Author Resources

Established Authors:
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Aspiring Authors:
To provide some guidance for aspiring writers, we asked Andrea Kane, one of the Bonnie Meadow Publishing founders, for her advice on how to jumpstart a writing career. Here's what she told us:

• I'm a new author and I don't know where to begin. What do you suggest?
• As you would with any profession, it is important to have a good grasp of the publishing industry, as well as who the key players are. Two reference books that I suggest reading on this topic are: Writer's Market 2016: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published and Guide to Literary Agents 2016: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published. Both books are published by Writer's Digest and are updated annually as the industry changes.
• What about getting peer support and talking to other writers like myself?
• Writing can be a very solitary profession. It's hard to evaluate your own work, so getting the advice, constructive criticism, and suggestions of other writers can help you hone your craft and keep you focused. That said, receiving the support of fellow writers in your genre is critical to your journey and may mean the difference between success and failure. The best way to meet other aspiring authors and cultivate your own critique group is to join professional writing organizations. These are the writing organizations that I can personally vouch for—having been a member of all of them for many years. This is by no means a complete list, and other genres may have organizations specifically for them. The organizations below are for authors or aspiring authors who write mystery, suspense, romance, and/or thrillers. An online search should uncover the groups for other genres.

• International Thriller Writers (ITW) is one of the premier organizations supporting the thriller genre. Perhaps the youngest organization on my recommended list, it quickly became an exceptional resource for published thriller authors, who were then a small nucleus of writers who had never had a central hub in which to learn and interact about their craft. ITW provides immeasurable resources, a monthly newsletter, and an annual conference that offers a wealth of learning and networking opportunities. FYI, ITW also has an Associate Membership option for not-yet-published authors.
• Mystery Writers of America sponsors one of the most coveted literary awards, The Edgar, named after Edgar Allan Poe, a master of mystery and suspense. This is a great home for all writers whose work falls into the crime writing genre. The organization offers workshops and events throughout the year to help better your skills and hone your craft. Members often attend the renowned annual world mystery convention Bouchercon, where members gather to learn, share, and grow as writers.
• Romance Writers of America (RWA) has a special place in my heart since it's where my career began. My first novel, My Heart's Desire, is an historical romance, and the writing of it led me to join this wonderful, supportive group of authors who helped me become the author I am today. Over the years, and at their annual conference, I have met countless writing colleagues and publishing professionals, many of whom became good friends and continue to be an important part of my life. RWA also opened the door to my meeting many of my readers, which was an extra-special treat.
• Novelists Inc. is an organization devoted to multi-published authors. It spans all genres, opens the door to understanding the ever-changing publishing industry, and is a great group to join once you've published those first two books!