I'm embarrassed it took me this long...
A better way to buy books plus TONS of writing links and resources
*For writing links and resources, scroll down.*
A better way to buy books
During the pandemic I, like most everyone else, started buying more things on Amazon. Hey, we couldn’t go into stores. We were sad and scared and thought a fancy blowdryer or some collagen coffee creamer would make things better.
But here’s one thing we definitely shouldn’t be buying on Amazon: books. We should be buying those from independent books stores, and there’s an easy way to do this online through IndieBound.
Search for the book you want on IndieBound to purchase it from a local, independent bookstore. You can still have it shipped to you (or pick it up instead, if the store is close by), and it usually costs the same — sometimes less — as ordering from Amazon. Get used-book options, too, if that’s your jam. And if you’re not sure what you want to buy, browse the bookseller recommendations, like the Indie Next List.
I’m embarrassed it’s taken me this long to a) get serious about promoting and supporting independent bookstores and b) become an IndieBound affiliate. From now on, whenever I link to a book (like the book I’m currently reading), it will take you to the IndieBound page for that book. And if you decide to order the book through my link, not only will you be supporting an independent bookstore, but you’ll also be sending a small percentage of money to me, to help support this newsletter. Thanks in advance!
From the IndieBound website:
Locally owned, independent businesses pump money back into their communities by way of taxes, payrolls, and purchases. That means more money for sound schools, green parks, strong fire departments, and smooth roads, all in your neighborhood.
IndieBound allows indie booksellers to communicate this vital role they play in their local economies and communities. It allows authors to show their dedication to indies nationwide... And it allows consumers to feel that their actions are a part of a larger picture — to know that their choices make a difference and that others are working toward the same goals.
Writing & Publishing Resource List
Today I updated all the links on my Writing & Publishing Resources page to IndieBound links. Check out my very favorite books and websites on writing, creativity, and publishing.
It’s Manuscript Wishlist Day!
Today on Twitter it’s #MSWL Day. This means agents and editors will be tweeting about what sorts of manuscripts they’d love to see in their query inbox, using the hashtag #MSWL. If you’re a currently querying writer but too busy to scroll Twitter today, no worries. You can always search for the hashtag afterwards. And keep in mind: if agents are taking the time to tweet their wishlists, that means they’re actively seeking new clients.
By the way, the Manuscript Wishlist website has gotten an exciting upgrade. It looks fancier, and it has lots of new features to help querying writers research efficiently and find agents. And if you’re interested in how, in the last decade, Manuscript Wishlist went from a random off-the-cuff tweet to one of the very best tools for querying writers, listen to the latest Manuscript Academy podcast on this very topic.
Writing News & Resources
For All Writers:
Are you looking for beta readers who are writing in a similar genre and time zone? Bianca Marais (host of the great podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing) is offering The Great Beta Reader Match-Up. Your manuscript doesn’t have to be complete to sign up, but you do need to sign up by February 28!
Are you interested in writing Native American characters? Check out the digital course Fiction Writing: American Indians, from Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer, a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and author of fifteen historical fiction books with Native main characters. Enter the coupon code EVALANGSTON at checkout for a discount!
Apply for the 2023 Kurt Brown WC&C Scholarships. Three winners will receive $500 to help them attend the WC&C event of their choice. Winners plus six finalists will also receive a free one-year AWP membership. Applications are open through March 31,2023.
I’m still afraid to get on TikTok, but writer and YAHub director Ruha has a helpful step-by-step thred about book-tok on Twitter, and today on Jane Friedman’s blog: Authors Who Have Launched Their Careers on TikTok.
The NYC Midnight Screenwriting Challenge kicks off March 24. Register by March 23, or by February 23 if you want the early bird discount.
Check out all the free events for writers sponsored by The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD. From online craft chats with poets, novelists, and memoirists to in-person book signings and open mic nights.
Thinking about submitting to some literary journals this year? Check out New Pages (or subscribe to their newsletter) for all the latest lit mag news.
Hoping to create a regular writing habit or maybe start a novel? Learn about my do-it-on-your-own-time courses for paid subscribers: Cultivating a Regular Writing Routine and Getting Started on Your Novel.
Want to write better dialogue? Check out my online Dialogue Masterclass Sessions. Session 1 is available for all; Sessions 2 and 3 are for paid subscribers.
I loved Rebecca Makkai’s recent newsletter on literary etiquette. What to say (and not say) to writers when you haven't read their book and/or can't afford to buy it.
I also loved Courtney Maum’s recent newsletter on blurb-writing etiquette. I find the whole blurb economy fascinating.
For KidLit Writers:
From Bitsy Kemper’s blog: over 75 publishers accepting unsolicited picture book manuscripts — updated February 2023!
Upcoming Kidlit Workshops (online and in-person) from The Highlights Foundation. Everything from Picture Books to YA!
Check out this incredible list of upcoming events for KidLit writers!
SCBWI (The Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) will have a virtual conference on February 25.
The annual PBParty contest is for unagented writers and author/illustrators with finished and polished picture book manuscripts. Selected entries will be read by agents/editors in the showcase at the end of March. Submit one contest entry on Wednesday, March 1st from midnight to 8pm EST. Good luck!
Check out this video from Mary Kole on how to write a query letter for a picture book.
For Querying Writers:
Aimee Davis is accepting submissions for guest posts on her blog from currently querying authors who want a space to talk about the struggles of querying BEFORE the success. How cool is that?
Register now for a free webinar on February 23 with former literary agent (and writing/publishing guru) Mary Kole on Writing an Irresistible Query.
This virtual Agent Symposium from The Writers League of Texas looks incredible. A year-long program to bring writers into a virtual space where they can connect with and learn from ten literary agents at the top of their game. No need to live in Texas, and the last day to apply is February 24.
Manuscript Wishlist, probably the best way to search for agents online, has totally revamped their website. Read about the exciting changes here.
The annual PBParty contest is for unagented writers and author/illustrators with finished and polished picture book manuscripts. Selected entries will be read by agents/editors in the showcase at the end of March. Submit one contest entry on Wednesday, March 1st from midnight to 8pm EST. Good luck!
The Revise & Resubmit (#RevPit) annual contest begins March 16. Win feedback and edits on your full manuscript from professional editors.
Every Friday, Operation Awesome offers one free query critique through their #QueryFriday contest.
Here’s an insanely comprehensive spreadsheet of successful queries. Learn the details and read the actual query letters for books that got agent representation.
Check out this video from Mary Kole on how to write a query letter for a picture book.
I don’t know what’s going on with Twitter these days, but I assume Twitter pitch contests will continue to happen unless I hear otherwise. If you’re still on Twitter, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. (After all, I found my agent through a Twitter pitch party. I am now an official success story.) So mark your calendar for these upcoming Twitter pitch parties. And be sure to read my article 13 Things to Know About Twitter Pitch Events.
April 6: #MoodPitch — Twitter pitch for all un-agented authors of all genres and age categories, with a mood board image added. (The pitch event in which I found my agent!)
Writing Conferences
Writers Digest is offering a virtual conference for mystery/thriller writers March 25-26.
The Writing Day Workshop “How to Get Published” Conferences will held both online and in person this year. I attended one of these conferences in person a few years ago, and I thought it was fantastic. I can’t vouch for the virtual version, but there are some benefits: recorded classes, no travel expenses, attend in your comfy pants. Plus, you can sign up for pitch sessions with agents for $29 a piece. Check out the upcoming conferences:
Chesapeake Writing Workshop March 3-4 (online only)
Alabama Writing Workshop: March 10, 2023 (in-person in Birmingham)
Atlanta Writing Workshop: March 11, 2023 (in-person)
Writers Conference of St. Louis: March 11, 2023 (in-person)
Cincinnati Writing Workshop: March 11, 2023 (in-person)
Minnesota Writing Workshop: March 25, 2023 (in-person in St. Paul)
AWP Conference (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) will be held in March 8-11, 2023 in Seattle.
Go to AWP for Free! Have your registration cost waived when you agree to work a four-hour shift at the conference. Applications are now open for work-exchange.
SCBWI (The Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) will hold a virtual conference on February 25.
New York Write to Pitch Conference 2023 will be held in NYC March 16-19.
The 34th Annual California Creative Writers Conference will be held March 3-5, 2023 in Culver City. Presentations, workshops, panels, and one-on-one pitch meetings. Discounts available.
The Washington Writers Conference will be held in Bethesda, MD May 12-13.
Early Bird tickets ($369) include three agent-pitch sessions and are available through Mar. 31, 2023.
For all those in the DC-MD-VA area, mark your calendars for the FREE Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 20. I’ll be there, and I might even be teaching a short workshop (TBD).
For more writing conferences, check out this list or this list of 19 Writing Conferences for Emerging and Established Writers.