Late last year I was feeling overwhelmed with the (perceived) frenzy about signing up for memberships to writing programs. Not being able to access these programs I found myself having a pity party for myself as I scrolled through the various websites.
As I normally do, I soon grew bored of my self-pity. So, I shook myself off and changed my mindset. Yes, I couldn't access these programs, BUT the writing community is full of extremely generous writers who provide great resources to help writers improve their craft for free AND I was sure there were other writers in the same boat.
So, I compiled a list and shared it on Twitter in case it would help anyone else. Holy moly, it received such a positive response that I decided to give the list a home on my blog. Below you will find information about free mentorship programs (most are accepting applications NOW!), podcasts, and resources for how to improve your craft.
A big THANK YOU to everyone on this list and those that I have missed, for sharing your knowledge.
1. @joshfunkbooks has a whole section on his website that has a step-by-step process to writing picture books. Even if you've been writing for a while, it's a great refresher course. https://joshfunkbooks.com/resources-for-writers
2. @DeniseVega has a section for writers on her site with templates to help with creating dummies and storyboards. https://denisevega.com/writers/free-tools/. She also has a Youtube channel with several short videos with writing tips.
3. @ReneeMLaTulippe has an educational YouTube channel that covers everything rhyme and lyrical language. Even if you don't write in rhyme I'd still check it out because her information also helps you learn how to make your words "sing" and flow.
4. @StorytellerAdmy often has free workshops/webinars so signing up for the newsletter is a huge bonus. They also have a YouTube channel with videos about craft and starting your author's business. I really appreciate Arree Chung's transparency about creating your author's business and how a book's earnings work. AND they often have sales that make their courses more accessible. https://www.storytelleracademy.com/
5. @PatZMiller is so generous with her knowledge sharing. Whenever you can hear her talk, do it! You'll walk away with tons of new tools for your writer's toolbelt. On her website, you can read her tips for getting published https://patzietlowmiller.com/writing-advice. She also did this interview every writer should watch IMO with her techniques on how to "cut the fluff" from our writing.
6. @MindyAlyseWeiss hosts an agent/editor party every March where you submit your query plus the first 70 words (including art notes) to her and the judges who comb through the entries to find the best ones. They share the finalists' entries with agents and editors who will hopefully, fingers crossed, like your manuscript enough to give offers of representation. She has many success stories on her website. I would check out the successful query examples on her blog that can help anyone learn how to format, and word, their query. You can find out more details about PB Party here: https://mindyalyseweiss.com/2022-pbparty-annual-contest
7.@writementor holds a (northern hemisphere) Summer mentorship program. You apply to up to three mentors by submitting a query with three of your best manuscripts. The time to apply is the first week of April this year (2022), and you can find out the details here: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-programme/2022-writementor-summer-mentoring-programme
8.@JustinRColon hosts #PBCHAT and the #PBCHAT mentorship program that typically opens for applications in March/April. http://justincolonbooks.com/pbchat/. With this mentorship, you apply up to three mentors but submit one manuscript for their consideration.
9. Podcasts I love:
Kidlit Confidential by Victoria Grant
And while not Kidlit specific @TSNOTYAW is helpful to hear agents review queries and first pages to see what works and what doesn't.
10. @bookendslit has a YouTube page that is an amazing resource for gaining insight on querying, publishing, and everything in between. https://youtube.com/c/BookEndsLiteraryAgency
11. @taralazar holds #Storystorm every January to help the writing community generate new book ideas. The guest bloggers have insightful tips for creating new ideas. You can also enter to win some great prizes like free critiques and zoom calls.
12. If you have a public library, I would check out Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul. It is a fun, easy read and you learn so much! If you can, buy it so you can highlight it and take notes in the margins.
13. Reedsy has a YouTube channel with a fantastic library of videos on craft.
14. @GomezWrites shares a list of articles to help writers on her website. Two of my favorites are "Writing the Dreaded Synopsis" and "What does "High Concept" Mean, Anyways". https://rebeccajgomez.com/p/for-writers.html 15. @KIDLIT411 is a must. The supportive community on Facebook is always good for getting advice and sourcing comp suggestions. Every month they share a list of opportunities on their blog with "free or fee" opportunities. http://kidlit411.com I didn't add it to my Twitter list because it's a paid membership, but if you have SCBWI you can access scholarship/grant applications, as well as THE BOOK which can give you leads for agents to query. For writers in developing countries, they provide a discounted rate to make it more accessible.
I will add more free, quality resources to this list as I discover them. If you know of any let me know in the comments.