When you are ready to level up with your writing, it can be hard to decide when and where to focus. One good habit I’ve had that’s paid back in spades is curating a handful of newsletters and blogs that come to my inbox on the regular. Whether I’m keeping a finger in the industry business or an eye on craft, having a regular diet of professional bite-sized info coming to me each day keeps me current and educated year-round.
I sit back with my morning cuppa in hand and skim or read or click through the emails. Then, I save or delete and settle in to write for the day.
Newsletters and Blogs can be from industry professionals, favorite authors, or curated aggregates. Some are chock full of data and others speak to your muse. Discover what feeds your writing interests and hook yourself up with a steady stream of inspiration and education.
I guarantee that something will fly past your desk, catch your attention, and change your writing for the better. One idea at a time.
Newsletters
Shelf Awareness Pro: Industry news, reviews, job posts, etc. focused on US independent bookstores
Fiction University: Janice Hardy’s writer’s tips on craft, events, news, and more
BookReporter.com: Weekly industry update packed with info
Publisher’s Marketplace: So. Much. Try not to get overwhelmed in here.
Independent Publisher: For independent publishers, booksellers, and authors that covers the latest trends in the publishing industry
Publishing Trends: News, opinions, and stats in the changing world of book publishing
Publisher’s Weekly: Full of international industry info and BookLifeReport is dedicated to all things self-publishing
Career Authors: “write. sell. repeat.” Craft, marketing, publishing, genre specific, and news categories
The Hot Sheet is the paid subscription for Jane Friedman’s market analysis, industry news, author earnings, trending topics, but she has a couple of free newsletters too
FFS Media: Claire Taylor. She podcasts with Bryan Cohen and works holistically and her newsletter/blog (they are more and more the same thing) is authentic.
Baker’s Dozen: Lisa Poisso, editor and story coach, with a dozen hot tips plus one. But also, she keeps a FABulous list of publishing resources you must look at now.
The Book Shepherd, Judith Briles, has shepherded more than 1,000 authors and created 500 best-sellers and award-winning books. She knows publishing inside and out from both the traditional and independent sides. It’s daily, it’s a lot, but it might be your cup of tea.
Your favorite authors should have a newsletter you can sign up for (and will almost always respond if you reply to them with a personal comment or question!). What are they doing right? What are they doing wrong?
Blogs
Writer Unboxed, by a variety of contributors, including bestselling authors and industry professionals. Dedicated to publishing empowering, positive, and provocative ideas about the craft and business of fiction. WU is known for its robust comment section, where the conversation further evolves with the input of community members.
The Write Practice, founder Joe Bunting lives in Atlanta, Georgia
Practical, relevant, focused, intentional, this blog helps you get words down and practice your craft every day for the rest of your life.
NaNoWriMo, various contributors
Yes, National Novel Writing Month is supposedly held in November, but they have writing events all year long. A fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing, you won’t find a bigger, more enthusiastic community that insists…you can do it!
Writers Digest, various contributors
Writers helping writers improve their craft, achieve their goals and recognize their dreams—since 1920. This blog covers a lot of territory and it’s worth digging deeper to find something you are particularly curious about.
The Creative Penn, by Joanna Penn
Writing, self-publishing, book marketing, making a living with your writing. She helps get you from “writer” to “author entrepreneur”.
Reedsy
Ignore their advertising and take advantage of their knowledge. When you are ready to hire your first editor, you’ll find a good one at Reedsy.com.
Writer Beware, SFWA
Avoid scams! Lists of sham and bogus and otherwise heinous crimes against authors.