The publishing industry is competitive, but the writing community doesn’t have to be.
Writer, developmental book editor, and former literary agent Meg LaTorre launched iWriterly as a go-to resource for writers, publishing a variety of content—including how-to videos, blogs, query critiques, and more—to assist both veteran and aspiring authors in their writerly journeys.
Some of the most popular writing resources include:
- iWriterly: Weekly writing how-to videos on YouTube
- Query Hack: Free query critiques for writers pursuing traditional publication and literary representation
- Guest blogs on Writer’s Digest and SavvyAuthors
- Pitch contest calendar
- Editorial services
Latest videos, articles, blogs, & more:
iWriterly Video
What is Your Greatest Struggle as a Writer? | Writing Community Answers
The iWriterly team asks a group of writers the following question: What is your greatest struggle in your journey as a writer? Thirteen writers (traditionally-published, indie-published, and yet-to-be-published) share what they do to overcome hurdles in their writing careers. The writing community unites in this thirteen-person collab.
Special thank you to all of the writers who shared their experiences in this video.
This week’s iWriterly Video
Author Platform: What Social Media Platforms Should Writers Use?
Whether you’re published or yet-to-be-published, it’s important for writers to build an author platform, specifically their social media presence, right away. Author platforms are essential for both traditionally- and self-published authors in today’s modern world. But what social media platforms are the best avenues for your books? Learn what platforms you can utilize in this iWriterly video.
SavvyAuthors Blog:
Author Platform: What Should You Put on Your Author Website?
Whether you’re a published or aspiring author, all writers need to have an author website.
But for aspiring authors, specifically, it can be confusing to know what to have on your author website. One of the most popular questions I receive on iWriterly and Twitter is: “What should I put on my author website?”
Last month, I provided an overview of author platform in my blog titled, Author Platform Basics. If you’re uncertain as to the origins of author platforms and why you need one in today’s publishing marketplace, be sure to check that blog out. Today, we’re going to dive deeper into what you should have on your author website.
Whether you have published books, soon-to-be-published books, or are still in the drafting phase of your manuscript, you should have an author website. This website acts as a home base for you on the internet and allows potential readers to find and interact with you. Social media does not take place of an author website. The two work in tandem to form your author platform.
Guest Appearance | Collab with Natalia Leigh
TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING vs. SELF PUBLISHING: Part 2
iWriterly joins Natalia Leigh, indie author of HIGH BORN and WAY OF SPEARS, for the second video in a two-part collab on self vs. traditional publishing. In this video, Natalia asks Meg LaTorre questions about the traditional publishing process: things to avoid doing when seeking literary representation, helpful writing resources, author platform, and more.
iWriterly Video
Self vs. Traditional Publishing: Part 1 | Collab with Natalia Leigh
Learn some of the reasons that go into deciding if you should self-publish (vs. traditionally-publish), where self-published authors can cut if they’re on a tight budget, what aspects you shouldn’t skimp on, why beta readers/critique partners are crucial, author platform, and more in this special collab with Natalia Leigh.
SavvyAuthors Blog:
HOW TO Write a Book in 11 Steps
Published April 2018
Do you have ideas for a book but don’t know where to start or how to write a novel? Or maybe you’ve written several manuscripts in the past and are looking to standardize your process. Learn how in these 11 easy steps.
Every writer has their own unique brainstorming, planning, and writing process when it comes to the creation of a novel. No one process is “right,” but if you haven’t yet figured out what works best for you or maybe you’ve tried a few different methods but are looking to expand your understanding of the writing process further, here are a few launching points for your next story.
iWriterly Video
Author Interview with Kim Chance: Inside Look at KEEPER & Author Platforms
Get an inside look at Kim Chance’s debut novel, KEEPER, her writing process, and author platforms in this iWriterly video.
iWriterly Video:
Author Interview: Angela Ackerman
Join iWriterly for an exclusive interview with Angela Ackerman, indie author and co-founder of the popular websites, Writers Helping Writers and One Stop For Writers. You may also know Angela from her many helpful tweets, providing published materials from a variety of different publications and platforms on the craft of writing.
Author Interview:
REIGN OF THE FALLEN By Sarah Glenn Marsh
I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you iWriterly’s exclusive interview with the lovely and talented Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of REIGN OF THE FALLEN.
REIGN OF THE FALLEN was published in January 2018 by Razorbill Books (Penguin).
In addition to weaving YA fantasy stories, this Richmond, VA native also writes pictures books. Her previously published YA fantasy, FEAR THE DROWNING DEEP, follows a witch’s apprentice as she tries to discover what ancient evil beneath the sea is luring villagers to their death (published by Sky Pony Press).
About REIGN OF THE FALLEN:
Odessa is one of Karthia’s master necromancers, catering to the kingdom’s ruling Dead. Whenever a noble dies, it’s Odessa’s job to raise them by retrieving their souls from a dreamy and dangerous shadow world called the Deadlands. But there is a cost to being raised—the Dead must remain shrouded, or risk transforming into zombie-like monsters known as Shades. If even a hint of flesh is exposed, the grotesque transformation will begin.
A dramatic uptick in Shade attacks raises suspicions and fears among Odessa’s necromancer community. Soon a crushing loss of one of their own reveals a disturbing conspiracy: someone is intentionally creating Shades by tearing shrouds from the Dead—and training them to attack. Odessa is faced with a terrifying question: What if her necromancer’s magic is the weapon that brings Karthia to its knees?
SavvyAuthors Blog:
How an Editor Knows Your Book Isn’t Ready After the First Chapter
Published in SavvyAuthors: February 2018
There are many things publishing professionals look for in your first pages and chapter: voice, storytelling personality, if the story starts in the right place, showing vs. telling, grammar, grasp of the English language, and more.
As a freelance developmental editor and former literary agent, I usually knew after the first few pages or chapter if the manuscript was ready or not.
How is that possible without reading the entire manuscript? Click the link below to read more!
