Writer’s Digest Best Writing Community Websites 2024
Here are the top writing community 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.
1. Archive of Our Own
Archive of Our Own (also called AO3) is an archival nonprofit created and run by fans across 62,000 fandoms. This resource is dedicated to archiving, fan fiction, fan art, fan videos, podfic, and more. As of January 1, 2024, the site hosts 12,290,000 works. Many authors cite AO3 as the place where they learned to hone their writing skills, bolstered by feedback from fellow fans and writers.
2. Association of Writers and Writing Programs
AWP aims “to amplify the voices of writers and the academic programs and organizations that serve them while championing diversity and excellence in creative writing.” They do this by sharing information about careers; contests; writing programs, conferences and centers; and hosting the yearly AWP conference.
3. Community of Literary Magazines & Presses
If you’re interested in working with a small publisher or are on the hunt for a home for your short stories or poetry, search the database at the Community of Literary Magazines & Presses which includes hundreds of listings. Plus, check out their awards, events, and news sections for up-to-date info on all three.
4. Gutsy Great Novelist
One year after adding Gutsy Great Novelist to this list, it’s still one of the most engaged and supportive writing communities we’ve seen. With neatly organized groups for specific topics like how to make time to write, the craft of writing, the business of publishing, and a “café hangout” as a catchall, you’ll easily find other writers to bounce ideas off of and share best practices.
5. Kweli Journal*
Since 2009, this quarterly online literary journal has operated with the mission to nurture emerging writers of color that “sing the truth” (kweli means truth in Swahili). Their site also hosts the Sing the Truth! blog dedicated to interviewing authors of all genres. Kweli also runs year-long writer fellowships, multi-session workshops, writing retreats, individualized editing, and an annual writers’ conference and international festival.
6. Lambda Literary
Lambda Literary has led the way in recognizing and elevating LGBTQ+ writers and readers for more than three decades. Established in 1987, this organization offers book reviews, a writer’s retreat, and banned books resources, among more—including the annual Lambda Literary Awards (known as the “Lammys”) which celebrates more than 150 authors across 25 categories.
7. London Writers’ Salon*
While it may say “London” in the name, this is actually a worldwide community of writers who gather virtually for hour-long writing sessions each weekday. With four time zone options, no matter where you are, you’ll find writers to support you. Sign up for one of their paid memberships to take advantage of additional offerings like workshops, office hours with experts, and accountability groups.
8. r/writing
Without signing up for a free account, writers can still access and read the message boards of this online writing community that cover a wide range of topics like whether prologues and epilogues are necessary, deciding to change point of view midway through a draft, and how to self-promote your work. With an account, writers can make their own topic threads and participate in others.
9. The Internet Writing Workshop
While this website may not look as pretty as some of the others featured on this list, it more than makes up for it in the quality of the content and community. Join the lists that interest you to submit your work for critiques; critique the works of others; and discuss the craft of writing or marketing your work.
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