5 Resources For Writers Serious About Their Craft
Putting words onto paper and forming ideas into a coherent whole is difficult, especially when your friends and family don't understand what you do well enough to give constructive advice. These resources help writers get in touch with those who can provide worthwhile feedback and help them not only improve their writing, but get their careers on the right track as well. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
5 Career Advancement Options For Writers
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Folio Jr. | Division of Folio Literary Management devoted exclusively to the representation of authors and illustrators of books for children |
| North Words Writers Symposium | Annual conference in Skagway, AK, with workshops, panel discussions, and activities for writers to come together and consider their craft |
| Publishizer | Publishing platform that utilizes crowdfunding to help aspiring authors demonstrate the marketplace for their ideas before they are acquired by editors |
| Susan Pohlman | Founder and director of The Phoenix Writers Network, offers coaching and editing services to help authors complete and perfect their manuscripts |
| Finish Line Script Competition | Competition for screenwriters offering prizes, industry veteran mentors, and comprehensive feedback |
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In Depth
Though drafting a manuscript can sometimes seem an insurmountable task, writing does not have to be a lonely endeavor. Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter or a budding novelist, there's nothing more valuable than guidance and encouragement from others in the industry. In no particular order, here are several sources of support for authors who sincerely wish to better their writing.
First up, at #1, is Folio Jr., an agency division devoted exclusively to the representation of children's book authors and artists. From editorial guidance to deal negotiation and the exploitation of subrights in all formats, Folio Jr. offers a wide variety of services to its clients. The agents are dedicated to pairing clients' work with the right publisher and securing the best deals.
Additionally, Folio Jr. works with several film co-agents to bring the work of its clients to the big and small screens, as well as the stage. With dozens of projects optioned and several in production, Folio Jr. strives to secure lucrative and creator-friendly terms, partnering with the producers, screenwriters, directors, and on-screen talent that best match the author's vision.
Additionally, Folio Jr. works with several film co-agents to bring the work of its clients to the big and small screens, as well as the stage.
The #2 entry is the North Words Writers Symposium. Capped at just forty attendees, this intimate conference is a chance for writers to come together in the setting of Skagway, Alaska, for three days of discussion, readings, writing, and glacier hikes. Each year boasts a different theme, as well as multiple faculty members and a prolific keynote speaker.
The schedule for this annual conference is filled with workshops, book signings, panel discussions, and trips into Skagway's natural landscape. Writers have the opportunity to enjoy individualized consultations with faculty to receive feedback on their original work. At the North Words Writers Symposium, upcoming authors will enjoy being in a community of passionate and like-minded individuals.
Next up, at #3, is Publishizer. On this site, authors write and submit proposals, readers pre-order copies, and publishers express interest in contacting authors. By utilizing crowdfunding campaigns, Publishizer generates pre-orders and creates significant earnings for the writer even before an editor has acquired the title. After the crowdfunding run, writers receive a range of offers, select the best publisher, and receive their funds.
On this site, authors write and submit proposals, readers pre-order copies, and publishers express interest in contacting authors.
Writers are responsible for promoting the campaign to their contact list, social media following, and network of peers to drive and sell copies. To date, the program has graduated more than 90 authors who crowdfunded a combined 19,000 book preorders, raising more than $400,000 in funds. Together, they received more than one hundred independent and traditional publishing offers.
At #4 we have Susan Pohlman, who offers her services as an editor and a writing coach for authors in need of guidance. She describes a writing coach as a personal trainer for an author, providing motivation, polishing, and feedback every step of the way, from the brainstorming process to the submission of the finished manuscript.
Pohlman is also the co-host of The Endless Mountains Retreat. Located in a small town nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania, this retreat provides scheduled time and dedicated space to write, as well as a supportive community of other authors who are there with the same purpose. Designed for writers at all levels of experience, it promises to supply you with a healthy dose of inspiration.
Located in a small town nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania, this retreat provides scheduled time and dedicated space to write, as well as a supportive community of other authors who are there with the same purpose.
Last, but not least, at #5 is The Finish Line Script Competition, a contest for aspiring screenwriters. It provides concrete, actionable advice that participants can use to better their writing skills and advance their careers in screenwriting. This competition boasts more than forty high-level, well-connected mentors offering constructive guidance to the winners' writing and career plans.
After paying an entry fee, participants have the option to receive the feedback of a seasoned consultant, who provides six or more pages of detailed, constructive development notes. Armed with that guidance, entrants can rewrite and resubmit their draft as many times as they would like. The Finish Line Script Competition embraces the rewrite as an essential component in any successful script.
