The NWU has more than 1500 members and 15 local chapters nationwide. As freelance writers, we may value our autonomy, but we are united in the fact that we work independently. Whether you're a journalist, a book author or a technical or business writer - whether you write poetry or proposals - the NWU is already working to improve your professional life. As we march further into the new millennium, our work has become more crucial than ever. With the consolidation of power into the hands of ever-larger corporate entities and with the advent of technologies that facilitate the exploitation of a writer's work, the individual writer has become increasingly disenfranchised. Now, more than ever, writers need an organization with the clout and know-how to protect our interests. One that will forge new rules for a new era, fight hard and take chances. One that goes to bat, goes to court, and goes to the streets, if need be, to protect writers' rights. Let's face it: there's more to being a professional writer than just writing well. Talent and experience won't protect you from inept or unscrupulous employers, those who misuse your work, demand rights that are yours, underpay, pay late or won't pay at all. The National Writers Union defends its members and all writers by fighting to win rights, fair compensation, and just plain dignity...and we succeed!
