Some of the best advice I received was to join a professional writing organization. While researching the various writing groups to find the best fit for my needs, I stumbled across Sisters in Crime (“SinC”). It’s a national organization which provides “a community of supportive fellow writers and readers, both peers to share the peaks and valleys of writing, and mentors to model the way forward.” I love the camaraderie of the “Guppy” subgroup. It was initially intended as a forum for The Great Unpublished, but many award-winning published authors have joined the ranks and provided industry insight and much-needed guidance to aspiring authors on the road to publication. SinC offers helpful classes and webinars. Their archives are extensive. I also joined the local San Diego Chapter of SinC, called Partners in Crime, which has provided some in-person networking opportunities along with additional educational seminars.
I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Grand Canyon Writers chapter of SinC, even though I live out of state. Since most of their activities are online, their membership isn’t limited to Arizona residents. Members hail from around the world. They have a robust organization and host informative classes about honing your writing craft, marketing your books, and valuable insight from industry experts. https://grandcanyonwriters.com/
I joined the Mystery Writers of America, as well. Their Mission Statement asserts, “Mystery Writers of America is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime-writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre.” They send informative newsletters and updates and sponsor the annual Edgar Awards. Their tongue-in-cheek tagline notes, “Crime doesn’t pay… enough.”
And, of course, I joined The Authors Guild. They encompass all genres of literature and are a great resource. Their website states, “Membership in the Authors Guild gives you immediate access to services that span the entire professional life of a writer, from contract reviews and legal advice to web hosting and marketing resources.” The Authors Guild notes that it has been protecting authors’ rights since 1912.
Professional organizations provide more than just information, they provide a supportive writing community. Their membership fees are well worth the price of admission!
