About Us

Who We Are

We are a community of writers.

In the NWU, you’ll meet and learn from creative people who work in many different forms – poets and fiction writers, essayists and reviewers, content creators for the Web, journalists, technical writers, travel writers, how-to writers, web spinners, genre writers, PR writers, newsletter editors. We share a commitment to diversity – not just in the forms our writing takes, but in our associations – race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic and religious background.

Because we’re all freelancers, we know how important it can be to help each other out. One member tells another about an editor looking for writers. Another member gives advice to those trying to break into her area of specialty.

We also have fun together. Members and guests gather for a potluck picnic, a holiday party, and new-members events. We hold special events, such as our annual Op-Ed Slam.

We’re all freelance writers.

Freelancers are, by their very nature, isolated. The NWU works to change that. In the Twin Cities, three NWU affinity groups – journalists, book writers, and business writers – get together monthly to talk shop and to hear from special guests in the publishing industry. Our contract advisors volunteer their time to help other members understand their rights, and negotiate for more money or better terms.

We’re not just a writers’ organization, but a union.

We’re affiliated with the UAW and belong to the Minnesota AFL-CIO. As a labor union we are able to lobby elected officials and to work through legislation and collective action to improve conditions for all writers.

There are NWU locals throughout the United States. A national network of staff and volunteers helps educate members about today’s publishing industry. Twin Cities Local members are active in that network.

If you’re serious about writing, join the NWU.

To learn more about membership benefits, go the national Web site, www.nwu.org.

To learn more about our local activities and services, call
612-727-2750 or 952-929-5913 or email us at: info@nwu-tc.org.