Writers' Organizations
Updated June 5, 2003
About.com's list of Writers' Organizations
The Academy of American Poets: In addition to benefits for writers, The Academy of American Poets encourages the study and writing of poetry at college and universities and ensures the success of National Poetry Month, poetry readings, high school workshops, and other programs designed to build a larger, more devoted readership for this essential part of our culture.
African American Online Writers Guild The Guild is dedicated to educating aspiring writers on the craft and business of writing and promoting the Internet as a tool for research, communication and fellowship among the African American writing community.
The American Black Book Writers Association (ABBWA): A national nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering the works and careers of black book writers, including discovering and/or assisting new writers, as well as fostering black books as a genre. ABBWA's more than 4000 members include writers, illustrators, publishers, booksellers, literary agents, librarians, and others who promote books that are either written by black authors or have particular relevance to the African American community.
American Library Association: Professional support through active national programs in legislation, intellectual freedom, standards, research, technology, and more.
American Screenwriters Association (ASA): A national non-profit organization committed to the support and advancement of all screenwriters. They welcome interested individuals from around the world who are pursuing the writing of feature, documentary, large format and other forms of film making.
American Society of Journalists and Authors: The American Society of Journalists and Authors is the nation's leading organization of independent nonfiction writers. The Society includes more than 1,000 leading freelance writers of magazine articles, trade books and other forms of nonfiction writing who have met ASJA's exacting standards of professional achievement.
The American Society of Newspaper Editors or ASNE is more in the category of writers organization. It lists conferences for journalists and other useful information
Appalachia East Writers Association: a writers'
organization located in North East Tennessee. (contributed by Kristi Ivey)
Contact at:
Appalachia East Writers Association
P.O. Box 217
Caryville, TN 37714
Arkansas Writers Association: AWA lists Arkansas authors and their work, author interviews, book reviews, contests, writer's groups, writer's conferences, and resources for writers.
Asian American Writers' Workshop: A not-for-profit literary arts organization dedicated to the development, creation, and dissemination of Asian American Literature.
Australian Romance Writers: HeRA's International Sister RWA chapter "Down Under". Please see our HeRA International Sister Site Page.
Australian Storytelling: Guilds in Australia.
American Crime Writers League: An important voice in the field of mystery fiction and true crime writing.
American Booksellers Association
American Christian Romance Writers A group whose mission is to encourage the writers of Christian Romance and Woman's Fiction, loosely termed as Inspirational Fiction today by many booksellers.
Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR) Voluntary organization of agents. Of interest to writers is their Canon of Ethics, and other sets of guidelines for proper conduct in a professional agent/client relationship.
Arts and Humanities Program of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit Offering classes in writing, and sponsoring poetry readings and other events related to the literary arts.
Association
of American Publishers The Association of American Publishers (AAP),
with some 200 members located throughout the United States, is the
principal trade association of the book publishing industry.
Association
of Author's Representatives -- a not-for-profit organization of
independent literary and dramatic agents.
Authors
Guild -- the nation's largest society of published authors is an
advocate for fair compensation, free speech, and copyright protection;
publishes quarterly bulletin. It offers more than 7,500 author and
freelance-journalist members free contract reviews, assistance in
disputes with publishers, and access to group health insurance.
Authors
Registry -- a not-for-profit organization, offers a variety of
services including an Automated Rights Payment System, an Authors
Contact Directory, and the Registry Licensing Service.
Baltimore Science Fiction Society - A science fiction organization that promotes the creation and appreciation of science fiction cultural arts through our convention, Balticon, public outreach and raising money for literacy projects. Email bsfs@bsfs.org or write them at PO Box 686, Baltimore, MD 21203-0686
British Science Fiction Association: a writer's organization.
CA Readings/Workshops The California Readings/Workshops Program provides matching fee money to pay poets, fiction writers, and literary performance artists for giving readings and writing workshops in a wide variety of community settings.
The Canadian Writers Association bridges the gap between a large national organization with the immediacy of local chapters.
Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers. CANSCAIP
P.O. Box 280, Station L, Toronto, ON Canada M6E 4Z2
Chicago Women in Publishing: a writers' organization.
Children's Book Council, The: a trade organization.
The Children's Literature Association: Membership in the Children's Literature Association is open to both individuals and institutions.
Christian Writers Fellowship International
Club
Dorado Science fiction club based in Vilnius, Lithuania. Written
primarily in Lithuanian, but has some pages in English.
Colorado Independent Publisher's Association: publishers' organization.
Council of Europe Publishing: appears to be a publishing organization.
Crime Writers of Scandinavia: a writer's organization.
Digital Library List of Writers' Organizations
Electronically Published Internet Connection: an organization for electronic book authors.
EPIC: The electronically published Internet connection.
European
Federation of Freelance Writers
European Science Fiction Society
Great Lakes Gaylaxians is a sf/fantasy/horror/etc. fan group for Metro Detroit, Michigan fans. They meet once a month and publish a newsletter. For information, contact glgaylaxan@aol.com or 1106 E. Fifth Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Heartland Romance
Authors -- A NW Missouri Chapter of RWA
HeRA provides education, monthly newsletter, resources and support to the
serious writer. We also hold monthly luncheon meeting offering a variety of
programs and critique.
We meet at 12:30 PM - the second Saturday of each month. For details, please
visit our web site.
Our web site features include an extensive Resource Center, detail of Events,
Workshop Articles, a Virtual Tour of The Heartland, HeRA Search Center and more.
For more information contact:
HeRA President, Judy Pierce -
judy.pierce@mailcity.com
Horror
Writers Association -- formed to bring writers and others with a
professional interest in horror together, and to foster a greater
appreciation of dark fiction in general.
International Women's Writing Guild: A network for the personal and professional empowerment of women through writing.
Irish Science Fiction Association
Israeli Society for Science Fiction and Fantasy
Kansas City Science Fiction & Fantasy Society, Inc. - A local club over 25 years old. Meets every 3rd Saturday of the month except December. Hold one convention a year called ConQuest, the last weekend in May. For information email sfreader@unicom.net or visit their website at http://kcsciencefiction.org
LexFA - Lexington SF & Fantasy Association, Lexington, KY. Meetings held on the second Sunday of each month. Site features extensive convention calendar, links and reviews. Online meeting/mailing list available. starsongky@yahoo.com, 219 Alsab Ct., Lexington, KY 40509.
Little Rock Science Fiction Society, Little Rock, Arkansas. A fan society serving central Arkansas, the LRSFS is committed to the appreciation of genre fiction, and in raising the public’s awareness of science fiction, fantasy & horror, in print and film, through the medium of their annual convention, Roc*Kon. info@Irsfs.org or PO Box 45271, Little Rock, AR 72214.
The Literati Club is an organization or club for those who write for MCB University Press. The Literati site has a number of articles that might be of interest to others as well.
Minnesota Science Fiction Society Non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the appreciation of science fiction and fantasy literature. Social meetings, publications, fan conventions, electronic mailing list.
Mystery
Writers of America -- the premier organization for mystery writers
and other professionals in the mystery field. MWA watches
developments in legislation and tax law, sponsors symposia and mystery
conferences, presents the Edgar Awards, and provides information for
mystery writers. Membership in MWA is open to published authors,
editors, screenwriters, and other professionals in the field.
National
Association of Science Writers -- NASW was formally incorporated in
1955 with a charter to "foster the dissemination of accurate
information regarding science through all media normally devoted to
informing the public." Over the years, its officers have included
both freelancers and employees of most of the major newspapers, wire
services, magazines, and broadcast outlets in the country. It also
welcomes members who are the public information officers on science from
government labs, universities and other institutions. Above all, NASW
fights for the free flow of science news.
The National Writers Association: A nonprofit service organization and advocacy voice for people who write. Their more than 3,000 members represent all levels of writing proficiency, from beginners to published professionals; writing articles, essays, poetry, short stories, novels. The association offers to its members free consultation, marketing suggestions, critiques, and a wide range of research reports. NWA also has an award contest program and an annual summer conference.
National Writers Union: The National Writers Union (NWU) is the trade union for freelance writers of all genres, committed to improving the economic and working conditions of freelance writers.
Nebraska
Center for Writers The on-line resource for writers of poetry,
fiction, and creative non-fiction, providing information, advice, and
links of interest to writers and readers across the state and beyond.
New England Science Fiction Association (NESFA)
Northwest
Science Fiction Society NWSFS or the Northwest Science Fiction
Society is a club interested in the needs of those fen or fandom that
enjoy going to conventions, to socials and other enjoyable events.
Novelists, Inc: Keeps its members connected, communicating, and well-informed while striving to better the status of fiction writers.
Philadelphia Science Fiction Society - One of the oldest general SF clubs with book discussion, annual picnic, movie outtings, and more. Puts on Philcon every year. Meets the 2nd Friday of every month - meetings are open to the general public. Info PO Box 8303, Philadelphia, PA 19101.
The Pittsburgh Worldwrights is another small writers group on the web.
Professional and Amateur Writers' Society
Publishing News and References
Publishing Organizations: An index of publishing organizations from A to Z.
The Reporters Network is targeted on the actual working reporter and has a wealth of resources available for that purpose. Even if you are not a reporter, it is a page worth taking a look at.
Research
Triangle Science Fiction Society The Research Triangle Science
Fiction Society provides a discussion forum and social outlet for
Triangle, NC area SF fans(fantasy, sf, horror, anime) in print, TV and
movies, as well as for related activities such as RPGs.
Romance
Writers of America -- share experiences with other writers,
gain insights into publishing, as well as the art and craft of writing,
and meet industry professionals.
Saskatchewan Writer's Guild: a writers' organization.
Sci-Core: Winnipeg’s Ultimate Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club. A club in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada that supports media, literary, artistic and gaming facets of the sci-fi & fantasy realms. They believe in having fun which includes various events, activities and projects. Email sci-core@mail.com or write 451 Kent Road, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R2L 1Y2
Science Fiction Poetry Association: poetry organization.
SFWJ (Science Fiction Writers of Japan)
SFF Net: an excellent resource for writers.
SFWA - Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc. The SFWA is the organization for professional SF and Fantasy writers. They also publish the SFWA Bulletin, the quarterly voice of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
Sisters in Crime: Sisters in Crime exists to combat discrimination against women in the mystery field, educate publishers and the general public as to the inequalities in the treatment of female authors, and raise the level of awareness of their contribution to the field.
The Society of American Travel Writers: Now in its 42nd year, SATW is a tax-exempt professional association whose purpose is to promote responsible journalism, provide professional support and development for members, and to encourage the conservation and preservation of travel resources worldwide.
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators: The only professional organization dedicated to serving the people who write, illustrate, or share a vital interest in children's literature. Whether you are a professional writer, a famous illustrator, a beginner with a good idea, or somewhere in-between, SCBWI is here to serve you.
SF
Zines Webring. A federation of science fiction and fantasy fanzines
on the World Wide Web.
Society
of American Business Editors and Writers, Inc. Members of the
Society have joined together in the common pursuit of the highest
standards of economic journalism, through both individual and collective
efforts.
Society for Technical Communication
St. Charles Science Fiction/Fantasy Society Missouri based group with info on gatherings, meetings, conventions and links for science fiction lovers. Fandom group.
The Web Writer-Table of Contents The Web Writer is a guide to online non-fiction writing. The content is geared towards those working in New York.
Western Writers of America, Inc: Founded in 1953 to promote the literature of the American West and bestow Spur Awards for distinguished writing in the western field.
WORLD ROMANCE WRITERS: "a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to the enrichment, education, and promotion of romance writers around the world. Committed to its membership, WRW is inclusive of all romance genres and its form of publication in romance literature."
Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia
The Writer's Garret (North Texas)
United Writers Association Of America, Inc. Association to help writers. Writers wanted for: novels. poetry, screenplay, marketing, comedy, music, drama, speech, cartoon, education, byline, web page.
Willamette
Writers Writer's organization located in Portland, Oregon. Offers
monthly meetings, newsletter and a yearly writing conference that brings
literary, screen agents, editors and producers to the Northwest every
August.
Women Writing the West: A non-profit association of writers and other professionals writing and promoting the Women's West.
WordHouse
Baltimore Writers Alliance newsletter.
World Science Fiction Society: An unincorporated literary society.
Worldwide
Freelance Writer -- keeps writers up-to-date with worldwide paying
markets and guidelines, online writer's resources and reference tools.
Writers
Guild of America -- the union representing writers in the motion
picture, broadcast, cable and new media industries.
Writers Guild of America America's Storytellers .
Writers
Information Network -- professional association for Christian
writers. Updated conference information.
Writing Academy -- We’re a group of professional and aspiring Christian writers from the United States and Canada who share a passion for telling the story of God’s good news to a hurting world. Seminars, correspondence courses, and showcases.
Young Writers Club: This club aims to encourage children of all ages to enjoy writing as a creative pastime by getting them to share their work and help each other improve their writing abilities.
Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers.
European Federation of Freelance Writers
Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship
International Women's Writing Guild
Periodical Writers' Association of Canada
Pegasus List of Writers' Organizations
Professional Groups (international)
Word Guild Canadian organization of Christian authors.
- UK writers' groups