Deanna Carlyle | Industry

NEW DIRECTIONS IN FICTION
FOR GIRLS, TEENS & WOMEN

In the U.S. publishing industry, the line between chick lit, young adult fiction and women’s fiction is blurring. Some editors are calling the new developments “humorous women’s fiction,” “romantic comedy” or “tween lit.”

But don’t be fooled.

Chick lit by any other name is just as fun and just as fresh.

SITES

Candy Covered Books
This chick lit review site offers ranked reviews from dozens of sources. And it’s pretty too.

Chick Lit Books
A fantastic source for chick lit reviews, interviews and upcoming book announcements.

Chick Lit USA
The US online store for Britain’s best-selling modern romance fiction.

First International Women’s Fiction Festival
Held in Matera, Italy, every year, this conference is a delight for the intellect and the senses. Readings, seminars, prizes, food, wine, gorgeous architecture. Oh, and more food. And wine. For detaills, read my article on the festival. Events are held in English and Italian with simultaneous translation. Guest editors, agents and experts are on hand to help writers make their fiction more appealing to international readers.

Chick Lit Writers of the World
CLW is the first official organization of chick lit writers, and I’m a founding member. It’s a great place to network for chick lit agent and editor news. If you’re pre-published in chick lit, check out the “Get Your Stiletto in the Door” writing contest, judged by editors and agents.

Chicklit
Author interviews, prizes, writing tips and an online writing course.

Booklover Conference
Europe's first book convention for romance and women's fiction. Events are held in English and German, with quite a few English-speaking authors in attendance, as well as publishers like Random House and Ellora's Cave.

momlit.com
Everything you ever wanted to know about mom lit, a fun and fertile branch of chick lit. Scroll down the sidebar for a list of books that explore the mom point of view.

Chick Lit: Writing Women's Literature at Salon.com
Learn how to write chick lit with Stephanie Lehmann. Class is limited to 15 students. Admissions are rolling. The current session runs from March 3 to May 12.

The Girlfriend Circuit
Hop on the Girlfriend Circuit. Don't be left out in the cold when it comes time to promote your book. The GCC is a way of helping other female authors spread the word about their books through their blogs.

www.literarymama.com
Not specifically chick lit oriented, but a still a good site for women writers and readers.

Teen Chick Lit Networking Group
Check out the Ya-Ya Chicksterhood. Young adult fiction is hot, hot, hot.

Trashionista
Chick-lit book review site: “We read books like they’re going out of style.”

Tween Writers Group
Writers who specialize in writing for kids aged 10-14.

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