Help for New Writers

So, you want to write …

I’m frequently asked by would-be writers about some first steps to get started. Writing is such an important calling and the potential for impact is staggering. KEEP PURSUING YOUR WRITING DREAM!! But, here’s the deal: you have to put your bottom in the chair and your fingers on the keyboard and BEGIN. 🙂

Here are some things that might help:

• If you can purchase (or even check out from the library) The Christian Writer’s Market Guide (by Steve Laube), this is a great way to begin. It has in-depth information for new writers, including many places to send what you’ve written, along with guidelines for submitting your work. This is SUCH a helpful tool with tons of useful information.
• Attend a Christian Writer’s Conference if you get a chance! Talk about jump-starting your writing efforts?!! THIS is just about the best way I know to do that and have a blast at the same time. Most regions of the country have their own CWCs, so use good ol’ Google to find information about one close to you. I have attended a few and found them so amazingly helpful. They offer inspiring plenary sessions and great workshops, plus you can make appointments with editors from different publishing houses to “pitch” your writing ideas. This is an excellent way to get your foot in the door and get published. And one of the best Christian Writers’ Conferences in the country (in my humble opinion) is the Mt. Hermon Conference. I went to it a few years back and loved it. It’s pretty spendy but worth the time and the bucks.
• Join a local writer’s critique group. This is a great way to develop your skills and to be encouraged by other writers. I’ve done this in the past, as well, and found it very beneficial. You might also consider writing some guest blog posts if you have a favorite blogger you follow that fits your style of writing. Most regular bloggers love to feature others from time to time and it’s a good way to get your feet wet in the writing world.

Here are some of my favorite resources with tons of useful information for beginning writers. These will be so helpful to you as you begin this journey!

Writing Resources:

Helpful Writing Books:

• The Christian Writer’s Market Guide by Steve Laube
• Writer’s Market 2020: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published by Robert Lee Brewer (secular publishing guide—but helpful!)
• Guide to Literary Agents 2020 by Robert Lee Brewer
• You Are a Writer by Jeff Goins
• The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White
• An Introduction to Christian Writing: An In-Depth Companion to the Complete Writing Experience by Ethel Herr
• Self-Publishing For Christian Leaders: Join the Self-Publishing Revolution, Maximize Sales, Share Your Message by Wayde Goodall
• The Making of a Christian Best Seller by Ann Byle
• Book Proposals That Sell by Terry Whalin
• Writer’s Digest Handbook of Magazine Article Writing by Michelle Ruberg
• The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style by Robert Hudson
• Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt
• The 11 Secrets of Getting Published by Mary DeMuth
• On Writing Well by William Zinsser
• Show, Don’t Tell by William Noble

Websites:

• SO many helpful resources on this page, Money-Saving Guide for Authors and Writers (don’t be worried or put off by the words “couponfollow” in the link–this page is not about coupons–just tons of great, free resources and info for writers!): https://couponfollow.com/research/money-saving-guide-authors-writers/ 
• Michael Hyatt’s site (former CEO of Thomas Nelson): michaelhyatt.com. Put the word ‘writing’ in the search box and you’ll find all kinds of helpful information.
• Goinswriter.com – www.goinswriter.com
• Manuscript Evaluation and Editing Services: dianasavage.com
• Writer’s Digest site: writersdigest.com
• Northwest Christian Writers Association: nwchristianwriters.org
• Writing Resources – FW Media
• Children’s Books: write4kids.com
• Tricia’s Tips: http://www.triciagoyer.com/tips-for-new-writers/
• Right Writing site: right-writing.com
• Steve Laube (Literary agent): stevelaube.com/resources
• Joanna Weaver – My Writing Journey: joannaweaverbooks.com/about/my-writing-journey/
• Writing Careers: The Business Behind Becoming an Author: https://www.zenbusiness.com/info/writing-careers/

Remember…

Google is a writer’s friend! 🙂

Check out “self-publishing” “blogging” “writing devotionals” or whatever bookish thing you want to explore!

I hope this helps a little, my friend. I am praying for you and cheering you on as you pursue this wonderful gift of writing!