Last updated Jan. 15, 2026

This resource list is an online companion to *The Business of Being a Writer.* You can find more recommendations at my main website.

If you notice any broken links, expired resources, etc., please contact me.

Finding Places to Publish

• Duotrope. Launched in 2009, this subscription-­based service offers thousands of market listings for books, short stories, essays, poetry, and more. It includes book publishers, literary agents, contests, and other opportunities.
• Chill Subs. This site launched in 2022 offers a free searchable database of literary magazine markets. Its team also provides advice and guidance on how and where to get published, as well as online classes.
• Sub Club. Submission opportunities for creative and professional writers delivered via email. Offshoot of Chill Subs.
• Manuscript Wish List. Calling itself “the most human database for the most efficient querying,” this online business is run by literary agents and authors offering writers in-depth information about who to pitch and how to pitch better.
• QueryTracker. This site offers a free searchable database of mainly literary agents, with some publishers thrown into the mix. A paid subscription is required for full search filtering and access to user-submitted information that can be insightful in understanding what agents actually request and accept.
• Literistic. This paid newsletter rounds up contests, residencies, fellowships, and publishing opportunities.
• Publishers Marketplace. This site offers the best resources for researching literary agents. Those who subscribe to the weekday newsletter Publishers Lunch will find it invaluable for anyone interested in day-­to-­day book industry news.
• Lit Mag News. For anyone actively submitting to literary journals, subscribing to this newsletter will be a big help.
• The Lit Mag Lab: A great complement to Lit Mag News that focuses on the literary magazine community.
• Writer’s Market directories. Published since 1920, these thick tomes offer instruction and information on how and where to get your work published. The biggest one is Writer’s Market, which covers paying markets in book publishing and magazine publishing. It is no longer released every year; up-­to-­date information about each market should be obtained online.
• Poetry Bulletin is an excellent resource for poets seeking traditional publication, with extensive information on submissions fees.
• How to Submit by Dennis James Sweeney focuses on getting published in literary journals or by small presses. He has a companion Substack, Write What You Want.
• Writer Beware. This blog keeps writers informed about suspicious publishers, agents, and publications. It also maintains lists of markets to avoid. Writer Beware staffers actively research scammy behavior in the writing and publishing community and help writers address grievances with all types of businesses and individuals.

Getting Your Book Published

• One of the most comprehensive guides to book publishing is The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published by Arielle Eckstut and David Sterry, an agent and editor.
• Before and After the Book Deal (2018) by Courtney Maum is a popular guidebook that especially appeals to literary novelists and memoirists. It’s chock-­full of advice from established literary authors who speak to the realities of the publishing industry, based on their personal experience. Maum also has a popular paid Substack newsletter by the same name with regular guidance and learning opportunities.