The Writer

Since 1887 The Writer has provided the motivation, writing techniques, expert tips and compelling author insights that turn good writing into great writing. We’ll help you become a better writer, find markets for your work, understand the business of writing, follow industry news and trends, reach your goals, and more!

The Writer

Prologue

Celebrating our 135th year

Bookish

Opportunities

National Poetry Writing Month • Feeling stuck this month? Join this online event and write 30 poems in 30 days with fellow participants from around the world.

Atticus Review • The editors of this established journal look for quirky, raw, ‘non-academic work outside the academy.’

Broadening the Bookshelves • This month, we’re taking a look at Black American literature.

Talk to the Practitioner: Rachel Howzell Hall

The Nightstand

THE LONG AND SHORT OF THE SHORT STORY • The short story is a classic for a reason – and editors say it isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Here’s a look back at the form from its origins to the present, plus tips and fresh insight on where to find homes for your stories in the future.

Other unique markets • TECHNOLOGY HAS EXPANDED TO ADD SOME NEW AND INTERESTING SHORT STORY MARKETS.

FINDING A HOME FOR YOUR WORDS • Which literary magazine is the one your piece needs?

THE DIGITAL LITERARY REVOLUTION • Audio fiction, cine poetry, and multimedia narrative are just a few of the tech innovations embraced by online journals in a modern era. Here’s how you can think beyond the printed word in 2022.

THE GREAT EM DASH DEBATE • Writers love it. Editors loathe it. Learn why, plus how to use it correctly (but sparingly).

What about the en dash?

Six tips for using the em dash effectively (but not effusively) • We grabbed six sentences from this story to illustrate how to use em dashes properly and when to use something else.

135 YEARS OF good writing • TIMELESS CRAFT TIPS FROM OUR ARCHIVES, FEATURING MARGARET ATWOOD, WALTER MOSLEY, ISABEL ALLENDE, URSULA K. LE GUIN, AND MORE.

Postscript

Literary Agents • Information in this section is provided to The Writer by the individual markets and events; for more information, contact those entities directly.

Gigi Will Know • Research well and be intentional about where you’re deviating from the real script and why.