LAPL Writes - Online Resources

Online Courses (library card required)

The library's online learning platforms, Gale Courses (was Learn4Life) and Universal Class, offer online courses on many topics related to writing, editing, and publishing. The classes are led by expert instructors and are free of charge. All you need is an LAPL library card to get started.


Pressbooks (library card required)

Interested in getting your novel, memoir, poetry collection, children's book and more in e-book and print-ready formats? Pressbooks Public is an easy-to-use online tool that allows you to create professional quality versions of your book in ePUB, MOBI, PDF and more.

Overdrive Magazines (library card required)

The library's Magazine collection includes such titles as Traveler, Vanity Fair, Elle Magazine, Women's Day, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

Databases (library card required for remote access)

Lit Finder
Access to thousands of full-text poems, stories, essays, plays and speeches.

Literature Resource Center
Broad range of subject content containing criticisms, biographies, primary sources, reviews, and multimedia on writers and works around the world.

Oxford English Dictionary
Online version of the multivolume Oxford English Dictionary Second and Third Editions as updated.

Something About the Author
Complete series on the lives and careers of popular and significant authors and illustrators of books for children and teens.

Recommended Web Resources

The Los Angeles Review of Books

los angeles review of books logo which is their acronym in capital letters

The Los Angeles Review of Books is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and disseminating rigorous, incisive, and engaging writing on every aspect of literature, culture, and the arts.

Reedsy
This online resource includes their book editor software to help you design and format your book, as well as access to a marketplace of editors, designers, marketers, and other professionals.

Everyone Needs an Editor by Allison Schiff
Informative Publishers Weekly article on the process of working with a professional editor.

Writers' Cafe
Join this online community to post work for peer review, chat with fellow writers, access free online writing courses, and find advice on publishing your work.

AgentQuery
Searchable database of literary agents.

LAPL Literature Web Resources
A librarian curated list of writers' online resources

Query Shark
Blog written by literary agent Janet Reid provides critique on query letters submitted by aspiring authors looking for an agent.

Writer Beware Blog
Provides advice for writers and warns of potential scams in the publishing industry.

Foreword Reviews
Foreword Reviews is a trade review journal that covers the independent, alternative, university, and self-publishing industries and is frequently consulted by librarians and booksellers. Find information on submitting your title to Foreword for review.

Library Journal
Instructions on submitting your title to the Journal for review

Goodreads
The popular social media site for readers offers a platform for authors to promote their work.

The Indie View
List of book reviewers who accept submissions and post reviews on their blogs, Amazon, Goodreads, etc.

IndieReader
This site publishes a weekly list of self-published bestsellers

NaNoWriMo Blog
Writing advice from the headquarters of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) all year long

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