Happy Weekend, WG2E-Land!
RWA: To Join and/or Renew Your Membership…Or Not?
‘Tis the question I’ve sooo been hung-up on for a couple months now.
First, the background of why I’ve had to make this decision…
I’ve been a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) for I believe 7 years now.
RWA has – without a doubt – been instrumental in my writing-for-publication career in the writing craft part of my journey. I’ve met terrific writers and learned tons from them about the writing process itself, many of whom I still communicate with every day about all-things writing-for-publication.
But…and here’s the big ‘ole but for me…
RWA is sooo not on their game where it comes to the business side of publishing.
In fact, they’re playing yesterday’s publishing game and refusing to even be in the same arena as the current publishing journey – The Indie Epub Route -hits the field Super Bowl-style.
So…back to decisions-decisions…
The first thing I had to ask myself was…:
What is it that I’m after right now in my writing-for-publication career? What is my primary goal?
The answer, unequivocally, is this:
Build my reader and fan base by getting my books out there in front of readers and treating ‘em to great books for great prices
In other words:
I believe readers and fans “vet” my books, not the traditional publishing industry old guard (agents and editors).
Why do I believe this?
Because I spent 10 years being treated, for the most part, horrible, by this same RWA-Approved Old Guard. (I share countless anecdotes of my own as well as many from NYT’s Bestselling Authors in my Amazon Bestselling, On-Writing book MUSE THERAPY.)
Ten years, being told by this same Old Guard, that my voice was wonderfully strong and my books very funny, but they simply wouldn’t sell because that kind of story and voice were “dead”.
Ten years, and damn near 5000 sales later (sales accumulated in less than a year) of those same books that supposedly there were no readers to be had.
Now then…there’s a bit of the background I had to first acknowledge before beginning my RWA: To Renew or Not Decision for 2012.
Next, I looked at the Dollars and Cents of this decision.
If my goal is to find and build my reader and fan base…is RWA helping me do that based on what I’m spending with them?
***Note: If my goal had been to continue improving my writing craft and hangin’ with superfab writers and authors, I may have renewed by RWA Membership. But I can do all that every day online…for free…or the cost of a writing craft online class or on-writing book for my Kindle.***
So…back to the decision’s dollars and cents…here’s what I spend per year on RWA (national dues plus state, local and special interests chapter dues and event fees):
RWA Annual National Dues = $85.00
Indiana RWA Annual Dues = $24.00
Kiss of Death Annual Dues = $35.00
Chick Lit Chapter Annual Dues = $25.00
ESPAN Annual Dues = $20.00
ScriptScene Chapter Annual Dues = $15.00
RWR Ads (two in 2010) = $300
RWR National and Local Conferences (average per year) = $3000 – $7000
***See WG2E Post I did on this outlining all the costs: http://thewritersguidetoepublishing.com/wg2es-real-numbers-conferences-vs-social-networking-bang-for-the-buck
RWA CD-Roms for National Conferences I Don’t Attend (these are CD’s of the Workshops so I can at least listen to the classes) = $100 per year
This means, I’m spending between $3600 – $7600 per year on an organization that doesn’t even recognize I’m published, plus doesn’t allow me to do signings at events where they welcome readers (and those events on their own are few and far between)!!!
That said, I can spend those same dollars for sponsorships on all the superfab Ereader-Centric Blogs we’ve talked about here on The WG2E and/or submit to be on these blogs for free and reach thousands of readers around the world every time and forever (because your scoop is on those blogs forever, not just on your “push” day).
I can also spend every day, like I do, getting to know my readers and fans and potential readers and fans on Facebook, Twitter, my website, WG2E, The Naked Hero, countless other industry and author blogs and grogs, Goodreads, G+, The Kindle Boards, The Nook Boards, etc….FOR FREE!!!
So it came down to this for me…
RWA Membership for 2012 = $3600 – $7600
…for no recognition as a published author thus no access to readers…other than other writers who are NOT your primary reading audience (more on that in another post)
Or
No RWA Membership = No Money, No Time and No Frustration at Not Being Accepted
Which
Frees up tons of Money and Time and Joy to Spend Hangin’ in places where my readers and fans hang – like RT (which I’ll also be posting tons more about in the near future)!!!
It’s Your Turn, WG2E-Land: Do your own analysis for your writing-for-publication journey based on your own goals and current place on your career ladder. Is RWA (and/or other writing organizations – like Mystery Writers of America (MWA) - who also tend to exclude Indie Epub Authors) a tool you can use for your journey? Let us know what you’re thinkin’ and the elements you’re using to make your decisions…
The Best of The WG2E Wishes — D. D. Scott
Excellent points, DD!!!
You hit the nail right on the head.
RWA has been great for learning the craft of writing. But when you’re not recognized as “really” published even though you’re selling thousands of books, reaching thousands of readers, receiving reviews and fan mail, why should you continue to put up with being treated as a second class citizen?
Great post!!!
Wavin’ atchya, Anne Marie!!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed my post today!
This was just a super tough decision for me…
But I’ll tell you what, LOL, when I got a nasty gram email yesterday from an RWA Executive Board Member, in response to the letter I sent them explaining why I wasn’t renewing, well…that was the final straw. It was almost a God’s-laughing moment when you can hear that little voice in your head sayin’ “see…I told ya you don’t need this kind of negative energy”.
Life is too short to put-up with their antiquated, “group think” mentality and super-bad attitudes.
And wow, do they need a PR Professional to teach ‘em how to answer a concerned member’s letter – which I’ve written to them several times about over the years to prevent them from getting into these pickles and never received a response.
But boy-oh-boy, I got a gem of response yesterday which I’d luuuvvv to share but I can’t being as it said at the bottom “you do not have my permission to share, post, or paraphrase this letter. “…Sounds like one of those moments as a child when your mom says “if you can’t say something nice, you’d better just not say anything at all…LOL!!!
Cheers to having the guts to stand-up to an organization that is simply treating many of its members very badly.
Great, interesting blog, D.D.! That really makes one stop & think about all of the money he/she is putting out each year……..not even to be recognized as a writer. If one doesn’t need the writing workshops, etc., then why spend all of the extra money? Each person must decide for him/herself, but you gave us something to think about! Thanks!
U betchya, Jeanne!
And yes…it is sooo a decision each writer must make for him or herself, and, to me, it totally depends on where you’re at in your writing-for-publication journey.
What are your goals?
Can (whatever organization you’re interested in joining) help you reach those goals?
Is membership cost-effective?
Yikes. With all that money they’re taking in they can afford to keep the f@#$ up.
LOL! Well-put, Pj!!!
Cheers, Girlfriend!!!
You brought up some great points, definitely things to consider. I just discovered your blog, but I’m really enjoying it. Thank you!
Welcome to The WG2E, Diana!
I’m tickled you’re luuuvvvin’ our site!!!
You’ll find that we’re not shy about talkin’ all-things-Indie Epubbing…the good, the bad, and the downright ugly too.
We’re lookin’ forward to hearin’ from you on all sorts of superfab fun scoop.
Great article! I had been pondering joining, but you’ve convinced me otherwise. It would be one thing if they’d come into the 21st century, but obviously they’re not. There are too many other good avenues to use.
That’s the key, Jamie…making each of these decisions for yourself, based on your writing-for-publication career goals as well as based on where you’re currently at in your journey.
But definitely, if you’re an early adopter of new technologies and approaches to publishing, RWA is way, wayyyy behind the moment and resisting like mad to adapting at all.
I rejoined. I learned a lot from them in the beginning and now it’s the relationships I built over the years I treasure the most about it.
It always impressed me how generous the authors were with their time and willingness to share advice/experience – like you gals are with this blog!
I hear ya, Liz, on renewing to maintain relationships that have been created and nurtured through various RWA avenues.
I struggled with that too…
But, for me, unlike the “old days” when the RWA Yahoo Loops were the only way you really had access to your fave romance writing peeps – well, that avenue as well as all the various RWA Chapter Events – now, you can communicate with all your faves each and every day – FOR FREE – online, whether it’s here on our WG2E blog (like you mentioned) or on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, other superfab blogs/grogs, each author’s personal blogs and websites, etc.
Cheers to making your decision on what’s best for you…that’s all that matters.
Well said, DD. Sounds like they have their heads well and truly buried. As with many organizations, grass-root member are what draw you in, leaders are what drive you away.
Sooo hear ya on that one, AJ!
Great points!
Unfortunately, I think in many organizations of this size (RWA is over 10,000+ members), the leaders get caught-up by the bits of Corporate America that sponsor tons of things for said organizations.
For example, three years ago now, RWA took a stand – and to me, rightfully so, against Harlequin when that corporate entity had a new start-up company that had some very unethical strategies to woo-in newbie authors. But low and behold, Harlequin was the primary sponsor of RWA’s National Conference that year (they had paid for the tote bags we all got as well as many other items)…so that situation was resolved rather quickly.
Just like now, they’ve again, and for very good reason, raised concerns about Harlequins latest contracts regarding E-rights…but I doubt they go far enough, because again there are tons of Ad Dollars and Sponsorships they’d lose as well as perhaps a huge part of their membership base who would be affected if they were to sever ties with one of the big romance publishers.
I’m a self-published author that yesterday reached 10,000 sales of my two books in 13 weeks. Would I give up my RWA membership. NO! Just because self-published members aren’t currently recognized doesn’t mean they won’t be. The board needs to study the issue and come up with a policy that they feel will work. That will take time. Do I wish it had already happened–of course I do. I really hope it will change this year, so I can submit my books for the Ritas. But if not, there will be other years.
RWA, both my national and local chapters, means SO much more than publisher recognition. I wouldn’t have my self-publishing success if I hadn’t learned SO much about the craft and publishing from RWA. I wouldn’t be a Golden Heart winner (which I get to put on the cover of my self-published book.) I wouldn’t have made SO many fantastic friends and contacts, including new ones from the recent national conference in New York. I’ve had wonderful experiences because of people I’ve met or opportunities from National or my local chapter. I have no idea what I will get out of the organization in the future, but I know it will be more than I can imagine now.
However, I did cut back on going to conferences for about 4 years because of the expense. (I also give up my income as a psychotherapist in the week I’m gone, so it’s extra expensive for me.) I told myself that I wouldn’t attend another conference until my writing in some way paid for it. This year, with money from teaching online classes and the sale of a nonfiction book, was when I finally stepped back into the conference scene.
So give up conferences for a while, but don’t give up your memberships unless you absolutely can’t afford it. Even then, RWA national, as well as local chapters, have some hardship money set aside for memberships.
First of all, Debra…U Go, Girl!!!
10,000 Ebook sales in 13 weeks!!! That’s just superfab awesome sauce right there!!! Congrats!!!
And again…I sooo hear you about the relationships RWA creates between writers.
In fact, if it weren’t for RWA, Tonya and Lee and I may not have even met!!! I met Tonya when I taught one of my online Muse Therapy Classes for RWA. And I met Lee, a fellow RWA Member, through Tonya!!!
But, using us again as the example, we in no way shape or form need RWA to continue to build and grow our relationships!!!
This blog certainly isn’t RWA-Approved! Hell, they’re probably throwing tomatoes at us right now!!! LOL!!!
That said, though, again…it’s all about whatever decision is right for you and your career!!! So Go, Girl, Go!!!
P.S. One thing I’d like to mention here too…is that yes, Boards need time to study-up on new trends and industry changes…but Indie Epublishing is certainly not new…it’s been around and growing at huge, huge rates for at least the last three years!!! So, I’m thinking that’s beyond enough time to at least recognize and accept those authors as “published”.
P.S.S. And I’d also luuuvvv to hear your story as to why you chose to go the Indie Epub route when you’re a GH winner!!! Feel free to comment here, Debra, or perhaps you’d be interested in Guest Blogging for us…we do an entire series on “Writers Making Decisions” whether or not to Indie Epub. We’d luuuvvv to hear about your Indie Epub Journey!!!
Instead of going to any conferences this year I decided to use the $ for a proofreader / book cover designer / and ebook formatter
Super savvy move, Liz!
U Go, Girl!!!
Hi DeeDee–
Like you, I learned a lot by joining the RWA when I began seriously writing books. I met great people. But, after about five years, it began to feel like a shoe that was too small. Meetings that once energized, depressed me. I live by my intuition, rather than logic. My inner voice told me it was time to leave. No regrets!
Dana
Wow, Dana, your response is just brilliant…when you said this, I did a big ‘ole Happy Dance:
“…after about five years, it began to feel like a shoe that was too small. Meetings that once energized, depressed me. I live by my intuition, rather than logic. My inner voice told me it was time to leave. No regrets!”
That is such a superfab important part of any writer’s journey…YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE…THEN ACT UPON IT!!!
If that inner voice is telling you – and showing you in how you and your body feel – that “whoa…this is not nurturing to me, my muses and/or my career”…it’s time to move on.
T and I just had this conversation yesterday, right T?
And when that shoe does fit – perhaps in the Indie Epub World – that’s your Cinderella Moment!!!
No more pumpkins at midnight for you…just sales and new readers all night long!!! LOL!!!
Thanks sooo very much for sharing this, Dana!!! You are such a wise, wise woman!!! Hugs, Girlfriend!!!
Two days, two great posts that made me think. Love that! WTG!
Am I ready to let go of my RWA membership? Not at this point. Even though I whole heartedly believe that yall have made a series of excellent points, I’m not ready to do it yet. The why has everything to do with… RWA is a large organization, with bylaws. Large organizations take time to make changes. They also need leaders who are willing to consider making changes. The organization as a whole has made a lot of positive strides in fighting for the health and welfare of the romance genre/industry and as a whole and I support that.
That said, this mixed up crazy publishing industry paradigm is still shifting and what is great is that the power is moving back to the author and giving the author choices. I love that. Because I 100% believe that every author should be paid *fairly* for the work they do. I also think that RWA may just have a place in this 52 card pickup that’s going on. I don’t know what that place is. I know what I’d like to see… but I also know that no organization will change unless there are people in positions of authority and power who are willing to go to bat for what they believe in.
I do feel like RWA will adapt to the times. Will it take time? Oh yeah. Do I need to be a member of RWA for that change to happen? No. But until then am I willing to deduct my RWA dues as an expense for my writing business? Yeah, I can do that… at least until my dues come up for renewal in Feb 2012. ;o)
And one last thought… I like what you said about RT. It makes a LOT more sense for an indie romance author to attend that one since its a reader conference. And I hear it’s quite a hoot to attend!
Take care and happy writing!
~EK
PS–For those who don’t know, it was DD’s muse therapy workshop that introduced me (the muse extraordinaire) to my writer… I can’t thank DD enough for encouraging my author to indulge my crazy muse ways and my Sir Tom Jones music addiction. LOL! Thanks, DD!
Aw-shucks, Elijana…cheers to you and your Sir Tom Jones music-addicted muses!!! LOL! You rock!!! Nothin’ beats helping other writers treat their muses!!!
And what sage words you posted in your response!!! Well done!!!
At the risk of repeating myself – but what the hell, it’s important enough to continuing repeating – You Made The Decision That Was Right For You and That’s All That Matters!!!
U Go, Girl!!!
I totally agree with you that organizations like RWA must do their homework and be prudent in the major changes in policy they make. But those same organizations must also have the leasership – like you suggested – and the courage to be open to change and the courage to then make those changes regardless of where their bread’s buttered.
I fear RWA is truly one of those organizations no longer looking out for its members but, like Corporate America and The Big Six, acting based on their bottom line and preserving the past.
If RWA truly had its membership’s interests at heart, it would already totally “get” that the majority of authors will now be making a living from their Indie Epubbed books, not from the traditional publishers anymore.
They’ve been “studying” this for at least the last three years I’ve been a member and have yet to take one single action producing a change. A survey should have been sent out every year on this and dialogue given a “workshop track” at every conference and columns in every RWR!!!
The other thing I can’t quite grasp is that even if they’re most concerned with their bottom line, allowing Indie Epubs into recognizable status would also be a huge membership income boost!!! Can you imagine the number of Kindle and Nook Romance Authors who would luuuvvv to join an organization promoting them?!!!
Instead, what do we get?
Non-factual Nasty Grams from National Executive Board Members because we dare to question what’s taking so long…
And huge ‘ole WooHoooooossss to RT…RT “gets” it!!!
Yeah, you do make some valid points and, well… three years of studying is a long time… heck, one more year and they can get a BA degree in it. ;o) I don’t like their stance or behavior toward epub presses–it’s gotten better, but is it where it should be? Not in my oh so not humble opinion.
Okay, so let me ask you this… (because I don’t know the answer to it) with RWA being a non profit organization, what could they do for self pubs? What does the indie revolution need from organizations like RWA? Do they need anything from RWA? Especially since you’ve got other online organizations and conferences that have popped up like the Online Muse Conference and Savvy Authors.
~EK
Great, great questions, EK!!!
And I mean great, great questions…because yeah, that non-profit status does hinder organizations like RWA in what it can actively do to promote sales for anything or anyone.
That said, I think they can do for Indie Epub Authors exactly what they’re doing for their accepted and approved TradiPub Authors…for example:
1. They can allow Indie Epubs into PAN (Published Author Network) or set-up a similar level for Indie Epubs where we get to meet and chat with say freelance cover designers, format peeps, Estributors, Kindle and Nook reps, etc.
1.5. They can establish workshop tracks at each conference for Indie Epubs and have columns dedicated every month in RWR to Indie Epubs
2. They can allow us into the RITAs…
***(although, that said, and I’ll post on this in another post later on, today’s readers could care less whether or not you’ve won a GH or RITA…they don’t even know what that is, for the most part!!! Those are superfab awards but from your peers, they do NOTHING and mean NOTHING to readers…if you don’t believe me, ask a reader “is so-and-so author a GH or RITA Winner?” Your answer 99% of the time…I know…because I’ve done this multiple times…”I don’t know. What’s that?”)
3. And here’s one they can do for the ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP…no matter where you are in the writing-for-publication career path…open it up to readers, have all day events for readers at conferences versus one, two-hour event at each national conference.
***RWA has sooo much to learn from RT!!!
Well if you take out the cost of Nationals, it’s not that big an investment. I’ve been a member of almost all the writing organizations around, and RWA is the most professional and well run. They are definitely behind the times with regard to status as a “professional author” but outside of PAN that doesn’t change your membership in it.
While the indie world is growing, it’s also morphing. While people like Konrath and Eisler have blogged and made great waves about being “indie” the reality is Konrath is now working his agent and Eisler never was indie, going from SMP to Thomas & Mercer. They’re doing what’s best for their career. Which is what we all have to do and there are many roads to Oz.
I do think RWA needs to take a hard look at Pasadena next year and consider whether they are going to have an indie track, where those members who have been successful can share their expertise. But the reality is the future will be a mixture of a lot of things, so walking away from a professional writing organization that does bring a lot to the table might not be the best move for me. I sell 2,500 eBooks a day and am doing far better as an indie than I ever was traditionally, but I still have a manuscript with a trad author and one with Thomas & Mercer; keeping my options open.
I do think, and have blogged about, how these organizations need to change their focus and adapt and also recognize those who have had success on their own.
Networking is still going to count for a lot.
Great points, Bob, and thanks sooo much for jumping-into our conversation!
Although I’m not allowed to share the contents (“or paraphrase” per the nasty gram) of the horrid letter I got from one of the RWA’s National Executive Board Member yesterday, I can say this…
I sooo agree that it’s supersage wise to keep all your options open…but it’s not smart to keep your foot on a threshold to a doorway that is continually slammed in your face…and damn, if it isn’t quite painful too…especially when they slip you nasty grams while slamming the door…yet again!!! LOL!
The bottom line for me is I just don’t want to be a part of an organization that doesn’t talk and walk it’s own mission statement.
Here’s the RWA’s mission statement…and there’s no way any of us can say they’re livin’ it and acting upon it:
“The mission of Romance Writers of America is to advance the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy. RWA works to support the efforts of its members to earn a living, to make a full-time career out of writing romance—or a part-time one that generously supplements his/her main income.”
And quite frankly, the world is changing too fast, and life’s way to short to wait another year to see if they’re gonna change and adapt!!!
Even if you take out the cost of conferences, I can spend the $600 otherwise I used to spend on RWA on sponsorships on Ereader-Centric Blogs and at RT where all our readers and fans hang!!!
Oh, and btw, Bob…superfab awesome sauce on now being at 2500 Ebook sales per day!!! Damn, you are rockin’ it!!!
Congrats!!!
I’d luuuvv for you to Guest Post again for us on what you’re thinkin’ is as to how and/or what is responsible for your huge sales increases…other than your superfab books of course!!! What do ya say?!
All good points–especially doing what’s right for your career and your business.
Okay, so the OCD research scientist in me feels the need to add… make *educated* decisions for your career and business. And that means for me adding an item to my to-do list and… a post it note slapped to the monitor to go check out Bob’s blog and his thoughts on how these organizations need to change–right after lunch.
Oh and hey, DD–if I didn’t mention it, I took the plunge into indie land and with little to no promoting (because I’ve been hard at work on the next book) I sold 50 books in 11 days. Doesn’t sound like much, but hey… you gotta start somewhere. And after reading Anne’s comment down below about the comedy market… yeah, my decision to go indie with this and the next book sounds like the right move–for these books. I’ll reevaluate the other books as I get there.
Thanks, everyone, for giving me some thought for food!
Take care and happy writing, reading, and musing!
~EK
I think you’ll get a lot of positive responses to this post. When I retweeted L.A.’s post yesterday about her decision to leave RWA after 17 years, I got amazing replies. People are hearing this.
RWA has obviously become an arm of corporate publishing, instead of a coalition of writers. Since corporate publishing has made itself irrelevant (doing things like declaring romantic comedies dead and saying we all have to write paranormal) RWA i s irrelevant, too. It’s as if the Teamsters suddenly started negotiating for oil company executives against the workers.
Anybody who writes comedy is forced to go indie or to a small press, because comedy was declared dead by a handful of New York corporate guys in the middle of the last decade. . Trouble is, the demand for light, fun escapist fiction only grew when it was “banned”.
That’s why indie chick lit is THE hottest genre right now. I’ve read there’s a huge market for it opening up in India, China and Japan, where middle European mythology (vampires and werewolves) and heavy duty erotica have no market. RWA and the corporate drones don’t seem to care about readers or writers. And obviously, they don’t care much about sales, either. They just want control.
I see no reason to join an organization that is not only irrelevant, but bullying.
That last line, “I see no reason to join an organization that is not only irrelevant, but bullying” caught my attention immediately. It seems almost every time a company reaches a certain size in it’s industry, that’s what happens to it. It becomes a bully.
I can see that that’s what RWA has become. And, whether a company has by laws or not, whether they are a large corporation or not, does NOT keep that company from moving fast to adjust to the changing times. What keeps them from moving fast is simple . . . leaders that don’t want to change. Leaders that are becoming obsolete.
All that has to be done is a decision to change. Then that person sits down and rethinks the by laws, proposing them to whomever else needs to see, they put their heads together, voila, change is made, period.
What is evident now is simply greed and stubbornness.
The publishing industry is in fact changing. And at a RAPID pace. In fact, technology is enabling industries to change faster than ever before. If that is not embraced, the corporate entity is left behind. Pure and simple. What happens when a company is left behind? They become an empty shell.
Stepping off soap box.
P.S. I’ve also just discovered this blog, and it’s because you’ve posted on the .99 cent facebook page. Good blog, keep it going!
By the way, I’ve also entered the realm of ebooks. My first two books are available for .99 now. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/70483
Welcome to The WG2E, L.A., and congrats on your first steps into the Indie Epub World!
I’m sooo thrilled you found me on the 99 Cent Facebook Page!!! Cheers to that!!!
I luuuvvv what you said right here:
“The publishing industry is in fact changing. And at a RAPID pace. In fact, technology is enabling industries to change faster than ever before. If that is not embraced, the corporate entity is left behind. Pure and simple. What happens when a company is left behind? They become an empty shell.”
Just beyond well said!!! And thanks sooo much for sharing with us!!!
Super savvy move too, L.A., to begin your Indie Epub Journey using the awesome sauce 99 Cent Price Points! That will ensure readers will take a chance on you and your books! Well done!!!
Wavin’ atchya, Anne, and thanks sooo much for your kind words!
You know, it’s exactly what you said right here…”
“People are hearing this.”
That’s what it’s all about for us here at The WG2E! Sharing all the scoop…all of it…the good, the bad, and the just beyond rotten too!!!
For years, organizations like RWA have made their very existence and a large part of their declared value based on the power they create for themselves to be the almighty annointers of “who’s in and who’s out”.
As a politico-psychologist by degree, I understand “group-think” and the damage it can cause. I understand what exclusionary policies do to increase a firmly entrenched power base.
Here’s the psychology behind groups like RWA:
They increase and/or at least maintain their power by keeping as many members as they can in the masses yet to achieve success. Those “unpubbed” members – in RWA’s case – continue to feed the resources of the group at large in hopes they too someday will succeed. Now then…when those masses of the so-deemed “unsuccessful” find a way to go around the “successful” members’ paths and achieve their own success, they no longer NEED the power base of the upper echelons of the group. Ahhh…and that’s where the groups in control begin to fight hard to preserve what used to be under their command.
Make sense?
What these “old guard” thinkers never get is that if they’d simply open-up and embrace the masses’ new paths swiftly and surely, they’d all grow and prosper together!!!
Thanks, Anne, for the RTs yesterday and today leading me here. I read L.A.’s blog post with great interest and, knowing that D.D.’s post today was coming up, I’ve been avidly waiting. Thanks to both L.A. and D.D. for their perspectives.
I’ve been toying with RWA membership for months, but could never decide. The mission statement SOUNDS like the organization does just what an aspiring or published author hopes it will, but there’s just something in the balance of the information, membership application, etc. on the RWA website that felt off-putting to me.
As it happens, I follow most of my favorite authors on Twitter and FB, and have been slowly but surely building relationships that, if nothing else, give me a basis for continuing to love them and the work they do. Reading their tweets and FB posts about the fun times they had in NYC this summer DID make me wish I’d acted sooner and attended the RWA national conference myself, but what are the odds that I’d have even gotten close enough to even say “hello, I’m a huge fan” to any one of them? Slim, I’d have to say.
Anyway, I’m very glad for this and many of the other blogs I’m able to read, participate in, and to learn so much from FOR FREE. Thanks Anne, D.D. and all of you for providing such a rich and vital environment for writers and readers alike.
Welcome to The WG2E, Constance!!!
And a big ‘ole shout-out and thank you to Anne for reeling you in!!! LOL!!!
What you said right here is what we’re all about here at The WG2E and what organizations like RWA are missin’:
“Thanks Anne, D.D. and all of you for providing such a rich and vital environment for writers and readers alike.”
Notice you didn’t say for this type of writer or that type of writer or reader…it’s about creating a rich and vital environment for all writers and readers no matter what path you’ve travelled to get there.
I’ve been an RWA member through a number of trials–the non-recognition of epublishing, the non-recognition of my membership because I edited for an epublisher, the non-recognition of me as published–either e or indie. And as an indie author who hasn’t yet hit my stride,
the financial aspect is important.
RWA is a slow moving organization that still needs to face the future with an open mind. Even if some members don’t approve of indie publishing, it’s an option. A good option. And that needs to be addressed. Keeping an open dialog and a track at the next conference would be a start. Individual chapter meetings to advance knowledge, even better.
My local chapter supports all publishing venues. Keeping contact with these supportive folks is the main reason I’ve made the decision continue to belong to RWA. That and to help the process along.
Wavin’ atchya, Lizzie, and thanks sooo much for sharing your experiences!!!
And I’m sooo glad to hear from many of you that your local chapters are not abiding by national bylaws and going ahead and supporting all publishing venues!!! LOL!!!
A couple of my chapters have had these exact same conversations…unfortunately, I had a lot of by-the-rule-book peeps in my chapters…LOL!!!
I did the whole pros and cons list and I always come back to the thought that you can only change something from the inside. I still believe RWA can move forward. When or if it does, I want to be there. It is beyond amazing to have readers, actual people who have read your book, but *I* need my fellow writers to communicate with. If I didn’t have RWA and my wonderful chapters, I would be back in my writing cave and never see anyone.
I hear ya, Jill, and totally get that point too…but, that said, sometimes, the only way you can affect change is by makin’ noise on the outside!!! LOL!!!
But cheers to you and your amazing writing peeps!!!
I thought I was the only one deciding on to renew my membership to RWA. I decided not to renew, cause I am self published and know that NY will never publish me. Thanks for your blog and knowing that I am not alone. I like being and Indie Author
U betchya, Sharon!
And wow…what a superfab result of our WG2E posts on this topic…we are discovering there are a ton of us struggling with the same RWA decisions.
I’m sooo thrilled to be able to share our decision-making processes and elements.
Cheers to having the courage to voice our concerns!!!
I was a member of RWA way back in 1988, and in 1989 I started the Aloha Chapter of RWA in Hawaii and I believe it is still a thriving chapter. When I moved back to Idaho and continued with the SIC of RWA, it was for the local chapter meetings I enjoyed going to. Brainstorming, reading, reviewing, critiquing were great avenues toward my goal of being published and helped me tremendously to learn. When I was a member of RWA, epublishing didn’t exist and probably not thought of, I don’t really know. But the reason I got out of RWA was their snobbish attitude towards those of us not yet published and still working hard toward that goal then and telling me my writing didn’t fit any form of “their genre”. I attended only one conference — 1989 in San Francisco — and going from Hawaii at the time was also expensive, not to mention the many plane problems we had in just going; Tess Gerritsen, Carole Bellacera and I took hours in the Hawaii airport bouncing from plane to plane just to leave the island, lol. Anyway, DeeDee you had some great points and I totally understand your decision in making them. I had thought about joining RWA again since getting back into my writing, but with all that I have read and heard about how they treat non traditional, e-published authors, my attitude and thoughts about that organization hasn’t changed and I see their dues/fees have skyrocketed since I was member. That is a fee I can spend on copies of my paperbacks, which I seem to be selling more of than ebooks (paperback sales – 40; ebooks – 31) . But being online and in the epub groups on facebook and blogs like this one (though I miss the critique and brainstorming physical groups the most) keep me focused to keep writing more of my books and this time to not let life get in my way like it did before.
Thank you.
U betchya, Jacqueline!!!
I’ve had many of the same ‘tude-heavy experiences you’ve had with RWA throughout the years…in fact…so many I was forced into “therapy”…LOL!!!…MUSE THERAPY that is…the Amazon Bestselling non-fiction, on-writing book I wrote to help us all cope with some of the RWA muse-sucking moments!!!
WOW!! Another great way to rock the grog! I go away for the weekend and it explodes! I love that we can discuss and cuss items while paying to forward to each other and respecting each other! This is a great and FREE community that accepts all forms of publishing. AND that is what we intended when me, LA, and DD (misa former member), brainstormed this idea in early December 2010.
As for my RWA membership, I will keep it. I won’t keep my online memberships because they offer nothing for me. I’ve formed the friendships that I will keep, and can talk to on a regular basis that I found on those online RWA chapters. I love my local chapter and have helped a lot of them with Indie questions. As a matter of fact, most of my chapter is self published and we cheer each other on. I’m on the board as well. If I didn’t have those meetings to go to, I might not be as motivated to get the Indie word out. I love going there and bragging about our Indie community.
But RWA national does need to get with the times. I’m sure they will, but the question is when?
THANKS FOR COMING TO OUR HUMBLE BLOG!!!!! WE LOVE HAVING YOU HERE!!
Cheers to WG2E cuss and discusses, T!!!
LOL!!!
And yes…we sooo luuuvvv sharin’ the Indie Epub Journey with y’all!!!
D.D.– From your post I clearly see the logic behind your decision not to renew. But, I’ll also point out why I WILL be renewing my RWA. You said your goal is to reach readers and promote your books to them. I get that. But RWA exists as a professional organization of peers. That would be like lawyers showing up at a Bar Association conference hoping to drum up clients.
I’ve cherished my membership with RWA for 10 years. Do they recognize my indie book? No. Do they support my publishing efforts as an e-published author? Not as much as I’d like. Are they the foremost resource on the latest changes in the industry. Not really. BUT, from among the 10K+ members, I have formed incredible bonds with other authors. I’ve learned so much from those individuals. There is no other writing organization I know of that affords the networking opportunities provided by RWA. I invest my membership fees and conference registrations in further developing my craft and broadening my connections with people.
A slightly different perspective: I’m not from USA and don’t attend conferences, so my outlay is not as much as you ‘local’ people. Also, I’m both paper published and e-published but not self-published – not really interested in that AT THIS POINT.
I agree, RWA seems to be less and less relevant to the 21st century and I’ve been wondering about pulling the plug. (I also belong to Romance Writers of Australia and Romance Writers of New Zealand which are slightly more relevant to me – and they are a very helpful bunch, no snobbery).
I’ve been writing for years and years and years, and as a member of the old guard, have had a terrific struggle to keep up with new technology (Facebook drives me nuts, but I’m working on it). If I can keep up – barely – with the 21st century, why can’t RWA? Their glossy magazines show me places I can advertise, and that’s about it. Networking doesn’t really apply since I ‘know’ only a handful of RWA-ers.
Like you, I’m thinking…thinking…about rejoining. Maybe for one more year to see if things improve?