Updated May 2023
We’ve compiled a list of 20 Web sites that are invaluable for writers of fiction. But if you’re looking for MORE information about publishing, check out our FREE e-publication. Submit Write Now! is sent weekly via e-mail, and it’s full of advice for creative writers, as well as resources and links designed to help you succeed in getting your fiction published.
Academy of American Poets http://www.poets.org
This is a supportive site for contemporary American poets at any point in their writing careers. Come here for publishing FAQs, poetry events, writing, and information about other poets.
Authors Guild Online, The http://www.authorsguild.org
Catering to those authors who want to brush up on the legal side of writing, such as contracts and legal rights of work.
Blue Book of Grammar, The http://www.grammarbook.com
Invaluable source for anyone who wants to brush up on their grammar, punctuation, and capitalization rules with the quizzes provided.
Funds For Writers http://www.fundsforwriters.com
You don’t have to be a struggling writer all of the time. This site provides markets, contests, grants, etc. for writers to actually earn money from their craft.
Google http://www.google.com
Looking for the artist who sings the song that you’re writing about in your short story? This is quite possibly the best internet search engine to find the most relevant site that you’re looking to help you. In addition, their image search is an excellent source of inspiration if you are a visual person.
Grammar Bytes http://www.chompchomp.com
Excellent site with interactive tests on commas, fragments, pronoun agreement, and other grammatical information.
Grammar Girl podcast and transcripts http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/
Still confused about whether to use its or it’s? You’re or your? This site discusses these and many of the other mistakes people make in their writing.
Guide, The http://writingguide.geneseo.edu/
Sponsored by SUNY-Geneseo, this is a wonderful site for beginning writers for essay-writing information, form, and grammar & usage.
Guide for Postal Addresses http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/postal.html
Need help in how to address your submission to Canada or to the UK? Check out this comprehensive site for any international submission you may make.
Merriam-Webster http://www.m-w.com
Want to find the most accurate use or definition of a word? M-W will tell you the word’s etymology, its function, as well as what it means. M-W also updates with a word of the day.
Writers in the Storm https://writersinthestormblog.com/
These seasoned writers work in many genres and offer unique insights into self doubt, rejection, deadlines and balancing writing with everyday life.
Social Security Baby Names http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames
Looking for a popular name for your historical novel that takes place in the beginning of the 20th century? This site will tell you the top 1,000 names from years 1880 – 2006.
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators http://www.scbwi.org
Priceless for anyone interested in promoting children’s literature. An organization that works to connect writers, librarians, agents, and publishers together for a common goal. Plenty of industry information also on this site.
Today’s Woman http://www.todays-woman.net
This is an excellent site for the women’s writing community and for promoting women’s creative efforts.
Urban Legends http://www.snopes.com
Are you wanting to write a story based on an urban legend, or you’re not sure of the legend’s history? Check out this fantastic site listing urban legends, ranging from the silly, to the supernatural, to the serious, to the political.
U.S. Copyright Office http://www.copyright.gov
Official site to find the answers to everything dealing with copyrights.
Writer’s Digest Prompts http://www.writersdigest.com/prompts
Looking for something to write? Test your hand with one of the daily prompts that Writer’s Digest provides here.
WritersWeekly http://www.writersweekly.com
An excellent resource for writing freelancers–jobs, markets, books, and courses, etc.
Thank you for all of the resourceful email addresses and information given on your site. I am a new writer looking for the right place to start at. And without your site i wouldnt of found the tools that i need to help me out along the way. Again i say thank you very much.