Social media is great for beginning to build your writing (or editing) community. Whether you’re a professional looking for like-minded new friends, your book is out and you need it boosted, you’re in the querying trenches and need to feel understood, or you’re navigating the frustrating self-publishing changes being pushed out by Amazon and IngramSpark, there’s someone out there who gets it.

But as those manuscripts are completed and you start to think about your longterm goals and potential career as a writer (or editor), you may want to stretch beyond the cozy nooks forged on social media. When that time comes, writers’ and editors’ associations can be a way to level up your community and support.

Why Join an Association

First and foremost: writing, editing, and other such work can get lonely. And frustrating. And a lot of us have that imposter monster looking over our shoulder.

We have to find the people who will lift us up when we run out of steam or start to doubt ourselves. Associations are made up of like-minded, professionals and creators who understand the highs and lows of the creative life. But if you’ve already found your community on Bluesky (or Instagram or Threads or Discord or… or…), then you may wonder what more an association could offer.

Here are just a few other reasons you may want to consider an association:

• Professional Contacts. Publishing is still in many ways a “who you know” industry. Associations help you grow that supportive community into a strong network of professional contacts who can help you find open doors.
• Skilled Feedback Opportunities. Find solid critique partners and peer mentoring/feedback groups.
• Professional Development via workshops, webinars, conferences, etc. can help you stretch your skills.
• Additional Resources may take the form of legal advice, grants, contests and prizes, etc.
• Marketing. You may have an opportunity to add your information to a directory, be a featured member on the site/social media/in newsletters, and other methods of promotion.
• Discounts. Some associations have discounts available on professional tools and software, and professional associations may even have discounts on healthcare for freelancers.

List of Writers’ and Editors’ Associations

There are numerous options out there for you to check out. Below are just a few that I know of for you to consider.

(Know a great association that’s not on the list? Reach out to me and I’ll add it!)

General

• The Authors Guild (has eligibility requirements)
• Association of Writers & Writing Programs
• National Association Of Independent Writers And Editors (U.S.)
• Canadian Authors Association
• International Women’s Writing Guild
• Independent Publishers of New England
• The Atlanta Writers Club (has online groups)

KidLit

• Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
• Children’s Book Council

Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror

• Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc.
• SF Canada
• Horror Writers Association

Mystery, Thriller, and Crime

• Mystery Writers of America
• Thriller Writers Association
• Women’s Thriller Writers Association
• Sisters in Crime
• International Association of Crime Writers (North American branch)
  Not from N. America? The website links out to other branches.

Romance

• Romantic Novelists’ Association
• Romance Writers of America. The RWA is another well-known romance writers association, and its website is still up. However, it filed for bankruptcy following several years of membership decline due to issues around DEI and questionable behaviors from the ethics committee.

Editor Associations

Whether you’re an editor yourself and looking to meet your colleagues or you’re a writer in need of a professional editor, here are a few places to find them:

• Editorial Freelancers Association
• ACES: The Society for Editing
• Editors Canada
• LGBTQ+ Editors Association
• The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (U.K.)
• Editors Tea Club
• Freelance Editors Club

A Cautionary Note

Just as you’ll occasionally come across new agencies, publishers, etc. that seem to be waving a big ol’ red flag, there are associations that are questionable as well. (IAPWE, for example, is a well known scam.) The associations I’ve included are those that seem to have had positive responses from editors and writers, but I’m not a part of every one of them. Do your research before committing any funds to a new association.

Originally posted September 22, 2023 | Updated December 18, 2025