Why Join?
If you are a person who writes, published or not, join Pennwriters to get the most out of your writing career. We're here to help writers become more successful.
Member Benefits
- Receive The Penn Writer newsletter 6 times per year
- Network with professional writers, agents, and editors
- Access to the Pennwriters Member Directory of 400+ members
- Discounts to Pennwriters events, like our annual conference
- Access to resources like our critique exchange
- Online groups for most writing specialties
- Participate in Pennwriters Presents, a Q&A with writing experts
- Engage with members and industry pros in our social media groups
Networking
- Pennwriters members network at our highly regarded Pennwriters Annual Conference, workshops, and critique sessions. Many of the guest speakers at these events are Pennwriters own published members who receive additional promotion for their works in exchange for helping aspiring members. In addition, there are seven Area Representatives who facilitate communication and support between members, ensuring that Pennwriters get the level of networking and support they want.
- Our Member Directory allows you to connect with other members by area, writing concentration, and level. You will be able to see their social media networks, websites, and short bios. You can connect in our forums on topics that range from area events, to query help, to genre, or critique partners. There are many ways to expand your writing network within the Pennwriters community.
Published Member Benefits
The conference became a way for Pennwriters members to bond as they attended workshops and panels given by high-powered editors and agents, as well as authors dedicated to helping attendees improve their craft. With social events that included awards banquets, masquerade parties and mystery theater dinners, conference attendees had a chance to display their creativity, showcase investigative talents, learn about one another and form friendships.
- Author Advocacy—Pennwriters has an author advocate to help you navigate the world of publishing
- Published Authors' Networking Luncheon—held during the annual conference, this offers Published Penns a chance to network and learn from special guests chosen for their expert knowledge on important topics of special interest to published authors
- Published Penns Criteria
Here's more of what your membership provides:
- Board of Directors who keep the organization running and moving forward
- The Penn Writer newsletter filled with valuable writing information, writing markets, members news, and more
- Member Directory broken down by area, genre, or name
- Pennwriters website with lots of information, member news and links, and answers to frequently asked questions
- Forums where members can ask questions, find answers, share their experiences, find a critique partner, and more
- Pennwriters blog and Area blogs
- Area newsletter/email news briefs
- A Writer's Toolbox filled with resources on the craft of writing and the business of publishing made my members for members
- Social links (Twitter, Linked-In and Facebook)
- Pennwriters Presents, a Q&A series that puts you in contact with industry professionals, award-winning authors, agents, editors, and others
- Online courses with talented instructors
- Area workshops and programs
- Three-day annual writers conference featuring popular, award-wining speakers, agents and editors who are available to hear pitches, and expert workshop leaders
- Annual Writing Contest
- Critique Partner Match-Up
- Author Advocate to represent published Pennwriters
- Camaraderie, support, and networking
- Area reps who offer support, answers to common questions, etc.
- Over 30 individual meetings throughout the country. Find your Area on our Area Map and see what meetings are happening in your area—or start your own meeting. For more information, contact your Area Rep.
What Others Have Said About Pennwriters:
“When I meet local people who want to know how to write and publish, the first advice I give them is to join Pennwriters.”
–Nancy Springer, longtime professional writer, author of the Enola Holmes Mystery Series
“The best professional relationships are also personal—and that’s what comes of being a Pennwriter.”
–Paul Raymond Martin, Writer’s Little Instruction Book: Getting Published
“Pennwriters is still a valuable source of information and camaraderie for me.”
–Susan Meier, past president and multi-published Silhouette Romance Novelist of 50+ books
“Pennwriters is about people. You’ll meet wonderful agents, editors and fellow writers willing to share insights and helpful hints.”
–Brian Butko, author of Greetings from the Lincoln Highway and editor of Western Pennsylvania History magazine
Praise for the Pennwriters annual three-day writers conference:
“Pennwriters is among the very best regional writers conferences. It’s intimate enough to meet everyone and yet thoroughly professional in caliber. Highly recommended for both writers and industry pros. Don’t miss it.”
–Donald Maass, president of Donald Maass Literary Agency and 2013 Pennwriters Conference keynote
“The Pennwriters Conference is an amazing annual event that brings together excellent writing instructors and aspiring writers who are eager to learn. I would recommend Pennwriters events to anyone.”
–Chuck Sambuchino, author and editor
“I appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into making a complicated event run smoothly. I am also grateful to the instructors who shared their wisdom and practical advice. I am enjoying the post-conference glow and can’t wait until next year.”
–Hank Phillippi Ryan, Mary Higgins Clark, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity award-winning author and 2012 Conference keynote
“Pennwriters was originally founded to help writers network with agents and editors from reputable New York publishing houses. The annual conference is still one of the best in the nation.”
–Nancy Martin, author of 50+ novels, including the popular Blackbird Sisters Mysteries