Writers' Organisations

A networking society for some 400 British crime writers (widely defined) and links to their sites. Membership for published writers only, but award a Debut Dagger for the best unpublished crime novel. Some articles from their magazine Red Herrings are posted on the site and there are links to many individual crime writers' websites.

The website of the wonderful Academy, which was founded in 1934 to support American poets at all stages of their careers and to foster the appreciation of contemporary poetry. Any poet or poetry lover would find it worth a visit.

Well-designed site with a lot of useful content, including List of Publications, Getting Published and list of Australian agents.

The British rights management society for all writers. A non-profit organisation owned by writers. Membership costs £5 and you have to register (not join) to receive payments. The Society takes commission to cover costs.  Read more

For anyone interested in web design and writing, with around 123,000 members worldwide. Provides a network, information and support, including online tutorials. In August 2001 merged into the International Webmasters Association (IWA) to for the world's largest association of Internet professionals.

Produced by the British CouncilThis government-supported body is best-known for its activities overseas, but in fact provides a great deal of information which is of interest to writers. http://www.britishcouncil.org/
Their UK Literature Festivals provides a full listing, but this is only as up to date as the information supplied by the individual festival organizers. in association with BookTrust, this is an elegant but browsable site with pages on contemporary British writers of a literary bent. Short articles (some excellent) and lists of books.  Read more

Society of British garden writers set up to improve the quality of gardening writing. Holds briefing days and has annual award scheme.

Lively and attractive site for active group which runs a magazine and newsletter, as well as courses for writers.

Drawing on the Human Potential movement, New Age ideas and the women's movement, this 25 year-old American organisation seeks to help empower women through their writing. www.iwwg.com/

This represents the interests of all Irish writers, although they must join to get the newsletter. The union aims to organise Irish writers and to achieve better remuneration and better contracts for authors. www.ireland-writers.com

A professional association supporting creative writing of all genres and in all educational settings throughout the UK. They support writers in education, in universities and in the community, and have useful resources, training and job opportunities plus the Artscape directory. www.nawe.co.uk

Represents British journalists and photographers. Has a useful list of links to media resources. http://media.gn.apc.org/

The site links to a NUJ freelance fees site

Supported by eminent writers, this is the English branch of International Pen, which has centres in nearly 100 countries. It fights for freedom of expression and against political censorship. It campaigns for writers harassed, imprisoned and sometimes murdered for their views. http://www.englishpen.org/

This British site may seem rather formal (stated aim ‘to sustain and encourage all that is perceived as best whether traditional or experimental in English letters, and to strive for a Catholic appreciation of literature’), but has a lively series of lectures and discussions involving distinguished authors. Also administers literary prizes. http://www.rslit.org/index1.html

Slick site which offers inside information through The Screenwriter’s Inside Report, a screenwriting competition and online masterclasses. Worth a look if you’re serious about writing for Hollywood. http://www.screenwriter.com/insider/news.html

Individual membership organisation (25,000 members - the largest of its kind in the world) which is for anyone who is involved in making technical information available, i.e. technical writers and editors, content developers, academics etc. www.stc.org

Set up for the encouragement of literary achievement, the upholding of standards and social contact, this, the oldest society for women writers, has regular meetings in London. www.swwj.co.uk

Site created to increase profile of UK children's books on the Internet. Useful articles on writing for children and free monthly newsletter. http://www.wordpool.co.uk/

A businesslike site for an organisation representing 1500 scriptwriters, which has a collective agreement, a script registration service and advice for new writers at www.writersguildofcanada.com

Association supporting Canadian writers. Membership fee but gives access to other Canadian writers and has manuscript evaluation service. www.writersunion.ca

International organisation supporting the careers of both aspiring and published children's authors via mentoring, community platform, courses, awards, magazine, podcasts, and more.