One of the smartest things you can do for your writing career is to join a writers organization. There are organizations of writers all over the nation, the world and the Internet. You can find chapters in your hometown or state by searching the Yellow pages, your library resources staff, and the Web. Belonging to a writing organization is beneficial in many different ways. You can enjoy camaraderie, support, constructive criticism, networking opportunities and more. Some organizations function more like a writers group but most follow the professionalism that is characteristic of these organizations in general.
We have listed a few writer's organizations and directories below to help jumpstart your search:
- Accuracy in Media
- American Amateur Press Association
- The American Society of Journalists and Authors
- Mystery Writers of America
- Poetry Society of America
- Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
- American Screenwriters Association
Some of the benefits you can expect from an organization for writers are:
- Contests
- Contract reading and review
- Dental insurance
- Volunteer manuscript criticism service
- Self-publishing resources
- Research information
- Editing services
- Member networking
- Publications
- Market surveys
- Authorship
- And more!