Valley Cottage Writes: Links

Excerpts from Raymond Carver's correspondence with his editor Gordon Lish between 1969 and 1983. A heartbreaking look at the occassionaly tense relationship between a writer and his/her editor.

The original version of Raymond Carver's story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" (here entitled "Beginners") with all of his editor's, Gordon Lish's, changes.

David Foster Wallace's essay on the relationship between a writer and his/her work.

Tips for finding a literary agent by Jane Friedman.

Louis Menad's New Yorker article from 2009 about the state of creative writing programs in colleges across the country.

Traditional publishing tips by Jane Friedman.

C|Net's David Carnoy's guide to self-publishing.

C|Net's David Carnoy's follow-up article on selling ebooks specifically.

Four authors discuss their experiences with self-publishing.

Many of the resources here were original found on this site, and they have many more as well.

Check your work for clichés to help you become more descriptive.

Essential essays on writing poetry (though often applicable to all writing).

Glossary of poetic / rhetorical terms and forms.

Free, open-source office software suite.

Enhance your poetry with this rhyming dictionary.

Ready to share your poems with the world--but not sure how to go about finding a publisher? This guide is for you. Here, we'll show you how to navigate the scene efficiently, how to choose the platforms that are right for you, and how to communicate professionally with editors. Compiled by Instruction and Outreach Librarian, Sarah Kortemeier.

See how frequently you are using each word in a given text to help eliminate repetition.

"Our advocacy work supports authors’ rights and their ability to earn a living in the changing publishing landscape."

"MWA is the premier organization for mystery and crime writers, professionals allied to the crime writing field, aspiring crime writers, and folks who just love to read crime fiction."

"The purpose of the NWU, Local 1981 shall be to promote and protect the rights, interests, and economic advancement of members; to organize writers to improve professional working conditions through collective bargaining action; and to provide professional services to members."

"Poets & Writers, Inc., is the primary source of information, support, and guidance for creative writers. Founded in 1970, it is the nation's largest nonprofit literary organization serving poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers."

"Romance Writers of America (RWA) is a nonprofit trade association whose mission is to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy and by increasing public awareness of the romance genre."

"SFWA is an organization for published authors and industry professionals in the fields of science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. Founded in 1965, SFWA informs, supports, promotes, defends, and advocates for its members."

"Our mission is to support the creation and availability of quality children’s books around the world. We accomplish this by fostering a vibrant community of individuals who bring books for young readers to the public including writers, illustrators, translators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers, bloggers, enthusiasts and others. We provide education and support for these individuals and the community through our awards, grants, programs and events."