TOOLS FOR WRITERS
Every day, people call The Writers Place wanting to learn more about writing and publishing, asking questions like this: How do I get an agent? Can you help me find someone to edit my book? How do I get published?
We’ve assembled some responses to the questions we receive most frequently. If you have information you think we should add, or if you spot an error or change, please email suggestions to info (at) writersplace.org
Contents
If I write literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry?
If I write Science & Speculative Fiction
2. How do I learn more about self-publishing?
3. What are some Kansas City-area literary magazines & presses?
4. What are some other local literary organizations & resources for writers?
5. What are some good national or online resources for writers?
6. I’m a freelancer. How do I write a sample letter of agreement?
7. How can I read at The Writers Place?
1. How do I get published?
Alas, we have no easy answer to this question. The Writers Place is not a publisher, and beyond trying to help you reach publishable standards of quality, we cannot help you get published. However, we can suggest a few resources for those of you interested in learning more.
If I write literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry?
A good place to start learning is Top Ten Topics for Writers, a section of Poets & Writers Magazines’s website. It’s a comprehensive guide to subjects like publishing in literary journals and magazines, literary agents, the value of MFA programs, and more.
If I write for children?
Our area has several outstanding organizations that focus on writing for children.
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – Kansas (KS SCBWI)
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – Missouri (MO SCBWI)
These local chapters of a national group provide many resources to their members, including an annual conference and critique groups. Their goal is to prepare members for publication.
Midwest Children’s Book Authors Guild
This organization also helps members network, hone their writing craft, and – if needed – develop the skills needed to navigate publishing as a career in children’s literature.
If I write Romance?
The Kansas City area has three chapters of Romance Writers of America
If I write mystery or crime?
Border Crimes is a local chapter of Sisters in Crime that meets monthly at Mysteryscape, 7309 W 80th St, Overland Park KS 66204
If I write Science & Speculative Fiction
The Kansas City Science Fiction & Fantasy Society is a club for fans of fantasy, horror, and especially Science Fiction. They sponsor an annual conference called ConQuest.
KU’s Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction offers courses and an annual contest.
2. How do I learn more about self-publishing?
Visit Poets & Writers page about Vanity Publishers
Predators & Editors can help you identify scams
PW Select is a bimonthly guide to what’s new in self-publishing, from Publishers Weekly
3. What are some Kansas City-area literary magazines & presses?
Literary magazines, sometimes called small presses, publish fiction, poetry, book reviews, criticism, and essays. Some focus solely on one genre, while others offer a mix. Some include reviews, criticism and essays. Many talented new writers first publish in small presses, helping bring their work to the attention of reviewers and readers. Small presses may also publish experimental writing, work deemed too risky by other publishers. Minorities and marginalized voices ignored by mainstream publishing often have found find homes in noncommercial presses.
Magazines & Anthologies
Bluest Aye
Coal City Review
Cottonwood
Flint Hills Review
I-70 Review
Imagination and Place
KanMoWriKo (local NaNoWriMo region)
Kiosk
Little Balkans Review
Mind’s Eye
Number One
Pleiades
Rockhurst Review
Scop
Thorny Locust
Publishers
Cottonwood Magazine and Press
Little Balkans Press
Mammoth Press
4. What are some other local literary organizations & resources for writers?
Denise Low’s blog (former KS state poet laureate)
Midwest Poets Series (Rockhurst University Center for Arts & Letters)
Prospero’s Books
Prospero’s Uptown Books
Reading Reptile
UMKC MFA in English & Creative Writing
University of Kansas Graduate Program in Creative Writing
Writers at Work (Kansas City Public Library)
5. What are some good national or online resources for writers?
Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)
Organization supporting university creative writing programs, writing conferences, and literary centers like ours. Produces a magazine, The Writer's Chronicle, and holds a popular annual conference and bookfair.
Council of Literary Magazines and Small Presses (CLMP)
Organization supporting independent literary publishers—little magazines and small presses.
National Book Awards' Literary Organizations Links
The presenter of the National Book Awards has done a better job than we have of creating a page of links to national literary organizations for writers of all types.
Organization devoting to fighting censorship and promoting free expression.
Organization that awards a national prize for the best work of literary fiction.
Poets.org (The Academy of American Poets)
6. I’m a freelancer. How do I write a sample letter of agreement?
This sample, from our old Directory of Freelance Writers (which we hope to resurrect someday), is the most-visited part of our website. Thousands of people read it each month—from all over the United States, and even from far-away places like Russia and the Philippines. You are welcome to adapt it as the basis of your own agreements. We hope it helps you get a good deal.
7. How can I read at The Writers Place?
To request a reading, click here to download our Readings & Events Submisson Form.
