Screenwriter's Utopia: interviews, articles, resources, chat, contest info, message boards
Scriptapalooza: contests, agencies, producers, news, buyers, more
ScriptForSale.com: articles, classes, newsletter, discussions
Scriptlinks: 100s of international links covering every aspect of screenwriting, plus onsite resources
Script Magazine: a magazine for screenwriters
Scriptologist.com: screenwriting exercises
Script Secrets: screenwriting links links
Scriptwriting 101: by E. Russell Henninge; the nuts & bolts of writing a script
Sitcom Format Margins & Spacing: how to format a sitcom
Playbill's Theatre Central: an index of theatre web pages
Trutopia: scriptwriting; interactive working & learning environment, free registration
Variety: general info
Virtual Script Workshop: courses & workshop tips using free resources
The Woofenill Works, Inc.: independent film producer
Lenore Wright's Screenwriter's Web: tutorials, articles, interviews, markets, free software, & more
Writer's Guild of America, West: you'll find just about everything here
Write Vision: resource blog & directory for anyone interested in film
Robert E. Yahnke's Cimema History: good overview of indie film growth
[Top]
Fun With Words:
alphaDictionary.com: Fun With words
FunWithWords.com: 500 pages of word puzzles, games, amazing lists, & fun facts.
Richard Lederer's Verbivore: fun for wordaholics
Steven Friedman's Cliché Finder: search engine that returns clichés using your phrase
Merriam-Webster Word Games: Today's Game, More Word Games, and Daily Crosswords
Word Central, for kids: by Merriam-Webster
Word Play: various word games
[Top]
Genre Specific:
Chronos: The Future of Time Travel: time travel, teleportation, temporal phasing, & 9-dimensional theory
Crime Magazine: award winning encyclopedia of true crime/crime-related issues
Crime Writers of Canada: the name says it all ... or does it?
DarkEcho: closed, but archives still up & still a good resource from Paula Guran
Erotica Readers & Writers Association: markets, resources, books, etc.
Firearms Tutorial: firearms, ammunition, nature of injuries...
The Not-so-Grand List of Overused Fantasy Clichés: inspired by John VanSickle's SF list below
The Grand List of Overused SF Clichés: what it says, by John VanSickle
History World: articles by period & theme, tours through time, timelines of historical events
Vision: a Resource for Writers; e-zine edited by Lazette Gifford
Horror Web: horror writing, movies, games, & fun stuff
Horror World: horror's #1 community on the web; Stoker Award finalist
Thistles & Pirates: Cindy Vallar's Favorite Research Links; huge resource, many subjects
Suite101.com; Writing Genre Fiction: many & various articles & interviews
[Top]
Grammar, Proofreading, & Style Help:
alphaDictionary.com: with links to foreign dictionaries, grammar, & related resources
Good Grammar, Good Style: formerly the Ask Miss Grammar web site
The Blue Book of Grammar & Punctuation: current rules, with examples & quizzes
Common Errors in English Usage: (what it says)
Daily Grammar: e-mailed grammar lessons& quizzes
The Elements of Style by Strunk & White: the writer's bible
Garbl's Writing Resources Online grammar, style, references, wordplay
Grammar & Style Notes: by Jack Lynch
Grammar Hotline Directory: directory to several grammar hotlines
GrammarNow!: grammar, composition, editing, & proofreading
Guide to Grammar & Writing: brush up the technical aspects of writing
Literary Education Online (LEO): St. Cloud State's style & grammar topics
The Most Helpful Resources Available for Proofreading, Grammar, and Writing: categorized list of helpful links
My English Teacher: the web site just for English students; lessons, help, answers
OWL Handouts: grammar and style information by Purdue U.
Punctuation Made Simple: a guide by Gary Olson, Eng. professor, U. of S. Florida
The Slot: grammar, style, & copy editing
ThinkQuest Junior: Fun With Words: strange words, parts of speech, fun things; teaches you all about words
[Top]
Groups (communities, critiques, & online workshops):
Alameda Writers Group: non-profit, L.A. area; all writers; group meetings & other activities
Broad Universe: membership group supports & promotes women writing sf/f/h; online mag, discussion list
Character Building Workshop: a free offer from Writer's Village University
Critique Circle: free membership, open to all genres, secure full control posting
Critters for serious SF/F/H writers only
DFW Writers' Workshop: helping North Texas writers hone their craft for 32 years, genres, nonfiction & poetry
Erotic Literature League: erotica/romance readers/writers; chats, workshops, projects, exercises, & helplist
fantasy-writers.org: free online critique group; private messaging, large forum, links, downloads
Flash Fiction Workshop: for serious beginners to advanced
Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers: if you're a genre writer this is your home away from home
Holly Lisle's Forward Motion Writing Community:all genres; free boards, critique groups, workshops
How to Critique Fiction: by Victory Crane; everything you need to know
humor writers; join by e-mail
Ladder Writers: writing contests, critiques, earn points & climb up the ladder to become a paid critter/contest judge
Laughter Crafters: discussion group for serious humorists
TheNextBigWriter Writing Workshop: fee workshop providing detailed feedback, support, & motivation
Odyssey Critique Service: in depth critiques from Jeanne Cavelos' Odyssey Writing Workshop
Online Writing Workshops for SF/F/Horror: high quality workshop for serious aspiring writers of speculative fiction
The Parasitorium: for lovers of writing & dark fiction, esp. beginning writers
Quill-Thrill: free; productive, fun place for aspiring writers to interact, discuss, get basic/critical evaluations & assist other new writers
SF Writers Meetups: meet other SF writers in your home town
SFNovelist: hard science SF novel critique group offering free 6-month trail membership
Sword & Sorcery Critique Groups: for authors of S&S, S&Planet, & swashbuckling historicals
Today's Writing Community: m/f <18; poetry/story board, interviews, markets, forums, lessons, & more
Whisper from the Heart Poetry Club: online, South African poetry club, free membership; contests, tours, newsletter, etc.
Write or Die: Pittsburgh-area face-to-face specfic critique group, short stories & novels, open membership, beginners welcome
Writer's BBS literary & various genre.
Writer's BBS Discussion Forums: lots of topics
[Top]
Help For Your Writing:
About Words for Writers: all about helping you as a writer improve your work, by agent Susan L. Graham
Absolute Write: articles, interviews, columns for freelance, screen & play writing, novels, non-fiction
Advice on Novel Writing: by Crawford Kilian; plotting, narrative voice, scene construction, & marketing
Mark Anderson: good free tips from a professional freelance editor
Author Ring
Backspace: advice, how-to articles, news feeds, current conference & contest info, links, reviews, & more.
The Eclectic Writer
FictionAddiction.Net: articles, publisher lists, contest, workshops, author showcase, more
Fiction Writer's Connection: novel writing help, agent/editor info
The Fiction Writer's Journey: to creativity, all levels
Freelance Writing on the Internet: by Mridu Khullar
Garden State Horror Writers: dedicated to helping all writers, join or browse
Richard Harland's Writing Tips: extensive - covers good habits, elements, characters, story, language, getting published
How Well Do You Know Your Characters?: article by Wilfred Bereswill
Internet Writers' Guild Webring: published art and writing
Just About Write: a resource for lesbian writers & readers; articles, newsletter, promotion
Learn the Elements of a Novel: by Peder Hill; articles, excerpts, blog, links
Learn Writing with Uncle Jim: by James D. Macdonald
The Literary Machine: creative writing/idea database freeware
Misc. Writing Website: gobs of useful info, and growing
The Most Helpful Resources Available for Proofreading, Grammar, and Writing: categorized list of helpful links
Online Resources For Writers: grammar & style guides, workshops & writer's organizations
The Passionate Pen: for romance writers passionate to be published
PoeWar, Writing Career Center: articles, craft tips, more
Red InkWorks: Encouraging Writers to Write!
The Scriptorium: Sherry D. Ramsey's excellent writer's site: info, exercises, tools, more
Self Editing Blog: John Robert Marlow's free advice on editing one's own novel
Storyfix.com: no motivational B.S., just the truth about what it takes to get published, by Larry Brooks
Stuck On My Story.com: A free brainstorming service for fiction writers
Submitting to the Black Hole: submit/search response times for various speculative fiction markets
Suite101: Ten Ways to Cure Writers Block: how to inspire yourself when you are less than inspired by Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman
Thoughts on Web Design: web site building tips by Elliot Chabot
virtuaLit: tutorial on the elements of fiction: plot, character, setting, pov, style, theme, symbolism
Wordiness, Wordiness, Wordiness List: how to cut the writing fat
The WordSmith's WebBook: articles, market info, links, message board
WriteAway: writing related articles, book lists, links, etc.
WriterSpeaker.com: tie-in with the book; articles, links, etc.
The Writer's Block: about writer's block
Writers Free Reference: list of free reference web pages for writers looking for information
Writers Manual: huge archive of articles & columns
Writers Write: interviews, reviews, news, job listings, all genre writing links, GLs
Writing For The Web: online tips by Jakob Nielsen
Writing Now: e-zine helping writers to get published
Writing on the Run: advice, tips, articles, free e-letter, links ... lots of help
Writing, Part One: the 1st chapter of Algis Budrys' book "Writing to the Point," an indespensible writing lesson from the master
[Top]
Hired Help:
(The appearance of any product or service here does not imply endorsement. I urge you to use your best judgment & shop carefully. Ralan.com cannot be held responsible for anything you experience related to these sites, or your use or misuse of their services. Unless, of course, you make millions because of it, in which case I'll naturally want my share.)
Mark Anderson: freelance editor, 13+ years experience on both sides of the publishing fence
Cache Glades (Fara Kearnes): free sample critique, editing & writing coach, self publishing
Mort Castle: well-known specfic writer who can be persuaded to tutor
Susan Hanniford Crowley: sf & f editor & writing teacher
Cindy Davis: much published author, strong editing experience; editing/critiquing/ghostwriting
The Editorial Department: offering free 5 page critique
Elizabeth Engstrom: a 'ferocious' writer of SF/H
International Writers' & Artists' Residency: year round; work alone or in groups in Val David, Quebec, Canada
Dave King: free articles; fee advice & editing from a Writer's Digest contributing editor
Lighthouse Editing: have your document or manuscript written or edited here
ManuscriptEditing.com: Lynda Lotman, serving writers, agents, & publishers since 1976; focus sf/f/h
TheNextBigWriter: private community; guaranteed feedback (novels, shorts, & poems), recognition & rewards
Lynne Pembroke, Coverscript.com: vast film industry experience at reasonable rates; advice & links
Clive Pyne Book Indexing Services: reference/scholarly/trade nonfiction; on time, your specs, competitive rates
SFNovelist: hard science SF novel critique group offering free 6-month trail membership
The Working Writer's Coach: writing coach, but lots of free content, including 5-day/week e-mail list with writing tips
Write Again: submission & contact management program; 30-day free trial
WriteItNow: from 1st idea to final manuscript, it will organize & inspire your writing; free demo
WritePro: by Sol Stein, free demo at web site, also useful writing tips
Writer's Digest: tutorials & courses from the "pros"
Writers on the Net: classes, tutorials, editing;
Writer's Relief Inc: mss preparation & submission targeting
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Interviews:
Absolute Write: interviews with producers, agents, screenwriters, playwrights, filmmakers, & anyone in the screenwriting/playwriting world
Clarion blogs, journals, articles & interviews: author Liz Argall's excellent Clarion resource
Duotrope Interviews: with magazine and book editors
The Editorial Department: "Guides for Writers" - articles, interviews for writers, editors, & publishers
The Lonely Keyboard: John Robert Marlow's extreme-depth interviews with working screenwriters
Page One Literature & Writing: author interviews
Six Questions For...: where editors, publishers, agents, educators, and writers discuss writing
D.L. Snell's Market Scoops: editor interviews; what they want to see in submissions
Screenwriter's Utopia: interviews with folks in the screenwriting business
Suite101.com; Writing Genre Fiction: many & various articles & interviews
Writers Write/Readers Read: author interviews
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Jobs:
Editor & Publisher: writing & job info
Find a Professional Writer: database of working Canadian freelancers, by categories
Global Writing Job Roll: job postings, tips, articles, resources
HireMinds: jobs for writers, reporters, editors, etc.
Jobs Page: journalism job board, articles, internships, resources
Mediabistro: writing, editing & journalism jobs (among others)
Red Flag Phrases To Avoid In Freelance Help Wanted Ads: by Angela Hoy
Sunoasis Jobs: job announcements for writers
Telecommuting Jobs: job opportunities for writers
WorkForWriters: (Yahoo Group) staff or freelance job leads, contacts, shared info, etc.
Workopolis: search site for Canadian writing jobs
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Libraries:
Awesome Library: covers every subject imaginable
Bartleby.com: unlimited free access to books & info for students, researchers, & the curious
The Electronic Library: up-to-date & family safe info
FreeFictionBooks.org: a collection of free, legally published, fiction books that can be read online
ipl2 (Internet Public Library): online serials, newspapers, search tips, & more
The Library of Congress
Library Spot: spotlights new web resources
Literature Online: library of over 250k works of UK & US literature
Project Gutenberg: the oldest and largest online library of out-of-copyright texts
PublicLibraries.com: list of online local U.S. branches
ReadPrint: offers thousands of free books for students, teachers, and the classic enthusiast; search within the books
Refdesk.com: categorized collection of resource links
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Link Pages for Writers:
American Book Publishing: nonfic book publisher, publishing info & links
EnhanceMyWriting.com: a guide to indispensable writing resources
Garbl's Writing Resources Online grammar, style, references, wordplay
Guide Grammar & Style: by Keith Ivey; grammar, style, & usage, including references to alt. usage
Internet-Resources.com: writing links & links for writers writers' resources on the web and more
Laughing Stalk 3.0: list of links to audio theatre groups
Learn to Write: links to buy books, subscribe to mags, etc.
Litline: resource links to "all things literary"
Michigan State University Writing Center: list of links
Pilot-Search: literary link search engine
SciTech Daily: links of interest to SF writers
Speculative Vision: links to authors, resources, etc.
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Magazines, print & electronic:
(* for publications with fiction, see my market pages)
American Folk: just for folks
Fiction Fix: e-zine; articles for sharpening your writing skills
The Fix: short fiction reviews of print & online magazines, collections, & anthologies
Funny Times: just for fun
The Internet Review of Science Fiction: closed, but a good online archive of reviews, articles, & essays
JournalismNet: lists international magazines by region
Locus: good web extension of the long-standing print source for sf/f publishing
Media and News Resources Around the Globe: magazines, broadcast, newspapers
Media UK: lists magazines, newspapers, radio & TV stations
NewJour: a huge searchable list of magazines
Tangent Online: online SpecFic short story reviews
Vision: A Resource for Writers: writers magazine; some articles are sf-oriented
Writer's Digest: 1000+ searchable markets, tips, market 'Hot List', more
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Marketing Help:
Audio Market List: online resource for genre fiction writers by Kevin Anderson
Bill Stoller's Publicity Insider: lots of free info &/or subscribe to "Free Publicity" newsletter
BJ's The Word in Writing: free weekly; latest fiction publishing news & updates, inside secrets, rumors
Book Marketing Tips
Bookwire: everything about the publishing world
Duotrope: searchable market database; mainstream, genres
Editor and Publisher Online: an online source of publishing info & comments
Foreign Language Market List: compiled by Canadian sf/f writer, Douglas Smith, 2001 John W. Campbell finalist
Gila Queen's Guide to Markets
Literary Markets: Mary Anne Mohanraj's look at literary fiction markets (dated, but still some good info)
Markets For Writers: by the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia
NetRead: marketing solutions that publishers access through their web browsers
Proper manuscript format: by William Shunn, presented as a sample manuscript
The Publicity FAQ: great advice from a seasoned pro, Marcia Yudkin
Publishers Weekly: online version of the publishing industry's main source of info
Ralan's Specfic & Humor Webstravaganza: - pro, paying, 4theLuv, anthos, & publishers
Preditors & Editors: lots of help here
D.L. Snell's Market Scoops: editor interviews; what they want to see in submissions
SpecFicWorld: markets, tips, publisher, resources
Submitting to the Black Hole: response times for SF/F/H markets, regular updates
WebWombat: Online Magazines: worldwide search engine; English & otherwise
Working Writer: free demo of their submission tracking program
The Write Market: online writer's market list for print magazines, book projects, contests, webzines, & publishers
Writer's Digest: 1000+ searchable markets, tips, market 'Hot List', more
Writer's Guidelines Database: browse by category, deadline reminder service
Writers Weekly: the highest-circulation freelance writing ezine in the world
Writing Now: how-to, tips, links
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Names:
Baby Names: boy/girl names from all over the world
BabyHold: extensive resource for character names & meanings, categorized by ethnic & cultural backgrounds
Baby Name Guide: in 28 different categories
BabyNamesGarden.com: specific lists like: Victorian, biblical, Shakespearean, unique, floral, & Top 20th Century
Fantasy Name Generator: serious, fun, and specialized names
Seventh Sanctum: various name generators for all genres
Slack 'n' Hash: Name Generators: random or list generation; choose elf, bard, cleric, rogue, superhero, or 17 others
Think Baby Names: meaning, origin, history, religious significance, & popularity of first names
The Vampire Name Generator: for dark/ominous characters of all types, not just the undead
Wizards of the Coast, Character Name Generator: fantasy & RPG names by Steven Edward Schend
Yahoo!: list of links to various name generators
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Newsletters for Writers:
The Goreletter: Michael A. Arnzen's Weird Newsletter; Stoker Award winner
Just About Write: a resource for lesbian writers & readers; articles, newsletter, promotion
New Jour: (archive) a list of journals & newsletters available on the Internet as of March 2008
Page One Literature & Writing: interviews, spotlights, tips & resources;
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Promotion:
bookhitch.com: authors & publishers can list & sell their book(s); readers can find them
Eclectics.com: free online promotion & help
How to Promote Your Book on the Internet - 10 Great Ways: on Bob Baker's FullTimeAuthor.com
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Publishing:
American Book Publishing: nonfic book publisher, publishing info & links
Bob's Print Guide: printing & publishing term glossary
Bookselling This Week: latest news on book sales & the bookselling industry
ePublishing Resource Center: all types of electronic publishing covered
E-Zinez.com: handbook about e-zine publishing
EmailUniverse.com; Ezine-Tips: if you're starting an e-zine, start here
Piers Anthony's Internet Publishing: huge list of e-publishers, with ratings (like who pays & doesn't)
Planet eBook: e-pub news, resources, software, rights, etc.
Publisher's Catalogues: 7k+ worldwide; by city, state, country, topic, or type
Publishing Basics: monthly online newsletter for the small press & independent self-publisher
Publishing Central.com: guide to all methods of publishing
Publishing Poynters: book planning & free e-newsletter
James Russell Publishing: print & e- publisher, advice, links
Trade Book Publishing Agreement Checklist: common terms
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Reference Sources:
Alien Planet Designers a brief discussion of the techniques used
The Alternative Dictionaries: slang, profanities, insults and vulgarisms from all the world
Antique Words: C. J. Cherryh's list of words commonly used prior to the 1900's
AV Photo Finder: need to describe something you've never seen?
Basic Prose Style & Mechanics: by Craig Waddell
Biography.com: 25,000+ subjects
Brainy Quote: quotes by topic, author, & type
Brendan's Anagram Generator
BritSpeak: British expressions
Casebook: Jack the Ripper: just about everything you want to know about the Whitechaple Killer
ClichéSite.com: a list of clichés as long as your arm
Credo Reference: reference books from world leading publishers & reference services for libraries
Crime and Clues: crime scene, physical evidence, death, DNA, etc.
De Re Militari: military history info
dMarie Time Capsule: On This Day in History: details of any period in history
Don't Lose The Plot: by Isabelle King, all in one formula to completing your first draft
eLibrary: diverse digital archive
Exploring English: anatomy of the English language
Festival Finder: holidays & events around the world
Forensic Science Resources on the Internet: links to everything you want to know ... and some you don't
Glossarist.com: directory of glossaries & topical dictionaries, links to resources
Handbook of Space Astronomy & Astrophysics by Martin V. Zombeck
Historical Fiction Network: for fans & writers of the genre
iTools Research Tools: online reference & research tools
LegalEngine.com: info & help for writing courtroom scenes
Literary Resources Medieval: a collection maintained by Jack Lynch of Rutgers, Newark
MAD Sci Network: science questions answered
Manuscript Format: Introduction by William Shunn
MapQuest: lots of great maps
Media Finder: search magazines, catalogs, newsletters/papers & mailing lists
Military History Resources: huge!
Physics & Astronomy Directory: university/college departments, online technical schools, institutes/national labs, professional societies, etc.
NewspaperArchive.com: searchable from the late 1800s to now, US/Canada/UK
Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection online maps of current & general interest
Portals to the World: Library of Congress info on nations
Preditors and Editors: huge writer's resource
Project Gutenberg: definitive reference for any pre-20th century book
Publishing Business Group links to resources for magazines, newsletters & online publishing companies
Refdesk.com: "the single best source for facts on the Net"
Roget's II, The New Thesaurus: category & alphabetical indexes
Scientific & Technical Acronyms, Symbols & Abbreviations: searchable, online resource
SFWA Manuscript Preparation by Vonda N. McIntyre
Thinkmap Visual Thesaurus: type in a word to get a map of synonyms, antonyms, & definitions with your word in the center
Twists, Slugs and Roscoes: A Glossary of Hardboiled Slang
Union Pacific Railroad: history & maps
The Word Detective: word Q/A column
World Fact Book: the CIA's "snapshot" of the world, updated regularly
World History: jump into history
World Wide Words: words & phrases - what, where, how & misuse of; also grammar, style & punctuation.
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Resources:
About.com - Freelance Writing: all about freelance writing
AcademicInfo - Subject Guides: over 25,000 resources, every subject you can name
All Things Horror: really fun! - many links to horror art, fan sites, radio stations, games & more
Authorlink: publishing news, writers' resources, & marketing services
Book Lover Resources: links to publishers, reviewers, authors, book stores, & more
The Book Of Zines: loads of links of interest to e-zine owners and those who want to be one
Cassell Network of Writers: writer databank, market info, tips
Castles of Wales: history, building techniques, biographies, locations, background, & photographs
DarkTales: resource for horror & dark fantasy writers, artists, & fans; also publishes fiction (pay not mentioned)
Dave Wilton's Etymology Page: for anyone (like me) who is into word origins
Decades in 20th Century America: Alameda County Library historical links
Charlotte Dillon's Resources for Romance Writers: or all writers, lots of great historical research links
eBook Writing & Publishing Resources: your one-stop resource for eBook writing and publishing
Errant Dreams Writers' Resources: essays, reviews, stories, articles, poetry, gaming, etc.
Eyewitness to History: history through the eyes of those who lived it, presented by Ibis
Fiction Writer's Resource: plenty of useful info
FindLaw: online legal resource library
Freelance Writing Organization-Int'l.: free online database; just about all you need
The Fright Sight what is their goal? — to scare the pants off you!
Garbl's Writing Resources Online: grammar, style, and wordplay
HorrorNet: horror search engine & directory
HowToDoThings.com: unbiased, authoritative information on a wide range of topics
How to Get a Book Published: in 10 not-so-easy steps
The Information Research FAQ: guide to doing Internet research
The Institute of Historical Research: resources for historians; articles, free event advertising, MA/PhD study, training courses, an open-access library, and more
Internet Speculative Fiction Database
Just About Write: a resource for lesbian writers & readers; articles, newsletter, promotion
The Locus Index of SF & F catalog of authors, genre stories, magazines, collections, & anthos, 1984 to 2007
Mad SCI Network: science question answers, Wash. U. Medical School
Mammal Names: terms for animal groups & infants
Mystery Writers' Resources: loads of links; forensics, law, guns, poisons, police & org. crime ... whatever
New Advent: Catholic doctrine, practices (fx: exorcisms/churchyard blessing), & history
Northwest Science Fiction Resources
Page ONE Literary: resource for writers
Poe War: Writing Career Center; articles, jobs, search
The Publishing Law Center: a good collection from the law offices of Lloyd L. Rich
Reinventing the Wheel: Quick Resources for Fantasy Writers, by Brenton Tomlinson
ResearchBuzz: for newsletter on latest research news send
Science Fiction Studies from DePauw University
SFF-NET
SF Site: a great all-round SF info site
SFWA's Author's Information Center: help to perfect your craft & protect your interests
ShawGuides: Writers' Conference Directory: free listings
Silence Speaks International Artist Association: to unite artists and writers across the borders to share resources, support, and promotion
SpecFic World: markets, tips, resources, publisher
The Ultimate Writer's Guide: extensive general writing resource, good articles on a variety of categorized subjects
Univ. of Illinois Writers Workshop: grammar handbook, tips, critique info, help for writing teachers
Univ. of Michigan Fantasy & Science Fiction Website: assisting scholars of all types all over the world
U.S. Newspaper List links to U.S. newspapers
Victorian Web Sites: 300 links to Victorian topics
Winning Writers: finds & creates quality resources for poets & writers; WD Best 101
WOW! Women On Writing: all genre writing resource for women - guys OK too!
The Write Path: journal-writing workshops by Susan Reuling Furness
The Writer's Center: workshops, links, articles
Writer's Toolbox: Internet writer's resources
The Write Site: e-mail group; exercises, tips, chat, links (under reconstruction)
The Writing Corner: good collection of resources
Writing-World.com: huge site for all writing, articles, links, tips, markets ... whatever
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Reviews:
IROSF: Internet Review of SF, last issue Feb10; archives back to 2004 still online
SF Reader: science fiction books, fantasy books, horror books, book reviews
SF Reviews: the best, the worse, alphabetical; paperbacks preferred
SF Reviews-net: hundreds of books
SF Site: book reviews, related resources links, news
Tangent Online: online SpecFic short story reviews
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Services:
Applied Language Solutions: translation agency: online, free & professional; free custom translation bar
Authorlink: award-winning publishing industry news, information, & marketing service
BabelFish Translation Engine: drop in English; out comes Spanish, or whatever
Canada's postal rates: to the USA
Domains by Country: domain suffix list
Free Translation: web-based language translation service
Hoaxkill: helps you identify hoaxes and actively combat them
How Stuff Works: find out here
Lingo24 Translation Services: free online English-language paraphrasing tool
NJ Creatives Network: freelance creative talent; writers, artists, designers, photographers, film/video producers, more
Postage Chart for Writers: calculate SASE postal rate
U.S. Postal Service: order U.S. stamps online
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Software For Free:
Alexa: browser helper, web navigator (WIN/Mac)
Freeware Home: download share- & freeware programs
Freeware Web: download share- & freeware programs
MacUpdate: download share- & freeware programs for Apple/Mac
Nisus Writer: full-feature word processor (Mac only), Pro & Express versions, 15-day free trial
Script Maker: MSWord add-on to format screenplays (WIN/Mac)
Spacejock Software: free, excellent programs; sub tracker, novel writing, eBook reader, reminder etc.
TreePad: free-form database (WIN only)
Web Ferret: search tool, queries many search engines at once (WIN only)
Yeah Write: unique visual word processor (WIN only)
XWord Studio: a comprehensive crossword design & production tool (Mac Only)
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Songs & Songwriting:
Lyricist.com: features & songwriting links
Lyricstrax.com: rock, rap, country song lyrics, mp3 downloads, music news & trivia
The Muse's Muse: articles, links, chats, resources; to join their list
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Writing for (or by) Youths:
Aaron Shepherd's Kidwriter Page: articles on children's book market writing & publishing, young writers section
Children's Book Council: resource for writers & illustrators of children's literature
Children's Book Editors & Publishers: updated list of children's books editors & publishers
Colossal Directory of Children's Publishers: also articles & related links
Children's Writer: newsletter about the business side of children's publishing
General Children's Literature Resources: librarians, teachers, parents & students can view selected sites
Help Your Child Learn to Write Well: US Dept. of Education tips
Margaret Shauers' Children's Writers Marketplace
Pomegranate Words: free lessons in poetry and fiction, critiquing services, a teen writing magazine, & other resources for writers of all ages
The Purple Crayon: articles, children's literature/writing links & more
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: grade 7-12, public/non-public U.S., territories, sponsored schools, & Canada
Secrets of Writing Great Picture Books: Free e-book from the editors of Children's Book Insider, Windows version
Secrets of Writing Great Picture Books: Free e-book from the editors of Children's Book Insider, Mac version
Suite101, Writing for Children: by Sue Reichard; articles, resource links, writer's discussion forums
Verla Kay's Website for Children's Writers & Illustrators the wonderful world of children's books
The Word Pool, Writing for Children: resource, UK focus, FAQ, tips on writing picture books
Write4Kids.com: the children's writing supersite; articles, interactive tools & cool freebies
WriteGirl: pairs girls in grades 9-12 with practicing writers
Writing Corner, Teen Writers: everything a young (8-18) writer, teacher & parent needs
The National Writing for Children Center: writing tips & recorded interviews with children's book authors
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the user agrees to all conditions of the Terms of Use.
If you are unfamiliar with the TOU, go to my Market Notes page.
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