Writers who are just getting started in publishing ask us "What's the best way to get published?"

The reasonable answer is there is a worst way to get published, but no best way. Each writer has a different story about how he or she started to write and how they were published.

Parallel events happen, but each story is distinct. The anomaly to that rule, the constant among all the variables, is TIME. Writing takes time. Getting published takes time. Arthur Golden spent ten years writing Memoirs of a Geisha. Most people, after reading the book, believe his time was well spent.

We do not offer shortcuts. What we offer at Word Smitten ™ is a place for writers to congregate. We encourage the exchange of information on the publishing industry from writer-to-writer. We invite recognized book editors from newspapers, on-line epubs, and traditional publishing to give us their views.

For conferences and workshops, we look for the ones that provide value for your dollar. And we introduce you to knowledgeable individuals (agents, book editors, booksellers, and publicity experts) who attend writing conferences looking for talent.

Why attend a conference? Well, a conference where you gain hours of valuable information can also provide access to people in the industry. The invited faculty may be literary notables. Agents watch for emerging trends and they gather recommendations from the faculty. Beyond listening to a keynote speaker, you'll sit in classrooms and auditoriums with your writing kin. Perhaps you'll be in a workshop with someone who wants to begin to write or someone who just published a first book. You'll gain experience, direction, and visibility.

Additionally, the opportunity exists to ask direct questions of your favorite author. In fact, it is encouraged. Whenever you attend a conference if you only take away a speck of information that somehow helps to propel your writing career and enhances your core proficiencies, we consider it worthwhile. Controversy rages about conferences; some say to write you must stay home and write. We say that is true. But, to get published you must have an understanding of the process of publishing. That is the value of a conference.

We recommend the sites and the conferences that are time-tested and where camaraderie blooms. These conferences are well attended and well respected by the industry.

Mission Statement

As for our company, Word Smitten formed in 2001 with this goal in mind:

We established this site for writers who want to get published. For those who want guidelines. For those who want information about current industry trends. We provide the best available answers. As quickly as possible.

We created a site that offers information. We update that information to reflect the industry. We are here:

• To make your road a less arduous one.
• To interview the best agents, publicists, and editors who give you pre-publication and post-publication advice.
• To provide current information on writing conferences that offer great workshops.
• To help you tackle your projects. We have assembled an outstanding team of editors and writers. Collectively, our editors have more than fifty years of combined experience. Whether it's writing a press release, tackling a synopsis, or reading a manuscript, we provide the a few recommendations to assist you with your goals
  and your book publishing objectives.
• To provide a foundation for a community of writers.

With the addition of our new chat room, the site is a springboard for great conversations. We are fond of an oft-repeated phrase: Great conversations are more stimulating than strong coffee.

We want you to find The Cove a stimulating place to spend some time and have fun. You are part of us, and you make this site interesting. Visit often to tap the lantern and wake the muse.