Member Benefits
Membership in American Independent Writers (AIW) carries numerous benefits for writers of all sorts:
- AUTOMATIC MEMBERSHIP IN WASHINGTON AREA LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS (WALA) — Membership in AIW confers automatic membership in Washington Area Lawyers in the Arts. Since 1983, WALA has supported artistic expression and creative innovation by serving the legal needs of Washington, Maryland and Virginia’s arts and cultural communities. WALA provides pro bono and referral legal services for AIW members.
- AIW JOB BANK — AIW members have the opportunity to add a subscription to the Job Bank to their regular AIW membership. The Job Bank offers members freelance, part-time, contract and full-time writing and editing jobs from a variety of employers. From entry-level offers, that may help to gather clips and bylines to top-level executive communications positions, there is a wide range of employers featured. Each opportunity is e-mailed directly to the AIW Job Bank subscribers as soon as it is received at the office. Employers advertise with the AIW Job Bank at no charge.
- INSURANCE RESOURCES — American Independent Writers has formed an alliance with Chesapeake Benefit Services in order to fill a significant need for members of the organization. This program is designed to provide comprehensive and competitive insurance products to AIW members, families and businesses. Chesapeake Benefit Services represents more than 20 insurance carriers, with the goal of designing an insurance package tailored to the specific needs of each individual member. Read more about insurance from Chesapeake Benefit Services for AIW members.
- ANNUAL WRITERS’ CONFERENCE — Each spring/summer, American Independent Writers hosts an Annual Conference for writers. The Annual Conference celebrated its 30th year in 2009. Every year, the Conference is host to industry professionals including authors, editors, publishers, and agents. One of the most popular parts of the Conference is the Agent Pitch Sessions and Agent Breakfast. AIW members receive special member pricing for the Annual Conference.
- VALUABLE SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, PUBSPEAKS, AND TELESEMINARS — Each month, AIW hosts a variety of events for writers including workshops (moderated panels or single presenters), pubspeaks (casual gatherings with an author or publishing professional), and seminars (all-day events with multiple panels). AIW members receive special member pricing and advance notice about events.
- LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM — In 2009, AIW launched an application-only leadership development program for members. Accepted applicants have the opportunity to be mentored by the AIW Board of Directors and learn valuable new skills in writing, management, marketing, membership, and other areas.
- WRITING AWARDS — AIW offers annual writing awards for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry to members, and winners are recognized each year at the Annual Conference.
- SOCIAL & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES — AIW offers such events and activities as a members-only book club, informal coffee klatsches for networking and support, and happy hours.
- AIW HEADQUARTERS OFFICE – The AIW office boasts workspace for writers, a writers’ reference library, internet access, phone access, and fax services. All AIW members are cordially invited to visit the AIW office when in the downtown Washington, D.C., area. The office is located at 1001 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 701, Washington, DC 20036.
- FREE ACCESS TO MEMBERS-ONLY CONTENT ON THE AIW WEBSITE — AIW members receive free access to specialized members-only content on the website, such as an online member director, private members-only forums, and other resources.
- AN ACTIVE BLOG, FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, AND TWITTER PRESENCE — AIW embraces social media as a tool to reach writers and support our members.
- NUMEROUS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES — AIW members have access to a variety of volunteer opportunities including positions on the Board of Directors, committee membership and leadership, and event support such as registration and speaking.
These are just some of the tangible benefits AIW offers, but don’t forget about the intangible benefits: friends and colleagues who understand the challenges and demands of the writing life.
Think you could benefit from AIW membership? We sure do! Join AIW today.
