Writer's Digest

Writer's Digest magazine is a comprehensive source of writing instruction for writers. Each issue provides advice and insider tips on writing and selling fiction, nonfiction, poetry and scripts.

Designing Run! Katie! • Designers peel back the layers of their book covers.

Setting the Scene

Writer's Digest

CONTRIBUTORS

Participation Prize • The Unexpected Rewards of Writing Contests

READY TO ENTER A WRITING CONTEST? READ THIS FIRST

Worth a Thousand Words

No, You Can’t Use AI

Incorporating Self-Care Into Your Writing Routine

Poetic Aside • No matter what you write, a bit of poetic license can be a valuable asset to any writer’s arsenal.

Write It Out • Writing prompts to boost your creativity.

How and Why to Use Electronic Press Kits • New rules. New strategies. New paths to success.

Spotlight on Marketing

The Case for the Colon • Making the most of the guideposts of writing.

DEAR SIMON • Your questions answered by a publishing expert.

Setting the Scene • How travel, close quarters, and only-one-bed brought my characters together.

Eli Keren (he/him) • CURIOUS MINDS

BREAKING IN • Debut authors: How they did it, what they learned, and why you can do it, too.

Why You Can’t Stop Reading • How bestsellers hook readers and never let go.

A Change (of Scenery) Would Do You Good • How to vary your setting to your story’s advantage.

What Waiting for Godot Taught Me About Setting the Scene • Author Danai Christopoulou discusses tapping into techniques used in theater and film to write effective liminal spaces in fiction.

The Difficulty of Writing Difficult Scenes • Nine tips from professional editors and bestselling writers to tackle scenes with sensitive material.

Small But Mighty • Why small presses might be the perfect home for your book.

How to Write Amid Chaos • When times are turbulent, pinpointing why your work matters to yourself and to readers can provide the motivation you need to keep putting words on the page.

Praising the Beauty of Creation and Making in Poetry • Judith Chibante, winner of the 19th Annual Writer’s Digest Poetry Awards, shares the story behind her winning poem, “Naïve Beauty.”

Riley Sager • The New York Times bestselling novelist on why he gave up meticulous outlining, how he became an overnight success after 20 years, and the motivation behind his newest thriller, With a Vengeance.

SUBSCRIBE NOW! • Writing instruction on demand! More than 400 videos from industry professionals on everything from improving your craft to getting published.

The Cul-de-sac

How One Sentence of Setting Can Transform Your Query Letter • Literary agents on the business of publishing.

The Disappearing (Reappearing) Literary Journalist • The art and craft of writing nonfiction.

On Music Publications, Initiative, and Creating Your Own Channel

Tips for Effectively Researching Any Writing Project (Part II) • Advice and tips to boost your writing skills.

The Supernatural • Tips for making your story concrete.

Surefire Ways to Sell Your Children’s Book • Writing and publishing advice for picture books, middle-grade, and young adult storytelling.

Thriller, No Killer • Whether hot off the presses or on the shelves for years, a good book is worth talking about.

CONFERENCE GUIDE

Ye Olde Writing Rules