Professional Development for Writers: What Organizations Do You Recommend?
Now that I’m on the Board of American Independent Writers (formerly Washington Independent Writers), I’m finding myself feeling increasingly nosy about what organizations writers join, why they sign up, and why they renew their memeberships or let them lapse. So, let me ask you this:
- Where are you currently or where have you previously been a member?
- What’s your favorite professional organization for writers and why?
- What keeps you on the membership roster or prompts you to let membership lapse?
- What do I have to do to get you to join American Independent Writers? (Come on, you know I had to throw that in there!)
I’m know for sure that I am currently a member of AIW and the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), and I need to renew my membership to the Council of Science Editors (CSE), which I’ve been meaning to do for quite some time now! I used to belong to several others, including the National Writers Union (NWU), but I haven’t stayed on top of them. Oops! Note to self: Review current memberships and renew/resign as appropriate.
What keeps me in a group is programming that’s relevant to the work I do or want to be doing, access to events or virtual events, reasonable price, networking opportunities, and members-only features like mailing lists or job banks. I also like nice people.
Please leave a comment about your professional writing memberships, and feel free to add your own questions!
Tags: freelance writing blog, freelance writing, freelance, writing, professional organization for writers, professional development, writers group, inkthinker, kristen king
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I’m a member of FreelanceSuccess.com. It’s well worth the $99 pricetag! The forums alone have a ton of useful information, plus there’s a weekly newsletter and a paycheck database for sharing info. I’ve met several fabulous writers through the organization. I’m also going to the first FLX conference next October in Tampa.
You mentioned the NWU. That can be a valuable organization. They offer to review and assist in negotiating contracts (particularly important for book contracts), assist with grievances when clients don’t pay and have other perks for members, like insurance, Web resources accessible only to members and loads of other stuff. They don’t offer legal advice, but their people are very savvy and willing to help.
Debbi’s last blog post..Web Revolution for Writers of All Stripes
The Editorial Freelancers Association has a job list that has paid me back for my membership several times over. Also, while not an organization per se, I belong to the Premium Green subscription group at WOW-Women on Writing and honestly, with all the contacts and advice, it’s the best money I’ve spent th is year!
Allena’s last blog post..Thursday: 13 Podcasts for Writers
I agree with Susan about Freelance Success. I’ve also made good connections through the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Susan Weiner’s last blog post..Website demystifies confusing words
Like Susan Johnston, I’ve found Freelance Success very helpful. I’ve also made good connections through the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Susan Weiner’s last blog post..Website demystifies confusing words
[...] Kristen King asks: Professional Development for Writers: What Organizations Do You Recommend?. [...]
Random stopper-in.
I’m a member of (only) SCBWI (society of children’s book writers and illustrators). There aren’t a lot of options for my writing type (YA) or style (between being a wife and mother at home) here in Alaska, but this has been the closest fit, and I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had so far (a writers’ group and two NY editor coming up to do a workshop).
With writing I’m having to feel my way mostly in the dark, but SCBWI has been a great deal of help in the areas I would have been fumbling.
I can see by your blog and comments that my writing is quite different than yours, but, you did ask. ;)
Amy Jane (Untangling Tales)’s last blog post..“Classics” Meme