Adults
Resources for Writers
Attention Writers!
Here are a few helpful tools & links to further your literary endeavors…
Nuts & bolts of writing
Grammar, mechanics & style guides (The Purdue Online Writing Lab–OWL)
Fiction & creative nonfiction writing basics (Purdue Online Writing Lab–Creative Writing)
Writing for business & pleasure: tips & resources (University of Minnesota: Stephen Wilbers)
Finding a publisher/editor/agent
The Writer’s Market (A print directory of publishing opportunities for writers, including listings for book publishers, consumer and trade magazines, contests and awards, and literary agents). Available to view at the library or to check out, place your hold here.
The Writer’s Market Companion (A print resource regarding query letters, project management, legal advice & more). Check availability and place your hold here.
Editorial Freelancers Association
Online article: How to find a (Real!) literary agent by A.C. Crispin
Enter the Soon-to-be-Famous Illinois Author Project
Self Publishing
Directory of Self-publishing companies: click here for a list from Writer’s Digest.
Books & guides available through EPL: click here to view list.
Createspace (tools & how-to: this is an Amazon company).
inkie.org (a suite of resources to support local authors with online creation and publishing and allows readers to access locally-produced content).
Publish Direct to Kindle (tools & how-to: this is an Amazon company).
How to Get Your Book Reviewed (article on Writer’s Digest)
Kirkus Reviews: how to get your book reviewed.
Publishers Weekly’s new site for self-published authors: BookLife.
Join a writers association in your chosen Genre—here are just a few:
(Explore by clicking on the links below)
Historical Novel Society
National Association of Memoir Writers
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
Start your own writers’ group
Writing Group Starter Kit (The Writing Center, University of North Carolina).
Small groups may reserve a Group Study Room (EPL card required).
Larger groups may reserve a Meeting Room (EPL card required).
We can further help by suggesting resources: print & online (call 630-279-8696 or come by the 2nd floor Information desk).