Central Florida Writers and Publishers Guild, Inc.
Write On!
Online Resources for Writers of Color
When Black & Bookish launched in 2016, the goal was to create a living history database (both of the past and present) of Black culture. This could be done completely by studying Arts and Humanities created by people of the African Diaspora. Her decision to focus on literature gave her a starting point and her challenge of reading only books by Black authors for an entire year. Antoinette soon took on reviewing books by self-published authors to show the large range of Black writers. This has become a major part of the site and a place to spotlight writing from all over the world.
She also launched The Thomas House Project in Eatonville, a revitalization of the oldest structure in the town which will eventually be the site of the Black & Bookish Bookstore.
In 2018 she partnered with My Two Cents Editing to provide editing services to all kinds of writers. She specializes in Sensitivity Reader projects for white writers looking to eliminate bias from their stories. She also provides manuscript evaluations, beta reader services, project consultations, and other author services.
In the world of publishing, it’s clear that more diverse authors and voices are needed. No matter if you’re a new writer or a well-practiced and published author, joining a writing organization can give you connections and support you won't be able to find anywhere else.
In alignment with these incredible organizations, She Writes Press and SparkPress are bringing more diverse voices to the forefront with their STEP Scholarship and are now accepting submissions to give away two publishing scholarships in the coming year.
African Americans on the Move Book Club
The African Americans on the Move Book Club focuses on making interactive literary-based programs that focus on African American books and the people who write them. Their annual events bridge the gap between black literary creatives and ways for them to advance their careers. They focus on new voices and pairing them with creatives who work in film, television and publishing.
Cave Canem: A Home for Black Poetry
Cave Canem was founded in the late 90s to help with the under-representation of black poets in the literary world. Their mission is to help grow the artistic and professional growth of black poets.
Asian American Writers’ Workshop
The Asian American Writers’ Workshop is fully dedicated to Asian American stories and making sure they are told. With New York events and online editorial initiatives, they are committed to strengthening the Asian American community in New York and making voices heard.
Kundiman, a national nonprofit organization, is committed to fostering both readers and writers, bringing them important works by Asian American authors. They are focused on making a bright future for Asian American literature through means of exploration and art.
New Asian Writing is a literary community who specialized in publishing both fiction and nonfiction books that have an Asian theme.
Asian Author Alliance is a group that celebrates Asian Kidlit and the diversity of stories that originate from the Asian continent. We boost and support books by and for us!
Latinx Poetry is a national organization who aims to grow a community of latinx poets through the use of workshops, symposia and public readings. Each year they select 10-12 new fellows who are given the opportunity to return to their annual writing retreat in the hopes of bringing about support and collaboration within the community.
Latinx in Publishing is a network of book professionals who are working to increase the number of Latino/a/x in the world of publishing. With focuses on community, professional development and outreach/advocacy, they strive to promote literature by, for and about Latino/a/x people.
Latinos in Kid Lit provides a forum for Latinx children’s, middle-grade and YA books. Along with this they promote literacy, a love for books and encourage interest in Latinx literature to non-Latin readers. In addition, they conduct book reviews, author interviews, teaching ideas and articles for those involved in literary and publishing work.
People of Color in Publishing has one mission: diversify the book publishing industry. Instead of focusing their efforts on writers of color, they aim to open up opportunities for those who work within the industry. With career development techniques, they aim to empower women of color to take their rightful place in the publishing industry.
We Need Diverse Books is another non-profit organization who highlights readers who love children’s books. They advocate for changes in the publishing industry by including more diverse titles because they believe in promoting and producing literature that reflects the lives of young people everywhere.
This podcast discusses the lack of diversity in the book publishing industry with authors and other working in the literary space. This intelligent podcast is an important listen for anyone striving to make a change in the publishing industry.
While Black Writers is the most active on Twitter, they deliver amazing resources for writers. With a freelance editors’ directory, webinars, podcasts and more, Black Writes is committed to bringing writing opportunities and education to diverse writers in the space.
OOSA Online Bookclub is another account who conducts a lot of their business through social media. This online book club focuses on sharing and reviewing books by African American authors.
This active Twitter account's sole mission is to promote new book releases from black authors. From popular authors like Jasmine Guillory and Eric Jerome Dickey to indie authors, this social account covers it all.If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.
Other Writer's Groups Geared for All
These online writing groups are supportive and helpful.
The Write Life team polled writers to find out which online writing groups they personally could not live without — and many of them relied heavily on Facebook groups.
So here are some of the best Facebook groups for writers.
Before we dig in deep about what’s out there…we hope you’ve joined The Write Life Facebook group! Writers of all experience levels share their struggles and wins, ask each other questions, and generally support and encourage one another. Recent topics of discussion include how to beat procrastination and the best ways to find remote writing opportunities.
Size: 20,900 members (as of mid-2019)
2. The Freelance Content Marketing Writer
Created by Jennifer Goforth Gregory, who has a book by the same name as the group, this space is for writers who work in content marketing. Most have a background in digital marketing, journalism or freelance writing, and they discuss topics like how much to charge for specific services, where to look for a virtual assistant, an alternatives to getting paid with PayPal.
Size: 3,170 members (as of mid-2019)
Whether you’re a newbie looking for advice or an established pro who’d like to pay it forward, this community is a great place to support and learn from other writers, as well as editors, publishers, agents and more. Recent posts include writers asking for feedback on cover designs, sharing motivational quotes and comics about writing, and sharing writing wins.
Size: 173,960 members (as of mid-2019)
This group is for journalists who have left the industry, are preparing to leave the industry, or fear they might be forced into leaving the industry… and what they’ve gone on to do with their careers. It’s full of ideas from writers who have used their skills to make an income in new ways, and requests from journalists who are struggling with the change. It’s a supportive space!
Size: 14,050 members (as of mid-2019)
5. Smart Passive Income Kindle Group
Ever wanted to write a Kindle book or wondered how the process works? Join this group to get a behind-the-scenes look at popular blogger Pat Flynn’s own journey to publish a Kindle book from start to finish. In addition to watching Pat’s journey, readers have a chance to ask questions, share their own advice and experiences and get feedback on similar projects they’re working on.
Size: 17,850 members (as of mid-2019)
Created by Grant Hudson of independent publisher Clarendon House Publications, this group is for new and established writers who are interested in the craft and practice of writing. Many of the posts are writers cheering each other on as submissions are accepted and published, so if that’s something you’re working toward, you’ll be in good company here.
Size: 4,670 members (as of mid-2019)
This group is all about asking questions you have about the writing process and getting answers from editors. Admins prefer participants ask specific questions, rather than posting excerpts and asking for feedback. This is a great place to lurk and learn even if you don’t have a reason to participate! There’s also a Help Wanted section for writers looking to hire an editor.
Size: 2,960 members (as of mid-2019)
For novelists looking to improve their craft, especially those who are crunched for time to write. As one member told us, “10-Minute Novelists is my all time favorite…the group is so supportive, the admins are very active in discussions and post regularly…It’s helped me so much!” Look for inspiring features like Tuesday “Buddy Days” (when you can find critique partners and beta readers) and Wednesday #AuthorHappiness chats (where members celebrate their weekly successes).
Size: 13,640 members (as of mid-2019)
9. Beta Readers and Critique Partners
If you’re willing to become a beta reader or critique partner, or you want to find one for your work, this is the place to connect with other writers. You’ll see calls for reads of poetry, action, drama, historical fiction, personal essays, non-fiction…pretty much every type of writing.
Size: 6,810 members (as of mid-2019)
10. Word Nerds Unite
Run by Gabriela Pereira at DIY MFA, a do-it-yourself alternative to a master’s in writing, this group focuses on all things writing. Recent topics have included how to beat writer’s block, call-outs for beta readers, and grammar questions. Pereira herself interacts regularly, sharing Word Nerd Wins and hosting weekend writing sprints, which she says are like virtual writing retreats. This is a fun and motivated crowd!
Size: 5,520 members (as of mid-2019)
This group collects submission calls for poetry, fiction and art and presents them all in one easy-to-follow place. If you’re looking for publication opportunities, it’s worth checking out.
Size: 58,080
This group of indie authors and self-publishers focuses mainly on fiction. It’s a great place to get advice, air your grievances and discover new authors.
Size: 12,060 members (as of mid-2019)
Open to indie writers of all kinds, this group allows self-promotion only in admin-created threads, and has a fair but firm panel of moderators who keep spammers and trolls at bay.
Size: 7,350 members (as of mid-2019)
14. We Blog…A Blogging Community
Founded by blogger Edwin Covarrubias, this is a place for bloggers to connect and share ideas. You’ll also find opportunities to promote your blog if you’re a new blogger looking to find readers.
Size: 4,780 members (as of mid-2019)
15. Blogging Boost
Another group chock full of advice, resources and support for bloggers, this group limits self-promotion to Mondays only, which helps save your feed from over-saturation.
Size: 23,810 members (as of mid-2019)
16. Write On! Online
An extension of a live group that started at a Barnes & Noble in California in 2002, this “writer’s support group” aims at helping writers set goals, troubleshoot and network. It’s hosted by hosted by Debra Eckerling of The D*E*B Method. As one member told us, “They have a supportive environment…to provide that much needed ‘kick in the pants’ without the guilt.”
Size: 1,640 members (as of mid-2019)
Whether you’re a traditional, self-published or indie author, this group is a great resource for information, support or simply “a kick in the butt to get you going,” as one member told us. Self-promotion is not allowed, but you are able to post an excerpt from your current project for critique by other members. The group also publishes three anthologies a year.
Size: 9,670 (as of mid-2019)
18. Writers Write
If you’re looking for less of a participatory experience and more of a compendium of all things writing, this group is a fun news source of recent doings in the writing world. Notable recent posts include reaction to Bob Dylan’s nomination for (and subsequent radio silence towards) the Nobel Prize for Literature and Kanye West penning a poem on McDonald’s french fries for Frank Ocean’s new art mag. Dare we say it’s a great way to kill a little “writer’s block” time?
Size: 9,900 members (as of mid-2019)
19. Writers World
As one of the phrases on this group’s logo image indicates, you need “lizard skin” to be an active member in this critique-only group. You’ll find no pep talks or ego-fluffing here, simply polite, but pull-no-punches assessments of any pieces members offer up for critique. (One of the admins has edited for Disney and NBC, if you wonder how useful those critiques are.) If you want to get serious about your work, and you can handle bold honesty, this group can help you hone your skills.
Size: 5,430 members (as of mid-2019)
20. NaNo Land
Have you ever participated in National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo)? This group, formerly known as NaNoWriMo Participants, can help you through the challenge by offering support, tips and empathy as you type, type, type your way to 50,000 words in 30 days.
Size: 23,930 members (as of mid-2019)
21. Women Writers, Women’s Books
Ladies, this one’s for you. Connect with women writers of all genres and experience levels, from indie scribes to traditionally published and self-published authors. Member Suzanne Brazil said of the group, “They have an active Twitter presence, publish helpful essays, support each other’s blogs and author pages and are generally just a great place for technical questions, writing advice, and encouragement! Can’t recommend them highly enough.”
Size: 16,070 members (as of mid-2019)
22. The Aspiring Travel Writer
Run by blogger and podcaster Alexa Williams Meisler of Break Into Travel Writing, this group’s goal is to provide “a place to connect with others interested in breaking into travel blogging or taking your travel writing to a higher level.” Self-promotion is limited to “Friday Free for Alls” to allow members to focus more on supporting and learning from each other.
Size: 7,180 members (as of mid-2019)