As writers with the goal of publication, we are going to meet various gatekeepers along our journey. And I just love that word—gatekeepers—like we need a term to make agents and editors more frightening than they already are! Yes, the gatekeepers are scary at first because they seemingly hold so much power; but once they grant you access, they become your allies and mentors. An editor can provide you with a steady stream of income, and garnering a literary agent is like having a fairy godmother for life! Who doesn’t want that? MORE >>

Whether you are looking to boost your income or work on your craft, we know that education is an important part of a writer’s career. That’s why WOW! handpicks qualified instructors and targeted classes that women writers will benefit from. All of the courses operate online and are taught one-on-one with the instructor. The flexibility of the platform allows students to complete assignments on their own time and work at their own pace in the comfort of their own home. Visit the classroom page and check out our current line up of workshops: fiction writing, writing for children, screenwriting, creativity, memoir, personal essay, grammar, food writing, freelance writing, novel writing, finding a literary agent, blogging, social networking for authors, independent publishing, and more. MORE >>

Stay tuned for the results of the Fall 2012 Flash Fiction Contest with guest judge literary agent Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. MORE >>

A writer’s journey to publish a book can feel much like Dorothy’s journey to visit the Wizard of Oz. There’s a definite road to follow, but it’s not always easy. The good news is that help is available in the form of literary agents. Acquiring a literary agent is not easy, but it’s usually a must if you want your book published by a big publishing house. Agents are there for writers and are the key to gaining entrance into this elusive world. Kerrie Flanagan chats with literary agents Jessica Regel and Elizabeth Evans—both with the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency—and Kristina Holmes, founder and president of The Holmes Agency, who share not only what they do, but also specific insight to their success. MORE >>

During her summer book tour, C. Hope Clark met associate literary agent Jessica Sinsheimer at two conferences, as she represented the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. Her humorous and warm, yet introverted, way of treating writers captured Hope’s interest. So she asked this sweet lady to provide WOW readers a taste of her insight, from material she loves to represent to what turns her on in a query and client. We’re sure you’ll enjoy meeting Jessica. MORE >>

If you’ve put a year into writing your book, you should put in a few extra hours towards proofreading, crafting a strong query letter, and researching your target agents and markets. Devon Ellington chats with Jessica Faust, literary agent and owner of BookEnds, LLC; Heather Osborn, editorial director of Samhain Publishing; and Stephany Evans, literary agent and president of FinePrint Literary Management, who share their best advice on submissions. Included is a helpful section on cover letters! MORE >>

Lucia Macro is bringing sexy back to readers. As executive editor at Avon/Morrow, Lucia oversees the HarperCollins romance imprint’s digital-first line, Avon Impulse. Now, she’s on the prowl for edgy and dreamy work for the romance format that publishes two new digital originals each week. Lovers of romance novels can have Avon books delivered to their favorite e-reading device with a simple click of a button. And romance writers? Here’s an imprint looking for your work, and you don’t need an agent. WOW columnist LuAnn Schindler interviews Lucia about her journey in the publishing industry, the philosophy of Avon Impulse, and changes in the romance genre and publishing worlds, in general. MORE >>

Marcelle Soviero read and wanted to write for Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers. When she found out the magazine was closing its doors, she was devastated—but not for long. She decided to do something about it and bought the magazine! WOW columnist and editor Margo L. Dill asks her about this decision, what will stay the same and what will change, and how to write for what Marcelle refers to as “The New Yorker for mothers.” Her story is truly inspirational, and while you are feeling motivated and inspired, you might just get an essay or story idea for Brain, Child. MORE >>

Lisa Leshne has been in the publishing business for over twenty years. She currently has her own literary agency, The Leshne Agency, with clients, such as Jill Smokler (Confessions of a Scary Mommy) and Cynthia Brown (Brave Hearts: Extraordinary Stories of Pride, Pain, and Courage). Before starting her own agency in 2011, she was a literary agent for LJK Literary. Elizabeth King Humphrey chats with Lisa about the type of books she’s looking for, why it’s important to have a platform, what she means by narrative and prescriptive nonfiction, and her biggest pet peeves in query letters. MORE >>

Whether we desire a larger audience, ongoing (paid) writing work, or a platform that’s not digital, there will always be outlets for our writing that have gatekeepers: the folks who decide what gets published and/or who gets hired. Allena Tapia takes a look at some of the most common gatekeepers you’ll meet on your writing journey. For simplicity’s sake, she breaks these down into different sections for freelance writers and authors. MORE >>

It’s a common misconception that editors won’t deal with authors directly. Not only will they interact with you, but they’ll buy your book. Rachel Eddey knows this for sure because it happened to her. She had three agents try to sell her humorous memoir, Running of the Bride, with no luck for over two and a half years. As a last-ditch effort before shelving the project, she decided to represent herself—and sold it in fifteen days. Rachel shares how she did it, and interviews other authors who share how they landed a publishing contract without an agent as well. Featuring advice from Christine Clifford, author of the bestselling Not Now . . . I’m Having a No Hair Day; Janice Booth, author of Only Pack What You Can Carry; and Erin Lale, editor of Eternal Press and Damnation Books. MORE >>

Once the rush of being a NaNoWriMo champion wears off, more often than not, panic sets in about the revision process. To help you keep your eye on the prize, Krissy Brady shares five publishing companies that accept children’s and young adult manuscripts. (Psst . . . they also accept unagented submissions from first-time authors!) Learn how to pitch to Dawn Publications, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Flashlight Press, Immedium, and Scarletta Press. Find out their writer’s guidelines, what to pitch, submission etiquette, editor’s tips, and more! MORE >>