Benefits of Professional Writers Organizations
Writing can be a solitary experience for most people, forgetting the world outside the pages or computer screen. However, professional writers organizations can be extremely beneficial for writers at all levels. Whether a writer is just starting out or has reached the top of the best-seller lists, these organizations connect individual writers to a wider literary community, they can provide support through workshops and retreats, and can also be an important resource tool.
Some of the benefits of professional writers organizations include:
- Help build and support the arts community regionally, provincially, and nationally
- Often serve as a resource for writers, providing information regarding professional development and information on the craft of writing
- Advocate for the art and craft of writing and for the rights of members
- Support for writers
- Discounted or free access to events, retreats, and workshops
- Access to financial and legal advice
- Many writers organizations will provide information on a variety of subjects and information regarding the craft of writing, professional development, and the status of writers within Canada
- Membership in writers organizations are often tax deductible
Professional Writers Organizations in Canada
There are many different organizations that a Canadian writer can join. Organizations vary in scope, whether national, provincial, or even regional. Some of these organizations include:
National
- The Canadian Writers’ Foundation, Inc: The Canadian Writers' Foundation is the only registered charity that provides continued financial assistance to approved senior Canadian writers in times of extreme financial distress.
- The Writers’ Union of Canada: The Writers’ Union of Canada is the national organization of professional writers of books. Now over 2,000 members strong, the Union was founded 42 years ago to work with governments, publishers, booksellers, and readers to improve the conditions of Canadian writers.
- Writers’ Guild of Canada: The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) represents more than 2,200 professional English-language screenwriters across Canada.
- Canadian Authors Association: 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.
- Professional Writers Association of Canada: This organization serves Canadian nonfiction freelance writers across the country. The PWAC reflects your broader professional interests and is an advocate for Canadian writers to receive fair pay, contracts and treatment.
- The League of Canadian Poets: The League of Canadian Poets is the professional organization for established and emerging Canadian poets.
Provincial
- Federation of BC Writers: The Federation of BC Writers is 400 plus members in every genre, at every stage of the literary journey. It’s an organization ‘for writers, about writing’.
- Writers’ Guild of Alberta: The Writers' Guild of Alberta (WGA) was formed in 1980 to provide a meeting ground and collective voice for all the writers of the province. Our members write in every genre and at every level of expertise.
- The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild: Founded in 1969, the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild is a provincial cultural organization that represents writers in all disciplines and at all levels of achievement.
- The Manitoba Writers' Guild: The Manitoba Writers’ Guild provides professional and personal support to Manitoba writers throughout their writing lives.
- Quebec Writers’ Federation: The Quebec Writers' Federation (QWF) is playing an increasingly prominent role in the life of the Quebec English-language literary community as an arts presenter and professional and community educator, as well as the representative of Quebec's English-language writers.
- Writers' Federation of New Brunswick: WFNB began three decades ago as a few friends gathered in a writers’ living room. Today, we’re a province-wide organization with 260+ members living in every corner of New Brunswick.
- The Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia: WFNS has appoximately 600 members at all stages in their careers, and engaged in a diverse range of writing practices.
- Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador: Founded in 1987, the Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador (WANL) contributes to a supportive environment for writing in the province, works to nurture and inspire writers at all levels and stages of their careers; fosters public recognition of NL writers; advocates for the well-being of writers; and promotes the enhancement of the literary arts in the province and beyond.
- Prince Edward Island Writers’ Guild: The Prince Edward Island Writers’ Guild (PEIWG) is a dynamic organization dedicated to promoting the growth and quality of literary arts on PEI.
You can also visit the Writers' Union of Canada list of writing-related organizations.
SWG Writers' Groups
For information on SWG Writers' Groups, click here.
