10 Useful Online Writer Communities
Writing can be a solitary activity, especially if you’re an introvert like me. But there are many online communities where writers of all kinds— fiction authors, freelance writers, content creators, self-publishers, and more—can discuss their craft, get advice, and share experiences.
If you’re looking for answers, or just want to commiserate with fellow writers, here are some of the more useful and popular places where you can join in—and all of them are free.
1. Reddit
What is is: Reddit is a website that aggregates thousands of special interest forums, with each forum (called a subreddit) focused on a particular topic.
Best Subreddits:
r/writing: One of the largest and most active communities, where writers ask questions about plot development, writing tools, and the writing process.
r/selfpublish: Focuses on self-publishing advice, with a strong emphasis on tools like Scrivener, formatting software, and book marketing strategies.
r/writerchat: A more casual space for writers to discuss processes, share tools, and ask for feedback on ideas.
Why It’s Popular: Reddit offers a mix of both professional and casual advice, and the large number of participants ensures that writers receive diverse perspectives.
How to join in: First, try browsing a few of the subreddits, then consider creating an account. You can see most Reddit content without an account, but you’ll need to sign up to get the full experience.
2. Absolute Write Water Cooler
What It Is: A long-standing forum where writers of all genres and levels gather to ask questions, share experiences, and offer advice. There are dedicated sections on writing tools, productivity tips, and self-publishing.
Popular Topics: Writers discuss everything from grammar and plotting to book promotion and writing software like Scrivener or ProWritingAid.
Why It’s Popular: It’s a well-moderated, writer-centric space with a supportive community and in-depth discussions.
How to join in: You can view forum threads, but you’ll need to create an account to post.
3. KBoards (Writers’ Café)
What It Is: Originally focused on Kindle publishing, the Writers' Café section of KBoards has grown into a hub for indie authors and self-publishers. Writers come here to discuss marketing strategies, writing tools, and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) processes.
Popular Topics: Ebook formatting, book cover design, writing tools, and self-publishing advice.
Why It’s Popular: KBoards has a strong focus on the business side of writing, making it an excellent resource for self-publishers looking to learn about tools and processes.
How to join in: You can view forum threads, but you’ll need an account to post. Note: very ad-heavy.
4. NaNoWriMo Forums
What It Is: The official forums for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where writers participate in challenges to write a novel in a month. While the event happens annually in November, the forums remain active year-round.
Popular Topics: Writers frequently discuss outlining, drafting tools, and software like Scrivener, as well as motivational techniques and community events.
Why It’s Popular: NaNoWriMo has a strong, supportive community that encourages writers to set and meet ambitious goals, making it a great place for motivation and tool recommendations.
How to join in: A (free) account required to view and post.
5. X/Twitter (Writing Community)
What It Is: Twitter has a massive writing community where hashtags like #WritingCommunity, #AmWriting, and #WriterLife allow writers to connect and share advice.
Popular Topics: Writers ask about and recommend tools like Grammarly, Scrivener, and ProWritingAid, along with processes like plotting, editing, and publishing strategies.
Why It’s Popular: Twitter’s real-time conversations allow for quick advice, immediate feedback, and opportunities to connect with other writers, authors, and even agents.
How to join in: X/Twitter now requires an account to view and post.
6. Scribophile
What It Is: A critique community where writers can share their work and receive detailed feedback. Writers also ask questions about the writing process, software, and publishing.
Popular Topics: Critiques, feedback on story structure, and recommendations for writing tools that help with specific genres or technical aspects of writing.
Why It’s Popular: Scribophile is ideal for writers who want constructive feedback and have questions about the finer points of the writing process.
How to join in: You have to sign up to view and post.
7. Writer Unboxed Community
What It Is: Writer Unboxed is a blog and community dedicated to the craft and business of fiction writing. Its active comment section and Facebook group serve as spaces for writers to ask about tools and processes.
Popular Topics: Story structure, character development, tools for editing, and advice on publishing.
Why It’s Popular: The community focuses on the craft of writing but also provides valuable insights into writing tools and processes.
How to join in: Free to view all posts and content, no account required.
8. Writing Stack Exchange
What It Is: Writing Stack Exchange is a Q&A site specifically for writers. Users can ask detailed questions about writing techniques, grammar, and the publishing process, and receive answers from the community.
Popular Topics: Story structure, character development, self-publishing advice, and writing style.
Why It’s Popular: It offers a highly structured and moderated environment where writers can get detailed, focused answers to specific writing-related questions.
How to join in: Free to view, but you’ll need to sign up to post or ask questions.
9. WritingForums.org
What It Is: WritingForums.org is a large and active online forum where writers of all levels gather to discuss writing techniques, share experiences, and troubleshoot writing challenges. It covers both fiction and non-fiction writing, as well as aspects of the publishing process.
Popular Topics: Writing technique discussions, feedback on story ideas, advice on tools like Scrivener or Google Docs, and discussions on self-publishing vs. traditional publishing.
Why It’s Popular: The forum is structured around different writing genres and offers both technical and creative support, making it an ideal space for asking questions and receiving detailed, thoughtful responses.
How to join in: Free to view, but you need to sign up to post.
It’s a great resource for writers who want to ask questions, share their writing struggles, and engage in discussions around specific tools and the writing process.
10. The Writing Cooperative (Medium)
What It Is: A community of writers on Medium where tech-savvy writers share blog posts, guides, and insights about writing tools and workflows. Writers can comment on posts or contribute their own to ask questions or start discussions about technology.
Popular Topics: Writing software comparisons, tutorials for using Scrivener and other writing apps, productivity hacks, and technology tips for self-publishing.
Why It’s Popular: The Writing Cooperative combines insightful articles with active community discussions, making it an excellent place to ask questions about writing tech and read expert guides.
How to join in: Free to view all posts.
Do you know others? Drop a comment below and I’ll be sure to share them with other readers.