Writing.Com: Getting Your Work Seen

UPDATED AUGUST 6, 2009!

The navigation of Writing.com can be a bit tricky since there are so many options and so much information to process.  Most people come here to have their work read and reviewed, so that will be my main focus.  The following list provides links to some of the best places for "newbies" to gain exposure for their work.  Hopefully you will receive many r/r/r's (read/rate/review) as well!

Read the rules once you get to each forum, since each forum owner has their own definition of a "newbie."  Many of the forums listed are open to all case colors but some are only for black cases.

For most of the review forums and contests you will need to save your work to your port and then post a link in what we call a "bitem" format.  A few will allow you to post directly to the forum if you are not an upgraded member.  To learn about posting in forums please read "The illustrated guide to linking" , "Invalid Item"  and "Instruction on Posting & Linking" .

REVIEW FORUMS

ID: 1265620   (Rated: ASR) Title: Let's Review!  Description: Review for gps and Merit Badges! Let's Review! By: spidey - NaNo WC = 33,434

Let's Review Hosted by Spidergirl, this forum is a weekly challenge for reviewers to review. Besides the joy of finding great things to read, the reviews can earn GPs and Merit Badges for the reviews they do.

ID: 178106   (Rated: ASR) Title: Find a Review Forum  Description: If you're looking for a review forum, look here! By: Writing.Com Support

Find a Review Forum Hosted by the StoryMaster, this is a place for reviewers to list their review forums.  If you need a review, check here to see who is currently reviewing.  Fifty review forums are listed at a time.  You can also get here by going to "Things to Do & Read" and selecting "Review Forums."

ID: 155333   (Rated: E) Title: The Shameless "Plug" Page  Description: This is the one and only Writing.Com Shameless Plug Page! By: Writing.Com Support

The Shameless Plug Page This is a terrific place to get your work seen, and is hosted by The StoryMaster as well!  It is a very popular forum that receives a lot of exposure.  Don't be afraid to plug your own work!

ID: 819237   (Rated: E) Title: The Review Request Page  Description: This is a page to request reviews for Static Items. By: Writing.Com Support

The Review Request Page Another place, run by The StoryMaster that you can request a review of your work.  Just make sure to read the guidelines before posting!

ID: 794817   (Rated: ASR) Title: Newbie Writing  Description: HAVEN FOR NEW MEMBERS! - Stop by and make yourself comfortable. By: Laurencia

Newbie Writing A newbie haven and a monthly contest as well.  Hosted by a good friend of mine.

ID: 570158   (Rated: ASR) Title: Reader's Review Room  Description: Post for our members to raid your portfolio! Honest reviews from honest people. By: Lex~i~mas~Trees

Readers Review Room Request a raid on your port!  Multiple reviewers will critique your work.

ID: 1229395   (Rated: E) Title: Reviewing News and Views  Description: Interested in a reviewing newsletter? Come on over! By: Storm Machine

We are Writing.com members of all ranks and all backgrounds with the common interest of discussing reviewing.

YOUTH CONNECTIONS

ID: 651476   (Rated: E) Title: KID'S WRITING PLAYGROUND  Description: A Writing Club for Children where they can write and share and learn By: Loti

Kids Writing Playground This new group is for kids five to twelve to meet other kids, make friends, get reviews and generally interact with kids their own age!

ID: 619884   (Rated: ASR) Title: TEEN WRITING CLUB  Description: Teens have something to say. Let's hear it now. By: Loti

Teen Writing Club This group is for teens ages thirteen to nineteen to voice their opinions, get writing prompts and to meet other writing.com peers.  There are still a few spots open in this group!

CONTESTS

Another great way to gain exposure is to enter contests.  Some are for everyone and some are for "newbies" or black cases only.

ID: 171898   (Rated: E) Title: Writing Contests @ Writing.Com!  Description: Writing Contests on Writing.Com are posted here. By: Writing.Com Support

Writing Contests @ Writing.Com! This In & Out lists contests running currently.  Check this list frequently as it only shows 75 listings and changes daily.  You can also get here by clicking on "Item Jumps" and then selecting "Contest Listings."

ID: 333655   (Rated: 13+) Title: The Writer's Cramp  Description: 10,000 GPs NEW Daily Prize pot! Write the best story or poem in 24 hours or less to win. By: Sophy

The Writer's Cramp Prompt given daily.  Best poem or short story (depending on prompt) wins 1000 gps.

ID: 1308391   (Rated: E) Title: COLORING THE WORLD CONTEST  Description: A colorful contest that offers more. By: SherriGiblet ~Thankful~

Coloring the World Contest Weekly prompt contest that starts on Mondays and ends on Sundays.  Win a 10k awardicon or gift points.

ID: 896794   (Rated: 13+) Title: Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  Description: Daily prompt and 1500 GP prize - enter your story of 300 words or fewer! By: arakun the twisted raccoon

Daily Flash Fiction Challenge Daily prompt flash fiction (300 words or less) contest open to all members.  Win 1500 gift points!

ID: 962569   (Rated: 18+) Title: Poetry's Prism  Description: A weekly contest thats all about poetry. By: Tammy

Poetry's Prism~Weekly Contest Weekly poetry contest that runs from Wednesday to Wednesday and is open to all members.  Post new or old items from your port.  Win gift points!

ID: 310188   (Rated: 13+) Title: Stormy's poetry newsletter & contest  Description: poetry newsletter & 3000 gp contest By: Stormy Lady

Stormy's Poetry & Newsletter Contest Win a chance to be featured in the Poetry Newsletter and win gps!  Just write a poem using the prompt words.

ID: 213819   (Rated: 13+) Title: Para/Poem Challenge "Open"  Description: I've got the words, if you've got the time. Gimme your best Para/Poem. By: wordsys home

Your Best Para/Poem Challenge Use the eight prompt words in a poem or paragraph and win a spot in the poetry newsletter and 3000 gps.

GENERAL SITE HELP

ID: 794007   (Rated: E) Title: Tips n Tricks- SUMMARY  Description: Everything cool you need to enhance your Writing.Com experience! By: UY...

Tips n Tricks-SUMMARY All the tips and tricks for getting around the site.  Includes explanations of site items and abbreviations commonly used.

ADDITIONAL

ID: 982972   (Rated: E) Title: Black Case Experience Cafè  Description: A fun place created especially for All Black Cases By: BlackAngel

Black Case Experience Cafe A special place for black cases to post items for reviews, ideas and even a contest!

OTHER TIPS

Other ways to get read, rated and reviewed are:

Read, rate and review at least one item from everyone who sends you a review.  Not only will they keep reading your work; it is the polite thing to do.  Also, send a short thank you to anyone who reviews your work.  If they give you an outstanding review send them back some gift points and let them know it made your day.

When you post something on a review or contest forum take a minute to read one or two things posted there as well.  This not only gives you more contacts it also gives you a peek at your competition.

Sign up for newsletters!  The site puts out newsletters once a week and they can be very helpful, especially the Noticing Newbies and Contest & Activities Newsletters.  To sign up, go to "Site Tools" under the "Site Navigation" menu on the left side of the page, near the top.  Click on "Newsletters" then on "Manage Newsletter Subscriptions."  On that screen are thirteen newsletters to sign up for based on genre.  Sign up for as many as you'd like, they all offer valuable information to the writers here!

Don't forget:

Remember to be honest but tactful in your reviews.  Save those five stars for the really outstanding work.  Read about how to rate and review under "Getting Started."

If you read most or all of the work in someone's folder, don't forget to rate it for them if it's rateable.

Good luck and I hope you found a few tips here.  Writing.com is a wonderful place.  If you get lost just look for a yellow, blue or purple case and ask a few questions.  Everyone had to start from scratch - not just you!


Note: This item was originally created by Terryjroo, who has since left the site. She wanted this item to stay and asked me to take it over for her. Thanks Ter!!!