How to: Start your writing journey with a guide of resources to help you network and get published
The Society of Authors is the UK trade union for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators, at all stages of their careers. You don’t have to be an author to join. If you don’t have an agent, The Society of Authors will read author contracts for you. It runs workshops and talks, as well as a monthly magazine, grants, and annual awards.
The Bookseller is the industry bible. It offers webinars, shares news, events and opportunities. It also has a Jobs in Books site, for those seeking to enter the book trade.
Rewrite is a platform to support women of colour, providing the space they need to achieve their writing goals. It offers online courses, workshops, masterclasses and editorial services.
Mslexia is a magazine for women who write. It offers advice, with competitions, opportunities, and courses.
Spread The Word is a writer development agency. It helps to kick-start the careers of new authors, as well as running workshops, offering mentoring, sharing opportunities, and hosting events.
The Literary Consultancy offer a manuscript assessment service.
The Willowherb Review publishes new non-fiction and poetry on nature, place, and environment by emerging and established writers of colour.
Author SOS is a podcast booking agency for authors, which also has tips on marketing yourself as a writer on its blog.
Creative Access is helping underrepresented communities to enter the creative industries. Its website is home to jobs, internships, webinars, and much more.
Here are some more resources for journalists and travel writers:
Bath Spa offers an MA in travel and nature writing.
Journo Resources has lots of useful information, including submission guidelines on various publications.
Press Pad is a project helping to diversify the media, by matching aspiring journalists with affordable housing. It oversees the The Young Journalist Community, which is a Facebook group.
National Union of Journalists offers student membership and has a freelance fees guide (which you don’t have to be a member to access.)
British Guild of Travel Writers offers workshops, events, open listing of travel writers and commissioning editors. Many of its writers offer workshops and tutorials, including Emma Thompson.
Bradt Guides: Guidebook publisher, MD & award-winning travel writer Adrian Phillips runs an annual travel-writing seminar for aspiring travel writers. Bradt also runs a travel writing competition for new writers.
For networking, training, mentoring, check out Women In Journalism.
Guild of Health Writers lists writers and editors who write about wellbeing and health. It offers services to non-members too.
If you have found the session or these resources useful, Jini offers one-to-one consultancy for aspiring writers. If you have an idea for a book but are not too sure how to proceed, or if you’re looking to market your non-fiction books, or perhaps are an aspiring freelance travel and features writer, get in touch. You can also find Jini on Twitter: @jini_Reddy and Instagram @jinireddy20.
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