Writing-World 

Reviewed By: Kimberly Picozzi

Writing-World.com http://writing-world.com/

This well organized site provides writers and would be writers with a wide range of resources. Clearly a commercial site, product advertisements and classified advertisements are posted. However none of these are in the form of pop-up boxes, but are pleasingly arranged in the margins of the website, or in the case of classified advertisements, on their own page. The commercialism does not overshadow the mission of the website which is clearly to provide writers with a rich array of resources. The site coordinator is the accomplished writer Moira Allen. In their review of her book Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals, Booklist describes Allen as "an established writer, editor, and publisher." Her e-mail address is readily available on every page of this up to date web site.

The beginning writer will want to explore "Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Writing Career." This area of the web site takes a would be writer through the many issues related to writing and publishing writing. The section on "Avoiding Writing Scams" educates new writers on the realities of the publishing world.

The website encompasses many genres such as mystery, romance, and sci-fi fantasy. An equal number of forms of writing are addressed such as fiction, children's books, poetry, screenwriting, and technical writing. Each of these sections provides articles that offer a perspective on writing techniques and marketing strategies. Of particular interest is an article under "Murder Ink" called "Don't Fire Blanks" which explores how to incorporate accurate details about weaponry in a mystery novel. The articles perused were well written and clearly documented including details about the contributing writer.

"Rights, Contracts and Copyright" provides articles and links designed to educate writers on the complicated world of copyright law. An entire page is devoted to website links that includes some of the best resources on copyright. Another section of the website explores the legal aspects of electronic-publishing.

Visitors can subscribe to a bi-weekly newsletter of the latest news and issues of Writing-World.com. Many, but not all, newsletter back issues can be accessed through the website archives. As of May 30, 2002 the newsletter drew 9450 subscribers.

This well-maintained site nicely coordinates the resources a writer needs to hone their craft.