The Word Guild

1. Discussion Forums

The discussion groups are online discussion forums for writing-related topics, designed to be community-building, information-sharing and networking opportunities for members. If you require further information or wish to join a group, please contact The Word Guild's administrative assistant.

A. The Word Guild Discussion Forum (listserv)

A free moderated on-line forum for discussion of writing issues and exchange of information. Nearly 200 of our members, ranging from long-established professionals to aspiring and new writers, take part in our main Yahoo e-mail group. Many members find it to be an invaluable source of information, advice, support, encouragement and friendship. You can post your writing-related questions, benefit from the input of other members and respond to others' questions. The moderator posts a variety of questions to generate lively discussion, ranging from sharing tips on time management, goal-setting and how to handle criticism or rejection letters, to listing your "desert island choices" of favorite books or explaining which character in the Wizard of Oz you most identify with! Only TWG members may belong to this group.

B. "Build Up" Discussion Forum

We are Canadian authors who are members of The Word Guild and who wish to build up one another along with our reputations in the marketplace. The members of the group will assist one another, through encouragement, practical advice, and hands-on activities, in publicizing and promoting our books. To be a member, you must have at least one book that is published or about to be published.

C. ReVision: An Online Critique Group

Would you like The Word Guild members' comments and suggestions on your writing? Are you willing to return the favour? If so, ReVision may be the group for you. All forms of writing are welcome: 1500 to 2000 word excerpts from articles, biographies, devotionals, short stories, novels, children's stories, poetry, song lyrics, cover letters, query letters, synopses, etc. Anyone who can read can critique. You may not understand all the writing "rules," but you can still tell the author how you feel about the submission.

2. Write! On Bi-weekly E-Newsletter

This bi-weekly e-mail newsletter provides members with advance notice of upcoming TWG events, reminders about deadlines, and lots of useful information about job openings, writing contests, workshops, publishing industry news and Internet resources. It also enables you to share your successes by informing your fellow members about upcoming media appearances, booksignings, speaking engagements, teaching courses and publication credits. Members can advertise their services in For Hire ads, or place Help Wanted ads if they wish to obtain someone's services.

3. Billet Program

Looking for a home to stay while attending a conference, book signing or speaking engagement? TWG has set up a network across Canada connecting members with other members who may be willing to house them overnight.

4. Membership Directory

We periodically publish a membership directory, which enables members to network with each other and see who lives in your vicinity. This list may not be used for solicitation or mass mailing purposes.

5. Links To Your Website

Our new Member Promotion website called Where Two Paths Converge… connecting readers with writers offers opportunities for all members to announce their new books, awards, and other news, as well as listing upcoming speaking and signing dates. All members can also add a link to their blog. Professional members who are authors, editors or freelance writers can promote their products and services as well.

6. Blog from Canadian Authors

Authors who are professional members of The Word Guild are able to participate in a joint promotional project by recording their reflections on writing, life and faith in a daily blog. This provides a place for readers and potential buyers of their work to get to know the authors and see what they are thinking. Read it regularly.

7. Professional Directory

This is a directory of professional members who do freelance or contract work, and marketed to more than 150 editors, publishers and potential buyers of writing and editorial services. This publication is available for download on our Member Promotion website and is not printed.

8. The Word Guild Authors' Books in Print

The Word Guild Authors' Books in Print is a listing of books by our members that are currently in print. This document is available for download from our website.

9. Promotion of Books and Periodicals

We promote books and periodicals by our members at events.

10. Readers' Guide

We produce a Canadian Christian Authors' Guide, which is a professionally-designed, full-colour glossy brochure advertising recent books by professional members of TWG. See it here.

11. Discount on Write Canada! Conference

Write! Canada is the Word Guild's flagship three-day national conference, held each June in Guelph, Ontario. It is a conference for writers of all types and at all stages, and offers solid instruction, stimulating interaction, exciting challenge, and worshipful community. TWG members receive advance notice about the conference, and a discount on the registration fee.

12. Discount on Regional Write! Events

Can't make it to Write! Canada? The Word Guild is coming to a city near you! Watch this website for details about upcoming one-day Saturday conferences. TWG members receive advance notice, and a discount on the registration fee.

13. Discount on The Word Guild Writing Awards Entry Fees

We expanded our annual awards program to include 35 categories for articles, columns, reviews, poems, novels, nonfiction books, etc. This gives more opportunities for you to have your work recognized and be shortlisted or receive an award. All entrants receive helpful comments from the judge's critique. TWG members receive a discount on entry fees. Our Awards website.

14. Prayer Support from the Prayer Team

The Word Guild prayer team exists to pray for the ministry, staff, programs and members of The Word Guild. A weekly e-mail prayer bulletin and a Yahoo listserv allow prayer team members to stay up-to-date on requests, praises and updates. It's amazing the sense of unity and community the Lord builds among members as He joins our geographically diverse prayers.