Writer’s Digest Best Writing Community Websites 2020

Here are the best writing community websites as identified in the 22nd Annual 101 Best Websites from the May/June 2020 issue of Writer's Digest.

* Denotes the website's first appearance on our list.

1. Critique Match*

CritiqueMatch.com

Find your next critique partner by searching Critique Match’s database by genre, publishing experience, and rating, or create a public posting about what your work-in-progress is about and the critique you are looking for. If you feel generous, search the postings for projects by other authors to offer your own critique. Earn a five-star rating to become eligible to be paid for your critiques.

2. Holly’s Writing Classes*

HollysWritingClasses.com

Novelist Holly Lisle has created a community of nearly 7,000 writers. Create a free account to join the member form, where writers can chat and ask each other questions. You’ll get a free “How to Write Flash Fiction That Doesn’t Suck” course with your membership. Lisle also writes a blog on writing craft and inspiration and offers online writing courses for purchase.

3. National Novel Writing Month

NaNoWriMo.org

Sign up for the annual challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel during the month of November. The website has tools to track your progress during the challenge, set milestones, and connect with other writers. The nonprofit also offers NaNoWriMo prep handbooks, a blog, pep talks from prolific authors, and a Young Writers Program.

4. Scribophile

Scribophile.com

With discussion forums, a craft blog, free writing tutorials, and contests, Scribophile is one of the largest online communities for writers to improve their work. But it doesn’t stop there; Scribophile’s main feature is earning the ability to post your writing for critique through racking up Karma Points, which are gained by critiquing the writing of other community members. With over one million critiques served, there’s a lot of Karma Points going around.

5. She Writes*

SheWrites.com

With more than 36,000 pieces of original content written by She Writes community members, there’s a lot to discover in this network. Start by browsing articles by women in every different phase of their writing journey—from newbies to debut authors to bestsellers like Tayari Jones—for inspiration and advice on craft, marking, promotion, and more. Become a member to connect with writers in your genre, join groups, post your own articles, and follow your favorite members.

6. Story A Day

StoryADay.org

Writing a short story a day is an ambitious goal. Julie Duffy posts daily writing prompts during May and September to help writers achieve this. Story a Day also publishes a blog, 15-minute pep talk podcast, and Wednesday writing prompts year-round to encourage your daily writing habit. Join the Serious Writer Accountability group to announce your commitments for the upcoming month.

7. Wattpad

Wattpad.com

There are dozens of platforms that allow authors to upload their work-in-progress chapter by chapter to find new readers and get feedback on their work. With a global community of 80 million readers, Wattpad is simply the best to join. In addition to Wattpad’s reach, authors who upload their work also have the opportunity to enter contests; be chosen for spotlight by Wattpad staff; and be seen by publishing, film, and TV professionals searching for new talent.

8. The WRAC Group*

TheWRACGroup.com

Stay accountable to the goals you set for yourself by joining this community. Choose up to three goals per year you’d like to meet, set deadlines for yourself, and you’ll receive reminders and encouragement from the WRAC group. For success stories, view lists of projects completed by WRAC Group members in years past.

9. WritersCafe

WritersCafe.org

Find your community here: Post your writing for critique, where thousands of other writers convene and exchange reviews and advice. Enter free writing contests; join or start a writing group; search for agents, journals, publishers, and self-publishing services; and enroll in online writing courses.