Sure! Here are 10 websites that can be helpful for book writers, along with a summary, pricing information, five things you can do on each site, and their pros and cons:
1. Goodreads
– Summary: Goodreads is a social cataloging website where users can find, review, and discuss books.
– Pricing: Free to use.
– Five things you can do:
1. Create an author profile and engage with readers.
2. Share book recommendations and reviews.
3. Join book clubs and participate in discussions.
4. Promote your books to a large community of readers.
5. Discover new books and authors.
– Pros: Extensive book database, large user community, opportunities for book promotion.
– Cons: Limited control over user reviews, heavy focus on popular books.
2. Wattpad
– Summary: Wattpad is a platform for writers to share and discover stories in various genres.
– Pricing: Free to use, with premium options available.
– Five things you can do:
1. Publish your writing and gain a following.
2. Receive feedback and comments from readers.
3. Connect with other writers and collaborate on projects.
4. Explore different genres and discover new stories.
5. Participate in writing contests and challenges.
– Pros: Accessible platform, supportive community, opportunities for feedback.
– Cons: Quality control can vary, limited monetization options.
3. Reedsy
– Summary: Reedsy is an online marketplace that connects authors with professional editors, designers, and marketers.
– Pricing: Free to join, services vary in pricing.
– Five things you can do:
1. Hire professional editors, designers, and marketers for your book.
2. Create a professional author website.
3. Participate in writing contests and receive feedback.
4. Access educational resources and courses for writers.
5. Find literary agents and publishers.
– Pros: Quality professionals, valuable resources, networking opportunities.
– Cons: Some services can be expensive, limited free resources.
4. Scribophile
– Summary: Scribophile is an online writing community where authors can receive feedback on their work.
– Pricing: Free to use, with premium membership available.
– Five things you can do:
1. Submit your writing and receive critiques from other members.
2. Participate in writing groups and workshops.
3. Connect with like-minded writers.
4. Explore writing resources and articles.
5. Gain exposure and feedback for your work.
– Pros: Active community, detailed feedback, structured critique system.
– Cons: Premium membership required for certain features, potential for unhelpful feedback.
5. KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
– Summary: KDP is Amazon’s self-publishing platform for authors to publish and sell their books on Kindle.
– Pricing: Free to use, revenue share on book sales.
– Five things you can do:
1. Publish and distribute your books in e-book and print formats.
2. Set your book’s price and earn royalties on sales.
3. Track sales and royalties through the KDP dashboard.
4. Access promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Kindle Unlimited.
5. Reach a wide audience through Amazon’s vast customer base.
– Pros: Easy publishing process, global distribution, potential for high visibility.
– Cons: Heavy competition, limited marketing support.
6. Writer’s Digest
– Summary: Writer’s Digest is a resource hub for writers,
offering advice, writing prompts, and educational materials.
– Pricing: Free access to some content, premium memberships available.
– Five things you can do:
1. Read articles on various writing topics and genres.
2. Participate in writing contests and competitions.
3. Access webinars and online workshops.
4. Join the writer’s community and connect with other authors.
5. Receive tips and guidance from industry professionals.
– Pros: Rich content library, educational resources, community engagement.
– Cons: Some resources behind a paywall, limited personalization.
7. Smashwords
– Summary: Smashwords is a self-publishing and distribution platform for e-books.
– Pricing: Free to use, revenue share on book sales.
– Five things you can do:
1. Format and publish your e-books in multiple formats.
2. Distribute your e-books to various online retailers.
3. Set your book’s price and earn royalties on sales.
4. Access sales and distribution reports.
5. Join the Smashwords community and connect with other authors.
– Pros: Broad distribution channels, customizable pricing, supportive community.
– Cons: Limited to e-books, formatting can be challenging.
8. The Writers’ Union of Canada
– Summary: The Writers’ Union of Canada is a professional organization supporting Canadian writers.
– Pricing: Membership fees apply.
– Five things you can do:
1. Access resources, guidelines, and professional development opportunities.
2. Attend workshops, conferences, and networking events.
3. Receive legal and contract advice.
4. Connect with other Canadian authors and industry professionals.
5. Benefit from advocacy efforts on behalf of writers.
– Pros: Supportive community, advocacy for writers’ rights, professional guidance.
– Cons: Membership fees required, focus on Canadian writers.
9. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)
– Summary: NaNoWriMo is an annual writing challenge where participants aim to write a 50,000-word novel in November.
– Pricing: Free to participate, optional donations.
– Five things you can do:
1. Join the writing challenge and set a word count goal.
2. Connect with a global community of writers.
3. Access writing resources and support.
4. Attend virtual write-ins and local events.
5. Celebrate your writing achievements and gain motivation.
– Pros: Supportive community, structured writing challenge, motivation and accountability.
– Cons: Limited to a specific time frame, focus on quantity over quality.
10. Poets & Writers
– Summary: Poets & Writers is a resource for creative writers, offering information, grants, and opportunities.
– Pricing: Free access to most content, premium memberships available.
– Five things you can do:
1. Find writing contests, grants, and fellowships.
2. Access articles, interviews, and essays on writing.
3. Search for literary agents and publishers.
4. Participate in online workshops and webinars.
5. Connect with other writers and join discussions.
– Pros: Extensive resources, grant opportunities, industry connections.
– Cons: Some resources behind a paywall, focus on literary writing.
Please note that the pricing and features mentioned above are based on the information available up until my last knowledge update in September 2021. It’s always a good idea to visit the websites for the most up-to-date information on pricing and features.