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Top Ten Topics for Writers

Since our founding in 1970, Poets & Writers has served as an information clearinghouse of all matters related to writing. While the range of inquiries has been broad, common themes have emerged over time. Our Top Ten Topics for Writers addresses the most popular and pressing issues.

Literary Journals & Magazines
- Introduction
- The World of Literary Journals & Magazines—Determining Which Are Right for Your Work
- Submission Guidelines
- Simultaneous Submissions
- Cover Letters
- Other Resources
Publishing Your Book
- Introduction
- Small Presses vs. Large Publishers
- Chapbooks
- Submission Guidelines
- What to Expect From Your Publisher
- What to Expect From a Standard Book Contract
- Book Promotion, Marketing, and Distribution
- Self-Publishing and Print-on-Demand Companies
- What Is a Vanity or Subsidy Press?
- Other Resources
Literary Agents
- Introduction
- What a Literary Agent Can Do for You
- Finding the Right Literary Agent
- The Query Letter
- What You Should Know Before Signing a Contract
- Literary Agents and Poets
- Fee-Charging Agents
- Other Resources
Creative Writing Contests & Competitions
- Introduction
- Other Resources
Vanity Publishers
- Introduction
- Recognizing Scams
- Other Resources
Copyright Information for Writers
- Introduction
- Glossary of Rights
- Other Resources
Book Promotion & Publicity
- Introduction
- Developing a Mailing List
- Creating a Website
- How to Set Up a Reading Tour
- Hiring an Independent Publicist
- Other Resources
Writers Conferences, Colonies, and Workshops
- Introduction
- The Benefits of Attending a Writers Conference or Colony
- Writing Workshops and Writing Groups
- Online Writing Workshops
- Other Resources
MFA Programs
- Introduction
- What an MFA Degree Can Offer
- How to Choose an MFA Program
- Low-Residency MFA Programs
- Other Resources
Literary Organizations
- Introduction
- Other Resources