Forward Motion is an entirely free site.
There are no costs for any of the sections, including classes.
If you enjoy FM and would like to help out, Donations are welcome!
This is a site filled with people who are following the treacherous path toward traditional publication. It isn't an easy hike, but there are many members willing to help. This is also a place where you can share both the joys and the insanity of writing with those who understand what you are talking about.
Forward Motion's core purpose is to help writers become professionally published, which includes big publishers, small press and electronic publications with a traditional set up (submissions, chance of rejection, and editing as part of the regular makeup of the company). We welcome serious writing hobbyists as well, but our purpose and goals are geared toward professional careers.
The world of publishing has changed drastically since the site first began. Starting in 2011 we have added a new Indie Publishing section in Forward Motion. It's here that you will learn the best way to approach self-publication in the changing world -- how to use it to your advantage and not waste your hard work and written material.
The site does not allow the posting or discussion of fanfiction. That doesn't mean that if you write fanfiction (several of our members do) that you won't find ways in which to improve your writing ability.
Belonging to Forward Motion is free, and includes everything you find on the site, from critique circles to classes. Forward Motion has undergone numerous changes through the years, but the site remains true to its purpose of 'writers helping writers.
Forward Motion is a large site. We recommend that you start out with just a couple boards -- things like Newcomers, the Main Board, perhaps Roving Crits and one of the genre boards. Wander around and find what interests you. If a board seems abandoned, post and see if others join in. Sometimes, that's all it takes to draw people back!