The South Jersey Writers’ Group is open to all writers, regardless of experience, OR location! We went virtual in 2020, and continue virtual offerings for many of our programs.

Graphic novelist Glenn Herdling signs books at a SJWG meeting, 2019.

Programs

Featured Guests

SJWG hosts virtual guest speakers on the first Thursday of the month. Our guests have spoken on topics ranging from craft and genre details, to agent representation, to indie author marketing. See a list of our past guests here!


Third Thursday Craft and Conversation

Our Third Thursday meetings are conversations about craft, community, and celebrating successes! We dive into a particular aspect of writing (and sometimes, the business of writing). Members who meet in-person are invited to join us early for networking and chatting! Members are also able to attend virtually via Zoom.


Critique Group

Critique group meetings are for a small number of participants to share and critique their work. We are currently hosting two per month.


Special Events

Occasionally, SJWG hosts special events–workshop intensives, writing retreats, and social events like Open Mic Nights; Write-Ins, Meet & Greets. Plus, our annual holiday gathering is not to be missed! Subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest.

Dawn Byrne and Mieke Zamora-Mackay selling books at the Launch Party for the 2014 SJWG Anthology, Reading Glasses

Member Benefits

South Jersey Writers’ Group Members have access to all the above programs at no additional charge! Occasionally we will host workshops or other intensives that will incur an additional fee; if these events are open to the public, members may receive a discount.

Publicity

  • SJWG is offering members the option to be interviewed, featured on our blog and YouTube channel, and also featured in our monthly newsletter. This is just beginning! Reach out to Gerri Mahn, Vice President, or Contact Us to be featured.
  • We’re always proud to share the accomplishments of our members! We’ll post book launches as actual Meetup events for other members to attend, and are always looking to share good news from our members to our social media following!
  • We also have a solid presence at the Collingswood Book Festival every year. New authors who may not be able to host a table on their own are welcome to place their books for sale on our booth.
  • We also love to feature our members at meetings! If you have a topic you’re an expert in, complete our Speaker Interest Form, and we’ll be in touch.
  • Coming soon: a public member directory where members can share their social links, books, and services.

Community

Networking – SJWG members connect and support each other online, at book launches, signings, and … anywhere books are to be found!

We are also involved in the local writing community, participating with library events and activities, and learning, sharing, and networking with other writing groups in the area.

2019 Board Chairman, Vince Sparks, presents (outgoing Treasurer) Mieke Zamora-Mackay with SJWG's Certificate of Appreciation for her years of service in many roles and on the board.
2019 Board Chairman, Vince Sparks, presents (outgoing Treasurer) Mieke Zamora-Mackay with SJWG’s Certificate of Appreciation for her years of service in many roles and on the board.

Membership Dues

Annual Dues are $35. All new members have a free 60-day trial period to try out the group and different events during this period. Dues are due on day 61, and if not paid, will place you in “Awaiting Dues” status.

Your membership is active for one full year from your join date. Your “anniversary” is also your join date, not the date you paid dues. Late payments for the upcoming year make your membership retroactive from the day you joined.

All membership dues for 2022 and 2023 should be paid via Meetup, as well as updating membership status (member leaving, etc.) Any refunds must also be requested through the SJWG Meetup.com site.

Former members who are returning after more than one year away may re-join for a new 60-day trial period. You must re-join the group, then message the organizer account to re-activate. (It will take a few days! Meetup customer service needs to be involved.)

Special Circumstances

Dues for students actively enrolled in high school, college, graduate school, or specialize writing program is $20 per year. To take advantage of this, join the group on Meetup.com, and contact the Organizer of the group.

In the case of a hardship, where the annual dues are a hardship for the writer, please Contact Us and we will work with you. Our goal is to keep writing training and authorship as accessible as possible, and we are here for support.

Note: if you are a member having Meetup or Zoom access issues, the fastest way to reach us is via the South Jersey Writers’ Group Meetup Organizer account!