I’m a sucker for a mailing list. Anytime I research new journals and presses to submit to, or go to a conference or bookfair, I end up subscribing to a plethora of new lists.

Of course, doing this, I’ve signed up for a bunch of newsletters that were…less than helpful. Inevitably, I’ll come to realize my inbox is getting inundated and embark on a purge. But there are newsletters I’m always excited to see pop up in my inbox, and a few I’ve come to anticipate, to the point I’ll go searching through my spam folder to double-check if I don’t see them.

If you’re looking for a new source of inspiration, advice, calls for submission, or other writing-adjacent things, here are some of my favorites.

FundsForWriters

Great for: Folks who write for a living

Curated by mystery writer Hope Clark, Funds for Writers is a long-running weekly newsletter packed full of ways for writers to make money, including grants, contests, writing gigs, and publication outlets that pay at least a semi-pro rate. It’s also a great newsletter for inspiration in other ways, with a little blurb from Hope at the start of each that gives readers a glimpse into the life of a working author, and features from other writers on a range of interesting topics. You can check out past newsletters in their archive to get a sense for the type of stuff that’s included.

No Failure, Only Practice

Great for: Fiction writers and readers

No Failure, Only Practice is a monthly newsletter from prolific author and Arizona State University professor Matt Bell. Each mailing includes a writing exercise and a “What I’m Reading” section with book recommendations. You can also find all past newsletters on their substack archives, which are helpfully labeled by exercise so you can find the one you need for your work right now.

The Practicing Writer 2.0

Great for: Creative writers submitting their work

What makes The Practicing Writer unique from other “places to submit” newsletters is that it only lists markets that are a) free to submit to and b) paying. Each monthly mailer has 50+ journals, presses, contests, and grants with current open calls, making it a great source for writers who want to find readers (and get paid) for their work.

Ephemera

Great for: Writing inspiration

Ephemera aims to provide inspiration and motivation for writers. Each weekly newsletter includes featured music, a featured artist, and a book recommendation, along with a short article about writing or craft, a list of open prize and submission calls, and a curated selection of writing job postings. A paid subscription is required to see the full newsletter, but there’s still plenty of good stuff in the free version. Check out their archives to see past mailers.

Electric Literature

Great for: Fiction and poetry lovers and readers

Electric Literature is a digital publisher with two mailing lists. The Commuter is a weekly lit mag that sends a single poem or flash fiction piece to reader inboxes every Monday. Recommended Reading is biweekly, and features a novel excerpt or short story from a literary magazine. You can read all past issues of both on their respective websites, too.

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