Writer’s Digest Best Genre/Niche Websites 2024
Here are the top genre and niche websites as identified in the 26th Annual 101 Best Websites from the May/June 2024 issue of Writer’s Digest.
A * means this is the website’s first appearance on the WD list. All listings within each category are alphabetically arranged.
Children’s, MG, YA
1. Go Teen Writers
Go Teen Writers aims to help teenage writers build confidence in their writing and find a supportive and encouraging community. With new content posted each week, they also offer free downloads to help with self-editing, brainstorming, creating characters, and more.
2. Highlights Foundation
Since 1985, this not-for-profit has been dedicated to “amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.” They offer paid-for in-person and online workshops and in-person retreats at their campus in Pennsylvania, with available scholarships for writers in need. The site also hosts a free podcast and blog, full of resources and information for writers of children’s literature.
3. KidLit411
KidLit411 hopes to bring you up-to-date industry news and information on writing and illustrating for children. Founded by picture book and middle-grade author Elaine Kiely Kearns, KidLit411 offers author and illustrator spotlights, craft resources, illustration guides, their Weekly 411 newsletter, and more.
4. The Open Books Blog by Lee & Low Books
Founded in 1991 by Lee & Low Books, run by Tom Low and Philip Lee, Open Book Blog is answering the call for more diversity in children’s publishing—both on the page and behind the pen. Their website offers book recommendations, up-to-date industry news, educator resources, leveled reading resources, and more.
5. Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators
This nonprofit provides access to resources, workshops, conferences, and networking opportunities for writers of children’s literature. There are in-person and virtual conferences and events dedicated to helping writers showcase their work and boost sales, as well as the free blog, newsletter, and podcast which discuss topics ranging from discussions with bestselling children’s authors to the power of onomatopoeia.
Paid memberships provide access to their online community, and range from $25-$99 a year.
6. We Need Diverse Books
This non-profit literary organization “advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people.” They provide resources for authors, educators, parents, booksellers, and librarians to fight against book bans and ensure books get into the hands of the children and young adults who need them.
Creative Nonfiction
7. Brevity Magazine
Brevity Magazine is a literary nonfiction magazine that publishes well-known and emerging writers of essays, craft articles, book reviews, and more. Drawing more than 13,000 unique visitors per month to the site, the Brevity Blog also has more than 50,000 followers where they discuss craft, making a living through writing, and more. Selected works receive payment, but contributions to the blog are unpaid.
8. Hippocampus Magazine
Since 2011, this organization has been dedicated to educating people about the craft of creative nonfiction writing through their magazine, contests, small press, and annual conference. Their focus ranges from memoir pieces to craft essays, interviews, reviews, and pieces on writing life. The magazine is published six times per year, and while they charge a $3 reading fee for all submissions, they are also a paying market for accepted pieces.
Freelance
9. All Freelance Writing
All Freelance Writing has been helping writers build freelancing careers for 17 years. Owner, writer, and author Jenn Mattern shares tips, resources, and more to help you build your freelancing portfolio. Also available is a newsletter with job leads, a podcast with guest insights, e-books, and more.
10. The Editorial Freelancers Association
Whether you’re a freelancer looking to connect with clients or a writer who is seeking to hire a vetted professional for your work, the EFA’s mission is to bring writers, editors, indexers, proofreaders, researchers, desktop publishers, translators, and other industry professionals together. Their free resources include a chart of common editorial rates, job board, and membership directory. Paid membership provides access to online courses, local chapters, and more.
11. The Writer’s Co-op
The Writers’ Co-op is an online community for freelancers everywhere. Through their podcast, their optional Patreon (the basic membership is $3/month, while the all-access membership is $9/month), templates, webinars, and more, The Writers’ Co-op addresses practical concerns like finding clients, diversifying income streams, tackling tax season, and more.
Historical
12. Historical Novel Society–North America
The Historical Novel Society hosts an in-person conference every other year featuring the biggest talents writing historical fiction today. Between times, read or submit to their blog which covers the gamut of topics useful to historical writers, including dialogue, minutiae of specific time periods, and more.
13. The History Quill
This one-stop site for historical fiction authors provides support for writers at every stage of their writing careers. Their free blog and podcast cover topics like writing inclusive historical fiction or the trouble with head-hopping narratives. Their $45/month membership provides access to their online events and classes, a second blog, specialist historical fiction editing services, beta reading, coaching programs, promotion services, and more.
Horror
14. The Horror Tree
The Horror Tree is a resource that lists up-to-date publishing opportunities for authors writing in the horror genre. Created in 2011, the website shares calls for submission for fiction, nonfiction, novellas, novels, and more, as well as detailing what kind of compensation authors can expect.
15. Horror Writers Association
Founded in the late 1980s, this nonprofit has grown to include over 1,400 writers and supporters of “dark literature” from all over the world. They publish a blog and other materials for booksellers and librarians, facilitate readings and signings by horror writers, and organize StokerCon, their annual convention. Membership ranges from $59–$135/year and gives access to their online classes (called Horror University), local chapters, promotional resources, and much more.
Journalism
16. American Society of Journalists and Authors
The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) strives to “to be the voice and career resource for independent, entrepreneurial professional nonfiction writers.” Founded in 1948, ASJA offers various services, including confidential market information, meetings with editors, clients, and more. For associate and professional memberships, applications are required. The application fee for an associate membership is $310, and for a professional membership (an associate member with national clips or who has published a book with a traditional publisher) it’s $235.
17. Indigenous Journalists Association*
Since 1983, this membership-based organization works to lift Indigenous voices in all forms of media, and work with colleagues across industries to ensure accurate and contextual reporting about Indigenous people and communities. Their resources include a job board, webinars on subjects like preventing fraud and scams targeting Native communities, and the Indigenous Voice Fund, which works to support careers and upskill leadership for Indigenous journalists. They also host in-person and online events.
18. National Association of Black Journalists*
Established in 1975, this organization has dedicated itself to developing and sharing “innovative training, career advancement opportunities, and advocacy initiatives for Black journalists and media professionals worldwide.” Membership offers discounted rates to the yearly convention, leadership, mentoring, and networking opportunities, free webinars and trainings, a job portal, and more. They also support student journalists, whose memberships come at a special rate and offer working and mentoring opportunities.
19. National Association of Hispanic Journalists*
With roots in a 1982 convention and officially incorporated in 1984, the NAHJ aims to provide support and foster opportunities for Hispanic journalists across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean by way of their professional and student chapters. Membership includes in-person and online training, workshops, and seminars, access to a career center, and discounted access to the annual convention.
20. Society of Professional Journalists
Aiming to help journalists of all stripes, the SPJ is “dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.” Become a member for access to on-demand training videos and webinars, to add your information to their directory of freelancers, and the benefit from discounts on insurance, hotel stays, AP Stylebooks, and more.
Mystery/Thriller
21. Crime Writers of Color
Established and emerging crime writers of color can join this organization which helps spread the word about the books, events, and areas of expertise (for speaking and instructional opportunities) of its members. Be sure to check out the podcast hosted by novelist Robert Justice.
22. Kill Zone
Kill Zone is a daily blog run by 11 suspense writers and publishing professionals covering all aspects of writing suspense—from industry news to craft, and more. In addition to their first-page critiques, Kill Zone hopes to foster community discussions regarding publishing and the craft of writing.
23. Mystery & Suspense Magazine
This web daily and quarterly magazine is focused on providing interviews, reviews, and features by and for writers of mystery, thriller, crime, horror, and suspense. Their site includes articles on everything from cozy Christmas mysteries to the science of mystery to balancing suspense and time in your work. The reviews section also provides insight for writers on market trends, popular topics, and noteworthy books in the genre.
24. Mystery Writers of America
Mystery Writers of America is the premier members-based organization for mystery writers, industry professionals, and aspiring mystery and crime writers, dedicated to promoting and recognizing authors writing in the genre. MWA hosts the Edgar Awards and offers scholarships, literacy programs, and more.
25. Sisters in Crime*
Founded in 1986 to represent and advocate for women crime writers, this organization has expanded to include webinars and online events, local chapters across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and awards and grants for writers and organizations. Their memberships offer scholarships, newsletters, the entirety of their webinar library (with classes like Recording Effective Videos for Social Media to Reading Like a Writer), and their mentoring project.
Poetry
26. Button Poetry
Founded in 2011, Button Poetry “is committed to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for performance poetry.” Check out their blog which showcases performance poetry or enter their contests to be considered for publication.
27. Rattle
For nearly 30 years, Rattle has been dedicated to publishing poetry from both established poets and up-and-coming poets. This nonprofit publishes in several forms: their quarterly print publication (subscription required), their daily blog which also features their previously printed poems, and audio readings, among others. Also included is a podcast, poet interviews, livestreams, and more.
28. The Haiku Foundation
Since 2006, this organization “seeks to archive our first century of English-language haiku, expand possibilities for our second, and seek active exchange with other haiku languages and cultures around the world.” The Haiku Foundation sets their sights on developing the haiku itself, creating projects that will help writers through their completion. Their site includes a blog, YouTube channel, digital library of poetry books and journals, educational resources, and more, all accessed for free.
Romance
29. Fated Mates Podcast
Now in its sixth season, this is the most-listened-to romance podcast out there. Co-hosted by bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop, topics for this show range from deep dives into published works, conversations with romance authors, and discussions of everything from trends to tropes and more. Through it all, “Fated Mates” focuses on how romance as its core is “a powerful tool for fighting the patriarchy.”
30. Girl! Have You Read …
Girl! Have You Read … aims to put #BlackLoveCenterStage by hosting a directory of Black romance authors, showcase their new books through cover reveals and reviews, and offer readers an easy place to search for their next read by category. The organizers state their focus “isn’t about excluding anyone, but about intentionality and deep love and appreciation for an under-represented category of literature and authors.”
31. Red Feather Romance*
A site for both romance readers and writers, this site works to highlight all romances books, regardless of subgenre. An email sign up delivers personalized recommendations straight to your inbox, and their home page has a list of weekly featured books. Their blog covers topics like where to find deals on romance novels to book club discussions. Authors can pay for an email newsletter placement to help drive sales and generate reviews.
32. The Smut Report*
Created by three “smut enthusiasts,” The Smut Report does more than just review romance books. They “think critically about what we and others have often thought of as simple escapism when it’s just good literature. … We want to contribute to normalizing the idea that women and other humans might want to read about sex AND relationships (and maybe also adventure / cowboys / vampires), and that is a completely legitimate cultural expression.” Traditional and indie authors can submit their writing for thorough, honest reviews.
Science Fiction/Fantasy
33. Liminal Fiction
Liminal Fiction is a comprehensive library of inclusive speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, and horror) with a mission to connect speculative fiction readers to books from authors they love. Also included is a weekly newsletter and a blog with topics geared toward each of these subgenres, as well as various free books offered by participating spec fic authors.
34. Reactor
Formerly known as Tor.com, this online magazine publishes short fiction, comics, and poetry from established and up-and-coming writers, as well as daily commentary on everything from reviews of popular shows and books to excerpts and analyses. For the latest news and updates, readers can sign up for their free newsletter.
35. Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association
For nearly 60 years, the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) has been in the business of supporting and promoting the work of science fiction and fantasy writers and educating readers about these genres. Established in 1965, this nonprofit offers various free resource, including Writer Beware, which shares up-to-date literary schemes and scams, as well as a newsletter, a blog, and more—though membership ($100 annually) includes many added resources.
Screenwriting
36. International Screenwriters’ Association
If you’re looking for writing opportunities in the screenwriting world, ISA is a great place to start. Get “gig” notifications sent directly to your inbox or explore their website where you’ll find programs and contests, classes, and services that will review your logline, script, or development notes about your concept.
37. No Film School
With over 1 million visitors a month, this site is the go-to for screenwriters and filmmakers. Their site covers topics related to screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and more, and their free newsletter helps you stay on top of what’s most current. Their podcast has over 700 episodes that focus on everything from interviews to industry ethics to designing a budget for your latest project.
38. Pipeline Artists
Pipeline Artists is a haven for fiction writers, screenwriters, and more, by focusing on education and elevating voices in film and publishing. Pipeline Artists offers craft articles across genres, as well as competition resources, monthly giveaways, and more.
39. ScreenCraft
Since 2012, ScreenCraft’s mission is to offer support to screenwriters by meeting them where they are along their writing journey. Resources include educational content, networking opportunities, competitions, development programs, and more.
Short Fiction
40. Flash Fiction Online
FFO is a digital-only magazine that publishes “brief, beautiful, and dynamic flash fiction—complete stories told in 500-1000 words—across a range of speculative and literary genres.” Check the site regularly for issue-specific themes and reading periods, or to purchase a copy of the current issue.
41. New Flash Fiction Review*
Founded in 2014 by flash fiction author Meg Pokrass, this online magazine has expanded to include interviews with notable writers, prose poetry, and creative nonfiction, as well as their original passion of flash fiction. Their blog includes a column called Dear Leo, where readers can submit questions to flash author Leonora Desar and get responses tailored to their unique situation, whether it’s about craft or business.
42. SmokeLong Quarterly*
Established in 2003, this quarterly online magazine publishes flash fiction of 1,000 words or fewer. They don’t charge for submissions, but they do offer paid feedback if writers are interested. Beyond their magazine, they offer mentorships, workshops, and webinars, including SmokeLong Fitness, the year-round community workshop. They also run several competitions, including some specifically for flash comedy and fiction.
43. The Centifictionist
Share your microriction with The Centifictionist, an online magazine dedicated to publishing stories of 100 words or fewer. Writers can submit up to three stories at once via Submittable on their website, and The Centifictionist publishes biannually (a spring/summer issue and a fall/winter issue) with 30 stories published per issue.
Spiritual
44. The Write Conversation
TheWriteConversation.blogspot.com
The Write Conversation is a Christian-based blog focused on creative writing from a Christian perspective. Run by author and editor Edie Melson, the site offers writing and publishing advice from countless guest bloggers and contributors, with more than 5 million visitors.
Travel
45. International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
The IFWTWA is on a mission to “be the organization of choice for food, wine, and travel writers.” IFWTWA offers programs and services to “enhance professional development and facilitate networking while creating a marketplace for destinations, brands, and media professionals to collaborate.” Membership is required and occurs at various levels, starting as low as $155 annually.
46. Pitch Travel Write
Run by full-time freelance writer Roy Stevenson, this site is the go-to site for freelance travel writers looking to level up the way they write and pitch their work. There’s also plenty of information on how to turn travel from a passion to a profession through articles on how to land press trips, travel tips, and more. For more personalized instruction, writers can pay for group or one-on-one coaching with Roy.
Writer’s Digest University is pleased to present a one-of-a-kind online event for science fiction and fantasy writers! On August 23 – 25, 2024, our WDU Annual Science Fiction & Fantasy Virtual Conference will provide expert insights from SEVEN award-winning and bestselling authors on the finer points of how to write within the science fiction and fantasy genres. Spend the weekend learning techniques for honing your craft from seven different published authors*, then (if you choose) pitch your novel via query letter to a literary agent specifically looking for material in these genres. The agent will provide you with a personalized critique of your query – and maybe ask to see more. Experience the education, camaraderie, and opportunities provided by a live writing conference without ever having to leave your home!
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