A Sampling of Mystery Writers Organizations
Professional Groups for Authors of All Things Mysterious
Oct 8, 2009
Children’s book writers and illustrators have SCBWI, authors of romance novels join The Romance Writers of America, horror writers belong to The Horror Writers of America and, mystery writers can sign up for the Mystery Writers of American.
About the Mystery Writers of America
- According to their web site, "members of MWA include most major writers of crime fiction and non-fiction, as well as screenwriters, dramatists, editors, publishers, and other professionals in the field."
- MWA has 11 national chapters most of which have an online presence and publish a newsletter.
- MWA offers four types of memberships: Active, Associate, Affiliate and Corresponding. More in depth member ship information can be found on their website.
- Each year the MWA presents the Edgar Awards, (named for Edgar Allan Poe), the most prestigious award in the mystery/crime genre.
Mystery Writers Organizations Worldwide
MWA is the most widely known professional organization for mystery writers in the United States but there are other crime writing organizations in the US and all over the world. Here’s a look at just a few:
- American Crime Fighters League: The ACFL was formed in the late 1980s. Among other things, the group spotlights a new author every month, updates members on new books published, member signings and member websites. Membership is open to active writers in the crime genre who are published in the United States.
The ACFL annually presents the Ellen Nehr Award. According to their website, “The Ellen Nehr Award was established by the American Crime Writers League to show our appreciation for mystery reviewers who demonstrate a solid knowledge of the field and give an unbiased and informed criticism of each work.”
- Sisters in Crime: This organization was formed to shine the spotlight on women crime writers. Their goal is professional development and advancement of those authors as well as equality in the crime publishing industry. SIC was formed in 1987 as a response to the fact that, at that time, women were not being nominated for awards by the Mystery Writers of America.
- Crime Writers of Canada: This organization has five regional chapters and four classes of members; professional author, supporting, associate and honorary. The CWC annually presents the Arthur Ellis Awards. The Crime Writers of Canada also features an online newsletter titled Fingerprints Online.
- Euro Crime: This organization was formed for fans of British and European crime fiction. Among other things, it offers fans the latest book reviews, author websites, new releases and author events.
This is a small sampling of the societies, guilds, organizations, and clubs devoted to all aspects of the crime fiction genre. Whether the budding writer fancies himself the next Patricia Cornwall or James Patterson, with a few mouse clicks he can find the perfect writers group for him.
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