Scottsdale Public Library logo

WRITE Local: Online Author Toolkit

Discover a wealth of resources to assist authors in the areas of writing, traditional/digital publishing, networking and marketing.
Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, the library showcases tools you can use immediately.


Valley Writing Groups

Arizona State University
Poetry and fiction workshops open to ASU English majors. Students are guided by experienced writers and will be given various directions to consider their own literary expression, whether it be graduate school, community projects or the open workplace.

ASU Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing
Creative hub for writers and readers.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Students examine the process and production of original, imaginative works of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction with award-winning writers. Classes are held in a workshop format where students read and discuss poems, stories and essays written by their classmates in a critical and supportive artistic academic setting.

Glendale Community College
GCC offers several courses in composition, creative writing and developmental reading and writing. These classes and others contribute to an AAS in Public Relations, a Certificate of Completion in Journalism and an Academic Certificate in Creative Writing, which are offered under the auspices of the English Department. Courses offered include fiction, poetry, children's literature, mystery writing, non-fiction, plays, and screenwriting.

Mesa Community College
From writing mystery stories to structuring a novel to crafting a poem, the Creative Writing program at MCC will provide you with what you need to begin your journey as a creative writer.

Paradise Valley Community College
Provides courses, workshops and special events in various creative writing genres, such as poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. The Creative Writing department is committed to creating lifelong learning opportunities by encouraging students and writers of all levels of experience to focus on their own creative process as well as their finished creative writing product.

Rio Salado Community College
Rio Salado’s Academic Certificate in Creative Writing gives you access to a community of writers and creative writing activities and workshops. Established authors provide instruction and offer guidance on improving writing techniques and marketing your works.

South Mountain Community College
The English curriculum at South Mountain Community College runs the gamut from introductory writing and composition skills to more advanced topics, such as writing about literature and magazine article writing.


Around The State

Mohave Community College
Mohave Community College strives to provide affordable, accessible and achievable higher education to all who seek it. A plethora of classes are available to aspiring writers of all levels, ranging from introductory workshops, to how-to's on publishing websites, to specific courses focusing on screenwriting and genre-oriented writing.

Northern Arizona University
Whether your creative genre is fiction, poetry, or nonfiction, NAU provides experience and stimulation to advance students’ writing skills, discipline, and habits.

University of Arizona
The University of Arizona Writing Program helps students become more capable of writing for personal, civic, academic and professional purposes and audiences. Courses develop students’ creativity and their ability to represent their ideas in language.

Yavapai College
The Yavapai College Creative Writing program provides students with courses designed to teach the fundamentals of the art of creative writing. Whether it's fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction, Yavapai College embraces a philosophy that entails solid teaching in the elements of each genre while allowing for experimentation as each student’s work evolves.


Community Classes & Workshops

Art Intersection Write Now
Offers workshops, classes, seminars and lectures on photography, art, writing and related topics.

Gotham Writers’ Workshop
The Gotham Writers’ Workshop has grown to become the leading creative writing school in New York City and online.

Mid-American Review
Online workshops designed to give a forum for discussing work, a writing community, and inspiration.

The Writer’s Studio Tucson
The Writers Studio Tucson offers a unique workshop environment where fiction writers and poets learn to discover and nurture their own voices. Beginning students are offered a supportive environment and community in which they learn how to turn autobiographical fragments into successful narrative and poetic pieces. Advanced students are offered technical guidance and professional criticism while working on longer pieces.


Online Information/Support

Arizona Authors Association
The Arizona Authors Association serves as an information and referral center for the community, helping and supporting local authors statewide. Members include award-winning and best-selling authors of fiction and nonfiction works, as well as beginning writers, aspiring authors, poets, journalists, columnists, song writers, screenwriters, business writers, illustrators, reviewers, editors and other allied professionals.

Association of Writers and Writing programs
Provides opportunities, ideas, news and advocacy for writers and teachers. Website has job information, forums for writers and lots of other resources.

Online Schools Writing Center
Created as a means to help students transition to meeting the high expectations of college instructors, the Online Schools Database website addresses the challenging aspects of academic writing. Seeking to clearly outline how to brainstorm, draft, and revise papers, as well as covering common grammatical errors, this resource also offers an extensive list of other valuable web resources.

Practicing Writing
Monthly e-newsletter with writing tips and information about contests and other resources.

Writer’s Digest
The charter publication Writer’s Digest literally “wrote the book” on writing and getting published. For more than 90 years, the experts at Writer’s Digest have been publishing books, magazines, competitions, conferences and distance education materials for writers who want to polish their skills and hone their craft. WritersDigest.com is an excellent resource for information, resources and writing.

Writing.com
An online community operating for over a decade, where writers can post stories, share and store their work, and participate in a plethora of community activities. Membership is free and available to writers of all skill levels.


University & College Writing Classes

Contact the institutions for semester-specific class offerings and meeting times.

Networking Groups

Library provides this list for general informational purposes only.


Valley Metro

Desert Sleuths, the Arizona Chapter of Sisters in Crime
Promotes networking among mytery writers. Meets monthly in Scottsdale.

Society of Southwestern Authors
Nonprofit association of writers, and other publishing professionals to conduct programs and promote supportive friendship among writers.

Valley of the Sun Romance Writers (VOSRWA)
Promotes fellowship and professional assistance among writers of romance fiction.


Around Arizona

Arizona Authors Association
The Arizona Authors Association serves as an information and referral center for the community, helping and supporting local authors statewide. Members include award-winning and best-selling authors of fiction and nonfiction works, as well as beginning writers, aspiring authors, poets, journalists, columnists, song writers, screenwriters, business writers, illustrators, reviewers, editors and other allied professionals.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is a non-profit international professional guild comprised of writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, booksellers, and other people who are involved in the world of children's books, magazines, film, television, and multimedia.


Book Discussion Groups

Library Book Discussion Groups
Join in for lively book discussions at one of the beautiful libraries in Scottsdale. Search for "Book Discussion"

Poisoned Pen Book Clubs
Mystery press and bookstore offers signings, readings and other book-related events including book club selections and meetings.


Book Festivals

Tucson Festival of Books
This annual springtime festival brings together authors, publishers and the reading public in a family-friendly community event.

Tucson Poetry Festival
Over its 30-year history, the festival has brought some of the most recognized poets of our time to Tucson each April.


Conferences and Retreats

Casa Libre en la Solana
Supports and enhances the creativity of professional and novice writers by providing uninterrupted time for work through residency programs and a venue for classes, readings and other professional development opportunities.

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference
Brings Arizona writers of all levels together each February or March.


Organizations

Arizona Consortium for the Arts
Provides support for Arizona artists and offers free access to the arts for the general public by hosting cultural, arts and performance arts events.

Arizona Meet-ups for Writers
Listing of Meet-ups throughout Arizona for writers of various genres.

Christian Writers of the West
Affiliate of American Christian Fiction Writers, which meets the last Saturday of each month.


Reading Series

Changing Hands Bookstore Events
Changing Hands Bookstore hosts all kinds of author events, signing and readings, including the monthly First Friday Poetry.

Distinguished Visiting Writers Series
The Piper Center for Creative Writing annually brings visiting writers of exceptional talent and distinction to the ASU campus and the greater Phoenix metropolitan community for public lectures and residencies with ASU faculty and graduate students. During their residencies, these distinguished visiting writers teach intensive graduate seminars, lecture on and off campus, and engage in cultural discussions with local media, educators, community artists and the general public.

Phoenix Poetry Series
This series, held the third Friday of each month, showcases some of the best poets Arizona has to offer.


Writer’s Groups

Phoenix Writers Club
Members support and mentor each other, sharing knowledge and experiences.


Online Networking

Fictionaut
Brings the social web to literary fiction, connecting readers and writers through a community network highlighting the most exciting short stories, poetry, flash fiction and novel excerpts.

Goodreads
Website allows readers and writers to “virtually meet” and to share opinions, get recommendations and meet like-minded readers.

LitStack
A place for bookworms and bibliophiles to discuss classics and recent releases, check out cool stuff for readers and get the inside scoop from favorite authors.

Writers Cafe
WritersCafe.org is an online writing community where writers can post their work, get reviews and advice from thousands of other writers, enter hundreds of free writing contests, take and subscribe to free online writing courses, search publishers, literary agents, and literary magazines, and much much more. And best of all - it's free!

Writer’s Digest
The charter publication Writer’s Digest literally “wrote the book” on writing and getting published. For more than 90 years, the experts at Writer’s Digest have been publishing books, magazines, competitions, conferences and distance education materials for writers who want to polish their skills and hone their craft. WritersDigest.com is an excellent resource for information, resources and writing.


National

Association of Authors’ Representatives
Not-for-profit organization of qualified literary agents and dramatic representatives of authors, dramatists and other creators and owners of intellectual property.

Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference (AWP)
AWP holds its Annual Conference & Bookfair in a different region of North America in order to celebrate the outstanding authors, teachers, writing programs, literary centers, and small press publishers of that region.

Featured Marketing Links

Goodreads Author Program
Free feature to help authors reach passionate readers. Great place for new and established authors to promote and receive feedback on their books.

LitStack
LitStack is a place for bookworms and bibliophiles to discuss classics and recent releases, check out cool stuff for readers and get the inside scoop from your favorite authors. LitStack’s diverse staff comprises writers and reviewers with MFAs and various advanced degrees, writers published in countless literary journals, an Eisner Award nominee, and established authors with large, engaged platforms. The site’s aim is to promote the love of storytelling and language in its many and varied forms.



Marketing Resources

The Poisoned Pen
Poisoned Pen Bookstore in downtown Scottsdale specializes in fiction and hosts many appearances with local and national authors.

Tucson Festival of Books
This annual springtime festival brings together authors, publishers and the reading public in a family-friendly community event.


Libraries

List of Arizona Public Libraries
This is a list of all public libraries in Arizona. Libraries are a great resource for writers, in case you weren't sure... 

Marketing to Libraries
The American Library Association offers helpful tips for authors looking to get their books into libraries.


Bookstores

Antigone Books
Tucson bookstore features local authors giving them an outlet to present and promote their work.

Biblio Bookstore
Online website for finding independent bookstores nationwide.

Changing Hands Bookstore
Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe hosts appearances with numerous local, regional and national authors.

The Poisoned Pen
Poisoned Pen Bookstore in downtown Scottsdale specializes in fiction and hosts many appearances with local and national authors.


Online Resources

The Authors and Speakers Network
Website provides resources for beginning authors and speakers, as well as for professionals.

FSB Associates
FSB Associates is the premier Internet marketing firm specializing in creating online awareness for books and authors.

How to Market Your Poetry
Advice from Writer's Relief, a submission service and online resource website.

i-Universe Marketing Your Book
Publishing services provider i-Universe offers helpful tips on how to market your self-published book.

Marcie Brock, Book Marketing Maven
Practical book marketing advice for self-publishing authors, created by WriteMarketDesign.com.

Marketing for Poets and Writers Who Prefer Writing
Helpful blog with marketing tips for the hesitant marketer.

Novel Marketing Podcast
Free tips and advice on marketing and promoting writing.

The Writer Magazine Online
Website and published magazine offering marketing tips and resources to authors.

Writer’s Digest Articles on Marketing and Self-Promotion
Writer’s Digest link to online articles related to marketing and self-promotion.

Writer’s Market
Website providing advice on where and how to sell what you write.


Social Media

Arizona Authors Blog
This blog is from the Arizona Authors Association, serving as an information and referral center for the community, helping and supporting local authors statewide.

Facebook for Authors
Advice on how to get started with an author’s Facebook page from author and agent Nathan Bransford.

40 Hash Tags for Writers
This list of hash tags helps writers to navigate Twitter, connect with other writers and get the word out about projects.

How to Build a Facebook Author Page
A 20-step guide to building an author page and getting people to “Like” it.

The Writer’s Guide to Twitter
Website gives guidance to writers regarding how to use Twitter for marketing purposes.

Top 50 Twitter Accounts All Writers Should Follow
A list of the top 50 accounts that a writer must follow, broken into five categories: Helpful tips on the writing process, authors and writers to follow, writing associations, blogging and freelance tips, and editors you can connect with.

Publishing Resources

Library provides this list for general informational purposes only.


Online Resources

All Poetry
Connect with other poets for appreciation, encouragement, and feedback. Turn your hobby into something serious with free writing courses. A thriving and active community to inspire the poet in you!

Association of Authors’ Representatives
Not-for-profit organization of qualified literary agents and dramatic representatives of authors, dramatists and other creators and owners of intellectual property.

Blue Guitar Magazine
Projects of the Arizona Consortium for the Arts. Visit www.artizona.org. The magazine features Arizona's emerging and established writers in all genres, artists and people who are great visionaries and leaders in the arts and for the arts by contributing their talent, passion and skills.

Council of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP) Directory
Provides entries for independent book publishers, literary magazines, and online literary journals. Each listing provides all the information necessary to get one's work into print: journal and press descriptions, submission guidelines, contact names and addresses, and circulation figures.

Creative Writing Contests
Information about creative writing contests, literary magazines theme issues, writing residencies, and more, brought to you from Wordpress. Information for these contests is compiled from websites, list servs, and sometimes, just word of mouth and present the opportunity to win awards, accolades, and most times, cold hard cash prizes.

Duotrope
Award-winning, free writers' resource listing over 3650 current Fiction and Poetry publications. Search for markets that may make a fine home for the piece you just polished. Explore the rest of the free services we offer writers and editors, including a free online submissions tracker for registered users.

Goodreads Author Resources
Great place for new and established authors to promote and receive feedback on their books.

Grub Street
Service provides feedback on your projects or advice on furthering your literary career.

Hayden’s Ferry Review
Considered one of the prominent literary journals in the international literary community by providing a forum to showcase the voices of emerging and established talents in creative writing and visual art in a format that is not tied down to particular styles, schools of thought, aesthetics, or ideologies.

NewPages
News, information and guides to independent bookstores, independent publishers, literary magazines, alternative periodicals, independent record labels, alternative newsweeklies and more.

The Review Review
Not just a redundant name, this link features reviews of literary journals, tips for writers, interviews with authors and editors and an abundance of great information.

Society of Southwestern Authors
An association of writers, and other publishing professionals hosting activities designed to promote mutually supportive friendship among writers, provide recognition of members' achievements and encourage and assist persons seeking to become published writers.

Sonora Review
Founded in 1980, Sonora Review is one of the oldest student-run literary journals in the country.

Superstition Review
Founded in 2007 at Arizona State University, Superstition Review publishes art, fiction, interviews, nonfiction and poetry. Named after the beautiful Superstition Mountains to the north of their campus, they publish two issues each year in December and April.

University of Arizona Press
Nonprofit publisher of scholarly and regional books.

Writer’s Digest
Provides aspiring authors with publishing info. More than 1,500 listings and editorial content - with interviews and articles from industry insiders on pertinent topics like the importance of developing your prose style, creating a voice and authentic dialogue appropriate to your genre, strategies for self-publishing, and tips and tools to help you manage the time you spend on perfecting your craft.

The Writing Cycle
Developmental editing provides a comprehensive review of a project in all stages of the writing process, from development to literally "re-envisioning" a work. Copyediting offers an expert eye to catch and correct errors in style and grammar, as well as improve subheads or captions. Proofreading ensures a document has been thoroughly examined for typos, missing punctuation, and spacing and formatting issues.


Print-On-Demand Websites

FastPencil
FastPencil makes it easy to write, collaborate, publish and distribute both your print book and e-book.

Lulu
Lulu empowers more creators to sell more content to more readers more profitably than ever before. It’s free to publish, and authors can create everything from hardcover books to eBooks, photo books to calendars. Authors keep all the rights to their works and retain 80 percent of the profit they set when their books sell. An excellent resource for when you're ready to publish your work.

MagCloud
MagCloud is a web service that empowers users to self-publish and distribute content—for business or personal use—as a professional-quality print publication or digitally for mobile and online viewing on today's most popular devices. Whether it's a magazine, book, graphic novel, comic book, catalog, or even a business proposal, MagCloud is a great resource for getting your work published.

The Book Patch
Authors can create a cast of characters, write multiple story lines, find editors and illustrators, design a cover, share or keep private writings, connect with other authors, publish and even sell. An outstanding resource for those who are looking into self-publishing at an affordable cost.

Do you have a book, CD or DVD you’ve published and want to have included in the library’s collection?

Program information and submission guidelines are available at: Local Collection

*The creation of this toolkit was funded in part by a grant from the American Library Association’s Carnegie-Whitney Grant.


  City of Scottsdale   Website Policies   Accessibility Services   sitemap   Español