Three grades. The distinction is not prestige but eligibility — the legal defence fund can only be drawn on by members who have been paying into it.
Open to anyone writing seriously toward a first contract.
One published book, or 24 months of professional writing income.
By election of the standing committee.
| Associate | Full | Fellow | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Trade Contract | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Contract-reading helpline | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Individual contract review | — | 2 / year | Unlimited |
| Legal defence fund | — | Eligible | Eligible |
| Congress vote | — | Yes | Yes |
| Committee standing | — | — | Yes |
Associate membership is immediate. Full membership asks for one piece of evidence — a contract, a royalty statement, or two years of returns showing writing income. Fellows are elected once a year, in September.
Dues are waived, in full and without means-testing, for any member whose writing income fell below the threshold in the preceding year. Ask; nobody is asked to prove hardship.
Ask about joining