Why not join the SWWJ? By Ann Evans
 |
| L-R:Francesca Burgess, Barbara Cluff, Elaine Roberts, Maxine Burns, Ann Evans, Elaine Everest, Vivienne Hampshire. |
The SWWJ stands for
the Society of Women Writers and Journalists. Established in 1894 it's the oldest British
society for professional women writers. And they actively welcome new members.
Now before all you male writers and non-journalists tune out, you'll be
interested to know that men are eligible to join as Associate
Members and you don't have to be a journalist.
You do have to be a
writer however – a published writer, although the society will be
launching a 'Writer's Début' for unpublished writers on 1st October
this year.
While welcoming new members. the SWWJ does have high
standards, their mission statement being:
“The Society aims
to encourage literary achievement, to uphold professional standards,
to promote social contact with fellow writers and to defend the
dignity and prestige of the writing profession in all its aspects.”
All sentiments that
any self respecting writer will acknowledge and support.
The benefits of
being part of the SWWJ are so worthwhile. For one thing, simply being
a member shows that you are a professional writer; additionally full
members and associate members receive a press card that gives you
access to all kinds of events, places and exhibition.
You receive the
society's in-house magazine, The Woman Writer four times a year. It's
packed full of news, markets, competitions, member's book
reviews, articles and more.
There's also an emailed newsletter
providing up to date news.
You can attend society gatherings
throughout the year to socialise, network, listen to guest speakers
and take part in celebrations and presentations.
That's not all. The
society offers a manuscript appraisal service and Scriptora – an
assisted publishing facility open to members. They run a
variety of writing competitions with trophies, certificate and cash
prizes awarded. Plus a prize giving ceremony in London.
Annual fees for full
membership are £50, £40 for overseas members. Male associate
members £45, £35 for overseas members. There's a £25 membership
fee for friends and supporters. All the details are on the website.
 |
| Richard Combes of ALCS |
To uphold the professional standards and integrity of the society, there is a
criteria for joining. Full and associate members must be
proposed and seconded by two bona fide writing professionals who have
personal knowledge of their work. Other SWWJ members can also propose and second applicants. Their applications are then
considered by the SWWJ Council.
I've been a member
for over 20 years, and have found that belonging to such a
professional society has opened doors and helped my career in a
variety of ways. Not least the press card, and being eligible to add 'Member of the
SWWJ' on to my email signature.
I've attended quite
a few of their gatherings. The most recent was just two weeks ago. It
was held in the very grand National Liberal Club in London, with an
afternoon cream tea and a talk by Richard Combes, Head of Policy
at ALCS - another society that all writers should know about, and be
registered for.
Should you become a
member of the SWWJ you'll be in illustrious company. Over the years
so many famous people have been members or supporters - George
Bernard Shaw, Lady Violet Astor, Catherine Cookson, Nina Bowden,
Ursula Bloom, Margery Allingham to name a few.
Joyce Grenfield was
society president for 22 years and Lady Longford was Honorary Life
President for 25 years until her death in 2002.
Current Patrons are
Lord Quirk, Sir Tim Rice, the Earl of Stockton, Baroness Howard of
Lympne (novelist Sandra Howard) and Simon Brett. Victoria Wood CBE
was the society's president until her untimely death last year. Ann
Widdicombe is the new Hon Life President, taking over from Shirley
Williams who stepped down in 2014.
Take a look at the
SWWJ's website to learn more: http://www.swwj.co.uk
Find them also on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWWJ-288593147853678/
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SWWJ
Comments