Membership FAQ

If you don’t see an answer to your question below, feel free to contact us.

I’m not sure which category I qualify for. Can you tell me?
Our membership categories are described here; however, the application will take you through a series of questions to determine which membership category you most likely qualify for based on your responses.

I submitted an application. Am I a member yet?
Not quite! Your application needs to be reviewed by the Director of Membership, and you will receive a welcome email once your application has been approved and processed.

How long does it take to process an application?
Most applications are processed within 5 business days, but some can take an additional 1-2 business days. If you don’t hear from us within 2 weeks, however, please contact us to make sure we received your application.

What can I expect after I submit an application?
The Director of Membership will review your application and any supporting documents submitted. You will be contacted by email if more information, clarification, or documentation is needed.

What documentation is typically requested on the application?
If you have received a contract offer from a traditional publisher, you will be asked to upload the contract along with your application. If you are a self-published author, you will be asked to upload proof of income along with your application.

All information submitted is kept confidential and is only viewed by the Director of Membership for the purposes of evaluating your application. We do not reach out to your publisher or agent for any reason.

What do you mean by traditional publisher?
Traditional publishers are typically selective, have considerable editorial oversight, produce an initial print run, indicating some investment in the work, and often pay an advance and allow the author to retain their copyright. They do not ask the author to cover any costs to publish or market their book.

What do you mean by hybrid publisher?
Like traditional publishers, hybrid publishers are selective, have considerable editorial oversight, and provide some investment in the work. Unlike traditional publishers, however, they charge a fee to publish. As such, hybrid publishers should pay 50% or more of net proceeds. We generally use the IBPA’s standards for hybrid publishers, which can be found here.

Does my contract (offer) need to be signed?
No.

What sorts of writing income do you look at?
Writing income can come from a number of sources including book royalties, hand sales, payment from magazine or newspaper publications, and literary awards. If you have proof of your writing income, we should be able to move forward with your application.

What constitutes freelance writing?
Freelance writing refers to nonfiction, fiction, or poetry appearing in publications not owned by you and typically vetted and edited by an editorial staff. Publications can be print or online magazines, newspapers, journals, or book anthologies.

Do you accept illustrators for Regular and Associate Membership?
Yes, under the same basic criteria as traditional or indie published book authors—i.e. based on books you have published, contracts you have been offered, or income you have made. If you have not published a book and/or do not have a contract offer, then the Society of Illustrators, the Association of Illustrators, or the Graphic Artists Guild may better suit your needs.

I am hoping for a contract review if I’m accepted. When can I send in my request and how long does it take?
You should send in your contract for review once you have been accepted for membership. Our Legal Dept. typically takes 1–2 weeks to review a contract.

I don’t think I qualify for Regular or Associate Membership yet, but I do have a legal question. What should I do?
Emerging Writers and Students have access to our Model Trade Contract, The Writer’s Legal Guide, and all of our legal seminars, which may have the answers you’re looking for.

Do you accept publishing professionals (i.e. people working in the publishing industry)?
Our At Large membership category is for estates/heirs as well as publishing professionals. The publishing professionals we accept are IP/copyright and publishing attorneys, accountants who work closely with authors, literary agents, editors, book coaches, literary publicists, and those working for not-for-profit literary organizations. We do not accept publishers/CEOs/founders at this time.

I’d like to give a gift of membership to a friend. How would I go about doing that?
You can gift a membership here.