Literary Diversity
As an organization which believes in the power of words, we realize we haven’t said enough about the Black Lives Matter movement, racism, police brutality and in support of Black writers in our community and beyond. Within our organizing board, we have received feedback on how we can do better. We have been taking the time to listen, to learn more, and to compile a list of resources to begin the conversation.
As writers, there’s only one sentence we could write to begin: Black lives matter, have always mattered, and we need to do whatever we can to support the Black community.
CLICK HERE for our full statement, and a list of resources.
Resource Topics
- Advertising/Promotional Items: Business cards, bookmarks, postcards, t-shirts, etc.
- Book Design Services
- Book Reviews
- Book/Library Locators
- Chicagoland Publishing Houses
- Chicago Literary Agents
- Chicago’s Lit Scene — Indie book stores, cafes, clubs, and other writer-friendly places
- Conferences/Writing Groups
- Courses
- Editing & Publishing Services
- Exchange Feedback/Build Community
Conferences/Writing Groups
Let's Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference
Northwestern Summer Writers' Conference
Evanston Writers Workshop's In the Trenches with the Writer Conference
Chicago Writers Association
(Join us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter)
Writer’s Studio at the University of Chicago
Illinois Woman’s Press Association
Sisters in Crime Chicago Chapter
Windy City Chapter of Romance Writers of America
Independent Writers of Chicago
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Illinois Chapter
Horror Writers' Association Chicago Chapter
Chicago’s Lit Scene
Indie book stores, cafes, clubs, and other writer-friendly places
Writer’s Studio at the University of Chicago: Offers downtown and online writing classes as well as community events around Chicago
StoryStudio Chicago: We strive to teach the art, craft, and business of writing in a positive, open, and encouraging setting where students can discover their unique voices
Recurring Chicago Reading Series
Tenx9, a Monthly Storytelling Event
SUNDAY SALON CHICAGO, last Sunday/month FREE
Blue Hour, a free monthly online reading series and generative writing workshop presented by Chicago Poetry Center
This Much Is True: 2nd Thursday of Every Month, Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 7:30 PM (Doors at 7:00) FREE
Story Lab Chicago: 3rd Thursday of Every Month, Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 7:30 PM (Doors at 7:00) FREE
Do Not Submit: a series of free open mics around Chicagoland
MFA Programs
Courses
Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp: The Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat offers a pair of parallel residential writing programs led by published authors and editors designed to help you reach your publishing goals. One registration fee includes room, board, and all program expenses.
Writer’s Studio at the University of Chicago: Offers downtown and online writing classes as well as community events around Chicago.
Hypertext Studio: Study at any level, from beginning writer to expert writer. Hypertext Studio is for writers who are serious about honing their storytelling skills but aren’t interested in pursuing a degree.
Chicago Dramatist’s Playwrights’ Studio
Discovery Center Writing Classes
Off Campus Writers’ Workshop. Weekly workshops Thursday mornings in Winnetka.
Podcasts
Chicagoland Publishing Houses
Chicago Literary Agents
Browne & Miller Literary Associates
Finding an Agent
reedsyblog: The Best Literary Agents Seeking Submissions
reedsyblog: 5 Agent-Approved Query Letter Examples
AgentQuery: How to Write a Query Letter
Publishing Opportunities
Duotrope: a subscription-based service for writers that offers an extensive, searchable database of current fiction, poetry, and non-fiction markets, a calendar of upcoming deadlines, a personal submissions tracker, and useful statistics compiled from the millions of data points we’ve gathered on the publishers we list.
Formatting Your Manuscript
William Shunn’s Guide to Proper Manuscript Format
Style Guidelines, and Grammar and Punctuation Tips
Word Tips' A Guide to Grammar and Punctuation
Submitting your manuscript: Query and Pitch Tips
reedsyblog: How to Write a Query Letter in 7 Simple Steps
How to Pitch Your Book to an Agent: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Pitch a Story with Steps, Template and Example
Book Reviews
Advertising/Promotional Items: Business cards, bookmarks, postcards, t-shirts, etc.
Earthly Charms: Specializing in Promotion for Writers
Promoting Your Book/Manuscript
Litnuts.com: get 25% off with discount code CWA25
E Author Solutions
Editing & Publishing Services
Lisa Wagner's Ground Orchid: (book) editing, (ghost)writing and (ESL and English Lit.) tutoring
Christina Rodriguez Online: web design, writing and editing, web content management, social media management, graphic design, poetry editing and consulting services
JEM Edits: proofreading, copyediting, developmental editing, book review, and writing services
The Book Don: editorial support to writers at all stages of the process
Conspire Creative: offers coaching, consulting, conflict management, project management, editorial, and publishing services for solo pros, creatives, authors, small business owners, multipreneurs, and anyone interested in defensive entrepreneurship.
Prideaux Press: editing and publishing services for authors
The Write Malloy: Book Coach & Historian
OutofControlEmail: Chicago-based freelancer Jason Pettus offers to manage people's email accounts and his skills in coding, copy-editing, personal assistant work, ebook creation, etc.
Janina R. Williams: Writer/Editor/Consultant
Word Bird Editorial Services: manuscript evaluation, content editing, copyediting, editorial evaluation
Byrd's World: writing coach
Starting a Blog
How to Start a Blog That Makes Money
Book/Library Locators
WorldCat.org: world’s largest library catalog
BookCrossing: find books, share books, and meet fellow book lovers.
Self-Publishing Tips
IngramSpark: How to Self-Publish a Book
reedsyblog: How to Self-Publish a Book in 2022
Jane Friedman: Start Here: How to Self-Publish Your Book
