Websites, Tools & Resources
Useful Websites
http://www.dplylemd.com/ — DP Lyle, Forensic MD, Author - allows submission questions regarding forensic and medical information for writers and puts it on the writers forensic blog (below)
https://writersforensicsblog.wordpress.com/
http://queryshark.blogspot.com/ - Janet Reid, Literary Agent of Thrillers, Crime Novels & non-fic - gives query advice to all genres.
http://jodierennerediting.blogspot.com/ — Author and freelance editor who gives valuable advice to writers
The Plot Whisperer — http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/
https://writersforensicsblog.wordpress.com/
http://queryshark.blogspot.com/ - Janet Reid, Literary Agent of Thrillers, Crime Novels & non-fic - gives query advice to all genres.
http://jodierennerediting.blogspot.com/ — Author and freelance editor who gives valuable advice to writers
The Plot Whisperer — http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/
Writing Tools & Resources
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A Writer's Workbook by Writer's Digest
This workbook is packed with techniques, exercises, worksheets, tips and more to help hone your craft, no matter what kind of writing you do. The workbook is divided into three sections — Essentials of Craft, Elements of Fiction and Nonfiction Technique. |
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Characterization: Exploring Character Development in Your Writing
There are simple differences in the way you handle character development when writing your novel—whether it be something like direct characterization (where you write about the character’s attributes and personality directly, without beating around the busy) or indirect characterization (where you slowly reveal elements about the character through his or her actions, thoughts, dialogue, and how other characters respond to them). There are many elements involved and it’s very important that you introduce your main character the right way in order to make sure your readers feel attached to your lead and stick with your story. In this free download, you’ll get the inside scoop on the key things to consider when revealing your main character for the first time. You’ll learn why that first impression is so important and what you need to consider before starting your manuscript with a prologue instead of starting with Chapter 1. You’ll also get some advice on how to handle secondary characters and how fictional character development can really set OK novels apart from great ones. |
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10 Grammar (and Novel Writing) Rules that are Actually Myths
Over the course of your life, teachers and writing instructors have undoubtedly filled your head with all sorts of grammar rules. They said things like “never end a sentence with a preposition” and “you must also use the article ‘an’ before words that begin with vowels” and “you must always start your novel with action” and so forth. While 99% of what you learned is most likely true (like breaking up run-on sentences) and there are reasons they teach these things when you’re learning to write, there are a few “rules” that have been passed along that aren’t exactly accurate—and some are downright wrong. In this free download, Myth-Busting Answers to 10 FAQs on Grammar, Writing, and Publishing, Writer’s Digest Online Editor Brian A. Klems breaks down several of the most common myths about writing. He explores the truth behind the a vs. an rule, whether or not you should avoid new agents, starting a sentence with a conjunction (like “but”) and more. |
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14 Amateur Mistakes Every Writer Should Avoid
We all need help writing a novel from time to time—whether that be during national novel writing month (NaNoWriMo) or while working on your novel as part of your New Year's resolution—and we want to help you improve your novel (and avoid mistakes in all your future writing). There are several missteps that unpublished writers make that scream "rookie" to agents and publishers. Most are easy to fix, but the key is identifying them. That's where we can help. In this Writer's Digest free download, How to Avoid Amateur Mistakes, James V. Smith, Jr., walks you through 14 of the most common faux pas that many writers make when working on their first few novels. Making these changes will help improve your writing and make it look more professional. Plus, it will help you speed up your writing process and allow you the opportunity to write a novel in a month, if you're up to the challenge. With the tips on avoiding mistakes and novel writing help in this free download, you'll be on your way a novel that's professional from start to finish. |
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Plot Development: Charts and Tips for Outlining and Plotting a Novel
Plot development can be a challenge for both aspiring and published novelists who are working on a new book. To build a great story structure that will carry you through to a finished novel, you have to take a closer look at your plot and work out kinks that may come up as you're writing. In the free online download, Plot Development: Charts and Tips for Outlining and Plotting a Novel, we offer five resources that will help you with writing plot from the beginning of the novel to the challenging middle, through to a meaningful ending. In addition to plot development charts that help you work through common problems, you'll find insights and worksheets that help you work with writing subplots and developing side characters. This selection of resources from our Writer's Workbook series includes plot development worksheets, methods for story mapping, techniques for working through problems when you're stuck, and charts for evaluating whether your plot is working. |
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Conferences & Organizations
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Conferences
Killer Nashville Writer's Conference | http://www.killernashville.com/ Imaginarium | www.entertheimaginarium.com March 17-21, 2021 | Sleuthfest 2021 (Boca Raton, Florida) April 29-May 2, 2021 | Malice Domestic #33 (Bethesda, Maryland) July 2021 | Thrillerfest XV (New York, New York) August 19-22, 2021 | Killer Nashville (Franklin, Tennessee) August 25-29, 2021 | Bouchercon 2021 (New Orleans, Louisiana November 12-14, 2021 | New England Crime Bake TBD | California Crime Writers Conference (California) Dec. 31, 2021: SMFS membership deadline for 2021 Derringer eligibility 2022 April 7-10, 2022 | Left Coast Crime (Albuquerque, New Mexico |
Publishers
The publishers listed are those Malice and it's members have interacted with either through publishing agreements or other publishing options. There listing is not an endorsement, but a reference for member knowledge and networking opportunities.
Belle Books
Dingbat Publishing
Dark Oak Press
AAKENBAAKEN KENT PUBLISHERS
Aakenbaaken and Kent loves authors. Several authors who initially published with us have now signed with major publishers. Ellen Kirschman, a best-selling author, published her first Dot Meyerhoff book with us. When the second book in the series was picked up by a major publisher, we gave Ellen the rights to the first book so that it could be re-published by her new publisher. We are equally proud of our current authors whose work is on par with the authors at larger publishers. Aakenbaaken & Kent is open for submissions in the following categories: General Fiction, Murder Mysteries, Suspense, Memoirs, Biographies, Humor, Romance.
VERVE BOOKS
Verve Books is looking for submissions from new and established authors for our new digital-first publishing list. We are looking for great stories in the crime, thriller and commercial fiction genres with strong narrative voices, well-drawn characters and page-turning plots.
FULL CIRCLE LITERARY AGENCY
Full Circle Literary is a full-service literary agency representing a diverse and inclusive family of authors and artists whose books break barriers and stand the test of time. Founded and owned by Women of Color. Please read the Our Agents pages on our website and determine the Full Circle Literary agent that is the best fit for your work. Please submit to only one agent. Prefers work for children.
DUNHAM LITERARY
Dunham Literary represents authors of quality fiction and nonfiction books for adults and children, plus some illustrators of children's books. Look at each agent to see what is open at any time. Their range is wide.
FOLIO LITERARY MANAGEMENT
Folio Literary Management places both fiction and nonfiction with major publishers throughout the U.S. and around the world. We represent many first-time authors, some of whom have gone on to become bestsellers and major award-winners. We also represent many well-established authors, and work closely with them to take their careers to new heights. We are aggressively seeking literary fiction; upmarket adult fiction that’s appropriate for book cludiscussion; and commercial fiction that features fresh voices and memorable characters. Many of us love narrative nonfiction – great stories paired with great writing – including memoirs – as well as authors, experts, scholars, and journalists with well-researched, compelling and new ideas. We love authors who are ready and able to promote their work and expertise in all forms of media. Folio Jr, the division of Folio Literary Management devoted exclusively to the representation of today’s most stellar children’s book authors and artists, is wholly committed to offering our clients 360º of impeccable, hands-on care.
Small Press Crime Publishers10th Rule Books
ABC Group Documentation
All Due Respect
Beat to a Pulp
Black Beacon
Black & White
Brash Books
Broken River Books
Caffeine Nights
Close to the Bone
Crime Wave Press
Down & Out Books
Fahrenheit Books
Freight Books
Gutter Books
Hard Case Crime
Murder Slim Press
New Pulp Press
Number 13 Press
Orenda Books
Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing
Polis Books
Sandstone Press
Saraband Books
Shotgun Honey
Stark House Press
Tyrus Books
Dingbat Publishing
Dark Oak Press
AAKENBAAKEN KENT PUBLISHERS
Aakenbaaken and Kent loves authors. Several authors who initially published with us have now signed with major publishers. Ellen Kirschman, a best-selling author, published her first Dot Meyerhoff book with us. When the second book in the series was picked up by a major publisher, we gave Ellen the rights to the first book so that it could be re-published by her new publisher. We are equally proud of our current authors whose work is on par with the authors at larger publishers. Aakenbaaken & Kent is open for submissions in the following categories: General Fiction, Murder Mysteries, Suspense, Memoirs, Biographies, Humor, Romance.
VERVE BOOKS
Verve Books is looking for submissions from new and established authors for our new digital-first publishing list. We are looking for great stories in the crime, thriller and commercial fiction genres with strong narrative voices, well-drawn characters and page-turning plots.
FULL CIRCLE LITERARY AGENCY
Full Circle Literary is a full-service literary agency representing a diverse and inclusive family of authors and artists whose books break barriers and stand the test of time. Founded and owned by Women of Color. Please read the Our Agents pages on our website and determine the Full Circle Literary agent that is the best fit for your work. Please submit to only one agent. Prefers work for children.
DUNHAM LITERARY
Dunham Literary represents authors of quality fiction and nonfiction books for adults and children, plus some illustrators of children's books. Look at each agent to see what is open at any time. Their range is wide.
FOLIO LITERARY MANAGEMENT
Folio Literary Management places both fiction and nonfiction with major publishers throughout the U.S. and around the world. We represent many first-time authors, some of whom have gone on to become bestsellers and major award-winners. We also represent many well-established authors, and work closely with them to take their careers to new heights. We are aggressively seeking literary fiction; upmarket adult fiction that’s appropriate for book cludiscussion; and commercial fiction that features fresh voices and memorable characters. Many of us love narrative nonfiction – great stories paired with great writing – including memoirs – as well as authors, experts, scholars, and journalists with well-researched, compelling and new ideas. We love authors who are ready and able to promote their work and expertise in all forms of media. Folio Jr, the division of Folio Literary Management devoted exclusively to the representation of today’s most stellar children’s book authors and artists, is wholly committed to offering our clients 360º of impeccable, hands-on care.
Small Press Crime Publishers10th Rule Books
ABC Group Documentation
All Due Respect
Beat to a Pulp
Black Beacon
Black & White
Brash Books
Broken River Books
Caffeine Nights
Close to the Bone
Crime Wave Press
Down & Out Books
Fahrenheit Books
Freight Books
Gutter Books
Hard Case Crime
Murder Slim Press
New Pulp Press
Number 13 Press
Orenda Books
Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing
Polis Books
Sandstone Press
Saraband Books
Shotgun Honey
Stark House Press
Tyrus Books
Submission Opportunities
Videos: The Beginners Guide to Writing for Publication
Dark Oak Press and Malice in Memphis teamed up for a one-day educational session on writing. We've broken the session into seven bite-size chunks so you can view them at your leisure. Enjoy and get to writing!
Part 1 | INTRODUCTION TO PUBLISHING
Part 2 | TROPES, PITCHES AND HOOKING THE READER
Part 3 | GREAT CHARACTERS
Part 4 | DATA DUMPING, WORD CHOICES AND GUIDELINES
Part 5 | RESEARCH AND APPLICATION PT. 1 OF 2
Part 6 | RESEARCH AND APPLICATION PT. 2 OF 2
Part 7 | WORD ECONOMICS
Videos: Writers on Writing
Inspiration for Writers
Videos of inspiration and wisdom from other authors. Enjoy!
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