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
The Unsaid: Absence as Form
When: Thursday, July 16, 5pm – 6:30pm
Where: Nora Navra Library
Explore absence in poetry, from ellipsis to erasure. Draft poems using implication and white space to indicate emotion and meaning. Turning to poets like Sappho—an accidental master of the unsaid—we will explore ways absence is much more than a lack. Allowing your poems to sing through what’s missing, making your poems whole.
Adult writers of all levels welcome.
Workshop leader Stacey Balkun is the author of Sweetbitter (Sundress 2021) and co-editor of Fiolet & Wing: An Anthology of Domestic Fabulist Poetry. Her work has appeared in Best New Poets 2018, Crab Orchard Review, The Rumpus, and several other anthologies and journals. Stacey holds an MFA from Fresno State and teaches creative writing online at The Poetry Barn & The Loft. Visit her online at staceybalkun.com.
Sponsored by the Library Foundation of New Orleans.
Just Write: Virtual Creative Writing Workshop
When: 2nd Saturday of the month
Discuss your works-in-progress 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. We’ll have time to workshop 5 – 6 pieces.
Workshop norms and etiquette are as follows:
- Treat all participants with civility and respect.
- Please mute your mic and refrain from commenting in the chatbox when your work is being discussed.
- Comments on others’ work should always be constructive.
- Be aware of how much you’re talking and allow space for others to contribute.
- Creative expressions are welcome; hate speech is not.
To register or for more information, please email CreativeWriting@nolalibrary.org. After registration, you will receive the Zoom link via email.
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
The Summer Fun Adult Writing Contest: June 1 – July 31
The annual Summer Fun Adult Writing contest opens on June 1. The theme this year is mystery.
Categories: Poetry and Fiction
Prizes in each category:
Amazon Gift Cards:
- 1st Place: $100
- 2nd Place $50
- 3rd Place: $25
The top 10 submissions in each category will be published in the 4th edition of RENEWED: A New Orleans Public Library Anthology in 2027.
Rules:
One entry per person of one piece of fiction or up to 3 poems. One poem per submission will be eligible for prizes and publication. Entries must be no more than 2,000 words total.
Please include the title of your piece, but do not include your name or other personally identifying information in your submission.
Submissions should be text only. Please do not include images in your submission.
Entrants must be 18 years of age or older, have an active New Orleans Public Library card, and be a resident of Orleans Parish.
All writings must be the original work of the participant and not previously published. Writing should be suitable for a general audience.
Sponsored by the Library Foundation of New Orleans.
