Local resources for writers

The people behind Old Pal, a journal devoted to literature and art, maintain this fairly comprehensive list of all things literary in the Portland area. 

Every year, Multnomah County Library places a call for submissions from local authors who would like to see their books added to the library’s e-book collection.

Workshops, classes, and individual consultation about writing projects.

Bestselling writer and teacher Lidia Yuknavitch’s groundbreaking workshop practice.

Find a wide variety of writing groups, many free to join. This is a fee based resource.

They award the annual Oregon Book Awards and Fellowships and offer writing workshops, readings and more. They are also the library’s partner on Everybody Reads. Some classes and events are fee based.

Writing classes are listed under Literary Arts. This is a fee based resource.

Classes are offered each term that are noncredit and open to community members. There is a fee associated with each course.

Offers free creative writing workshops in social service settings. You can also apply to lead workshops.

Provides affordable access to space, tools and resources for creating independently published media and artwork. They also have an annual residency program for artists and writers of color. Provides opportunities on a sliding scale. 

Oregon’s oldest and largest literary organization offers community, contests, and conferences. This is a fee based resource.

Community, conferences and workshops, and the use of a beach house writing retreat. This is a fee based resource.

Educates, supports and mentors published and unpublished romance writers. Non-members can attend two events as guests without a fee. 

The largest writers organization in the Pacific Northwest. Hosts regular meetings for the exchange of ideas related to writing and craft. This is a fee based resource.

Publishes literary fiction and memoir. Winner of two Oregon Literary Fellowships from Literary Arts.

Specializes in nonfiction DIY (Do-It-Yourself) books, zines and decks that focus on the reader and teach self-empowerment.

A Portland State University graduate student-run trade press. Ooligan partners with the library to publish selections from The Library Writers Project in print.

Connect with publishers and keep up with Northwest book news, especially indie stores and authors.

Publishes books by writers, artists, chefs, naturalists and thought leaders in the Pacific Northwest and on the West Coast.