What to get a writer for Christmas
If you’re a writer looking for items to add to your list, or if you’re shopping for a writer you love, here some ideas of items to buy:
Pens/pencils and notebooks
This one may be obvious, but I’m not sure it’s possible to have too much of these things. Many writers have their preferences on paper sizes, lined or unlined, and whew—the opinions that exist on pens cannot be matched. But I still appreciate getting a refill on these materials.
Query Tracker subscription
If the writer you’re shopping for is trying to get traditionally published, they’re either looking for an agent or will be soon, and a Query Tracker subscription is priceless. Not only does it house a database of authors, but also gives you stats based on which genres they tend to request and how long it takes to get a response.
Publisher’s Marketplace subscription
This one is a little pricier, but whether your writer is pre or post publication, it can be important to know which books are selling at the moment. Why can’t writers just go check the stores for recent releases? Because those deals were made with the publishers 2+ years ago, and Publisher’s Marketplace is where they’re reported.
Scrivener
This writing software is used by many pros, and while there’s a steep learning curve, I have found the purchase well worth it. It allows writers to set writing goals, track progress, switch between outline and chapters effortlessly, and format into standard manuscript style easily.
Books!
Probably every writer has a favorite book or series, and odds or good that book has recently been released with a pretty new cover and maybe even (gasp!) sprayed edges. I’m sure your writer would appreciate it! Another option is a recent release in their genre, so they can stay current.
More Books!
In no particular order, these are some craft books on my shelf that I love having handy:
Save the Cat writes a (YA) Novel by Jessica Body
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maas
The Emotions Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglist
