Join us to build on your skills, grow your career, find connections and make a difference for writers in Aotearoa
Build on your skills
- Develop your craft through our in-person and online workshops and roadshows
- Apply for our member-only mentorships, manuscript assessments, prizes, awards and pitching opportunities
- Receive expert training in the business aspects of authorship
- Get individual guidance and advice on all aspects of your professional life, and help with disputes or concerns (non-legal)
- Stay up-to-date with trends and opportunities with our fortnightly newsletter, the Literary Bulletin
Grow your career
- Get individual guidance and advice on all aspects of your professional life, and help with disputes or concerns (non-legal)
- Negotiate better agreements with our free confidential contract advice
- Promote your books, launches or author appearances via our channels
- Highlight your services and skills on our website and in our fortnightly Literary Bulletin and NZ Author
- Access up-to-date information about writing, editing, marketing and publishing in Aotearoa
Connect with other authors
- Connect with writers in your community by joining your local branch
- Kaituhi Māori can also join Te Kaituhi Māori, a safe and supportive space for Māori writers
- Young writers under 30 can also join Pens and PJs
- Meet with writers across Aotearoa at online and in-person events
- Connect with other professionals in the same boat as you
- Share your career and creative concerns with people who understand
Make a difference
- Support our campaigns to improve creative incomes
- Be part of advocacy work to uplift and showcase the creative industries
- Make your voice heard in an increasingly difficult profession
- Join the fight to save libraries, improve literacy and defend the arts
Save with our member discounts
- Access one free Writer Toolkit module per year of membership
- Receive ongoing discounts for Webworkshops, Regional Roadshows and Writer Toolkits
- Save with our member discounts on services from editors, proofreaders, digital conversion, typing services, book designers, bookstores and other arts venues
- Apply for our open awards at a discounted rate
- Browse free information and advice on essential guides and references including contract templates
Pick the right membership for where you’re at
Our membership covers a wide range of writers, illustrators and industry professionals at every stage of their careers. From journalists to comic artists, scriptwriters to bloggers, novelists to games writers and translators to poets, all disciplines are welcome.
| Membership Type | |
|---|---|
| Full Membership | This is suitable if you’re a published writer. |
| Associate Member | This membership is suitable if you’re an emerging writer. |
| Student Member | This membership is suitable if you are currently enrolled in a recognised writing course or attending high school. Please note that you need to be 16 years or older to join. |
| Affiliate Member | This membership is suitable if you’re an organisation or corporate who wishes to support the work of the NZSA. |
What do we mean by a ‘published writer’?
A published writer is someone who has written one or more of the following:
- At least one book that has been published and made available for purchase in New Zealand by an established publisher;
- At least one book that they themselves have published and made available for purchase in New Zealand;
- More than five shorter works of fiction or non-fiction that have been published by a recognised publisher or which they themselves have published and which indicate an intention by that author to be seen as a writer of professional standing;
- Written a play or other script that has been produced on stage, radio, television, a recognised internet platform, or other medium, or lyrics that have been published with a musical score; or
- Written a work or works or otherwise engaged in activities that indicate an intention on the part of that person, to be seen as a writer of professional standing, or show that person to be a strong supporter of, or participant in, the profession or craft of writing
Please note our membership is open to all New Zealand citizens and/or residents living here or aboard.
Fees
| Membership Type | Annual Fee (incl GST) | Plus print copy of quarterly NZ Author (incl GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Membership | $140 | $155 |
| Associate Member | $140 | $155 |
| Student Member | $70 | $85 |
| Affiliate Member | $200 | $215 |
Please note:
Membership is for twelve months and can be paid in one annual amount or monthly by AP. To work out the amount due per month, divide your annual amount into 12 payments.
- If you are joining to apply for any of our opportunities which require membership (e.g. CompleteMS), you need to pay the annual amount. For future renewals, you can pay monthly.
- Payment can be made via online banking or PayPal.
- We offer a four-week trial period. If membership is cancelled during this time your payment will be refunded (minus a 20% administration fee).
Overseas members will receive all communications from the NZSA electronically.
Join as a new member
Renewing or Rejoining Member?
If you want to renew your membership or re-join the NZSA, please click on the button below.
Renewing and Rejoining Members
If you haven’t been a member for several years, you may need to use the ‘join us’ form to sign up. If you’re not sure, please try to login If your email is recognised, you can visit Renewing and Rejoining Members and follow the instructions there.