Suite Writer Lands Book Deal Thanks to Suite101 Writer Network

“In November of 2008 I applied to write for Suite101 and was thrilled to receive an email welcoming me to the site. Although I had writing experience, I’d never written for the internet. I’d certainly never heard of SEO, nor did I understand anything else that set web writing apart from print work.

Looking back, even at that point I still had no idea how much Suite101 would not only teach me about web writing, but how much it would improve my writing skills overall. Gradually, I began to write for other sites and each time I realized that writing for any other site was a piece of cake due to the skills I was acquiring from Suite101.

I was told on many occasions that I should enjoy my online work but to make no mistake, it wouldn’t bring me any closer to my goal of becoming a book author. In fact, I was warned that it very well could hinder my attempts and to not add this information to my résumé. That last bit of advice I disregarded completely because if I didn’t include my online work, that page would be left a glaring white.

My favorite part of Suite101 is the forum. I know many writers and no one has been able to say that they’ve found a more supportive and constructive inner writers’ forum anywhere else on the net. It’s Suite’s best-kept secret and the heart of Suite101, whether anyone realizes it or not. Other “Suitees” understand only too well the frustrations and hill climbing that’s unique to us as writers. The people I interact with are relentless cheerleaders and amazing tutors; I’ve been incredibly lucky to get to know them.

I feel like my story is truly just beginning. Last week, this author-with-only-online-credits was offered a book contract because of the kindness of Volunteer and Eco Adventures Feature Writer Karen Berger sharing her agent with me. I’m reaching the goal I set out for myself and I have to give much credit to Suite101 and the writers who haunt its forum.”

Chris McLaughlin’s book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Composting, will be available next spring.