The NWU's Mission

The National Writers Union is more than just another writers' organization—it is the only labor union that represents freelance writers in all genres, formats, and media. As freelancers we may value our autonomy, but we are united in the fact that we work independently. We face the same challenges, file the same income tax forms, and often suffer the same frustrations. Whether you're a journalist, a book author or a technical or business writer—whether you write poetry or miscellaneous copy—the NWU is already working to improve your professional life.

With the combined strength of over 5,000 members in 17 local chapters nationwide, and with the support of the United Automobile Workers (UAW), the NWU works to advance the economic and working conditions of writers. We do this lobbying congress to pass legislation that protects the rights of writers, creating viable solutions to provide publishers fair alternatives to unfair practices, and by educating and empowering our members.

By joining the NWU you can directly benefit from the many valuable services the Union offers its members—including grievance assistance, contract advice, local events for writers, several different discussion lists (including book, journalism, poetry), a job hotline, the American Writer magazine, and more. By joining you will also be contributing to a growing movement of professional freelancers who have banded together to assert their collective power.

As we march further into the new millennium, our work has become more crucial than ever. With the consolidation of power into the hands of ever-larger corporate entities and with the advent of technologies that facilitate the exploitation of a writer's work, the individual writer has become increasingly disenfranchised. Now, more than ever, writers need an organization with the clout and know-how to protect our interests. One that will forge new rules for a new era, fight hard and take chances, one that goes to bat and, if need be, goes to court to protect writers' rights—your rights.