Writer’s Digest Tours

Writer’s Digest Writing Retreat: Tuscany 2026

It’s official! In early April (4/7-14) 2026, Writer’s Digest will host its second annual writing retreat in Italy. This event will include two nights in Florence and five nights in the beautiful hills of Tuscany. There will be plenty of time for exploration, writing, and instruction with the Writer’s Digest hosts (WD Editor-in-Chief Amy Jones and Literary Agent Jessica Berg).

Click here to learn more.

Writer’s Digest Annual Conference

The 2026 Writer’s Digest Annual Conference will take place in-person late July in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Per usual, it will offer an incredible lineup of presenters and pre-conference workshops, in addition to one-on-one consultations with literary agents.

Click here to check for more updates coming soon!

Writer’s Digest Virtual Conferences

Sometimes in-person doesn’t work out for a variety of reasons. However, Writer’s Digest has you covered with a regular rotation of virtual conferences. Each virtual conference offers sessions taught by award-winning and bestselling authors along with the opportunity for query critiques from publishing professionals (agents and editors).

Here’s what is on the horizon:

Novel Writing Virtual Conference

On January 30-February 1, 2026, Writer’s Digest hosts its annual Novel Writing Virtual Conference. This year’s virtual conference includes sessions by Barbara O’Neal, Amy Collins, Mia P. Manansala, C. Hope Clark, Michael La Ronn, Rob Hart, and more.

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Romance Writing Virtual Conference 

On February 20-22, 2026, Writer’s Digest hosts its popular annual Romance Writing Virtual Conference. This year’s virtual conference once again includes sessions by award-winning and bestselling authors. Plus, writers have the opportunity to get a query critique from a participating literary agent.

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Mystery & Thriller Writing Virtual Conference

On March 20-22, 2026, Writer’s Digest hosts its longest-running annual virtual conference, which is focused on mystery & thriller writing. This year’s virtual conference once again includes sessions by award-winning and bestselling authors, in addition to the opportunity for a query critique from a participating literary agent.

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Sponsorship & Media Opportunities

Interested in connecting face-to-face with authors at one of our events? Contact April Krueger at AKrueger@aimmedia.com or call (715) 318-0996.

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We urge writers to get creative in their interpretations of our 2026 issue themes. We offer a brief description of how we interpret them, but look forward to ideas we weren’t necessarily expecting.

Find out more about our submission guidelines here.

Editor’s Note: After trying a year of using forms to accept pitches instead of email, we’d like to continue this process for 2026. Instead of emailing editors or a general submission inbox with your pitch for the print magazine, we ask that you use the links below to submit pitches for each issue. Each link is specific to that issue and will ensure we collect all the info we need and stay organized. If you have a pitch not directly connected to an issue theme, please use this form (also updated for 2026). While you are more than welcome to submit more than one pitch per issue, please reuse the form for each idea rather than submitting them all at once. Thanks in advance for submitting your ideas using these forms! 

March/April 2026

THEME: Achieve Perfect Pacing 

An issue dedicated to pacing in any and every interpretation of the word as it relates to writing and publishing. That means, how to keep the pace going in a specific genres, or how to write dialogue that comes across as quick banter. It also means, advice for indie authors on how to pace the release of their books and understanding traditional publishing timelines, and much more.  

+ WD Self-Published Book Awards Announcement + Profile 

This issue is now closed to submissions.

May/June 2026

THEME: Write Like a Pro 

While this may sound like a more business-focused issue than usual, with this “Write Like a Pro” theme, we’re not only looking for articles on demystifying aspects of the publishing industry for both traditional and indie writers or providing advice for freelancers, we’re also looking for craft-related articles that help writers elevate their writing to the next level.  

+ WD’s 101 Best Websites for Writers 

+ WD Personal Essay Awards Announcement + Profile 

This issue is now closed to submissions.

July/August 2026

THEME: Writing That Matters, Writing the Truth  

In this issue, we’re focusing on writing what matters, because writing matters more than ever. Whether it’s advice for writing emotions that give fiction deeper life truths, writing about so-called taboo topics that deserve to be addressed, or writing about hard truths in memoir, this issue aims to give writers the courage to create writing that matters. 

+ WD Self-Published E-Book Awards Announcement + Profile 

+WD Poetry Awards Announcement + Profile  

Click here to submit your pitch for July/August 2026: https://forms.gle/ukm39gp7qiKhZwJG8  

September/October 2026

THEME: Fostering Individuality in Writing 

For this issue, featuring the Annual Agent Roundup, we’re interested in including articles related to individuality (and celebrating one’s identity) in writing. Things like, how a writer can create their public author persona (including deciding what they do and do not share with their readers), how to create characters that feel like distinct individuals, turning life into literature (whether fiction or nonfiction), and any other ways you can think of for writers to foster individuality. 

+ The Annual Agent Roundup 

+ WD Short Short Story Awards Announcement + Story/Profile 

Click here to submit your pitch for September/October 2026: https://forms.gle/TdAEbuLtvDUf3kc5A 

November/December 2026

THEME: Harness Your Creativity 

For this end-of-the-year issue, we’re looking for articles to help spark readers’ creativity during the busy holiday season. That means, articles to help get words on the page when life is chaotic, how to make the most of the writing they did during the year even if they might not have hit their goals, or even non-writing activities writers can do to get bring back their creative spirit. 

+ WD Annual Competition Announcement + Profile 

Click here to submit your pitch for November/December 2026: https://forms.gle/KfdvzavBQurU68EGA 

January/February 2026

THEME: Write Your Book in 2027 

With a sub-theme of The Rejuvenated Writer, this issue aims to help writers start the new year strong. That means, articles to help writers get motivated to finally finish their manuscript, tips for building a writing routine, and craft articles on the various parts of writing a book.  

Click here to submit your pitch for January/February 2027: https://forms.gle/2aXEc2qQpzenxqyPA 

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A * means this is the website’s first appearance on the WD list. All listings within each category are alphabetically arranged.

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Amy Jones

Amy Jones is Editor-in-Chief of Writer’s Digest and was previously the managing editor of Writer’s Digest Books. Prior to joining the WD team, she was the managing editor for North Light Books and IMPACT Books. Like most WD staffers, Amy is a voracious reader and has a particular interest in literary fiction, historical fiction, page-turning mysteries, and steamy, diverse romance. She is a volunteer for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and at her local no-kill cat shelter. Find Amy on Twitter at @AmyMJones_5. Read articles by Amy Jones here.

Robert Lee Brewer

Robert Lee Brewer is Senior Editor of Writer’s Digest, which includes managing the content on WritersDigest.com and programming virtual conferences. He’s the author of 40 Plot Twist Prompts for Writers: Writing Ideas for Bending Stories in New Directions, The Complete Guide of Poetic Forms: 100+ Poetic Form Definitions and Examples for Poets, Poem-a-Day: 365 Poetry Writing Prompts for a Year of Poeming, and more. Also, he’s the editor of Writer’s Market, Poet’s Market, and Guide to Literary Agents. Read articles by Robert Lee Brewer here.

Moriah Richard

Moriah Richard is Managing Editor of Writer’s Digest. Since obtaining her MFA in fiction, she has worked with over 100 authors to help them achieve their publication dreams. As a reader, she’s most interested in horror, fantasy, and romance, although she will read just about anything with a great hook. Beyond the page, she enjoys cooking, World of Warcraft, and playing endless hours of fetch with her golden retriever. Find Moriah on Twitter @MoriahRichard93. Read articles by Moriah Richard here.

Michael Woodson

Michael Woodson is Editor of Writer’s Digest. Previously, he was the Editorial and Marketing Assistant for Blue Manatee Press, and the Associate Editor for Artists Magazine and Drawing magazine. He is the cohost and cocreator of the podcast Book It, where he and his cohost Jill Burket-Ragase talk about books, frankly. A lifelong reader with a librarian mother, Michael particularly loves literary fiction, books in verse, and middle grade fiction. When he’s not reading or writing, Michael’s at the movies, trying out a new recipe, or snuggling up with his dog while trying to convince his husband that they should adopt another one. Find him online at michaelwoodson.com. Read articles by Michael Woodson here.

Sadie Dean

Sadie Dean is Editor and Digital Content Manager of Script Magazine and co-host of Reckless Creatives podcast. She has served the screenwriting community for nearly a decade by providing resources, contests, consulting, events, and education for screenwriters across the globe. Sadie is an accomplished writer herself and her work has been optioned, written on spec, and produced. Additionally, she has worked as a Script Supervisor on projects for WB, TBS, and AwesomenessTV, as well as many independent productions. She has also produced music videos, short films, and a feature documentary film. Follow Sadie on Twitter @SadieKDean.

Sarah Hall

Sarah Hall is Digital Content Director for Writer’s Digest University. She has worked in online education since 2016 and has a passion for bringing remote learning opportunities to creative people all over the world. As a reader, she has a particular love for horror and romance, and her TBR list is always growing. She also enjoys knitting, gardening, and being the cool aunt to her two nephews.

Sue Johnson

Sue Johnson is an Instructional Designer for Writer’s Digest and Writer’s Digest University. She has worked in online education since 2001 as well as taught as an adjunct instructor at a local community college. She has her MS in Psychology with an emphasis in the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. She lives with her two dogs Dori and Corey, and three kitties. You can follow her on Twitter @sueajohnsonco.

Genevieve Dickinson

Genevieve Dickinson is the Digital and E-commerce Coordinator for Writer’s Digest, working mainly on Writer’s Digest University, the Writer’s Digest Shop, and the Writers Store. You might catch her introducing instructors at the beginning of WDU live webinars, or working alongside Sue, Sarah, and Taylor to support WDU students and continue growing the online education program. Outside of WD, Genevieve enjoys working on her own writing projects, experimenting in the kitchen, and exploring the live music scene in her hometown of Washington DC. 

Taylor Sferra

Taylor Sferra is the event director and general manager for Writer’s Digest. She’s worked on Writer’s Digest events and other aspects of the brands for ten years. When she’s not planning the next conference, Taylor likes to read works by past and current speakers and recommend them to her book club, chase after her three boys, travel with her family, and explore her adopted city of Cincinnati.

Tara Johnson

Tara Johnson is the Competitions Manager for Writer’s Digest. She’s worked in competition management for over 20 years, all that time with Writer’s Digest. Outside of her work at Writer’s Digest, Tara enjoys reading romance, camping, and spending time with family and friends. She loves watching her sons compete in a variety of sports including golf, basketball, and baseball. You can find her on Twitter @TaraJohnsonAIM.

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As new technologies emerge, we remain dedicated to this mission, and therefore we feel it is essential to make our stance on generative AI clear.

Writer’s Digest does not accept, use, or publish any material written by or with the aid of generative AI. In short, anything more intrusive than a spell-check is unacceptable.

This policy includes Writer’s Digest articles, Writer’s Digest University course content, conference and live event presentations, feedback from 2nd Draft editors, and any other content that is hosted under the Writer’s Digest brand. This policy is applicable to the Writer’s Digest staff as well as anyone submitting content to be hosted by Writer’s Digest, including article writers, WDU course instructors, and competition judges. Violation of this policy may be grounds for disqualification or dismissal.

We strongly believe it is to the benefit of writers not to use any sort of AI enhancement or aid if their goal is to improve their writing skill. In addition, many of our users have publication as their ultimate goal. The vast majority of publishers do not accept AI-influenced material, and the use of this technology will make that goal harder to reach.

This is a living policy that will continue to evolve as new developments emerge. We reserve the right to update it as needed.

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For the 27^th year, Writer’s Digest is shining a light on 101 websites with a goal of helping writers in a variety of ways. From getting a boost of creativity when you need it to specific writing advice, from finding an agent to query to pinpointing the trusted resources that weed out scams, this list offers the best places for you to start, no matter your experience level or writing goals. This year, you’ll also find 15 listings new to this feature. 

As always, we try to ensure the resources are accessible, no matter your financial situation. So, while many of the listings here do have a paid version, you’ll also find that the majority of these sites have ample free resources as well. This way, you can give them a try to see if what they offer is right for you and your writing goals before committing.  

Editor’s Note: As with all of our recommendations, we do our best to make sure the details in the listings are accurate at the time the issue goes to the printer, but inevitably something will change. So, be sure to check the websites themselves for the most up-to-date information. 

A * means this is the website’s first appearance on the WD list. All listings within each category are alphabetically arranged. 

Writer’s Digest Best Creativity Websites

Writer’s Digest Best Live Streams, Podcasts, and YouTube Channels

Writer’s Digest Best Writing Advice Websites

Writer’s Digest Best Everything Agents Websites

Writer’s Digest Best General Resources Websites

Writer’s Digest Best Genre/Niche Websites

Writer’s Digest Best Publishing News and Resource Websites

Writer’s Digest Best Job and Market Websites

Writer’s Digest Best Writing Community Websites

Writer’s Digest Best Indie Publishing Websites

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A * means this is the website’s first appearance on the WD list. All listings within each category are alphabetically arranged. 

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A * means this is the website’s first appearance on the WD list. All listings within each category are alphabetically arranged.

The post Writer’s Digest Best Creativity Websites 2025 appeared first on Writer's Digest.

A * means this is the website’s first appearance on the WD list. All listings within each category are alphabetically arranged.

The post Writer’s Digest Best Live Streams, Podcasts, and YouTube Channels 2025 appeared first on Writer's Digest.

A * means this is the website’s first appearance on the WD list. All listings within each category are alphabetically arranged.

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