Independent Writers of Chicago - IWOC

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.

08/24/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #10

The #10 benefit of membership is mentorship: whether you are a new professional or an experienced professional transitioning to independent writing and content creation, IWOC has a number of seasoned veterans with freelance businesses prepared to support you!

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.

08/23/2026

Join the Independent Writers of Chicago!

Great people. Outstanding benefits.

Helping writers succeed since 1981.

Visit https://www.iwoc.org/join-iwoc.

Join today!

When you become an IWOC member, you join an organization of communications experts who derive a substantial portion of their incomes from freelance writing. You also join a community of writers who care about advancing the cause of independent writing and book writing, and who recognize the power an...

08/22/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #8

The #8 benefit of membership is our toot: We promote our members' latest wins and ventures via "Member News" e-blasts and social media platforms to our 1,000+ followers!

The July 2026 issue of the online book review magazine "Library Bookwatch" features a review of IWOC member Tim Pareti's book, "Ernie's Bleachers".

"An original, exceptional, and deftly crafted novel that is based on a real historical character and family, author Tim Pareti's genuine flair for the kind of narrative and character driven storytelling style has created a simply fascinating and memorable story -- one that is especially and unreservedly recommended for high school and community library sports/baseball and coming-of-age themed fiction collections.”

Learn more about "Ernie's Bleachers" at Tim's website: http://www.erniesbleachers.com/.

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.

08/20/2026

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!

The STET blog contains monthly posts by our President, Laura Stigler, as well as contributions from members. The current collection of posts dating back to 2018 can be found at: https://www.iwoc.org/stet-blog.

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.