In the post What walking the Camino de Santiago taught this indie author I talked about the importance of building friendships and making connections with other authors. This post provides links to writers organziations, associations and groups and discusses how to find ones that are perfect for you. Joining these group not only helps you meet other writers like yourself but also offer advice, training, contact information, networking opportunities, and lots more. Whether you are a fiction or nonfiction author, a poet, or a special niche writer, there are organizations geared for you.
What different types of organizations can offer
I belong to national, state, and local organizations. Selecting the ones that best fit me depended on genre, location, cost, and benefits. I encourage you to check out the resources listed and find groups to join. To find groups on the local level, search the web or check out the library, the local bookstores, and meetup.com.
National: Being a member of a national writer’s group is prestigious. Like name dropping, you can display the associations’s medallion on your website. It may or may not impress your readers, but it does communicate to others that you are a serious writer and are committed to your craft. These large organizations tend to attract excellent speakers at their conferences and provide opportunities for contact with leaders in the writing world. Some offer free services and benefits such as contract or contracts and grievance guidance, copyright advice, and consultations on writing problems. Many have national contests. Some organizations, such as the National Writers Assn, offer vision, dental, and medical insurance and legal services. Some of the organizations have membership fees, others are fee.
State: Many of the national associations have state chapters that offer the benefits of the mother organization in a local setting. State-only organizations are often exclusive to out-of-staters, offering help with state and regional matters. Their conferences may be closer to attend, less grandiose, but just as fulfilling and informative as those on a national level. Because there are few attendees, there may be more one-on-one contact. I find Attending a writers’ conference is a rewarding experience.
Local: Locally, you get to rub elbows with fellow writers. In my community, there are many New York best selling authors as well as struggling indie authors. I enjoy getting to know my contemporaries, helping each other promote books, sharing tables at local book fairs, and giving/receiving individualized training. Unlike at the national or state level, local clubs meet more often, offer a greater chance for camaraderie, and can target your needs as a local writer.
How to choose the perfect writers group
- Just like defining your target market, define the type of writers’s organizations you want to join. Are you a fiction or nonfiction writer? What is your genre or specialty? What are your immediate needs as a writer? Do this for each level—national, state, or local—that you wish to join.
- Check out the organization’s structure, literature, and benefits. Do they meet your needs?
- Check out the past conferences. Are the speakers and topics interesting. Is the location good for you? How about the cost?
- On a local level, attend a meeting before joining. Are the other writers approachable? Did you learn or can you offer something? Most important, did you have fun?
I highly encourage seeking out organizations that meet your needs, and then becoming participative in these groups.
Resources:
- Writers Associations: Local And National Organizations For Writers
- Writers Groups
- Major writers organizations
- Specialized and niche writing
I am a member of the Nonfiction Authors Association (NFAA), the Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA), and the Sarasota Authors Connection. Perhaps in time, I will join others. Which writers groups have you joined, and why? Please comment.
