Author's Guild: Since 1919, the Guild has served as the authoritative voice of American writers, lobbying for free speech, copyrights and other issues of concern to authors. www.authorsguild.org.

Author-Editor Clinic - Provides effective, low-cost editing for your book manuscript. I have used the clinic for two manuscripts, a climbing novel and a how-to writing book, and was very pleased with the editing I received on both books. www.authoreditorclinic.com

Elliott Bay Book Company - One of the best independent bookstores in the United States. Click on highlighted text to go to their website. www.elliottbaybook.com.

Eastside Writers Association - An organization for writers, authors and editors around the Puget Sound area. www.eastsidewriters.org

Fields End: A writers' community based on Bainbridge Island, Washington. www.fieldsend.org.

Image: A Journal of Arts and Religion - One of the premier literary magazines in the country. www.imagejournal.org.

Pacific Northwest Writers Association - Since 1956, this organization has worked to develop writing talent from pen to publication through education, accessibility to the publishing industry, and participation in an interactive, vital writer community. www.pnwa.org.

Paraclete Press - An Orleans, MA-based publisher of books and recordings on Christian spirituality. They offer a yearly publication award for a first novel based on Christian themes or interfaith dialogue. www.paracletepress.com.

Powell's Books - Iconic Northwest bookstore which offers a wide selection of new and used books. A book lover's paradise! www.powells.com.

Seattle Arts and Lectures - An outstanding literary lecture series, featuring the likes of Toni Morrison, George Plimpton and V.S. Naipaul. www.lectures.org.

Seattle Writergrrls: a professional network for women writing and working in current and emerging media. www.seattlewritergrrls.org.

Writer's Market: Research consumer magazines, trade journals and fiction markets for circulation and payment range, etc. www.writersmarketguide.com.