Independent Writers of Chicago - IWOC

10/16/2026

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!

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."

Learn more at: https://www.amazon.com/Tilt-Off-Kilter-Stories-Topsy-Turvy-World/dp/B0HFWV6F9F.

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.

10/14/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #7

The #7 benefit of membership is the networking opportunity: IWOC organizes a few dinners for members in the Chicago area to meet and discuss our latest business successes and opportunities!

Our third and final get-together of the year is the Annual Holiday Party. The Holiday Party will be held in December 2026, typically mid-month. Join now or visit the events page for more information: https://www.iwoc.org/iwoc-events.

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.

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...

10/12/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #6

The #6 benefit of membership is a collection of business templates: you can find a proposal, cost estimate, contract, and invoice template among our member resources!

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.

10/10/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #5

The #5 benefit of membership is access to past webinars and podcasts at anytime! IWOC makes available for listening or downloading its past meetings with jam-packed turnkey tips with revelations on how to promote your content-rich works with great results!

In October 2026, we will feature "How to Perfect Your Query Letter" by Audrey Wilson. Drawing on her 10+ years of writing and publishing experience, her presentation covers all the nuts and bolts about crafting a successful query letter.
Learn more at: https://iwoc.org/event-6864483.

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.

10/08/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #4

The #4 benefit of membership is free programming: IWOC hosts virtual meetings delivered by experts on ways to boost business and hone skills for independent writers and content creators!

In 2026, we have had several presentations that are recorded and open to members for viewing at any time:

September: "IWOC Writers' Roundtable"
July: "Opportunities for Skilled Storytellers"
June: "Leveraging Social Media to Promote Your Book"
May: "SEO: What Creative Content Writers Need to Know"
March: "Get Your Writing Seen in Magazines...and More"
January: "The Unconventional Path from Book Idea to Book in Hand"

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.

Tresa will explain why organizations across industries increasingly seek storytelling skills, why opportunities are growing for journalists and copywriters alike, how and where writers can market their storytelling abilities and how writers can hone their skills. Join us for this scintillating progr...

10/06/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #3

The #3 benefit of membership is access to general resources for writers of all levels and the Writers' Line Job Board for independent professionals: find clients and build relationships with a suite of project search tools for writers and content creators!

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.

10/04/2026

Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) – The Benefits of Membership – #2

The #2 benefit of membership is new business development: Create an IWOC professional services profile for the searchable “Find a Writer” database used by potential clients!

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.

10/03/2026

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.

09/28/2026

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.

09/26/2026

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!

Jeff Steele, a longtime member, recently contributed a testimonial, "One Listing, Decades of Work," on a fruitful assignment he earned through membership. Read his testimonial at https://iwoc.org/stet-blog/13679961.

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.