Writer's Digest's Best Writing Community Websites 2021
Here are the top writing community websites as identified in the 23rd Annual 101 Best Websites from the May/June 2021 issue of Writer's Digest.
Critique Match
CritiqueMatch.com
With a mission to help writers strengthen their craft, Critique Match is a service that helps connect writers, beta readers, and freelance editors. You can either swap your work with another writer for a free critique or hire a rated editing professional for a fee.
Insecure Writer’s Support Group
InsecureWritersSupportGroup.com
Writing can be isolating in the best of times and even more-so during a pandemic, and in the face of rejections by editors and agents, we all feel insecure occasionally. Connect with other writers in the Insecure Writer’s Support Group to commiserate, lift each other up, and get advice from industry experts who guest blog.
MFA App Review
MFAAppReview.com
MFA App Review aims to “increase access to fully-funded MFA
programs and build community among underrepresented writers” by pairing historically underrepresented MFA students and alums with historically underrepresented MFA applicants to offer free, informal reviews and critiques on their applications and personal statements.
NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo.org
National Novel Writing Month is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting creative writing around the world. They’re most known for their annual program in which writers attempt to write 50,000 words during November. Participants have access to pep-talks from authors, the online community, and free writing resources through their website and newsletter.
Pitch Wars
PitchWars.org
Pitching your book to agents can be scary, but not when you have mentors and a whole community cheering you on. Pitch Wars helps pair writers with industry professionals to spruce up their pitches in preparation for the big #PitMad event and Agent Showcase. Read the blog for success stories and advice for pitching.
Scribophile
Scribophile.com
Scribophile is the best place on the internet to build your writer karma—literally. The site awards karma points to users who provide detailed critiques of writing posted to Scribophile. Points can be spent on posting your own work for critique and entering contests. Users can also join writing groups, discussion forums, and learn from Writing Academy craft articles.
Story a Day
StoryADay.org
Story a Day is a semiannual writing challenge (in May and September) where writers attempt to write and finish one story per day. Outside of the challenge, they offer year-round access to the Serious Writers’ Accountability Group (SWAGr), weekly writing mini-lessons, a blog, and a podcast.
Wattpad
Wattpad.com
Wattpad allows writers to share their work with the world by uploading their books chapter by chapter. With more than 80 million monthly users, writers have the chance to get feedback on their work and build a community of readers. A select few authors have earned traditional book deals and movie adaptations through gaining a large following on the platform.
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