Features include:

+ The WD Interview: Riley Sager: Bestselling thriller novelist Riley Sager talks with WD about his newest novel, With a Vengeance. By Amy Jones

+ Small But Mighty: Why small presses might be the perfect home for your book. By Jordan Rosenfeld

+ Why You Can’t Stop Reading: Deconstructing how bestsellers hook readers and never let go. By Michael La Ronn

+ A Change (of Scenery) Would Do You Good: How to vary your setting to your story’s advantage. By Jessica Strawser

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

+ 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. By Tiffany Yates Martin

+ The Difficulty of Writing Difficult Scenes: Nine tips from professional editors and bestselling writers to tackle scenes with sensitive material. By Tonja Matney Reynolds

+ Revealing the Winner of the 19^th Annual Writer’s Digest Poetry Awards. By Robert Lee Brewer

Additional articles on why you shouldn’t use AI for your writing, why you should enter writing competitions (for reasons other than winning), and how to incorporate self-care into your writing routine. Plus, all your favorite columns including IndieLab, Poetic Asides, Breaking In, Meet the Agent, Writers on Writing, Publishing Insights, and more.

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Articles Include:

+ The WD Interview: Laurie Halse Anderson: The award-winning children’s and YA author talks with WD about the inspiration and research behind her newest middle-grade historical fiction novel, Rebellion 1776. By Amy Jones

+ The 27^th Annual 101 Best Websites for Writers: This ever-popular feature showcases 101 reliable resources writers can use to learn more about the craft of writing, the business of publishing, where to find freelance gigs, and much more. By Amy Jones, Moriah Richard, and Michael Woodson

+ The Way We Were: How to use pop culture as an unexpected research vehicle. By Jeff Somers

+ Literary Legacy: Bestselling authors Brian Andrews, Jeffrey Wilson, Don Bentley, and Brian Freeman detail what writers need to know about writing estate novels. By Jessica Strawser

+ Comp Authors: With publishers discovering that “likes” don’t equal book sales and the increasing fragmentation of social media, fiction and nonfiction authors need a different kind of platform. By studying the activities, style, platforms, and audiences of the authors they’d like to be shelved next to, authors can discover how to build their own platforms. By Allison K Williams

+ From Traditional to Self-Published: Romance author and grand-prize winner of the 12^th Annual WD Self-Published E-book Awards Lucy Day shares why she switched to self-publishing, what her biggest challenge is, and how confidence has played a role in her success. By Moriah Richard

Additionally, Rob Hart shares how to use the tools of journalism to sharpen research skills, Liz Massey showcases “sketchnoting” as a visual way to help with drafting, and we announce the winner of the WD Personal Essay Awards. Plus, readers will find all their favorite columns like Meet the Agent, Breaking In, Publishing Insights, IndieLab, For All Ages, and much more.

Subscribe to Writer’s Digest for this to be your first issue!

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Sometimes, the most exciting writing is that which confounds expectations. Writing that combines tropes, ideas, or different genres in unexpected ways to create something entirely new. Or novels that mix interactive elements with traditional storytelling to guide, or even misguide, readers (think: Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr). In this issue, readers will find articles about writers, stories, and techniques that effectively mash up seemingly disparate genres or elements of storytelling to push the boundaries of writing.

Features Include:

+ The WD Interview: Stephen Graham Jones: The award-winning author and Professor of Distinction shares how he constructed the nested narrative in his latest novel, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. By Moriah Richard

+ Memoir Plus: Adding a bonus to your personal narrative (think: instruction, advice, recipes, education, etc.) can give your memoir the boost it needs to be picked up by an agent and/or publisher and sell more copies. By Jenna Glatzer

+ Finding Light in the Darkness: How comic Gary Gulman effectively blends humor into his story of overcoming major depression. By Sarah Merritt Ryan

+ Bringing Your Language Alive: Using poetic devices in your fiction. By Ran Walker

+ Confounding Expectations: Start with the villain for more engaging storytelling. By Matty Dalrymple

+ Putting Your Best Foot(note) Forward: The footnote is a powerful narrative device. Here are six ways to use it to your advantage. By Jeff Somers

+ A Motherhood Monster Mash-up: Combining women’s fiction and horror offers new insights on human experiences, societal expectations, and what it’s like to try to have it all. By Jennifer Hilt

+ 32^nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards: Featuring an interview with the grand-prize winner along with the complete list of category winners. By Michael Woodson

Plus: On the legacy of boundary-pushing writing mentor Tom Spanbauer, unique and unusual ideas for book launches, and how to get over the guilt of not writing. Introducing new regular columns by Ryan G. Van Cleave and Simon Van Booy, along with your favorite columns like IndieLab, Agent Alcove, Writers on Writing, Publishing Insights, and much more!

Subscribe to Writer’s Digest to receive this issue as your first!

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As we move into a new year, it’s time to get the creative gears turning to make this your most successful year ever. Whether you want to write personal essays that grab the attention of editors, write in a new genre, or simply generate more story ideas, this issue has it all.

Features include:

+ The WD Interview: Pat Barker: The Booker Prize winning author of Regeneration shares the role characters play in developing novel ideas, explains what appeals to her about reimagining mythology, and discusses the newest novel in her Women of Troy series, The Voyage Home. By Amy Jones

+ The Idea Factory: Tired of staring at an empty screen? Unlock your inner fiction generator with these surprising inspiration techniques. By Ryan G. Van Cleave

+ Seinfeld Was Right; That’s a Story: Use mundane moments from everyday life to create stories that pack a punch. By Jeff Somers

+ “You’ll be a great essay.” How to write six types of personal essays by finding the funny in your life. By Elissa Bassist

+ The Shortest Distance Between Two Points: 10 tips for writing a novel using 100-word stories. By Ran Walker

+ Mayfly Marketing: How to sell your novel in a short-attention span world. By Paul Goat Allen

+ How to Write in Different Genres: Emiko Jean and Yulin Kuang share tips and strategies for how they successfully write in different genres and mediums. By Jennifer Chen

This issue includes articles about how and when to use song lyrics, what to do if no one comes to your book talk, and suggestions for supporting self-published authors. Plus, your favorite columns like Building Better Worlds, Agent Alcove, Meet the Agent, Publishing Insights, For All Ages, and much more!

Subscribe to Writer’s Digest today for this to be your first issue!

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Available on newsstands only, now through February 11, 2025.

Order a print copy from the Writer’s Digest Shop while supplies last.

Order a PDF version to start reading today.

What’s Inside:

2024 The Year in Publishing: Publishing expert Jane Friedman explains the most important publishing topics of the year, and how they affect you. By Jane Friedman

Preparation & Progress

– Kill With Your Critique—The Good Way: Learn techniques to give valuable feedback to critique partners. By Ryan G. Van Cleave

– Hone Crucial Content Editing Skills: Work on revising your own work by understanding two critical elements: point of view and setting. By Kim Catanzarite

– The Art of People Watching: Observing people can help you create characters on the page, if you know what to look for. By Michael La Ronn

Freelancer’s Workshop

– How Much Should I Charge: The creator of Funds for Writers did all the research on the going rates freelancers can and should charge. By C. Hope Clark

– Milking the Cow, Part 1 and Part 2: Don Vaughan gives advice for how freelancers writers can make most of every article idea to boost their revenue and portfolio. By Don Vaughan

– Tantalizing Titles: Submitting article pitches with a catchy title can sometimes be the difference between getting the assignment or not. Estelle Erasmus breaks down her techniques for creating tantalizing titles. By Estelle Erasmus

Book Building

– Turning Real People Into Characters Is an Act of Translation: How to balance truth and subjectivity when writing about the self and others in memoir. By Lilly Dancyger

– The Big Reveal: Write a compelling story by understanding how and when to reveal crucial information to readers for maximum impact. By Tiffany Yates Martin

– Thematic Writing: How to use symbols and allegory to add richness and depth to your writing. By Jane K. Cleland

– Anchoring Characters in a Series: Seven techniques for writing a series-sustainable character. By Yasmin Angoe

For Your Reference

– The 26^th Annual 101 Best Websites: This list singles out the best resources for established and beginning writers across all genres. By The Editors of WD

– Top 100 Magazine Markets for Writers: The editors of WD have found 100 of the hottest markets and shares all the details for your best bet at publication. By Moriah Richard and Hannah Spicer

– Demystifying the Author Website: Whitney Hill breaks down why it’s critical for authors to have their own websites (and not rely on social media), and how you can get started. By Whitney Hill

– Reach Out to Readers: Author Newsletters 101: Just as it’s important to have an author website, having a corresponding author newsletter can be just as beneficial. Whitney Hill shares the value of newsletters and steps for starting your own. By Whitney Hill

– Analyzing Agent Responses: Former editor and literary agent Kesia Lupo explains the different kinds of common responses from literary agents to your query letter. By Kesia Lupo

– Understanding Agency Agreements: You got the offer from a literary agent. Should you sign? Literary agent Caryn Wiseman explains what you should look for in a legitimate agency agreement before you say yes to the agent. By Caryn Wiseman

– How Writing Software Can Help Your Craft: Two writing programs offer unique ways for writers to organize their creative process. By Jennifer Chen

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As we approach the holiday season, it’s time to focus on the things that bring comfort. For writers, that means finding ways to cozy up and write or take comfort in a good book. In this issue, writers will find articles on everything from writing cozy mysteries and holiday romances to how to use your comfort reads to improve your writing and the charming Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition of book giving.

Articles include:

+ The WD Interview: Vanessa Riley: The award-winning author of more than 25 novels talks about her process for historical research, writing in multiple genres, and her newest novel, Murder in Berke[ley Square. By Moriah Richard

+ The Anatomy of Cozy Charm: How to write a cozy mystery that charms the socks off your readers. By Jane K. Cleland

+ More Than Fluff: Understanding the role of animals in cozy mysteries. By Diane Kelly

+ Finding Comfort Amid the Chaos: Publishing may be unpredictable, but knowing what you can control and what you value can help you find success—on your terms. By Tiffany Yates Martin

+ Imaginary Mentorships: Unlocking Writing Secrets From Literary Titans: How visualizing a relationship with an author you admire can inspire and boost your work. By Michael La Ronn

+ The Holiday Romance Recipe: Discover how to infuse your romances with fresh ideas, festive cheer, and a touch of spice. By Ryan G. Van Cleave

+ The Winner of the 93^rd Annual WD Writing Competition: We announce the winners of the 93^rd Annual Writing Competition and feature an interview with the grand-prize winner. By Amy Jones

+ Bonus interview: Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver: Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver talk about their co-written middle-grade series Hank Zipzer, inspired by Winkler’s own experience with severe dyslexia and sharing advice for other writers dealing with similar challenges. By Chanah Wizenberg

+ Writers on Writing with TJ Klune: New York Times bestselling and Lambda Literary award-winning author TJ Klune shares the meaning behind his passion for writing romance and fantasy for children and young adults. By TJ Klune

Plus, articles on writing and implementing backstory in your novels, how to effectively use 2^nd person point of view, and your favorite columns including: Building Better Worlds, Agent Alcove, Meet the Agent, IndieLab, Breaking In, Level Up Your Writing (Life), and much more!

[Subscribe to Writer’s Digest to never miss an issue.]

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One of the most magical things about writing is the wonder it can inspire. In this issue, we hope to celebrate the wonder of writing and how writing can evoke a sense of wonder in readers of all ages.

Features Include:

The Annual Agent Roundup: Consistently one of our most popular features, the Annual Agent Roundup showcases 20+ literary agents who are open to submissions along with their preferences and details for how writers can query them. By Amy Jones

The WD Interview: Jesse Q. Sutanto: The bestselling author of the Dial A for Aunties series sat down with WD to talk about her August 2024 suspense novel, You’ll Never Be Me. By Amy Jones

Everyday Wonder: How to Mine Awe From the Mundane: Sarah Chauncey offers 5 techniques (with examples) for how to evoke wonder of commonplace experiences in your writing. By Sarah Chauncey

Childhood: Our Touchstone for Wonder: Elizabeth Sims shares tips and prompts for getting in touch with “Little You” to create big new work for today. By Elizabeth Sims

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Unveil the hidden beauty in facts and transform your nonfiction with the power of wonder. By Ryan G. Van Cleave

The WD 23^rd Short Short Story Awards: Karin Patton: WD shares the winning story, “Fountain of Ruth,” in its entirety, along with the top 10 winners, and a Q&A with winner Karin Patton. By Moriah Richard

Profile: Meg Medina: Kids’ author and Newbery Medal winner Meg Medina inspires readers as the Ambassador of Young People’s Literature. By Don Vaughan

Additional articles include an interview with middle-grade Newbery Honor winner Jasmine Warga, 8 ways to improve your memoir, tips for self-editing, and the basics of adapting books to film. Plus, all of your favorite columns including Writers on Writing by Mona Susan Power, Agent Alcove by Rachel Letofsky, Meet the Agent, Breaking In, Publishing Insights, and much more.

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Nature has always been a source of inspiration for writers, and here we mean nature in the broadest sense. From what we typically think of as nature (flowers and trees, animals and weather systems, etc.) to the nature of human nature, the July/August 2024 issue of Writer’s Digest aims to explore how writers can use nature as an influence on their work.

Articles Include:

+ A Funny Thing Happened When I Fell From the Sky: How to use magical realism and surrealism in your writing by considering the unnatural. By Ran Walker

+ The Ecology of Family: Build and leverage a family ecosystem to develop and deepen your fiction. By Elizabeth Sims

+ Choosing Violence: The secret to writing animal characters depends on your observations of animal behavior and what your goals are. Jeff Somers explains how to do it. By Jeff Somers

+ The Art of People Watching: People watching is one of the best ways to understand how and why humans behave the way they do. This article explains a five-step way to use those observations to put people on the page. By Michael La Ronn

+ Acting Against Their Nature: Four ways to create effective uncharacteristic behavior in your characters. By Tiffany Yates Martin

+ When and How to Write Climate Fiction: Professor and novelist Bruce Holsinger (The Gifted School) shares what he learned from writing his climate fiction novel, The Displacements. By Bruce Holsinger

+ 2023 Writer’s Digest Poetry Awards Winner: Senior WD Editor Robert Lee Brewer interview the winner of the WD Poetry Awards and shares the winning poem. By Robert Lee Brewer

+ The WD Interview: Steven Rowley: The New York Times bestselling author discusses reconnecting with old characters, balancing humor and heart, and his new release, The Guncle Abroad. By Michael Woodson

Additionally, Simon Van Booy tells of the mouse that inspired his newest novel, Sipsworth; Sarah Chauncey writes about how nature can help memoirists access more memories; and Whitney Hill shares how writers can engage with nature to write stronger settings. Plus, all of your favorite columns including Writers on Writing, Agent Alcove, Meet the Agent, Breaking In, Publishing Insights, and much more.

Subscribe to Writer’s Digest now for this to be your first issue!

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Features include:

+ The WD Interview: Alyssa Cole: The award-winning author of When No One Is Watching takes a deep dive on the role of conflict in stories and creating the complex characters in her newest thriller, One of Us Knows. By Jera Brown

+ 26th Annual 101 Best Websites for Writers: Featuring a combination of perennial favorites and brand-new selections, the 26^th annual list showcases a wide range of websites for writers of all kinds. By Amy Jones, Moriah Richard, and Michael Woodson

+ Escalate Conflict to Keep Readers Turning Pages: Author and writing instructor Jane Cleland shows how to draw readers in through physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual conflict. By Jane K. Cleland

+ Understanding Kung Fu & Musical Story Structure for Better Emotional Development: Build emotion and conflict for your characters and readers by taking a note from the structure and pacing of two popular storytelling forms. By Rob Hart

+ Writing Big Feelings (Minus the Maudlin): Six tips for writing the hardest emotions without falling victim to clichés and crying. By Peter Mountford

+ The 2023 WD Self-Published E-Book Award Winners: WD celebrates the winners of the 11^th Annual WD Self-Published E-Book Awards with an interview with the grand-prize winner, Bea Northwick. By Amy Jones

+ The 2023 WD Personal Essay Award Winners: WD announces the winners of the 4^th Annual WD Personal Essay Awards by featuring an interview with the winner, Katie Love. By Moriah Richard

+ Preventing Conflict in Author/Editor Relationships: Setting expectations early in the author-editor relationship can prevent conflict and help manage emotions when the edits come in. By Karen Krumpak

Plus articles on understanding literary agency agreements, what to do when AI-related concerns get the best of you, how to write about conflict in personal narratives, and writing a memoir in the form of poetry. And of course, all of your favorite columns like, IndieLab, Writers on Writing, On Nonfiction, Breaking In, Meet the Agent, and many more!

Visit WritersDigestShop.com to order a PDF of this issue and start reading today.

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Features Include:

+ The WD Interview: Tommy Orange: The Pulitzer Prize finalist and award-winning author of There There on the power and limits of fiction and the breakthrough moment for his second novel, Wandering Stars. By Amy Jones

+ Anchoring Characters in a Series: The award-winning author of the Nina Knight series (Her Name Is Knight) shares seven techniques for writing a series-sustainable character. By Yasmin Angoe

+ Turning Real People into Characters is an Act of Translation: Memoirist and writing instructor Lilly Dancyger on balancing truth and subjectivity when writing about the self and others in memoir. By Lilly Dancyger

+ Bringing Characters to Life on the Page: How to effectively reveal characters through showing and telling. By Tiffany Yates Martin

+ Love to Hate Them: Four types of unlikable characters and how to make them work in your writing. By Sarah J. Sover

+ Finding Your Character’s Voice: Get inside your character’s head with 15 exercises. By Aigner Loren Wilson

+ Letting Curiosity Lead: Claire Fraise, author of They Stay and grand-prize winner of the 31^st Annual WD Self-Published Book Awards, shares how she utilizes curiosity in every aspect of publication. By Moriah Richard

This issue also includes articles about how to choose the right name for your characters, giving yourself permission to write characters that are outside of your norm, and how to boost character motivations during the revision process. Additionally, this issue includes the first in WD’s column of advice from literary agents: how to decipher literary agent responses to queries. Plus, all of your favorite columns like, IndieLab, Writers on Writing, On Nonfiction, Breaking In, Meet the Agent, and many more!

Subscribe to Writer’s Digest today and never miss an issue. 

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