AWP Conference & Membership
Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)
The Associated Writing Programs was established as a nonprofit organization in 1967 by fifteen writers representing thirteen creative writing programs. The new association sought to support the growing presence of literary writers in higher education. At that time, English departments were mainly conservatories of the great literature of the past, and scholars fiercely resisted the establishment of creative writing programs. AWP was created to overcome this resistance, to advocate for new programs, and to provide publishing opportunities for young writers. Today, AWP, now the Association of Writers & Writing Programs, supports colleges and universities as well as individual writers as members.
As a student in the MFA in Creative Writing & Poetics program, you’ll receive free membership in the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), one of the nation’s largest organizations dedicated to supporting writers, literary professionals, and creative writing programs.
AWP membership connects you to a vibrant community of writers while providing valuable resources that support your artistic growth, professional development, and career exploration throughout your MFA journey and beyond. Whether your goals include publishing creative work, teaching, pursuing further graduate study, working in the literary arts, or building a sustainable writing practice, AWP membership offers resources and connections that can help you move forward with confidence.
The combination of year-round professional resources and access to the annual conference makes AWP one of the most valuable professional benefits available to MFA students.
Attend the annual AWP Conference
One of the most exciting benefits of AWP membership is access to the AWP Conference & Bookfair, the largest annual gathering of writers and writing programs in North America. Through the MFA in Creative Writing & Poetics program, our students have opportunities to attend the conference, explore career and publishing pathways, meet editors and agents, network with fellow writers, and participate in professional development sessions.
The MFA program regularly attends the conference and provides partial funding support to help students participate. In exchange, students volunteer for scheduled shifts at the conference bookfair, while still having time to attend workshops, panel discussions, readings, and other conference events between shifts.
Visit the AWP Conference & Bookfair website for information on registration, schedule, bookfair, FAQ’s and more.
Benefits for MFA students
As an AWP member, you will have access to:
- Discounted registration for the annual AWP Conference & Bookfair, the premier gathering of writers, publishers, literary journals, and creative writing professionals.
- A subscription to The Writer’s Chronicle, AWP’s digital magazine featuring interviews with acclaimed authors, essays on the craft of writing, publishing opportunities, and a searchable archive of past issues.
- Job, internship, grant, award, and publishing opportunity listings designed specifically for writers and creative professionals.
- The opportunity to participate in Writer to Writer, AWP’s mentorship program that connects emerging writers with established authors.
- A searchable Directory of Members that helps writers build professional networks and connect with peers across the literary community.
- Ability to promote your work and professional profile through the AWP Member Bookshelf and Virtual Speakers Directory, where you can showcase your expertise and connect with institutions, organizations, and event organizers seeking writers for readings, workshops, and presentations.
- Reduced entry fees for the prestigious AWP Award Series, an annual competition for new published works.
MFA students enjoy all individual AWP membership benefits. Check out the full list of included benefits on the AWP website.
Membership enrollment information is provided to all incoming MFA students during program orientation. We encourage every student to take advantage of this opportunity and begin building connections within the broader literary community from day one.