WD Presents: Submit to Our New and Updated Columns, Seven WDU Courses, and More!
This week, we’re excited to announce submission opening for both new and updated columns, seven WDU courses, and more!
There's always so much happening in the Writer's Digest universe that even staff members have trouble keeping up. As a result, we decided to start collecting what's on the horizon to make it easier for everyone to know what's happening and when.
This week, we’re excited to announce submission opening for both new and updated columns, seven WDU courses, and more!
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Submit to Our New and Updated Columns!
For All Ages
Beginning in the March/April 2022 issue of Writer's Digest, we'll include For All Ages—a new 1,200-word, guest-written column about the craft of writing and the business of publishing for children, middle grade, and young adult readers (though we argue those books can and should be enjoyed by adults as well). With six issues per year, two issues will focus on children's books, two will focus on middle grade, and two will focus on YA. Topics should be specific and written by those with experience in that area. Examples include: rhyming or page turns in picture books, advice for setting up school visits to connect with readers, using accurate and contemporary language and references for YA, etc.
MFA Workbook
Beginning with March/April 2021, the Writer's Workbook column will change to be the MFA Workbook. Rather than sharing excerpts from WD books as done previously, this column will be written by a different MFA student/teacher each issue. These articles will serve two purposes: 1) to provide an opportunity for MFA candidates to get bylines in a national publication in service of their degree. 2) Offer MFA-type instruction/tips to writers who are not in MFA programs. Generally craft-focused with an emphasis on writing exercises and techniques (as opposed to touting the benefits of an MFA program), this column may occasionally include a business-based column if it’s connected to what’s learned in an MFA program (for example, successful networking).
Click here for the full submissions guidelines and how to submit your work.
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Nominate Your Favorite Websites for Writers!
Since 1998 Writer's Digest has created its 101 Best Websites for Writers list. Broken down into categories like creativity, agents, writing advice, and more, this list aims to help writers find additional reputable resources for every part of their writing journey.
The last day to nominate websites is Monday, December 13, 2021.
Click here for more information, and use this nomination form to nominate your favorite website.
From Our Readers Question is Open for Submissions!
Our upcoming March/April 2022 issue is focused on point of view. WD would love to know what particular writer or work made you think about point of view in a totally different way.
Click here to answer our formal "From Our Readers" question at a chance for publication!
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Seven Online Courses Start This Week!
12 Weeks to a First Draft
Dive into the world of writing and learn all 12 steps needed to complete a first draft. In this writing course you will tackle the steps to writing a book, learn effective writing techniques along the way, and of course, begin writing your first draft.
Creativity & Expression
When you take this online course, you’ll explore creative writing topics and learn how descriptive writing can breathe life into your characters, setting, and plot with Rebecca McClanahan’s Word Painting. Stretch your imagination, develop your creative writing skills, and express your creativity with this writing course.
Pitch an Article: Write for Today's Marketplace
This intensive two-week course will teach you how to craft a good pitch letter and do it well. Be ready to mine your life for ideas. Start thinking about a great spin on a topic or an unusual personal experience that you'd like to write about in class.
Marketing Your Magazine Articles
Develop the skills you need to market your writing through this online writing course for experienced writers. Gain insight into marketing magazine articles and learn how to sell your writing. Plus, learn what to expect when an editor accepts your proposal and how to negotiate a contract.
Writing Nonfiction 101: Fundamentals
Throughout this 12-week course, you will get step-by-step instruction on how to write nonfiction, read Philip Gerard's Creative Nonfiction: Researching and Crafting Stories of Real Life, and write articles, essays, or a few chapters of your book. Register for this course and discover how fun writing nonfiction can be.
Grammar and Mechanics
Do you remember the difference between the 8 parts of speech and how to use them? Are you comfortable with punctuation and mechanics? No matter what type of writing you do, mastering the fundamentals of grammar and mechanics is an important first step to having a successful writing career.
Writing the Romance Novel
Do you yearn to write a romantic story? If so, you need to know what sets romance writing apart from other types of fiction. This course explores why romance is the same, yet different. Some essential components of romance are unique to the genre, while some romance requirements are identical to those of any good fiction story.
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Order a Copy of Our November/December 2021 Issue!
Magical Writing
Sometimes writing contains magic and sometimes the act of putting words on the page itself feels like magic, especially when the words come easily. In this issue, we shine a light on both. From articles that help writers find the technique that will bring their writing to life to articles and interviews with authors who’ve created systems of magic in the worlds they’ve created, this issue aims to give writers of all genres the tools to tap into all of the magic they can create.
