I’ve decided to try out a new weekly series here on the blog called Writing Wednesday. My intent is to dedicate one post a week to writing, whether it’s musings on the craft or process, sharing insights into my experiences as a writer, sharing some of my favourite resources, or highlighting some of the many amazing writers I’ve discovered. Again, this series is definitely in its infancy (I’m just a sucker for a good alliterative title), so we’ll see how it morphs and changes over time.
I’m going to kick things off this week by sharing several different writing organizations that aspiring or established writers might find useful in their professional journey. Please note that I don’t belong to all of these organizations, and my including them on this list should not be seen as an endorsement. Seeing as I am a children’s book author I’ll be focusing on organizations that are open to writers who create works for young audiences. As well, as I am Canadian, I’ll again be focusing on organizations that are open to Canadian writers.
Here we go!
Am I a member? Yes
Annual Membership Fees: General / PAL Membership: US$95.00 first year, US$80.00 subsequent years; Student Membership: US$65.00 first year, US$55.00 subsequent years.
Membership Requirements: Open to anyone with an active interest in children’s literature. PAL (Professional) Membership subject to approval.
Description: “The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, is one of the largest existing organizations for writers and illustrators. It is the only professional organization specifically for those individuals writing and illustrating for children and young adults in the fields of children’s literature, magazines, film, television, and multimedia. Our mission is to support the creation and availability of quality children’s books around the world. We accomplish this by fostering a vibrant community of individuals who bring books for young readers to the public including writers, illustrators, translators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers, bloggers, enthusiasts and others. We provide education and support for these individuals and the community through our awards, grants, programs and events. We strive to increase the quality and quantity of children’s books in the marketplace, and act as a consolidated voice for writers and illustrators of children’s books worldwide.”
Am I a member? No
Annual Membership Fees: Member: $85.00; Friend: $45.00
Membership Requirements: Members: traditionally published authors, illustrators and professional performers; Friends: librarians, teachers, unpublished/self published authors and illustrators.
Description: “CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers) is a member-supported not-for-profit organization, and we’ve been around since 1977. Our Members and Friends include children’s authors, illustrators and performers. We also welcome librarians, teachers, publishers, editors, parents and journalists.”
Am I a member? Yes
Annual Membership Fees: $55.00
Membership Requirements: Traditionally or self-published authors or illustrators, subject to approval by membership committee.
Description: “Benefit from being part of an organization that actively promotes itself—and the cause of literacy—across a variety of media and through special events. Enjoy friendship, inspiration, and the support of colleagues in the field of children’s writing and illustrating!”
Am I a member: No
Annual Membership Fees: $100 for first year, $205 for subsequent years ($200 if paid by cash, check, money order). Discounted rates for authors over 80 and Indigenous authors.
Membership Requirements: Authors who are traditionally or self-published, subject to approval.
Description: “The Writers’ Union of Canada is the national organization of professionally published book authors. Now over 2,100 members strong, the Union was founded in 1973 to work with governments, publishers, booksellers, and readers to improve the conditions of Canadian writers.”
Am I a member: No
Annual Membership Fees: Youth Membership (Under 29) : $25.00; Seniors Membership (65 and Over): $45.00; Regular Membership: $80.00
Membership Requirements: Open to everyone who writes, published or unpublished.
Description: “The Federation of British Columbia Writers will:
- Promote excellence and professionalism in the literary arts in British Columbia
- Improve the status of the literary arts in British Columbia by encouraging publication; providing information on markets and workshops; sponsoring readings, workshops and seminars; and establishing communication between writers and interested agents and markets
- Encourage greater recognition of British Columbia writers and their achievements regionally and nationally
- Provide information on the Province’s literary resources to the people of British Columbia
- Work cooperatively with other provincial and federal agencies and organizations concerned with writing and writing standards
- Encourage and support young emerging writers in British Columbia”
Am I a member: No
Annual Membership Fees: Professional Member: $175.00 ; Regular Member: $175.00 ; Student Member: $50.00
Membership Requirements: Professional Member: Application and proof of publication; Regular Member: Anyone who writes and lives in Canada; Student Member: Full-time student
Description: “The Canadian Authors Association provides writers with a wide variety of programs, services and resources to help them develop their skills in both the craft and the business of writing, enhance their ability to earn a living as a writer, and have access to a Canada-wide network of writers and publishing industry professionals.”
And there you have it, just a handful of organizations that might be of interest to my fellow writers! Which writing organizations or groups are you a member of? Are they any I should add to this list?