You want to submit.
That last stanza finally reads exactly as you hear it in your head. Your syntax clicks, your narrator’s voice gains clarity. You’re ready.
Now — where to start?
Even if you’re not considering submitting to us (which you we hope you will!), we have a list of writer’s resources to make the process a bit easier.
Services
We were inspired to put this list together by Literistic, a service launched in June that’s sweeping the online writing world. With both free and paid subscriptions, the site provides monthly listings of calls, deadlines, and fellowships curated to your preferences. It’s like having a literary secretary on the web — which leaves you with more time to write.
Writer’s Relief, a for-fee submission service, provides personalized resources connecting authors to publications, agents, and journals. If your work is accepted, the company also offers professional proofreading and copyediting, while supporting long-term strategy and targeted outreach.
For five dollars a month, Duotrope provides publication recommendations based on extensive research and algorithmic accuracy. The service prides itself on being ad-free and global. After ten years in this business, their awards and acclaim speaks for itself. A limited amount of information is accessible to users for free.
And, of course, there’s the beloved free, crowdsource version of these services: Creative Writers Opportunities List, moderated by Allison Joseph.
Information
Every Writer is a one-stop shop for publication databases, daily short stories and poems, and helpful articles about various facets of the literary world. A very writer-centric space, the site also connects writers with publishers and contests from across the web.
The Review Review is probably one of the most exciting spots for writers on the internet. It’s an amalgamation of contests, deadlines, reviews, and interviews. Bolstered by their blog of publishing tips, they are a collection of writers and educators with your best interest in mind.
While most writers’ resources focus on publication, New Pages has a wealth of school and conference resources as well. A comprehensive guide for writers at a variety of levels, they also feature both reviews of the hottest books and literary magazines.
The popular print magazine Poets and Writers also serves as an immensely beneficial online resource. In their “Tools for Writers” section, they give important industry knowledge and information for all kinds of writers. With resources for jobs, contests, agents, and more, the well respected magazine keeps itself current and valuable.
Let us know which of these works best for you — or if we’ve left off something that should be included (like anything on this Top 100 Best Websites for Writers list at The Write Life!). Tweet us at @TheOffingMag with feedback, and your favorites.