What we’re about
Fighting for Your Writes!
The National Writers Union is the only labor organization representing freelance writers in every genre. With 13 chapters across the U.S., the NWU works to advance economic and working conditions of writers -- lobbying for legislation, initiating lawsuits, educating writers on their rights, networking, organizing picket lines, publicizing viable alternatives to unfair practices by both the traditional and Internet publishers, and by mobilizing members to fight for their collective self-interest.
We're eager to help members and fellow writers' organizations. Reach out so we can collaborate!
Why join the National Writers Union?
Some (not all!) Achievements
- NWU testified at U.S. Copyright Office proceedings, resisting efforts to declare copyrighted works “orphans,” subject to free use.
- NWU reached a final settlement with Heart & Soul magazine on a group grievance for 12 members. The total collected for this and a previous group grievance was more than $125,000.
- The U.S. Supreme Court rules, in the NWU-UAW backed lawsuit Tasini v. N.Y. Times, for the plaintiffs who had contested the re-use of their articles in electronic databases without their permission. The court upholds the principle that converting a print article, contracted under First North American Serial Rights terms, into an electronic version, requires separate payment for the new medium.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Joint NYPL-NWU Open Mic (Virtual Event)NYPL Virtual Event - Advance Registration Available, New York, NY
Come to read or listen to others' inspired words. This virtual open mic is held every second Thursday of the month as a collaboration between the National Writers Union (https://nwu.org/) and the NYPL Ottendorfer Library. Each writer can read for up to seven minutes. Reading order will be determined on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advanced registration is available at Events | The New York Public Library (nypl.org). If you have any problems joining our open mic, send an email to Mercedes Lau at mercedeslau@nypl.org or call/text Alexandria at (203) 947-2497.
Much thanks to our co-host, Elissa P. Matthews! Check out her website, especially the About Me which is like no other short biography. https://epmatthews.com/about/
This virtual stage allows you to add video or music to your reading as long as you have permission from the copyright owner. Participants cannot sell their works during the event but can show the book covers during their readings. Content should be for a general audience and readings including language or descriptions inappropriate for children must begin with a warning. Recording of this event is strictly prohibited.
The NWU enjoys bringing communities of writers together. Events like this one become conduits for sharing our individual works more widely. However, any invitation from an editor or a publisher that is extended during our gatherings does not have the NWU's endorsement unless specifically stated otherwise. Please always protect your work by doing your own due diligence and tapping into the NWU's resources.
Sign up for NWU newsletters or updates with the links below:
To receive regular updates about NWU events in New York City: https://nwu.org/civicrm/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/profile/create&gid=36&reset=1
- Live NYPL-NWU Open Mic (In-person Event)135 2nd Ave, New York, NY
Come to read or listen to others' inspired words. Each writer can read for up to seven minutes. Reading order will be determined on a first-come, first-serve basis. This in-person open mic is held every third Saturday of the month as a collaboration between the National Writers Union (https://nwu.org/) and the NYPL Ottendorfer Library. If you have any questions about our open mic, send an email to Mercedes Lau at mercedeslau@nypl.org or call/text Alexandria at (203) 947-2497.
Much thanks to our co-host, Elissa P. Matthews! Check out her website, especially the About Me which is like no other short biography. https://epmatthews.com/about/
Participants cannot sell their works during the event but can show the book covers during their readings. Content should be for a general audience and readings including language or descriptions inappropriate for children must begin with a warning. Recording of this event is strictly prohibited.
The NWU enjoys bringing communities of writers together. Events like this one become conduits for sharing our individual works more widely. However, any invitation from an editor or a publisher that is extended during our gatherings does not have the NWU's endorsement unless specifically stated otherwise. Please always protect your work by doing your own due diligence and tapping into the NWU's resources.
Sign up for NWU newsletters or updates with the links below:
To receive regular updates about NWU events in New York City: https://nwu.org/civicrm/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/profile/create&gid=36&reset=1
- Joint NYPL-NWU Open Mic (Virtual Event)NYPL Virtual Event - Advance Registration Available, New York, NY
Come to read or listen to others' inspired words. This virtual open mic is held every second Thursday of the month as a collaboration between the National Writers Union (https://nwu.org/) and the NYPL Ottendorfer Library. Each writer can read for up to seven minutes. Reading order will be determined on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advanced registration is available at Events | The New York Public Library (nypl.org). If you have any problems joining our open mic, send an email to Mercedes Lau at mercedeslau@nypl.org or call/text Alexandria at (203) 947-2497.
Much thanks to our co-host, Elissa P. Matthews! Check out her website, especially the About Me which is like no other short biography. https://epmatthews.com/about/
This virtual stage allows you to add video or music to your reading as long as you have permission from the copyright owner. Participants cannot sell their works during the event but can show the book covers during their readings. Content should be for a general audience and readings including language or descriptions inappropriate for children must begin with a warning. Recording of this event is strictly prohibited.
The NWU enjoys bringing communities of writers together. Events like this one become conduits for sharing our individual works more widely. However, any invitation from an editor or a publisher that is extended during our gatherings does not have the NWU's endorsement unless specifically stated otherwise. Please always protect your work by doing your own due diligence and tapping into the NWU's resources.
Sign up for NWU newsletters or updates with the links below:
To receive regular updates about NWU events in New York City: https://nwu.org/civicrm/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/profile/create&gid=36&reset=1
- Live NYPL-NWU Open Mic (In-person Event)135 2nd Ave, New York, NY
Come to read or listen to others' inspired words. Each writer can read for up to seven minutes. Reading order will be determined on a first-come, first-serve basis. This in-person open mic is held every third Saturday of the month as a collaboration between the National Writers Union (https://nwu.org/) and the NYPL Ottendorfer Library. If you have any questions about our open mic, send an email to Mercedes Lau at mercedeslau@nypl.org or call/text Alexandria at (203) 947-2497.
Much thanks to our co-host, Elissa P. Matthews! Check out her website, especially the About Me which is like no other short biography. https://epmatthews.com/about/
Participants cannot sell their works during the event but can show the book covers during their readings. Content should be for a general audience and readings including language or descriptions inappropriate for children must begin with a warning. Recording of this event is strictly prohibited.
The NWU enjoys bringing communities of writers together. Events like this one become conduits for sharing our individual works more widely. However, any invitation from an editor or a publisher that is extended during our gatherings does not have the NWU's endorsement unless specifically stated otherwise. Please always protect your work by doing your own due diligence and tapping into the NWU's resources.
Sign up for NWU newsletters or updates with the links below:
To receive regular updates about NWU events in New York City: https://nwu.org/civicrm/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/profile/create&gid=36&reset=1
