I have less than a month to finish the manuscript for the third book, and with the pressure I feel at the moment, I can't fathom why anyone would want to be a writer.
But for those of you who've asked, here are some terrific resources to get you started:
Ask Allison - A friendly, open forum where you can ask anything about breaking into the freelance business and Allison won't mock you.
Miss Snark - She's not taking any new questions, but everything you'd ever need to know about the right way to seek representation is housed in her archives. She's brutal... but she's also right. (Check out the comments, too - they're equally invaluable.)
Pub Rants - Completely informative about the business of publishing - basically, there are tons of answers to questions you had no clue you should ask.
Publisher's Marketplace - An excellent resource if you want to make yourself crazy seeing who just got a deal. (Or if you want to see what kind of stuff sells so you can tailor your pitch.) Subscription required.
Backspace - A place to reach out to thousands of other writers and learn about conferences, agents, groups, etc. Learn, connect, and enjoy!
Preditors & Editors - A comprehensive guide of how-to and why-not.
Writer Beware - Protect yourself from those preying on your enthusiasm and naivety.
GalleyCat - Fun, gossipy, informative! Sign up for their daily media newsfeed to find out up-to-the-minute happenings in media and publishing. Plus these newsletters advertise tons of terrific courses, e.g. how to write a chick lit novel and pitching a women's magazine.
What's great is each of these websites link to a ton of other helpful/informative sites.
I'd also suggest you peruse your local Barnes & Noble because they have an entire section aggregating the above content. Any of their books will contain the basics, such as the difference between a novel and a memoir and how to not only perfect your pitch but to insure you're pitching the right person.
Or, you know, you could just decide to do no research whatsoever and email me - a complete stranger - repeatedly, ignoring the fact I'm on deadline, and demanding I help you since you read my book.
But then I'll show up at your house on prom night and force you to discuss U.S. History.
