About Litopia

Welcome to Litopia Writers’ Colony, the web’s oldest independent writing community. As you'll soon discover, Litopia is unique. Here are some things we are not:

We're not a vanity-publishing operation in disguise.
We're not run by venture capitalists trying to “monetize the slush pile”.

So what are we, then?

We are run by writers for writers - writers’ interests always come first.
We are a brilliant place to hone your writing talents.
We are a fantastically supportive community with a strong collegiate ethos.

Who belongs to Litopia?

Mainly, published authors and those who are seriously committed to becoming published. There is an intensity of purpose here that marks us out. Not to say that we don’t also have time for fun and frivolity – we certainly do – but at its heart, Litopia is a place where writing – your writing – is taken very seriously.

Word Palace & Sweat Shop

If your work has promise, it can be developed here. Using our unique system of houses and tiered forums, your work can progress all the way from initial draft through to the proposal and beyond. You can even pitch directly to an agent and get valuable feedback. All without leaving the Colony.

A Vibrant Literary Salon

Writing, by its nature, tends to be an isolating occupation. Litopia amply redresses the balance. At the social heart of the Colony is an area we call Café Grande: a literary salon in the grand European manner. Here you'll find high-minded banter rubbing shoulders with low-down wit: just what a literary salon ought to be. Express an opinion, share a yarn, catch up with industry gossip or just spend time recharging your gray matter. Stimulating company is guaranteed – and many firm friendships have been forged here.

Free To Join - Give What You Want

You can't buy a subscription to, or membership of, Litopia - because it's free. From the moment you join, you are part of an evolving, dynamic, member-supported community. Contribute to the community in the ways you can - time, money, or talents. The more you put in, the more you'll get out of it.

Run By Writers, For Writers

Who is behind Litopia? In the age of the mega-corporation, you’ll be pleased to learn that Litopia is as independent as it is possible to be. We are not some front organization for a multi-national media baron, nor are we a cunningly-disguised vanity press.

The warmth and friendliness of the place is breathtaking. We have members from all over the globe, from all walks of life, and from all backgrounds. None of that matters a jot: we accept you for who you are – and for the writer you aspire to be.

The Future of Writing Starts Here

Litopia is nothing if not on the leading edge. We already produce the world’s most popular podcasts for writers and that’s just the start. Litopia’s Tweets are followed by thousands of writers worldwide, and so highly regarded in the industry that they have been awarded the first Golden Twit Prize for social networking. Our new Colony magazine MUSE is simply stunning. Litopia is a place where talent can be incubated, friendships forged, careers ignited and the future grasped.

Click here to join us now!

I've learned more about the craft of writing in six months on Litopia than in the preceding three decades. The knowledge of the business is equally valuable. And it's a fun place to be!

- painkillers

I've found inspiration, peer support and friends for life; all from the comfort of my own home.

- Gatsbygal

In my search for an excellent writer's site I don't know how I missed finding Litopia. Now that I have, my search is over.

- Garlayian

Through Litopia I have learned an invaluable amount about the world and business of writing and publishing and, more importantly, I have learned that I am not alone.

- pj-the-ex-dj

Litopia is a glorious resource for writers, whether published or unpublished, who are keen to learn more about their craft. By giving and receiving peer reviews, by taking part in informed and lively discussion about all aspects of writing and publication, I have learned a vast amount through my membership here.

- geographer

Solid, intelligent advice, addictive badinage, and I haven't even reached full membership yet.

- Robin Goodfellow

Inviting, encouraging, supportive, educational. Writers needn't hone their craft alone anymore. The oldest writing website on the net just keeps getting better and better.

- bare

The lessons I've absorbed on Litopia have been worth more to my writing and have been more meaningfully applied than anything I have ever found. Whether classroom, lecture or onliner writer site, only Litopia has made me a consistently better writer with an honest feeling of being part of a community I respect. Writers: Hie thee hither!

- RL Sutton

In just over three weeks I've learned so much. I've rewritten my synopsis (I didn't know all the rules before) and found out much more about the whole query/pitch/rejection business. Plus I now have other writers I can engage with who are supportive. I don't feel so isolated any more. Thanks Litopia.

- Daniel Spaniel

Honest information about the art and business of writing from people in the business. Intelligent, witty members and refreshingly "troll free". Proven track record of helping authors get published.

- Shackled

The heart of Litopia is its membership; smart, funny and endlessly generous. If you want to be welcomed, learn or hone your craft and get savvy advice about the industry, this is the place to be. The controlling hands are gentle, wise and endowed with a healthy sense of humour and the scope of the site is boundless. 'Muse', Litopia's online magazine is a fabulous resource with the highest of production values and once you have achieved full membership, the critique houses are managed with the purpose of fostering and encouraging talent, not crushing the self-confidence from it. This place is addictive mind you, although perhaps daily visits for us folks who tread a lonely path should be viewed as immensely valuable. I simply wouldn't be without it now. Big smile

- Journeygirl

If I hadn't found Litopia I wouldn't know a fraction of what I know about writing. And I wouldn't have the wonderful friends I've made.

- Chukkie

I haven't been here a month yet and I've already found a great community of writers and creatives willing to share experiences for the betterment of all.

- Thewildeman2

Litopia is my writing university - the place where I come to learn about the craft, meet like-minded people and be inspired.

- webspinner

Litopia is the site for Writers, both published and potential. Once you've found your way here, your search is over because every question you've ever had about the industry will be answered by both professionals and wise non-professionals.

- suemont

Here you learn by doing from real people who've done it.

- worldper

After just a few weeks here I feel included and welcome. Better than any of the writing groups I've belonged to.

- Flamenca

I can't recommend Litopia enough. It's not just another writer's forum; it's an amazing place where writers really blossom. If you're not a part of Litopia, then you're missing out.

- JacB

Endlessly informative, utterly indispensable and brimming with creative spark. There's no competition here, just camaraderie.

- Ren Hammer

In less than two weeks, I've learned so much about writing and getting published that I can't wait to see all the treasures Litopia has to offer when I achieve full membership. I'm hooked!

- Catatwork

On Litopia, nobody cares if you're a dog!

- Verse

Since I began writing seriously I have tried many an online writers' group--and failed. Since stumbling across Litopia I stopped looking elsewhere. Litopia is the business. This is home.

- Rosie

Litopia's secret is that its impressive and informative writers' colony is only 10% of its activity. It has designs on the future and the vision to back them up.

- CuriousShade

It's been wonderful to find so many knowledgeable, enthusiastic, committed people who care not only about their own progress but others' too. Litopia has been a great find. No need to go anywhere else.

- Legger

For me, joining Litopia was a hot bath after freezing cold rain.

- Gwynhwyfaer

Litopia is a terrible place, full of great advice, comments, threads, articles, friendly people, stimulating thought provoking arguments that leave you with so little time to write. But I would still rather give up the kids before leaving the site.

- latestar

The Carlsberg of writers' sites.

- Marvel Gumshoe

Gets rid of stubborn belly fat. And makes you a better writer.

- cathmurphy

If you need a site that you can trust, that won't abuse your ideas, but encourages you to develop them. This site has done more for my writing than all the books I have read put together. A place where I found friends among published and unpublished writers - all supporting each other. I can trust people here.

- Algaron