How to Join the Writers Guild of America

Joining the Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a great idea for any writer, because the union offers certain benefits that a writer couldn't get anywhere else, or without being part of the union. It is highly recommended that any aspiring or professional writer attempt to join the guild at some point during their career. The guild operates on a unit system. Units are gained through writing employment or sales that are within the guild's jurisdiction--this means that the guild has an approved contract or agreement with the company. Based on the number of units earned, a potential member can receive Current membership or Associate membership.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Get the desired number of units required to join. The necessary number of units needed for Current (full) membership is 24. Units number less than 24 will make you eligible for an Associate (partial) membership. Also, the units must be earned in about three years before you actually go to apply for membership.

2. One way to earn units is to work for a company that is within the guild's jurisdiction. You will have to inquire with certain companies or with the guild itself to see which companies fall within the jurisdiction. For every week of completed employment at the company, you will earn two units on a week to week basis.

3. Earn more units by writing scripts and screenplays for movies, television or radio. A story for radio or television that is shorter than 30 minutes will earn you three units. A screenplay for a full-length motion picture will earn you 24 units.

4. File your membership application. Finally, after you have earned the necessary amount of units, you can officially submit your application for review by the board.

5. Upon submission of the application, be prepared to pay the initiation fee.

Tips & Warnings

• Read all the official rules and guidelines on the WGA website before you begin the application process.

Resources

• View full guidelines here.