Useful free websites for creative writers

Useful Free Websites ‌For Creative Writers Jessica Hassett

First Published in 2013 by Jessica Hassett Copyright Š Jessica Hassett 2013 The moral right of the author has been asserted.

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Contents

Introduction Getting Ideas / Finding Facts The Process of Writing Writing Communities Markets Erotica Promoting Yourself Reviews About the Author

Introduction Welcome to (what I hope will be) the first of a series of guides on the most useful websites you’ll find on the WWW. The internet is huge! There can be literally hundreds, if not thousands of different websites and pages on any given subject. It can be quite daunting and confusing to try and find the information you need, not to mention downright time consuming!

I’m sure you’ve been there. You turn your computer on thinking ‘I’ll just have a quick look…’ and before you know it, it’s 3am, you’ve got sandpaper eyes and your head is swimming in information overflow.

Sure, you’ve probably found one or two interesting sites, which you’ll probably take a look at again at some point in the future – some of which may even be on the topic you originally set out to find – but if you’re anything like me you clicked on a website, that gave you a link to another website, that gave you another link, and so on, and so on… Arrrgghhh!!

I’m a great procrastinator, (or at least I was and trying very hard not to be, honest!) so when I first started out on my writing journey I fell very easily into the ‘It’s ok, it’s all in the aid of research’ excuse. Great in one way since I eventually found all these wonderful websites from which I gained more of an idea of what to do, what not to do, hints and tips, etc, but; The trouble was, I wasn’t actually getting any writing done!

So that’s where this book comes in. I’ve trawled through many, many websites so you don’t have to. You can actually get on with the process of writing knowing that with the help of this guide you’ll be able to quickly choose a link, go to the site and viola, information satisfaction!

Future editions will provide information on other genres and subjects. For now I have deliberately chosen to list just of 40 of those websites that are for creative writers and are free to use. This is because: a) I had to narrow it down somehow otherwise there’s just so many, we’d end up on that info overflow again! b) What could be more useful than free information?

The Disclaimer bit There may be some sites that have a decent amount of free information but include additional services for a fee. It’s up to you if you wish to go ahead and pay for that extra but remember you can often find the same information or services elsewhere for free.

Obviously as the Wonder Web is so huge and can and does change freakily frequently, I must make a point of telling you that although the details I’ve given here are correct at the time of writing, I have NO control if you click on a link and the website no longer exists or has changed beyond how its been described here. Websites and their contents are at the discretion of their creator and/or host.

This is by no means a definitive list. Indeed, while writing I found even more websites I could’ve added (but I had to stop somewhere!). However you may wish to subscribe to my blog at www.jessicahassett.weebly.com/muse where I will add details of more useful websites as I find them.

You may have already found really useful sites that are not mentioned in this book. Equally some of the sites you may have already come across – this book is intended for both novice and experienced creative writers alike – but hopefully there will be just as many gems that you haven’t heard of yet.

Some sites didn’t make it to the list. Booo! This could’ve been for many reasons including, even, that they had too much information! It’s all very well having the info but if it means every page just looks like a messy mass of words how are you supposed to find anything? Despite my procrastination, or because of it, I love to find the easiest, quickest way of doing everything so if I can’t see the words for the letters, I’ll just move on.

Another reason was because some sites couldn’t get the basics right such as having glaringly obvious bad spelling, etc – really, would you trust the information about writing given by someone who couldn’t be bothered to check their own? [Of course I’m not saying that just because a website looks useful and has no spelling mistakes that it means the information is correct – it’s up to you to double check accuracy of any information you find.]

Perhaps you’re in the process of creating a site yourself, cool! I hope you include some of the examples of what writers are looking for in a useful site on it!

If you find your site already listed here, congratulations! Woohoo!! Thanks for being useful, and free! Keep up the good work!

How to use this book I’ve listed in sections so you can just go straight to the type of sites you need.

Some sites are useful for different topic areas. In these cases I’ve listed the site, with full details, in its most usefulness section (in my opinion) and to save repeating myself just mentioned the site in each of its other useful sections.

Ok, time to get clicking!

Getting Ideas / Finding Facts Before you can get into the process of writing you may need a way to generate some ideas or gain facts to work from. This section is all about getting you started.

Website: Quirkies Link: http://web.orange.co.uk/p/news/quirkies About: This site used to be called Ananova but has now merged with Orange. It is a news site which has the usual bulletin news, sports, entertainment etc but also a section for the quirky stories appearing from around the world.

Why is it useful?: This site is great for when you want to find unusual inspiration. News stories are wacky but true and the characters or situations could easily be turned into fictional pieces.

Navigating the site: Easy to use. Quirky stories are broken down into tabs; latest, animal, strange crime, etc. Also has links to quirky videos and photos to help spark ideas. ……………………………………………………………

Website: Brainy Quote Link: http://www.brainyquote.com/ About: This site is the biggest database for quotations on the web. It offers a whole host of quotes ranging from historical figures to modern day celebrities and from around the globe.

Why is it useful?

Perhaps you want to base your idea around a quote or include quotes in your piece. This site is ideal for finding quotes on any subject and could offer inspiration with its quote of the day.

Navigating the site: You can choose by topic or author or take a look at picture quotes. There’s also the option to follow on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter and get the quote of the day sent to you directly. …………………………………………………

Website: Wikipedia’s list of historical anniversaries

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_historical_anniversaries About: Click on any date on any month and you’ll be taken to a list of events, births, deaths, holidays etc that happened on that date going as far back as, well, the first event they’ve found for that date!

Why is it useful?

Again another idea generator. Perhaps you want to write a fictional piece based on the anniversary of something or someone. The only problem is it is good idea to have a specific date you want to look at in mind already, otherwise you’ll spend time clicking on date after date after date!

Navigating the site: Very easy, just click on a date! On the list that appears for that date just click on the event to find out more information. …………………………………………………………

Website: On This Day Link: http://on-this-day.com/ About: Similar to Wikipedia in that it gives information about past events based on the date.

Why is it useful?: Similar to Wikipedia in that you can click on a date to find out past events however some events are broken down into topics such as music, TV, etc.

Navigating the site: There isn’t a full year calendar in front of you so you do have to scroll back and forth. However there are some topic calendars to check out. The options for topics such as crime and disaster etc appear to be only available for today’s date though. …………………………………………………………

Website: Behind the Name Link: http://www.behindthename.com/ About: This site provides the origin and history of first names. It includes names from different cultures, eras and even mythology.

Why is it useful?: No idea what to name your character? What to give your character a name that means something?

Navigating the site: You can use the search option if you have a name in mind already or choose from lists of names by male / female, culture etc. …………………………………………………

Website: Famous Firsts Link: http://thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com/fir st.html About: Want a very long list of anything you can imagine? This site has long lists of famous firsts, most expensive, worlds largest or smallest, myths, treasures, pirates, haunted houses… the list goes on!

Why is it useful?: Need you ask?! Take the pirates list for instance; choose one, add in the smallest haunted treasure anyone has ever found and create a swashbuckling adventure!

Navigating the site: Click on a topic in the menu then click an item on the list to find out more. I suggest you use the alphabet tabs at the top rather than scroll down as some of those list pages are long! …………………………………………………………

Website: Ideas 4 Writers (blog) Link: http://ideas4writers.wordpress.com/ About: This is actually a blog rather than a website but I’ve included it since as its name suggests it does offer some good ideas for writers. There is also a full website available from which you can join forums, buy books etc.

Why is it useful?: Along the same lines as the Wikipedia and On This Day link given above, the blog author gives a selection of upcoming anniversaries (6 months ahead) for you to possibly use in your writing as well as hints and tips on writing.

Navigating the site: Being a blog there’s no category listings to choose from, however scrolling through it does have some decent and interesting advice so is worth the effort. ……………………………………………………

Website: Wordsmith Link: http://wordsmith.org/ About: This website offers the word of the day, it’s meaning, history, usage etc.

Why it is useful?: Useful for increasing your vocabulary. Perhaps there are times you just can’t think of a word, or maybe a word could spark an idea.

Navigating the site: Just click on the today’s word link or visit the archives. Subscription service available to get the word of the day sent to you directly. …………………………………………

Other sites useful for finding facts and ideas: Wikipedia (overall site)

The Process of Writing Perhaps you’re new to writing and not sure how to find information about actually how to write, what to do, what not to do, or you want to write in a different genre. In that case try these websites for help.

Website: Mistakes Writers Make Link: http://mistakeswritersmake.blogspot.co.uk/ About: This is a blog rather than a website. It is more for non-fiction writing rather than fiction however does include useful information for both genres.

Why is it useful?: The blog gives excellent advice about what not to do! Also includes information on markets, legal advice and latest news.

Navigating the site: There are plenty of choices, categories and links, just pick one and off you go! …………………………………………………

Website: The Word Pool Link: http://www.wordpool.co.uk/ About: This is the website for what and how to write stories for children.

Why is it useful?: There are lists of resources, FAQs, books to read on the subject, a list of writing events and help in understanding young readers and how to write for them.

Navigating the site: Good clean site with useful subject list and links. …………………………………………………………

Website: The Editors Blog (page) Link: http://theeditorsblog.net/2010/12/08/punctuation-in-dialogue/ About: Really I’m just looking at a post on this blog in particular, but the blog itself has lots of useful other info.

Why is it useful?:

If you have trouble with punctuation when writing dialogue then the tips here may help you.

Navigating the site: Easy as I’m just looking at one page however the blog itself has other useful tips including some articles on writing, legal stuff and general information. ………………………………………………………

Website: The book Designer Link: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/ About: Articles about how to plan, format and market your book, write press releases, amongst other book design themes.

Why is it useful?: Because how your book looks is just as important as the words. This site has plenty of articles and tools to help you get it right.

Navigating the site: Has plenty of categories or you could just browse the most popular or recent topics. ……………………………………………………………

Website: Preditors and Editors Link: http://pred-ed.com/ About: This site offers information on resources for writers, those that are highly recommended and those you should avoid.

Why it is useful?: As you go along your writing journey, you’ll possibly come across ‘services’ that turn out to be nothing but a scam. If you’re unsure if the information you find is a scam do some research starting with checking if the source is listed on Pred and Ed. (In any case go with your instinct. Be careful signing up to anything where your initial response is one of mistrust!)

Navigating the site: Very in depth site but is easy to use and gets addictive! Has information regarding contests, writing workshops, editing services, and more. ……………………………………………………

Website: Writer Beware

Link: http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/ About: Similar to above, offers advice regarding resources, sites, information to avoid.

Why is it useful?: Again, same as with Pred and Ed. Focuses more on the sites you should avoid but doesn’t mention the ok sites.

Navigating the site: This is actually a subsection from the SFWA so remember to just use the category list titled Writer Beware (unless you want to look into the SFWA). ………………………………………………………

Website: Online Learning Hub Link: http://onlinelearninghub.com/ About: I’ve only very recently found this site but it appears to offer free on line courses in many different subjects including writing.

Why is it useful?: There are all different courses available so if you need more help with your writing there could just be a course for you. Subjects found so far range from grammar to poetry, playwriting to technical and essay writing.

Navigating the site: Just click on the courses tab, choose a subject then pick a course. [I’ve added this to my favourites since I am a learner junkie! If you try it too, let me know how you get on.] ………………………………………………

Website: All Experts Link: http://www.allexperts.com/ About: This is a question and answer service. Pose your question and a volunteer expert or professional will give you an answer (usually within a day).

Why is this useful?: Got a question about the topic you’re writing about? Got a question about writing? You’re in the right place.

Navigating the site:

You can use the search bar or choose a category from the very extensive list.

This will take you to a further breakdown of categories and then another and finally a list of recent answers. If you can’t find a similar answer there already you can ask a question to an available expert covering your topic field. ……………………………………………………

Website: Daily Writing Tips Link: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/ About: Website offering a whole host of tips about grammar, spelling, punctuation etc.

Why is it useful?

This caters for all types of writing, fiction and non-fiction but whatever your writing issue there is bound to be an article providing a solution here.

Navigating the site: Has a very good category list and archive section as well as popular articles to read. There’s a list of recent articles available in short intro form so you can pick the one you’d like to continue reading without having to scroll through a whole piece to get to the next one. …………………………………………………

Other possible useful sites include: Any of the community sites or forums, just ask any of the other members for advice!

Writing Communities They say writing is a lonely process. It doesn’t have to be! There are so many writers out there and there are so many online communities where you can join them!

Website: The Word Cloud Link: http://writing-community.writersworkshop.co.uk/ About: Part of a larger site ‘The Writers’ Workshop’ this community offers writers the chance to connect with other writers.

Why is it useful?: As well as meeting other writers and promoting yourself, you can find out about writing related news or events, competitions, create an event or blog or discuss topics in the forums.

Navigating the site: Once you’ve registered it’s probably best to sign up to a group or groups based on your interest or genre otherwise you can get bogged down with all the postings! ………………………………………………………

Website: Fiction Garden Link: http://www.fictiongarden.co.uk/writersgroups.html About: This site is really for promoting new fiction which writers can send in.

Unfortunately that part of the site hasn’t been updated for a while. However they do have a handy list of writers groups (UK only) based on locality.

Why is it useful?: Perhaps you would prefer to go out and join an actual physical group. Check the list and see if there is one in your area. They also mention possible payment for stories so keep that in mind when you’ve finished your piece.

Navigating the site: Is undergoing a revamp currently and pages haven’t been updated yet but is still easy to use. …………………………………………………

Website: Writers, Agents and Editors Network Link: http://www.waenetwork.com/

About: Another online writing community similar to Word Cloud with blogs, forums and even quizzes and games.

Why is it useful?: As well as writers within the community there are also agents and editors so it’s a good place to ask any questions you have or even get yourself known.

Navigating the site: As with most of these sites, once you register you’ll have access to all of the content, blogs and forums. Very easy to use and tidy site. ………………………………………………

Other useful websites include: Goodreads weRead

Markets Don’t know who to write for? Don’t know what markets are out there? You’ve come to the right place.

Website: Sally Jenkins (Blog) Link: http://sallyjenkins.wordpress.com/category/markets/ About: This is the markets section of a very well written blog. Here the author gives tips on latest markets and what and how to write for them.

Why is it useful?: In the blog the author very kindly points you in the right direction and even gives clues as to the way she would approach that particular market. There is a wealth of other useful categories such as details of writing competitions and events to check out too.

Navigating the site: Very easy, the site is well put together and reader friendly. Just choose a category and enjoy! …………………………………………………

Website: 5 Minute Fiction Link: http://5minutefiction.co.uk/index.html About: A showcase of very short new stories that could be read in five minutes.

Stories can be for adults or children and the site also has a small selection of poetry.

Why is it useful?: Although not a paying site, it is always useful to get your name out there and showcase what you can do.

Navigating the site: Good clear tabs however some are currently under construction. Also at the time of writing unfortunately they were not taking submissions, however keep checking back. ……………………………………………………

Website: Cake, Short and Sweet Link: http://cakeshortandsweet.wordpress.com/

About: Another short story online showcase however this one also publishes paper issues to readers in cafés and bars (in the Manchester, UK area only).

Why is it useful?: Same as the previous site. Plus the added benefit of possibly reaching more readers who may not normally go looking for short stories online.

Navigating the site: Very clean and easy to use website. Links are self-explanatory. ………………………………………………

Website: Flash Fiction World Link: http://www.flash-fiction-world.com/ About: A site for all things flash fiction, how to write it, markets etc.

Why is it useful?: A showcase for your flash fiction writing. Gives great ideas of what and how to write for this genre. They also have a quarterly competition for the best story with a cash prize.

Navigating the site: Very easy to submit stories however they must be accepted before they will appear on the site. There is also a list for other markets in this genre to check out (some do charge a fee unfortunately). ………………………………………………

Website: Mslexia Link: http://www.mslexia.co.uk About: This is the magazine for women who write. Has advice, links, details on competitions, events, reviews, interviews and more as well as a selection of poetry and stories.

Why is it useful?: Although the magazine isn’t free it does offer plenty of opportunity for different types of submission. You could submit stories or poems on the given theme, write an article or review, compose a monologue, tweet or pen portrait, have a rant or rave about something or even guest blog, amongst other things. Note it is always advisable to study the market for you wish to write, so although initially you may have to pay out for the magazine, they do pay decently for successful submissions.

Navigating the site: Have a good look around the site and then click on Submit for full details of all the ways you could possibly write for the magazine. Details of payments are at the bottom. Note there are different guidelines for the different submission pieces. …………………………………………

Website: The First Line Link: http://www.thefirstline.com/index.htm About: This site helps to jump start the imagination by offering up a ‘first line’ from which you continue the story in your own way.

Why is it useful?: Apart from the inspiration, the site issues quarterly publications containing the stories that have been created with that first line. There is payment for successful stories. It’s also useful to realise that no matter the starting point or idea, each story will always be very different and can lead in any direction or genre!

Navigating the site: Very easy site to get around. The ‘first lines’ are clearly displayed with due dates. There are also full instructions for submission. ………………………………………………

Website: Six Sentences Link: http://sixsentences.blogspot.co.uk/ About: This is a bit of fun, a site where people can post their six sentence stories.

Why is it useful?

Imagine if you can write a story, a complete story with a beginning, middle and end in only six sentences? That takes skill! Now show it off!

Navigating the site: Very easy to get around as there’s not much too it really! Read past entries in the back catalogue, follow the guidelines and submit your own stories. …………………………………………………

Erotica This genre has exploded in recent times so of course I had to mention the sites that cover this topic (or rather uncover it!).

Website: The Passionate Pen Link: http://www.passionatepen.com/index.htm About: This site gives news on resources and advice for romance writers or those thinking of writing romance.

Why is it useful?: If you don’t want to go full on erotica but do want to try your hand at a little romance then this site could lead you astray.

Navigating the site: Easy to use site with few but useful options and categories. ……………………………………………………

Website: Clean Sheets Link: http://www.cleansheets.com/toc.shtml About: An e-zine offering all manner of articles, fiction and poetry on the erotica subject.

Why is it useful?: They say to be a great writer you need to be a great reader. It’s no good trying to write erotica if you never read any of it. This site gives you the opportunity to read a whole host of erotica themed stories etc, for free. Plus they accept submissions of work from new writers. There is also the chance your work could be included in their future anthologies.

Navigating the site: Easy to use and if you write in your local café and are prone to blushing you’ll be glad to know the site is very discreet and doesn’t include lots of pornographic images. ………………………………………………

Website: Erotica Factor Link: http://erotica.fictionfactor.com/markets.html About:

This is the erotica markets section of an erotica e-zine which in turn is part of a bigger group of fiction writing e-zines.

Why is it useful?: Gives details of possible markets for you to try with your erotica stories. Also provides articles and resources for writers.

Navigating the site: Easy to use. Has plenty of links and categories. Again is not splashed with images. …………………………………………………

Website: Erotica Readers and Writers Association Link: http://www.erotica-readers.com/ About: An online community for readers and writers of all manner of erotica.

Why is it useful?: As well as forums where you can discuss your writing you can find advice and latest news, links and resources.

Navigating the site: Click on ‘take the tour’ to see the full list of what is available. A very well put together site. Uses Victorian style images. ………………………………………………

Promote Yourself So you love to write and you want to tell the world about your stories. How do you let other people know that you and your book exists?

Website: LL Book Review (page) Link: http://llbookreview.com/2010/08/top-twenty-six-places-where-your-bookshould-be/ About: Ok, so the link above actually takes you to a specific page rather than the home page of a website and it is a couple of years old. However that one page alone is pretty useful!

Why is it useful?: If you’re stuck for ideas of where or how to promote your book, then one or two of these 26 suggestions might help. Granted the suggestions are mostly for a physical book rather than an e-book but if you think outside the box a little you might be able to still make some of them work.

It is also review site however at the time of writing the option to submit your book for a review wasn’t available. This could change at any point, so keep checking back.

Navigating the site: Very easy, it’s just one page! ……………………………………………

Website: Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/ About: Goodreads is a community of readers (and writers). Members share information on the books they’ve read, which are good and which are not so good.

Why is it useful?: Obviously you want people to read and like your book so much they’ll tell all their friends about it. Who in turn will tell their friends, and so on and so on.

This is a site where you could make those connections.

Navigating the site: Once you’ve joined you can visit any of the many different forums and discussions about every genre and topic you can think of. You can join as a reader or an author, however if you are an indie author you may experience

some problems where the site doesn’t recognise your books to link to (depending on where it is for sale).

If you join as a reader, be honest and genuine, make friendships and join in forums. Get to know people and they’ll want to get to know you and what you do, including the books you read or write. ……………………………………………

Website: weRead Link: http://weread.com/ About: Very similar to Goodreads. Seems a smaller site or fewer options.

Why is it useful?: Same as for Goodreads.

Navigating the site: Seems easier to use and less ‘busy’ than Goodreads. Allows you to create an author page regardless of where your book is advertised for sale or if you are an indie author. ………………………………………………

Website: Authonomy Link: http://authonomy.com/ About: This is a new site from the publishers HarperCollins. It’s similar to review sites but instead of other authors doing the reviewing, it’s readers who read and recommend. Plus you don’t have to review other’s work to get a review.

Why is it useful?: The site is similar to review sites in that you can list whole or part manuscripts for review. However the difference here is that readers can rate and recommend your book to others in the community.

The site also looks for trends and consistently high rated books and so there could be a chance other publishers will take an interest in your book too.

Navigating the site: Easy to use and with an extensive FAQ section. Just register and go. The only downside is that you need to give at least 10,000 words so if you’re a short story writer this could be a problem. One way around it is maybe to provide an anthology. ………………………………………………

Website: Wise Grey Owl Link: www.wisegreyowl.co.uk About: This site has been created solely to promote books, especially those written by indie authors. They do not sell anything directly but let you provide a link to where visitors to the site can buy your book.

Why is it useful?

There is no search feature and visitors are encouraged to browse the books listed. This is great as you may just attract readers who wouldn’t normally look for your type of book. In any case it doesn’t harm to list your book everywhere you can!

Navigating the site: Easy to add your details and book info and off you go! ……………………………………………………

Website: Booksie Link: http://www.booksie.com/ About: This site is for showcasing your stories, poems, books etc – whatever you put on there, people can read for free.

Why is it useful?: Again it’s useful for getting yourself known and showing how good a writer you are. You can add links to where people can buy your books for sale.

Navigating the site: Easy to upload your stories/poems. You can pretty much add anything from poems and stories to articles, scripts and essays. ………………………………………………

Website: ABCtales Link: http://www.abctales.com/ About: Created by Big Issue founder John Bird, Tony Cook (Red Pepper, Praxis films) and Gordon Roddick (founder of The Bodyshop), this site lets you share your writing for other members to read and feedback.

Why is it useful?:

Although a non-paying site, as with others in the same format, it’s always a good idea to get your work out there and your name known. It can only help that this site has won awards and receives positive comments from the press too!

Navigating the site: A good clean user friendly site. There are also forums to join and handy tips to read. ……………………………………………

Other useful websites for promoting yourself would be any of the social media sites such as: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Or any other site for authors with a forum.

Reviews / Feedback If you want people to review and give feedback on your piece, story or even just a chapter either before or after you’ve published, try one of these sites.

Website: Critique Circle Link: http://www.critiquecircle.com/default.asp About: This site uses a credit and queue system. You read and critique other user’s stories from the queue list. You earn credits for each review and then use those credits to buy reviews for your own stories. Accepts short length stories.

Why is it useful?: Say you want to know if a plot line or character ‘works’ then this is a good way to find out. Critiques will also often pick up editing errors that you may have missed.

Navigating the site: Once you register just click on the story queue list and start reading. Stories are listed in different categories so you can just critique the genre you normally read. Leave (constructive) feedback and start earning credits. Once you have enough credits you can start adding your own stories to the queue.

Note however, depending on the length of the queue, it could take some time to start receiving your first reviews. ………………………………………………

Website: You Write On Link: http://www.youwriteon.com/ About: (My personal favourite!) Similar to Critique Circle in that you read and review other user’s stories however with this site, for each review you do, you receive another one back without the need to queue or build credits. There’s a minimum word count of 2,000 for short stories or 5,000 words for novels.

Why is it useful?: For the same reason as Critique Circle, only faster (without credits or queues). Stories are assigned at random. This is useful in itself as your story will hit people who may not normally read your genre so you find out exactly what works and what doesn’t. It also means you critique other genres, thereby expanding your skills.

The added bonus is that after five reviews your story enters a chart system where the highest rated stories are then reviewed by leading publishers!

Navigating the site: Very easy to use and does get addictive! It takes you through step by step for your first review so can’t go wrong. One tip though, remember you have to really read the stories. Part of the process is to write the review and then answer several questions relating to the story. If you get too many wrong answers your review is invalid, so you won’t have your story reviewed in return. ……………………………………………

Website: BigAls Books and Pals Link: http://booksandpals.blogspot.co.uk/ About: This is really a blog review site. It gives very well written and detailed book reviews for indie authors only.

Why is it useful?: Reviews are well laid out with links to where people can buy your book, your bio, description, review and rating. Reviews are in depth and frank and will also appear on Amazon and/or Smashwords.

Navigating the site: Easy to use blog with good category sections and a consistent format. ………………………………………

NB: There are of course now many review blogs available, probably as many as there are books! I just couldn’t list them all!

Other sites such as weRead, Goodreads and Authonomy (see previous category) would also be useful.

Show your support!

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About the Author Jessica Hassett currently lives in Liverpool, UK. In 2011, Jessica finally decided to end her career in admin and follow her life-long dream of becoming a full time writer. Her debut novel Locked In was quickly followed by several short stories, a children’s book and a successful writer’s muse blog. For more information visit www.jessicahassett.weebly.com Jessica loves anything creative and has recently launched a new venture involving designing, making videos and photography. For more information visit www.hotsnowflakecreative.weebly.com Other work by Jessica Hassett NOVELS Locked In In Silence * SHORT STORIES / FLASH FICTION Red Leather (erotica) Turn Opportunity Blows * BOOKS FOR CHILDREN Thomas and the Kite Dragon * NON-FICTION Titanic - Letters in the Ocean * COMING SOON! Fantasy House Thomas and the Bad Habits