The business of writing is tough. With rejection the name of the game and a deluge of information (and misinformation) out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. A few years ago when I started, I had no idea what I was doing or how to get there. There was a lot of stumbling in the dark (and heck, there’s still plenty of stumbling), but most days at least, I feel like I have a general idea of where I’m going, and that’s thanks to some incredible resources that are available online to anyone and everyone who wants to utilize them.

So for your scrivener pleasure, here are ten awesome websites that have helped me in my journey as a writer. Among you more experienced authors, all these sites might look familiar, and that’s great! It means you’re way ahead of the curve! But for those of you just starting out or simply looking to take your career in new directions, one or more of these sites might be exactly what your writing career needs at the moment.

So whether it’s teaching you the specifics of plotting a novel or helping you to streamline your submission process, these sites will help to make you a better (and more inspired) writer. And who doesn’t want that?

If you’re working on a novel and need help with plotting…

Helping Writers Become Authors features an array of posts about structuring scenes, stories, and character arcs as well as common writing mistakes that—let’s face it—all of us make occasionally. Blogger K.M. Weiland breaks down novels and demystifies many aspects of storytelling that vex us most as writers. And one of the best things about her site is that even if your story is already in good shape, her tips will help to make it even better, meaning that you can use her advice at any point in your plotting process or at any level in your writing career. After all, the best advice is the kind that just keeps on giving.

If you’re eager to become the next best young adult novelist…

Better Novel Project will guide your way. With fantastic outlines and adorable illustrations, this award-winning site examines the most popular YA books and offers advice on how to apply the general principles to your own work. And I know what some of you readers might be thinking: But I don’t want to write YA fiction! No problem. Blogger Christine Frazier offers regular tips on writing that could still improve your plotting and character development as well as provide some valuable insight into what makes a bestselling book. And admit it: we all want to be bestsellers some day, don’t we?

If you’re seeking somewhere that will help you find markets and track your submissions…

Duotrope is an easy-to-use and fairly affordable resource that offers a searchable database of over 5,000 short and long fiction and poetry markets. Additionally, the site offers a personal submissions tracker as well as statistics on each market, including length of time for response, and percentage of acceptances versus rejections. This is the one site on this list that I use every single day, and my life as an author is far easier for it.

If you’re seeking somewhere that will help you find fiction markets and track your submissions, but you can’t afford a subscription fee…

The (Submission) Grinder is a nice alternative to Duotrope. Although I will always be a little partial to Duotrope—I discovered it first, and the platform design is a little more to my preference—The (Submission) Grinder is truly so similar that you might do a double-take between the two sites. And since the world doesn’t call us starving artists for nothing, having a site where you can find markets and track submissions for free can definitely be a big help.

If you’re seeking markets for your science fiction and fantasy short stories…

Ralan is the place to go. A staple of the speculative fiction scene, the website is so informative that it’s almost overwhelming. Over the many years of its existence, Ralan has been nominated for awards and features no “exposure only” markets, which means every market listed will pay you, some of them quite handsomely, if you submit and the editors accept your work. Way back in the long ago days of 2014, I found my very first markets on Ralan, so it will always have a special place in my little writer heart.

If you write horror and other dark fiction…

The Horror Tree will inspire your macabre soul. With tons of submission calls as well as a blog filled with great tips from working writers, this site will keep you entertained and always poised for that next submission. The Horror Tree was also the first submission site I discovered after Ralan, and one that has helped me locate numerous markets that later went on to accept my work. Good stuff for us creepy writers!

If you still can’t get enough horror and dark fiction…

Dark Markets is another fabulous website that features a variety of horror, dark fantasy, and weird fiction markets where you can send your work. With an easy-to-navigate design and a constantly updated list of publications, there is always something new to discover. (As a side note, I need to give major props to both The Horror Tree and Dark Markets for being two of the venues where I often find submission calls to share on my monthly Submission Roundup. Did I mention I seriously love these sites?)

If you’ve finished your novel and are ready to seek out representation…

AgentQuery.com will guide you through the process. With a customizable search, you can discover dozens of agents seeking books in your genre, and just to make the process even simpler, AgentQuery.com will also link you directly to the agency’s site. It doesn’t get much easier than this. A perfect place to start on your road to representation.

If you like online workshops and columns written by working authors…

LitReactor has got you covered. With cool classes and equally cool blogs from some of the best writers working today, there is always something on LitReactor that will not only entertain you but will also help guide your way through this capricious industry. Even a casual visit to the site can turn into a trip down the proverbial rabbit hole. There’s just so much to check out. Consider yourself warned.

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for your writing career…

Writer’s Digest is the gold standard, a total oldie but a total goodie. From workshops and tutorials to blogs with tips on writing and submitting to agents, there are few sites that can point you down the path on how to become a successful author as well as Writer’s Digest. The name isn’t synonymous with literary advice for nothing.

Did I miss your favorite writing site? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy reading!