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Cover image for Writer's Digest

Writer's Digest

September/October 2026
Magazine

Writer's Digest magazine is a comprehensive source of writing instruction for writers. Each issue provides advice and insider tips on writing and selling fiction, nonfiction, poetry and scripts.

MOTIVATION BOARD • Get inspired to write with these excerpts from recent articles on WritersDigest.com.

Fostering Individuality in Writing

Writer’s Digest

CONTRIBUTORS

Why This Book, and Why Me? • A literary agent’s advice for answering the toughest questions to help your querying chances.

Worth a Thousand Words

A Matter of Trust

Poetic asides • No matter what you write, a bit of poetic license can be a valuable asset to any writer’s arsenal.

Write It Out • Writing prompts to boost your creativity.

Start With Wow; Follow With How • Creating an authentic online presence for writers.

Using Intention to Guide Your Media Strategy • A media trainer’s advice for projecting professionalism.

Ruthless Adverbs

Writing Your Story as a Short Letter • Use flash writing techniques to strengthen your writing toolbox.

The Note That Almost Ended My Writing Career

Kima Jones • TRIANGLE HOUSE LITERARY

BREAKING IN • Debut authors: How they did it, what they learned, and why you can do it, too.

2026 Annual Agent Roundup • Over 20 literary agents detail what they’d like to see in their submission inboxes, how best to submit to them, and tips for successful querying.

Finding Your Voice • Develop your unique writing style to hook readers and wow agents.

Curating a Persona in Memoir to Control Your Narrative

Write What You Love to Read • Mixing pop-culture fandom with literary workshops.

CONS WITH STRONG WRITING COMPONENTS

In Case • The first-place winning story of the 26th annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition explores the difficulties some stepparents face and the uphill battle to protect one’s peace.

J.D. Barker • The internationally bestselling suspense author talks about balancing his love of writing with the business aspects of publishing and revisiting his most famous character, the 4MK killer.

A New Tactic • THE CHALLENGE: Write a short story of 650 words or fewer based on the photo below.

Platform vs. Presence: What Agents Actually Want Writers to Build • The conversation around “branding” is broken. Here’s how to reframe it.

Avoid the Detail Dump to Enhance Pacing and Clarity • Advice and tips to boost your writing skills.

Finding Your Own Path to Publishing Success

Author Platform Is IRL, Too • The art and craft of writing nonfiction.

The Metaphysicality of AI, Part 1 • Tips for making your story concrete.

A Verse for Every Feeling • Julian Randall’s new middle-grade novel Shook shows how sometimes less is so much more.

Sister Saves the Day • Learn to read like a writer from books both new and older.

CONFERENCE GUIDE

Riddle Me This

Formats

  • OverDrive Magazine

Languages

  • English