Recommended Resources

Updated May 2017

I’ve probably read, reviewed, or at least seen every single advice book, website, and service for writers. I could recommend dozens of resources, but I’ll just focus on the most helpful for new writers.

The Best of My Advice

Also, I’ve created a list of my favorite books on writing and publishing.

High-Level Editing and Coaching

  • Writer and editor Andi Cumbo offers a wide range of budget-friendly services for all types of writers. I recommend her manuscript review, where you can get big-picture feedback before investing in a comprehensive editing job.
  • Editor Paul Witcover is a traditionally published author of speculative fiction who can offer editorial help across a range of fiction genres.
  • Mehta Book Editing can help with both children’s and adult work, including young adult, middle grade, commercial women’s fiction, literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, and more.
  • Lexi Services (Melanie Bishop) offers editing and manuscript consulting, and can also help with doctoring novels, short stories, YA fiction, and screenplays.
  • Ginger Moran offers novel coaching, memoir coaching, and more.
  • Author Accelerator is a formal coaching and editing program for writers who want guidance while working on their manuscript.
  • NY Book Editors is a premiere affiliation of editors with extensive experience from New York’s major publishing houses.
  • The Book Doctors offer top-shelf editing services, as well as consulting and publishing assistance.
  • The Editorial Freelancers Association is a national, nonprofit professional organization of writers and editors, with 2,500 members nationwide. You can post your job to their JobList for free.

Copyediting and Proofreading

Book Design and Self-Publishing Help

  • Book Design Templates from Joel Friedlander is the most economical resource for producing an interior design for print (POD) book; his templates can also produce EPUB files.
  • Sophia Wiedeman provides book design and illustration assistance to all types of authors. She publishes her own illustrated books and previously worked for a major New York house.
  • BookConnectors provides design, production, and marketing assistance to authors who self-publish.
  • Paul Witcover offers copywriting services if you want help with your book description and marketing copy.
  • For strategic social media marketing help, check out Andrea Dunlop, an author and former publicist.
  • If you need help with print and ebook formatting/conversion, check out Brady Typesetting or eBookPartnership.

Research, Permissions and Legal Issues

Author Websites

A Few More of My Favorite Folks

  • Want to start a freelance writing career? Take a class with a stellar coach who helps you get results: Christina Katz
  • Hope Clark’s Funds for Writers newsletter lists semi-pro or higher paying markets and contests as well as grants, crowdfunding, contests, publishers, agents and employers.
  • Writing a script? Jeanne Bowerman
  • Want to share your work with other writers and get feedback? Try one of these communities: Wattpad, Scribophile, or Figment

General Industry Resources

Can’t find what you need? Search The Writer’s Knowledge Base for an answer; it’s curated by someone in the business you can trust.

News & Trends

Writers tend to get frustrated and bitter in their attempts to publish—usually because they don’t understand how the publishing industry works, or they have expectations that will never be met. Try these resources to better navigate your way to success and learn about the changes facing the industry: