For Writers
Whether you’re a novelist, poet, author-illustrator, or anywhere in between, the New Orleans Public Library has resources to help you take your story from the first spark of creativity into readers’ hands.
Books on How to Write
Interested in self-publishing your work? Hop down to our self-publishing resources.
What’s the difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing? Read more on our blog.
Upcoming author events:
Writing & Publishing Workshops At The Library
Just Write: Virtual Creative Writing Workshop
When: 2nd Saturday of each month
Discuss your works-in-progress with local writers in a friendly and supportive environment. Novice to experienced writers in all genres are welcome to participate. Meetings are held over Zoom.
Submit one piece of writing per workshop meeting of up to 1500 words in length. At each meeting, we workshop 5 - 6 pieces of writing. Works will be discussed in the order they're submitted. Submitting work is not required to attend and participate in the discussion.
To register for the workshop, or for more information, please email CreativeWriting@nolalibrary.org. After registration, you will receive the Zoom link via email.
"Renewed: A New Orleans Public Library Anthology" Volume 3 Release Party
When: Saturday, January 31, 2pm - 4pm
Where: Main Library
Celebrate the release of our third anthology. "Renewed" is a collection of work from finalists in our 2025 Summer Fun Adult Writing Contest. There will be readings, refreshments, and music.
Writers were asked to interpret the theme Harmony any way they liked - from musical compositions, to the rhythms of the nature work, to anywhere separate components converge into something new, or even harmonies falling out of tune.
Giveaway copies of the book will be available while supplies last. One per person. You must be present to get one.
Sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.
Self-Publishing Resources
Are you interested in self-publishing your book? Want to read self-published and indie works from other local authors? Pressbooks, Indie Author Project, and BiblioBoard work together to make the self-publishing process easier and more accessible to Library cardholders.
Create and format a publication-ready manuscript with Pressbooks Public. Write chapter by chapter, or import a manuscript previously written in Word or other formats. Create a professional-quality ePUB (compatible with most e-book readers) or PDF (print friendly) file that’s ready to submit to your self-publisher of choice, such as the Indie Author Project. When you’re ready for cover design, check out the Library’s list of websites where you can download copyright-free images.
After formatting your manuscript in Pressbooks Public or with a different tool, submit your work to Indie Author Project for the chance to be featured on BiblioBoard. Submissions are open year round. During April and May, Indie Author Project runs their Annual Contest, with the chance to win prize money and a full-page spread in Library Journal.
Read indie fiction by Louisiana authors, with no checkout periods, waits, or holds. Download the BiblioBoard Library app to read on your mobile device, or access on any web browser.
Create and format a publication-ready manuscript with Pressbooks Public. Write chapter by chapter, or import a manuscript previously written in Word or other formats. Create a professional-quality ePUB (compatible with most e-book readers), MOBI (compatible with Kindles) or PDF (print friendly) file that’s ready to submit to your self-publisher of choice, such as the Indie Author Project. When you’re ready for cover design, check out the Library’s list of websites where you can download copyright-free images.
After formatting your manuscript in Pressbooks Public or with a different tool, submit your work to Indie Author Project for the chance to be featured on BiblioBoard. Submissions are open year round. During April and May, Indie Author Project runs their Annual Contest, with the chance to win prize money and a full-page spread in Library Journal.
Read indie fiction by Louisiana authors, with no checkout periods, waits, or holds. Download the BiblioBoard Library app to read on your mobile device, or access on any web browser.
Writing Contests
Congratulations to the winners of our 2025 Summer Fun Adult Writing Contest!
Their winning poems and stories, as well as the runners up, will be published in the 3rd edition of Renewed: A New Orleans Public Library Anthology.
Celebrate the anthology launch and hear the contest winners read their entries at our Launch Party, Saturday, January 31, 2pm – 4pm at the Main Library. We’ll have refreshments, music, and giveaway copies of the book while supplies last.
Can’t wait for the party? Read the winning entries below, or check out our previous Renewed anthologies, volume 1 and volume 2, from the Library catalog.
Prizes and publication are made possible by Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.
Poetry
Tara - 1st Place
Jillian - 2nd Place
Javier - 3rd Place
Fiction
Tyler - 1st Place
Jesse - 2nd Place
