Independent Writers of Chicago - IWOC

09/24/2026

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.

09/22/2026

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.

09/20/2026

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.

09/18/2026

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.

09/16/2026

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.

09/14/2026

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 Annual Summer Bash took place on August 11, 2026 at Weber Grill in downtown Chicago. We get together for food, fun, and to get messy (on BBQ!) with our fellow independent 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.

09/12/2026

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.

09/12/2026

We are Independent Writers of Chicago.

Since 1981, we've been helping writers of all stripes succeed.

Ask us how at at the Printers Row Lit Fest. Our table is under the Illinois Woman's Press Association (Tent HH) near the intersection of Polk Street and Dearborn Street.

We hope to see you Saturday or Sunday!

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

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 July 2026, IWOC featured "Opportunities for Skilled Storytellers" with Tresa Chambers! Members now can access the recording through Member Resources: https://iwoc.org/member-resources [Click on the Podcast link].

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.