Joining the Romance Writers of America

There are dozens of professional organizations for writers, many of them outstanding: SFF.net, the SFWA, the Writers Guild. Many of them also fall into genre divisions, so the Horror Writers of America membership is limited to just horror writers. You'd think this was true about the Romance Writers of America, the RWA.

You'd be wrong.

You might also think that the Romance Writers of America is focused only on professional romance writers. That it contains primarily fluffy-headed women who can't have a serious literary conversation. That it can't help with anything but formulaic writing. That these writers are the dregs, the ones who can't hack it with "serious" writing.

Again, you'd be wrong. But forgiveably. I used to think this myself, until I got involved with the RWA. In actuality, the RWA tracks some of the most critical statistics in the publishing industry, sharing them with everyone. They accept professionals and the professional-minded beginner. They have a significant-sized male membership. And the members, while they are mostly romance writers, are some of the toughest critics I've ever met - the nicest and most helpful professionals - and the most business minded.

Best of all, even if you don't write romance, there are good reasons to join the RWA - and often great regional groups with writers who share your non-romance interests.

Reasons to Join

1. Close, friendly community. In almost every part of America and in many places overseas, the RWA provides small regional groups you can join for the face-to-face contact with other writers many of us crave. There are two in Louisville (my hometown), three or four in the New York City area, several in Florida, even one in Hawaii. In these groups, you'll find a mix of professionals and beginners, all of whom are glad to help a fellow writer. If you don't have a group in your area, you can join one of a dozen online groups focusing on general writing, romance writing, or on a romance subgenre such as paranormal, historical, or Regency romance.

2. Serious workshops and serious connections - in your neighborhood. The smaller RWA groups generally have regular guest speakers and workshops you're welcome to attend, sometimes even as a nonmember. Workshops are often free, and the paid ones are often open to the public as well. Nationally-known writers, editors, and agents are frequently the guest speakers at these workshops, providing you the opportunity to network or just to learn.

3. Writers guidelines for more than just romance. The RWA maintains an online database that is updated daily with any industry changes that have been made, so when editors leave publishing houses, the RWA membership knows it first. This can be invaluable. Recently, Harlequin/Silhouette has been reassessing its publishing strategy and opened up lines for straight fantasy fiction, spy-type romance, ethnic romance, chick lit, some new concept women's lines, and several inspirational romance lines. Who knew about it first? The RWA. A serious genre writer could find some amazing writing opportunities by watching their databases.

4. Great general writing advice. While the RWA does focus on romance, the many workshops and other writers can provide you with an awesome array of resources to help you with your writing problems. Local chapters also maintain a library with the RWA's magazine and publications as well as taped lectures, computer resources, and writing books for membership to access. If you need a writing group that is serious and can provide serious help, you'll find it here.

5. Free to try, at least locally. The RWA isn't cheap - membership is $100 for your initial year, a little less in subsequent years. But most local chapters are open and happy to receive new prospective members at their meetings. If you think maybe, just maybe, the RWA can offer you what you've been looking for, you should give it a try.