Research Guides: Online MFA in Creative Writing: Professional Organizations and Associations

Professional Organizations and Associations

The act of writing might be a solitary sport, but the writing community is a team of worldwide players. Genre-based professional organizations, associations, and clubs offer a multitude of opportunities for their members, in the form of things like awards, grants, mentorship, critique groups, and conferences. Many host regional events you can attend in person (and some online!) to support the other writers in your genre. Join other SNHU #Penmen writers and check out the links, and follow the SNHU MFA This link opens in a new window, the Penman Review This link opens in a new window, and SNHU This link opens in a new window on Twitter.

ACES: The Society for Editing This link opens in a new window
ACES: The Society for Editing -- the nation’s leading organization of editing professionals, educators and students -- is dedicated to improving the quality of communication and the working lives of editors.
Association of Writers and Writing Programs This link opens in a new window
AWP provides community, opportunities, ideas, news, and advocacy for writers and teachers of writing.
The Author's Guild This link opens in a new window
Our mission is to support working writers. We advocate for the rights of writers by supporting free speech, fair contracts, and copyright. We create community and we fight for a living wage.
The Editorial Freelancers Association This link opens in a new window
EFA was a pioneer in organizing freelancers into a network for mutual support and advancement. Today it is recognized throughout the publishing industry as the source for professional editorial assistance.
Horror Writers' Association This link opens in a new window
A nonprofit organization of writers and publishing professionals around the world, dedicated to promoting dark literature and the interests of those who write it.
International Writing Centers Association This link opens in a new window
The International Writing Centers Association, a National Council of Teachers of English affiliate founded in 1983, fosters the development of writing center directors, tutors, and staff by sponsoring meetings, publications, and other professional activities; by encouraging scholarship connected to writing center-related fields; and by providing an international forum for writing center concerns.
Mystery Writers of America This link opens in a new window
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.
National Association of Independent Writers and Editors This link opens in a new window
NAIWE is a professional association for writers, editors, and you– if you work with words. We exist to help members succeed, and our unique focus on creating multiple streams of writing income can make it happen. We are open to members in any country.
Romance Writers of America This link opens in a new window
Romance Writers of America® (RWA) is a nonprofit trade association whose mission is to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy and by increasing public awareness of the romance genre.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America This link opens in a new window
SFWA is an organization for published authors and industry professionals in the fields of science fiction, fantasy, and related genres.
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators This link opens in a new window
The SCBWI acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people. As a unified body, the SCBWI acts as a powerful force to effect important changes within the field of children's literature, promoting new copyright legislation, equitable treatment of authors and artists and fair contract terms.
Women’s Fiction Writers Association This link opens in a new window
The Women’s Fiction Writers Association is an inclusive organization of writers creating layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey.