Writer's Digest Best Websites of 2008

Whether you’re looking for quotes, advice, markets, critiques—or just a place to meet other writers online—we’ve got you covered. Our annual roundup of websites is here, so grab your computer and start surfing.

by Brian A. Klems

Type the word “writer” into the Google search engine and it’ll bring up an astonishing 243 million websites—and no, we’re not exaggerating. The idea of sifting through all of them can make your head spin like the child in The Exorcist—especially when all you need is a little copyright advice. Where to begin, where to begin, where to begin …

Luckily, your favorite editors at Writer’s Digest have done the grunt work for you.

Here’s our 10th-annual listing of the 101 best websites for writers. We sifted through more than 2,100 nominations and chose the 101 most valuable. This year, we’ve added a “jobs” category and have expanded the “genres/niches” category to better fit your needs. The list has been divided into nine sections: general resources, challenges/creativity,  publishing resources, jobs, writing groups and communities, genres/niches, agent blogs, protect yourself and just for fun.

After you check these sites out, send your comments and nominations for next year’s list to writersdig@fwpubs.com with “101 Best Websites” as the subject (deadline is January 1, 2009).

You can also check out the Writer's Digest family of sites:

• WritersDigest.com
  Check here for tips and articles for writers of all genres or get information on our latest contest. If you haven’t visited the newly revamped Writer’s Forum, stop by and interact with more than 12,000 writers. You can also find writing prompts, post writing-related questions, and give and receive critiques on your works in progress.
  
  
• WritersMarket.com
  This site provides more than 6,000 market listings updated daily to give subscribers the most current information available. The site also contains special features like “My Manuscripts,” “My Folders,” “Expert Advice articles,” “Market Watch,” “Agent Q&A” and much more.
  
  
• WritersOnlineWorkshops.com
  Come here for one-on-one instruction from professional authors. New classes start throughout the year and cover everything from basic grammar to novel writing to marketing your work.
  
  
• WritersDigest.com/Blogs
  Visit the writing blogs from your favorite editors at Writer’s Digest and Writer’s Market, including Maria Schneider’s The Writer’s Perspective, Brian A. Klems’ Questions & Quandaries, Chuck Sambuchino’s Guide to Literary Agents and more.
  
  
• WritersDigestBookClub.com
  Purchase books and software just for writers. Save 15 to 65 percent off publisher’s prices, earn free books, and get free shipping and handling on any prepaid order. Join today and start your writing career tomorrow.