With newly amended bylaws, the SFWA – Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America organization will now be accepting self-published and indie authors. In the past, authors whose works were published by small publishers or self-published as an independent author (indie) were excluded from obtaining membership in the organization.
The SFWA is: “SFWA is a professional organization for authors of science fiction, fantasy and related genres. SFWA informs, supports, promotes, defends and advocates for its members. We host the prestigious Nebula Awards, assist members in legal disputes with publishers, and administer benevolent funds for authors facing medical or legal expenses. Novice authors benefit from our Information Center and the well-known Writer Beware site.”
Steven Gould, president of SFWA said in a statement: “Writers write. Professional writers get paid a decent amount for what they write. For the past five years it’s been apparent that there are ways to earn that decent amount that were not being covered by our previous qualification standards. Though these changes took a substantial amount of time, I’m grateful to everyone who worked toward this end.”
The updated bylaws will take effect on March 1st and authors can review the new membership standards at their website. Applications from smaller publishers, and indie authors will also be accepted at that time.
