Professional Author Organizations
A curated directory of the most respected professional organizations for writers — from flagship advocacy bodies to genre-specific guilds. Whether you need contract review, award eligibility, community, or legal support, these organizations exist to serve authors.
SFWA
Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association
Professional organization for authors of science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. Administers the Nebula Awards and provides emergency funds, legal resources, and market reports.
Known for: Nebula Awards, emergency funds, market reports
MWA
Mystery Writers of America
Premier organization for mystery and crime writers. Home of the Edgar Awards — the most prestigious prizes in crime fiction — and provides education, advocacy, and community.
Known for: Edgar Awards, industry advocacy
HWA
Horror Writers Association
The oldest literary organization for horror writers worldwide. Administers the Bram Stoker Awards and provides resources, mentorship, and community for dark fiction professionals.
Known for: Bram Stoker Awards, mentorship programs
ITW
International Thriller Writers
The world's leading organization for thriller writers with members in 49 countries representing over 3.6 billion book sales. Administers the ITW Thriller Awards and hosts ThrillerFest annually.
Known for: ITW Thriller Awards, ThrillerFest
RWA
Romance Writers of America
Professional association for romance fiction writers. Provides education, networking, and advocacy for one of publishing's largest and most commercially successful genres.
Known for: RITA Awards, Golden Heart Awards
ASJA
American Society of Journalists and Authors
Represents independent nonfiction writers — journalists, essayists, and book authors. Provides contract assistance, rate guidelines, and advocacy on freelance rights and AI.
Known for: Contract assistance, freelance rate guidelines
NINC
Novelists Inc
Professional organization exclusively for multi-published fiction authors. Focuses on the business side of writing — contracts, royalties, publishing trends, and digital publishing strategy.
Known for: Business education, Ninc Conference
ALLi
Alliance of Independent Authors
Global nonprofit for self-publishing authors. Provides guidance on publishing platforms, contracts, and rights, and campaigns for fair terms for indie authors worldwide.
Known for: Self-publishing guides, watchdog reports
AWP
Association of Writers & Writing Programs
Supports writers, writing programs, and literary communities. Hosts the largest literary conference in North America and provides resources for MFA programs and literary magazines.
Known for: AWP Conference, Writer's Chronicle
This directory is maintained by The Publishing Times editorial team. If you represent a professional author organization and would like to be listed, contact us at [email protected]. See also our free author tools and author events calendar.