Like many writers, Erica Verrillo shares lots of information for fellow writers. Her blog has a memorable title, Publishing … and Other Forms of Insanity.

Notable regular features (and reader favorites of her blog) include:

• New agents accepting–or even looking for, new clients in one genre or another
• Writing conferences here and there
• Contests–FREE of entry fees, in a variety of categories (many times with specific qualifiers like residence location, student status, etc.)
• Calls for submissions to periodicals, etc. 

She recently sent out her first newsletter, incorporating recent blog posts, to those (like me) who subscribe (it’s also FREE). It can’t be much simpler writing this article than grabbing a couple items from that newsletter. By the time you read this, some of the items will be dated, but as Erica often reminds readers, many conferences are annual events–so if you miss this year, just put a reminder on your calendar for next year. So here are some samples from the newsletter. If you go to the blog itself, you will find them with a search. The newsletter, as she points out, will eliminate the need for a search.

 

There are some great conferences this month. If your manuscript is complete, you can pitch it to agents in New York, Las Vegas and Minneapolis. There are also retreats and workshops for writers who just need to get away for awhile to get the creative juices flowing. Read more here>>

 

 

 

Every writer needs a second pair of eyes (and frequently a third), because there are always mistakes. These can range from simple grammar and spelling errors, to internal logic (your character is drinking coffee, and two lines later is sipping tea), to structural problems. Professional editing can catch all these errors. But unless you know an editor who is willing to work for free, you will have to pay for this essential service. To learn what editing costs, and what kind of editor you need click here.

 

Whether you are blogging, writing articles, or designing a cover for your book, there is nothing that attracts readers more than a fetching image. Eye-catching images not only draw the reader’s attention, they establish a mood, set a tone, and express what you can’t say in words. A great image will also inspire a reader to linger, and to want to learn more about you and what you have written. Here are 44 sites where you can get fabulous free photos. Click here for the list.