This is the comprehensive list of all of Helpful Organizations & Sites that have been submitted to this forum.
Reference ResourcesBartleby's Reference SectionThis is a basic reference library, all freely available, some of them a little dated, but there are dictionaries, quotation collections, literary encyclopedias, histories, and a good collection of poetry and literature.
Behind the NameWant to know the etymology or history of your characters first name? You can search this database by meaning, popularity, namsakes, name days, related names, gender and even nationality. It's a great place to start if you can't come up with a name too!
Dictionary.comDictionary.com is a multi-source dictionary search service, giving definitions from 16 different dictionaries.
Thesaurus.comA useful tool when you need to find a suitable synonym or antonym.
Urban DictionaryNeed to know a slang word? Check out this interactive Slang Dictionary.
Writing ResourcesU.S. Copyright OfficeEverything you ever wanted to know about Copyright Law in the U.S.
Forward MotionForward Motion was started by SF and Fantasy author Holly Lisle in 1998, and has been owned and managed by Lazette Gifford since 2003. The core purpose is "to help writers become professionally published." They prohibit fanfiction, and don't promote self-publishing. It's a really helpful community, and completely free.
Author ScoopWith exclusive columns and author interviews—along with constantly updated links to the latest literary news and reviews, videos related to the craft and business of writing, author quotes and poetry—AuthorScoop is a one-stop shop for both information and inspiration.
Writer BewareYou need to know about this site. It includes "warnings about literary fraud and other schemes, scams, and pitfalls that target writers."
Critters Writers WorkshopCritters is an on-line workshop/critique group for serious Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror writers. The ultimate goal of Critters is to help writers improve, not only by having their work dissected by other members, but also by learning to dissect their own work (by, of course, dissecting others).
Market Resources - Places to find potential markets
Duotrope's DigestDuotrope's Digest is a database of over 2325 current markets for Fiction and Poetry. It's constantly updated, typically several times a day.
RalanRalan is a fellow writer, who categorizes, lists, and describes markets, including submission criteria, payment, and response time. It's an amazing resource.
Freelance Writing JobsFreelance Writing Jobs began in May 2005, the brain child of a freelance writer who wanted to help other writers find decent paying jobs. Now, it's much more than it's frequently updated lists of writing gigs, it's a vibrant community for freelance writers.
Media BistroMediabistro is intended for anyone who creates or works with content, or working in a content/creative industry. That includes editors, writers, producers, graphic designers, book publishers, and others. Mediabistro is a creative community, providing opportunities to meet, share resources, find job opportunities and interesting projects and news, improve career skills, and showcase your work.
Literary Agent Blogs - When you really want to know how to find an agent go to the source.
Nathan BransfordBransford is a literary agent in the San Francisco office of Curtis Brown Ltd., a thriving New York based literary agency representing writers since 1914. He's always worth reading in terms of what agents need, want and are looking for, and for an educational discussion about publishing.
Janet Reid, Literary AgentJanet Reid is one of the best known, most respected agents out there. In addition to interesting discussions about what she, and other agents are looking for, she's provided a lot of information about how to write a query, how to talk to an agent, and what not to do.
Et in Arcaedia, Ego Jennifer Jackson has been an agent at the Donald Maass Literary Agency since 1993. She discusses publishing news, good and bad queries, and offers practical advice about writing and publishing.
Miss SnarkMiss Snark was a forthright literary agent who blogged anonymously for several years; while she is no longer adding new posts, the old content is very much worth reading. She's a fount of practical, honest, advice.
Publisher - Traditional Publishing
Irene Goodman Literary Agency Penguin Group (usa)Self Publishers - A list of sites that offer self-publishing options
BlurbXlibrisiUniverseLuluWriter's Organizations Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc.
SFWA is a non-profit organization of professional writers of science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. Founded in 1965 by Damon Knight, the organization now includes over 1500 speculative authors, artists, editors, and allied professionals. SFWA presents the prestigious Nebula Awards, assists members in legal disputes with publishers, and hosts the well-known Writer Beware web site.
Romance Writers of America"Romance Writers of America is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy. The association represents more than 10,000 members in 145 chapters offering local or special-interest networking and education."
Yearly ContestsNanowrimoNational Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.
ScriptfrenzyScript Frenzy is an international writing event in which participants take on the challenge of writing 100 pages of scripted material in the month of April.
