Independent Writers of Chicago - IWOC

09/08/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #4

The #4 benefit of membership is free programming: IWOC hosts virtual meetings delivered by experts on ways to boost business and hone skills for independent writers and content creators!

In 2026, we have had several presentations that are recorded and open to members for viewing at any time:

July: "Opportunities for Skilled Storytellers"
June: "Leveraging Social Media to Promote Your Book"
May: "SEO: What Creative Content Writers Need to Know"
March: "Get Your Writing Seen in Magazines...and More"
January: "The Unconventional Path from Book Idea to Book in Hand"

When you become an IWOC member, you join an organization of communications experts who make a living as independent writers and content creators. You also join a community of professionals who care about advancing the causes of freelancing and gig work, who recognize the power that results from a creative fellowship, and who support each other’s careers and dreams.

Learn more membership benefits for independent writers and content creators at: https://iwoc.org/join-iwoc.

Tresa will explain why organizations across industries increasingly seek storytelling skills, why opportunities are growing for journalists and copywriters alike, how and where writers can market their storytelling abilities and how writers can hone their skills. Join us for this scintillating progr...

09/06/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #3

The #3 benefit of membership is access to general resources for writers of all levels and the Writers' Line Job Board for independent professionals: find clients and build relationships with a suite of project search tools for writers and content creators!

When you become an IWOC member, you join an organization of communications experts who make a living as independent writers and content creators. You also join a community of professionals who care about advancing the causes of freelancing and gig work, who recognize the power that results from a creative fellowship, and who support each other’s careers and dreams.

Learn more membership benefits for independent writers and content creators at: https://iwoc.org/join-iwoc.

09/04/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #2

The #2 benefit of membership is new business development: Create an IWOC professional services profile for the searchable “Find a Writer” database used by potential clients!

When you become an IWOC member, you join an organization of communications experts who make a living as independent writers and content creators. You also join a community of professionals who care about advancing the causes of freelancing and gig work, who recognize the power that results from a creative fellowship, and who support each other’s careers and dreams.

Learn more membership benefits for independent writers and content creators at: https://iwoc.org/join-iwoc.

09/03/2026

We are Independent Writers of Chicago.

Since 1981, we've been helping writers of all stripes succeed.

Ask us how at our table near the intersection of Polk Street and Dearborn Street at the Printers Row Lit Fest.

Or start getting in on the good stuff and join us today!

Read all of the benefits of membership at https://www.iwoc.org/join-iwoc.

We hope to see you soon!

09/02/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #1

The #1 benefit of membership is business opportunity: IWOC appears on the first page of Internet searches for "Chicago independent writers" and “Chicago freelance writers,” helping you to find business from content seekers!

When you become an IWOC member, you join an organization of communications experts who make a living as independent writers and content creators. You also join a community of professionals who care about advancing the causes of freelancing and gig work, who recognize the power that results from a creative fellowship, and who support each other’s careers and dreams.

Learn more membership benefits for independent writers and content creators at: https://iwoc.org/join-iwoc.

08/31/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #14

The #14 benefit of membership is fellowship: You won't find a nicer group of fellow pros who are eager to help you succeed!

When you become an IWOC member, you join an organization of communications experts who make a living as independent writers and content creators. You also join a community of professionals who care about advancing the causes of freelancing and gig work, who recognize the power that results from a creative fellowship, and who support each other’s careers and dreams.

Learn more membership benefits for independent writers and content creators at: https://iwoc.org/join-iwoc.

Not yet ready to join? Follow our activities by subscribing to our updates: https://www.iwoc.org/stay-informed.

08/30/2026

IWOC is proud to announce that IWOC Member Jay Schwartz has been given the honor of having his short story, "Off Limits," included in the prestigious anthology of Tilt: Off-Kilter Stories for a Topsy-Turvy World.

From Amazon: "Creeping sensations, dubious visitors, narrators gone horribly rogue …these startling short stories from the Off Campus Writers’ Workshop will TILT your reality with off-kilter tales both humorous and haunting. From whiplash to spirits to a note slipped under the door, TILT takes readers on a narrative sprint with breathtaking twists you don’t see coming."

Check out the twists and turns in Jay's story on Page 237. And don't forget to write a review. :)

Congratulations, Jay!

08/30/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #12

The #12 benefit of membership is an open role on a committee: IWOC always seeks to revitalize its membership with professional writers and content creators who want to bring new ideas to the table and/or hone their own people and business skills!

When you become an IWOC member, you join an organization of communications experts who make a living as independent writers and content creators. You also join a community of professionals who care about advancing the causes of freelancing and gig work, who recognize the power that results from a creative fellowship, and who support each other’s careers and dreams.

Learn more membership benefits for independent writers and content creators at: https://iwoc.org/join-iwoc.

08/28/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #9

The #9 benefit of membership is "STET," IWOC's monthly blog: Our blog features a monthly President's Post as well as affords members to contribute thought pieces and other information of relevance to independent writers and content creators!

Jim Kepler, a longtime member, recently contributed "An IWOC Testimonial" on some of the many assignments he earned through membership over 40 years. Read his testimonial at https://www.iwoc.org/stet-blog/13648602.

When you become an IWOC member, you join an organization of communications experts who make a living as independent writers and content creators. You also join a community of professionals who care about advancing the causes of freelancing and gig work, who recognize the power that results from a creative fellowship, and who support each other’s careers and dreams.

Learn more membership benefits for independent writers and content creators at: https://iwoc.org/join-iwoc.

08/26/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #11

The #11 benefit of membership is the opportunity to share thoughts and tips with fellow writers and content creators: IWOC hosts a Membership Forum for members to pose questions or share ideas with other members to stimulate discussion about subjects relevant to our endeavors!

When you become an IWOC member, you join an organization of communications experts who make a living as independent writers and content creators. You also join a community of professionals who care about advancing the causes of freelancing and gig work, who recognize the power that results from a creative fellowship, and who support each other’s careers and dreams.

Learn more membership benefits for independent writers and content creators at: https://iwoc.org/join-iwoc.