These organizations are geared toward helping writers become better at their craft and getting published. There are organizations that cover a broad range of topics and groups of writers and others that are more specific and have been split up for easier searching.
National Organizations contents
General Organizations - These organizations usually cover all genres and writers.
Organizations by Genre - These organizations are geared for writers of specific genres.
Specialized Organizations - These organizations specialize in a specific topic or a specific group of writers such as women or those in the military.
A note about cost
Some of these organizations will have some sort of membership dues, which have not been listed here.
Association of Writers And Writing Programs — Provides support, advocacy, resources, and community to nearly 50,000 writers, 550 college and university creative writing programs, and 150 writers’ conferences and centers.
Author's Guild — 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.
AuthorYOU - As a non-profit membership community of authors, writers and publishers, AuthorYOU® will teach you how to prepare your book for publication, provide you with the latest in marketing resources, and connect you with the best possible team to create your book.
National Association Of Independent Writers And Editors — This writers association includes novelists, copywriters and copyeditors, writing coaches, proofreaders, magazine writers, writing teachers, business writers and editors, academic writing evaluators, writers of literature for children, fiction editors and other specialists.
National Endowment for the Arts — One of the most consistently magnanimous supporters of the arts in America is the NEA, which has numerous—and generous—grants available in all areas of the arts, including literature. Learn more about the NEA.
The National Writers Union — A freelance writers union for authors in all genres, this group is a trade organization that advocates for the rights of authors.
Novelists, Inc. — A professional writers organization for multi-published book authors.
Poets & Writers - Fosters the professional development of poets and writers, to promote communication throughout the literary community, and to help create an environment in which literature can be appreciated by the widest possible public.
Small Publishers, Artists, And Writers Network — (SPAWN) provides information, resources and opportunities for anyone involved in or interested in publishing, whether they are an author, freelance writer, artist or own a publishing company.
Historical Novel Society — A great association of writers of historical fiction. Offers community, networking opportunities (agents, editors, publishers, booksellers), and more.
Mystery Writers Of America — An organization for writers of mystery novels, as well as editors, screenwriters, and other professionals associated with the mystery genre.
Rainbow Romance Writers – A chapter of RWA specifically for LGBTQ romance.
Romance Writers Of America — The trade organization for writers of romantic fiction.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America — SFWA offers many resources for writers of speculative genres. A very vibrant and active writers association.
Sisters in Crime — A writers organization dedicated to the professional advancement of women who write in the crime and mystery genres.
Western Writers Of America — A writers association for authors whose work focuses on the American West.
Alliance of Independent Authors - While freely circulating self-publishing education and advice to the author community, ALLi offers many Member-Only Benefits, including closed online forums, discounts and deals, guidebooks, pamphlets and campaign papers, seminars and events, contract and legal advice, and more. An important aspect of ALLi’s work is overseeing the self-publishing services sector. We run an active Watchdog desk and Partner Member facility that vets approved self-publishing services.
American Christian Fiction Writers — A writers association for writers of Christian novels and stories.
Dog Writers Association of America —A community for writers who specialize in dogs.
Independent Book Publishers Association - IBPA's mission is to lead and serve the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. They envision a world where every independent publisher has the access, knowledge, and tools needed to professionally engage in all aspects of an inclusive publishing industry.
Indigenous Reads Rising - Managed by the nonprofit We Need Diverse Books, Indigenous Reads Rising provides resources for Native writers and illustrators interested in honing their craft and applying for grants and mentorships.
International Women’s Writing Guild — An association of women writers developed for networking and offering mutual support.
Military Writers Society Of America — An organization for writers, poets, and artists who focus on military service. Encourages memoir writing, writing as therapy, and education about publishing.
Society of Children’s Book Writers And Illustrators — An association for writers of books for children.
Women’s Fiction Writers Association — An inclusive organization of writers creating layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey.
Women’s National Book Association — A national organization of women and men who work with and value books.