Writing Groups – Workshops – Internet Sites

My journey to becoming a published author involved learning about
the craft and the industry. The following sources helped me chart my way.

JANE FRIEDMAN: Jane Friedman has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in digital media strategy for authors and publishers. She has been interviewed and featured by NPR, PBS, CBS, The Washington Post, the National Press Club and many other outlets. She offers a wealth of current writing and publishing information on her site. Sign up for her free newsletter. Also check out her BLOG.

ERIC ELFMAN COACHING: I met Eric when he spoke at my writer’s club meeting. I was impressed with his straightforward approach and insightful information. Eric helped me tremendously as a coach and editor for the novel I am currently working on.  But remember the budget! Will you get the return from book sales to cover this type of service.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S WRITING GUILD:
The IWWG, founded in 1976, is a network for the personal and professional empowerment of women through writing. Its mission is to encourage women to tell their stories, provide support and instruction as they seek to improve their craft, open avenues for them to bring their writing into the world, and build their confidence.

WRITER’S RETREAT WORKSHOP:
A premiere annual 10-day workshop and retreat featuring the fabulous WRW Core Staff, visiting authors, agents, and industry professionals.  An intense week of story structure workshops, 1-1 meetings, lectures, writing exercises, and lifelong memories… all revolving around you, your novel, and your writing life.

EDITOR-ON-TAP:
Gone are the days when a rough manuscript makes it to a publishing editor. To attract a literary agent or publisher, a manuscript must shine and show the author’s best work. Lois Winsen offers plot, character and structure critique, line edit, and polishing services on a freelance, project basis. I found her easy to work with on my first and second books and her suggestions and editing most valuable.

HOW TO FIND AN AGENT
This link will take you to a good article on how to find an agent in the United States or the United Kingdom

NONFICTION BOOK PROPOSALS ANYBODY CAN WRITE: How to Get a Contract and Advance Before Writing Your Book:
I religiously used this book by Elizabeth Lyon — an eye opener as to what an author must know in order to successfully pitch her book.  This link goes to her web page where you can see all the helpful books she has written.

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BOOK MARKETING:
David Cole was a speaker at one of my California Writers Club meetings and his book is full of concise, practical information. I set about creating my own press release, a tip sheet, a back grounder, a cover letter, a biographical sheet, media questions and more. Later, when my publisher requested some of the same information, I was ready. Note that his book was published in 2004.

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