The Society of Southwestern Authors is a nonprofit association of writers, and other publishing professionals, founded in 1972. Its objective is to conduct a program of activities designed to:
- Promote mutually supportive friendship among writers.
- Provide recognition of members' achievements.
- Encourage and assist persons seeking to become published writers.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Professional membership is open to any individual who satisfies one of the following qualifications:
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Author or coauthor of a book or at least six (6) poems, short stories, or magazine articles that have been sold and commercially published. Self-published books are accepted at the discretion of the Board. Submit ten (10) pages from books or tear sheets with by-line for magazines and poems, with application
-Author or coauthor of a stage play, motion picture script, radio or television script which has been sold and commercially produced.
-Is a writer with a minimum of three (3) years' professional experience who is or has been employed by one of the accepted media.
-Is or has been closely associated with the writing profession by virtue of his/her occupation as an editor, publisher, photographer/illustrator or the like. Submit samples of work with application.
Associate membership is open to any individual who demonstrates to us an interest in becoming a professional writer:
-Two Associates can be on the Board and all are able to vote in elections.
(Membership Application)
MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITIES
- MONTHLY MEETINGS (WORDSHOPS)
The Society holds monthly meetings in Tucson featuring programs of interest to writers. They will usually take place on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Upcoming Wordshops are featured in the Write Word.
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TUCSON SELF-PUBLISHING EXPO
When we get a chance, the Society sponsors a one day Expo featuring expert speakers on topics of professional interest to writers of every genre. This conference is open to members and nonmembers alike.
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WRITING CONTEST
The Society also sponsors a writing contest which includes four categories: short story, essay/memoir, poetry, and first chapter of your book. It is open to beginning and published authors. Winners receive cash prizes.
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THE WRITE WORD NEWSLETTER
The Society publishes The Write Word bi-monthly; it contains information about future events, news about members' activities and achievements, marketing information, and writing tips. SSA members are encouraged to send submissions to The Write Word. Please check the Writers' Guidelines or email the editor for more information.
- MENTORING
Professional members offer their help to other members through networking at the Wordshops and Writing Groups.
- CHAPTERS
SSA has several spin-off groups that have events for local writers outside of Tucson:
SSA Santa Cruz Valley Chapter (Green Valley, AZ), SSA Valley of the Sun Chapter (Tempe, AZ), Hassayampa Writers' Group (Wickenburg, AZ)
LET US HEAR FROM YOU!
If the Society sounds like the kind of organization that you would like to join, fill in the application and return it.
If you would like to look us over first, go to the Write Word page and see what events are coming up
(usually third Saturday of the month).
You can also write to the SSA at: P.O. Box 30355, Tucson, AZ 85751-0355.
