Finding Writers Resources

If you are a beginner, you may not have any idea where to start looking for resources so lets have a look at 6 of the best places, starting with our old friend, the library.

1. Go To The Library

Before you spend a lot of money on books, check them out at the library first.

A book might look good on a webpage or have a great write up in the newspaper, but you don’t want to invest in it until you have read a chapter or two. Maybe the book isn’t as helpful as you had hoped. Or maybe your writing career is in a completely different avenue than what the book takes.

Visiting the library will help you decide which books are excellent and needed for your bookshelf versus the ones you can pass on. And best of all, the books are free (if you can return them on time!)

2. Browse the Bookstore

Only do this after you have a list of excellent books written on your 'to-buy' list.

Writers have a tendency to overspend in the bookstore, so browsing can be very expensive. Pull out the books you want to scan, and find a quiet corner to read them again.

Are they still informative and potentially useful for your writing career?

A book is a writing resource that can be used repeatedly, so if you find a great book, it will be a good investment in your future.

3. Subscribe to Newsletters

Certain newsletters will be free, from websites or individuals and will offer tips, book reviews or hot up-to-the-minute information, whereas others might be industry focused and have an annual subscription.

Newsletters are a very handy tool you can save and refer back to when needed, whether it is topic specific or writing in general.

4. Visit Websites

Surf the web and find every website you can related to your genre.

Are you a non-fiction expert? Do you write autobiographies? Will you only consider ghostwriting?

No matter what route you decide to go, there is a writing resource for you. From grant writers to children’s writers to romance writers, there is a niche website to browse and get information and helpful advice from.

5. Join Webgroups

One of the best writers resources is the internet.

There are a wealth of user groups and webrings that you can join who have members with similar writing interests or career paths as yours.

For instance, if you are a children’s writer, there are several webrings just for children’s writers. The members chat about other writer’s resources they use, point out helpful websites and discuss business in general related to their niche.

Webgroups are free and you can join as many as you want. You aren’t locked in to a paid subscription or genre. So if you don't feel you're getting what you want from one, simply change and use another.

6. Investigate Local, Regional and National Organizations

Joining a regional or national organization may be one of the best writers resources, but it may also be the most expensive.

The group you choose may have a monthly or a yearly membership fee and this fee may include a newsletter or a magazine, or the ability to get discounts on products or conferences.

Make sure you read the website information carefully to see what they offer versus what you have to pay and decide upfront if it's worth the cost?

Writers resources aren’t limited to one form or even two. Today, there are so many resources to choose from, you may have to limit yourself by your budget.

My advice would be to join and investigate all of the free writers resources first, to make sure writing is what you want to do. If so, then you can look to invest money in one of the paid types.