Wanted to pass along a great resource from a former editor of Writers Digest, Maria Schneider:

7 Free Resources Every Writer Needs

The Web is abundant with free guides, resources and, of course, advice for writers. The fact is, there’s so much out there that it’s difficult to sift through the clutter to find what might actually be helpful.

So we’ve done the work for you. Here are several essential online resources that you will bookmark and turn to again and again in your writing career. And the very best part—they’re all free!

  1. U.S. Copyright Office

This is the spot to quench your copyright concerns and even register your work for a copyright.

  1. Merriam-Webster

This is the most reliable online dictionary and it’s also the house standard for many magazines and publishers. There’s also a handy thesaurus so you can find just the right word.

3.Reverso Grammar Checker

If you’re a little fuzzy on passive tense or your commas are out of control, check out

  1. Agent Query

An indispensable free resource for finding a literary agent. They also offer a handy query tracker.

  1. Duotrope’s digest

This site offers a searchable database of 2300 current poetry and fiction markets.

  1. Elements of Style

The classic writing style guide by William Strunk, Jr. is now freely available online. Even if you studied it in college, read it again, you’ll take away something new that will refresh your writing.

  1. Poets & Writers

The website of the venerable writing journal provides the most comprehensive guide to writing contests and grants.

If you know about more great, free online resources, please share with your fellow writers here in the comments section.