About PWAC

What PWAC Does

• Advocates on copyright reform, status of the artist legislation, fair contracting, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, public cultural funding, small business finances, tax issues and media ethics.
• Provides press credentials for any interested member.
• Acts as an information hub for members through regular electronic bulletins, an electronic newsletter, 3 listservs, a Linked In group, and a members-only website.
• Provides networking opportunities for members through the local chapter structure, listserv communications, and regional/national conferences.
• Provides professional development opportunities to members through local chapter programming, online resources, and the national conference.
• Provides detailed markets information to members through electronic bulletins, listerv postings and the Canadian Writers' Market online database.
• Promotes its members and their works through writers.ca, the PWAC Speakers' Bureau, and the PWAC Publication Promotion.
• Studies and reports on the writing and publishing industry.
• Represents Canadian professional writers through the pwac.ca website and its blog.
• Leads the Canadian magazine publishing industry toward better writer/publisher relations through the Magazine Industry Task Force.
• Fronts a united force for Canadian writing organizations to challenge and confront unfavourable media contracts.
• Provides writing-related resources both in print and online.
• Partners with other writing and publishing groups to streamline and improve services.
• Provides access to affordable health benefits for self-employed workers through the PWAC's founding membership in the Writers' Coalition Benefits program.
• Helps mediate payment and copyright disputes between individual members and clients or third parties.
• Works cooperatively and represents the interests of all Canadian writers through its involvement with related organizations such as Access Copyright, the Creators' Copyright Coalition, the Canadian Arts Coalition, the Canada Conference of the Arts, the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors, the Book &Periodical Council, and Magazines Canada.
• Facilitates professional relationships between experienced and beginning writers.
• Provides ongoing support for Canadian writers involved in business-related class action and free press.