Top 29 Websites for Aspiring Writers

According to Benjamin Franklin, you should “either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” But for many of us, that is easier said than done. Thankfully, technology has helped us in this aspect. These days, you can find lots of blogs and websites that are tailor-made for helping writers.

In this article, we will tell you about the best websites for writers to use throughout their writing journey. So make sure to keep a pen and paper ready (or an old-timey typewriter, we won’t judge) to prepare yourself for your next writing masterpiece.

Top 20 Writing Guides That You Need to Check Out

Practice makes perfect, even in creative disciplines like writing. And the best way to improve your craft is to learn from the experts and join the writing community. To help you do all that, we have compiled a list of the top 20 websites that can help you improve your craft.

1. Kotobee Blog

No matter which stage you’re at in your writing, Kotobee Blog has you covered. You’ll find all sorts of tips and advice on various stages of the writing process, from drafting and editing to publishing and marketing. Alongside the blog, you can also find a 7–day ebook creation course and an ebook authoring software, all free of charge.

In addition to writing tips, you can stay updated on the latest writing events, such as conferences, literary festivals, and retreats, so you never miss any.

2. Beemgee

Beemgee is a story development and storytelling blog that can help all types of writers out there. You can also find a Beemgee story development tool that can help you work on your new fantasy novel. With this tool, you can write novels, screenplays, narrative video games, and drama scripts.

You will also find that there is a wide range of topics, from Chinese literature to James Bond-themed plots. You can use Beemgee before, after, or during your first draft, as reading their content will help you along the way.

3. Reedsy

Reedsy has a large collection of valuable resources for writers at every stage of the writing process. In addition to storytelling advice, this handy website offers insights into the publishing industry as well as weekly writing competitions with prizes.

If you’re ready to publish your book, you can also find a large market of professional book editors, designers, and marketers on the Reedsy Marketplace.

4. The Write Life

If you’re a first-time author or a freelance writer, then you will find that The Write Life offers a wealth of insights for you. The articles on this blog cover many aspects of book writing and landing freelance gigs. Moreover, the blog’s comment section offers a platform for the writing community to interact, share feedback, and engage in discussions on related topics, making it a great place to seek inspiration and connect with like-minded individuals.

5. Writer’s Digest

Who is the best person to give writing tips? Someone in the writing industry, of course. This is why you should definitely check out the Writer’s Digest. This blog will help you discover or rediscover your creative potential through plenty of insightful posts. These articles can help you overcome any complicated issues you come across as you write.

Moreover, The Writer’s Digest hosts competitions and provides in-depth information on different writing events they host. You can even find blog posts that are featured by editors and writers alike. If you are looking for a support group in the writing community, then you should give the Writer’s Digest a try.

6. NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, is a writing challenge in which authors aim to write a 50,000–word novel every November. On this website, you’ll find many helpful tools, including blog articles, printable worksheets, and advice on time management. All of these valuable resources can help you cross the 50,000–word finish line by the end of November.

7. The Write Practice

The Write Practice is an extensive writing resource that offers all forms of helpful information for writers. This writing blog covers writing posts on a wide range of topics, including writing exercises and writing prompts that can help inspire you. With the Write Practice bookmarked on your browser, you will never feel helpless when it comes to writing.

Furthermore, The Write Practice offers free tips through their blog posts, which will help you evolve your writing style and restructure your writing process. It also offers writing programs and contests.

8. Terribleminds

Chuck Wendig, the author of the TerribleMinds blog, has a unique taste that screams dark humor. Wendig is brutal in his writing and adds a touch of humor to his writing advice for aspiring writers.

Terribleminds offers a wide range of topics that are extracted from Wending’s personal work and the writing of other writers to help you out. Since Wendig is a published author, you will find that he has the best insight into any writing obstacle you might face.

9. Write to Done

There are many different aspects that writers need to be aware of in order to build a successful career path in writing. The Write to Done blog has that knowledge already prepared for you. This blog gives tips and advice on nonfiction writing, as well.

Write to Done will also help you master several writing techniques and habits that you need to fulfill your writing dreams. Make sure not to miss out on all the tips that this website has to offer, along with some motivational posts that will help you during tough writing times.

10. Fiction University

If you’ve ever been frustrated by cookie-cutter writing advice, then give Fiction University a try. Janice Hardy, award-winning author and creator of this website, offers a treasure trove of advice that’s meant to inspire you rather than instruct you. You’ll also find a lot of articles about other authors’ writing journeys and how they overcame the challenges on their path to getting published.

In addition to the blog, you can also find and purchase Hardy’s books on writing, such as Understanding Show, Don’t Tell (And Really Getting It), and Plotting Your Novel: Ideas and Structure.

11. Well-Storied

Kristen Kieffer is the author and genius behind Well-Storied. She is also a well-known author and writing coach who gives advice to all aspiring authors who need help. This writing blog offers great writing tips, as Kieffer has dedicated her time to helping writers unleash their true abilities.

When visiting this blog, you will be able to access her free courses, listen to her podcast, and join her community chats. You will also find that Well-Storied has a wide range of topics to help you improve your writing style. Thanks to her great tips and advice, you will find yourself turning to her blog every once in a while!

12. DIY MFA

DIY MFA, as the name suggests, offers a free alternative to getting a formal Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program. By making use of this website, you’re only missing out on earning a degree, not on the educational value.

DIY MFA introduces three key concepts on which all of the articles and podcast episodes are built: writing with focus, reading with purpose, and building your community. If you’re serious about writing and getting published, then keep this website in your bookmarks folder.

13. Kristen Lamb

Chosen as one of the “Best Websites for Writers” by both The Write Life and Writer’s Digest, Kristen Lamb’s website is the go-to for authors looking for consultations or on-demand classes. Lamb is a bestselling author who has written non-fiction books on writing for social media and blogs. She has also written a fiction novel titled The Devil’s Dance.

Besides the writing classes and videos, this website also offers guidance to writers through comprehensive blog articles about improving their craft. You will find that these posts are funny and easy to read, which is great for writers who need quick tips or reminders.

14. Writers Helping Writers

As a one-stop resource for writers, Writers Helping Writers has a little bit of everything. You’ll find helpful articles, a bookstore to purchase the founding authors’ books on writing, and even writing software. In addition, the authors behind the website, Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi, host webinars and workshops that you can attend. Once you browse through this website, you’ll likely come back for more.

15. Helping Writers Become Authors

Need quick guides for certain aspects of writing a story? Helping Writers Become Authors has you covered. With K. M. Weiland’s expertise in storytelling, you’ll find many tips and advice that will take your writing from good to great. You can also purchase any of Weiland’s books from the website, including her novels.

If you’re interested, Weiland discusses the story structure of many famous movies and novels on the website as well. These can help you connect storytelling concepts with real-world examples and learn from the experts.

16. Grammar Girl

Many of us make grammar mistakes in our writing without always noticing them. If you find yourself in this situation, then check out Grammar Girl. In this podcast, author Mignon Fogarty goes over common grammar mistakes as well as concepts writers should know about. She’s also written a few books on the subject, which you can find links to on the website.

17. Purdue OWL

When formatting your book for publishing, you need to make sure you adhere to your chosen style guide. With Purdue OWL, this task is much simpler to complete. On this website, you’ll have access to tutorials and guides on different style manuals, such as APA and the Chicago Manual of Style. What’s more, these guides are not limited to fiction writing. In fact, Purdue OWL targets all writers looking for advice on the technical aspects of writing.

18. Writers Write

Since its launch, Writers Write has been providing all kinds of helpful content for authors. From blog articles and book reviews to writing courses, this website offers a great number of resources for every struggling author.

As you browse the website, you’ll come across writing prompts, quotes, inspiration, and more. Besides the posts geared towards fiction, you’ll also receive expert tips on building an online author brand as well as business writing.

19. Story A Day

Similarly to NaNoWriMo, Story A Day encourages writers to participate in a month-long writing challenge that happens every May and September. However, this challenge in particular focuses on finishing one short story a day. For additional support throughout the challenge, you can join their online community or sign up to receive weekly prompts via newsletter.

Outside of May and September, Story A Day also offers many articles, courses, webinars, and workshops on writing.

20. Warrior Writers

Warrior Writers is a community that consists of military veterans, service members, and artists who dedicate themselves to their craft. Some of the programs they offer encourage you to turn your pain into captivating narratives. After all, writers put the ache in heartache, right?

If you feel burnt out or unmotivated, then you might like the inspirational stories found on this website. Reading them can definitely lift your spirits.

Top 9 Websites for Publishing Advice and Insights

Starting the process of publishing your book can be overwhelming, but it gets easier once you take the first step. To help authors like you, many people have created websites and blogs that offer priceless insights into the publishing industry.

Here is a list containing 9 of the best websites you can visit for publishing advice:

1. Writer Beware

Unfortunately, navigating the world of publishing can be difficult and confusing for new writers. In fact, many of them actually get scammed by fake or vanity publishers. Because of this, Writer Beware curates a list of known publishing scams that authors must avoid at all costs. What makes this website so valuable is that their lists cover scams from all around the world.

On browsing the website yourself, you’ll also find the latest news in book publishing as well as articles on other types of scams in publishing.

2. Poets & Writers

Aimed at serious writers, Poets & Writers is a large database that allows you to easily find writing contests, magazines, and publishing outlets. In addition, you can also browse a wide selection of writing groups and communities or search for master’s degrees or job opportunities related to writing.

3. The Creative Penn

If you are planning to turn your writing into a full-time job, then you should have a look at  Hosted by bestselling author Joanna Penn, this blog offers a wealth of practical and insightful advice, ranging from genre-specific guidance to publishing strategies.

The main aim of this blog is to educate writers on how to improve their writing. For this reason, Penn has several self-help books for the writing community that are available for purchase. You can also access her podcasts, courses, writing tools, and anything else you need to help your writing process move forward; and the best part is that it’s free of charge!

4. Jane Friedman

From online classes and newsletters to blog posts and resources for writers, this website has a lot of valuable content for you to enjoy. Behind it all is the published author Jane Friedman, who has written many books that guide authors through writing and getting published.

Friedman has been in the heart of the publishing industry for over 25 years, with expertise in coaching authors and publishers about digital media strategy. You can also explore more of her insights on these topics by subscribing to her newsletter, Electric Speed.

5. Publishers Marketplace

For the most up-to-date news and information in the publishing industry, look no further than Publishers Marketplace. This website packs all the essential information you need as a writer, editor, or publisher. This means that you can look at analyses and reports on industry trends and even track individual book sales or reviews.

6. Winning Writers

Winning Writers is a great website to visit if you’re looking for writing contests to join. Besides their free contest database, they also host their own competitions. One of them is the North Street Book Prize, which is awarded to self-published authors and offers $10,000 along with professional book marketing services.

Contests aside, Winning Writers have a dedicated team if you want a professional critique of your book. Moreover, the website has a resources section you can check out, such as a list of book recommendations.

7. SelfPublishing

In addition to tips on self-publishing, this website also offers writing advice Whether you are a writer who wants to publish your book or a novice who needs help with their first draft, SelfPublishing is the right blog for you.

This blog will give you advice on many important parts of writing, like creating characters. Additionally, the blog offers guidebooks and writing tools that will help you on your path to self-publishing.

8. The Book Designer

The Book Designer will help you with writing creative disclaimers and using social media in an efficient and effective manner. As mentioned in their tagline, this website offers practical tips on how to craft beautifully designed books and choose the right platforms for your book.

9. Chill Subs

Looking for the perfect publisher to sign with? Check Chill Subs for a list of the best and most reputable ones. Using this website, you can also format your manuscripts, track your submissions, and track your acceptance rates. Regardless of your experience as an author, this website cuts down the amount of effort required to track your publishing activities.

Final Thoughts

Writing doesn’t have to be a lonely journey; there is an entire community that can help you out whenever you need it. These blogs and websites will develop your skills and show you how to work on your writing style. When you visit these platforms, you will also find exercises, prompts, and many more tools to help you out!

Do you know of any other websites that you found valuable for writing? Share your recommendations with us in the comments.

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