In so many words

In So Many Words

Nicki Ehrlich

It’s what year…?! For those of us born in the ancient 1900s, 2025 doesn’t quite seem possible. Science Fiction back then was 1984, remember? Who knew Orwell had a crystal ball? Twenty-twenty-five will take some getting used to. We will need like-minded community more than ever. I treasure my fellow Central Coast Writers and revel in communing about writing in all its forms. I strive to be a good writing citizen. Along the way, I’ve found some other organizations that provide valuable benefits and community. Depending where you are in your writing/publishing journey, these might be of interest to you.

 Independent Book Publishing Association has merged with Publishers Association of the West (PubWest). Everyone at both organizations is excited about this collaboration which will offer even more benefits to members. IBPA offers discounts on almost everything an independent publisher needs: distribution, marketing, reviews, awards, education, networking, and more. If you’re even thinking of self-publishing, you must join this organization. Cost: $155/year.

 Alliance of Independent Authors (Alli) complements your IBPA membership with more information geared toward self publishing. They “watchdog” self-publishing services with a searchable database. Another way of gaining peace of mind while you navigate the publishing industry. Cost: $119/year.

 Authors Guild advocates for the rights of writers by supporting free speech, fair contracts, and copyrights. They offer legal advice, web services, and marketing resources. First-tier associate memberships are available to any traditionally published author and to any self-published author who has made at least $500 in the last 18 months from their writing. Cost: $149/yr and up.

 Copyright Alliance membership benefits include access to curated resources, copyright courses, a monthly e-newsletter, printable materials, events and webinars, and discounts on brand products. Cost: Free

 Substack is a subscription-based platform that allows writers, journalists, and other content creators to publish newsletters directly to their audience. You can read other writers’ content here, and  you can have your own Substack to put your writing out there for others to read and follow. Cost: Free content and paid content (from $5/month).

 NetGalley is a platform that allows authors and publishers to share digital review copies of their books with book advocates and industry professionals. What that means to you is, you get to read books for free in exchange for a review. Writing reviews can be a fun way to let other readers know what you enjoyed about a book, and can inform your own writing by highlighting what you, as a reader, liked…and maybe some things you didn’t.

And we all know how important reviews are to authors. Cost: Free to readers, $299 for a three-month listing if you go through your IBPA membership. This is a $250 savings, so see what I mean about IBPA membership being worthwhile?

Congratulations! You already belong to one of the best and most highly respected writers’ clubs around! Maybe you know someone who would benefit from membership in our CCW branch of the California Writers Club. Consider joining other groups that might help further your writing or publishing habit. What will you do with the new information coming your way? Learn something new? Engage in conversation with other writers? Get your benefits worth. Enjoy your new commitment to your writing goals this year, and whatever you do, wherever you go, don’t forget to write.