For multilingual writers who often navigate the space between languages, cultures, and different literary traditions, belonging to an established structure like a writers’ union can be very supportive.
In general, writers’ unions (also called writers’ guilds, societies, or associations) are professional organizations that advocate for and support authors. They exist to protect the rights, interests, and working conditions of writers. While their specific functions vary by country and organization, there are numerous benefits for its members:
- Legal advice and information about your rights
- Advocacy and a collective voice lobbying for fair pay, better laws, and freedom of expression
- Community and opportunities to connect with other authors
- Access to information about workshops, events, residencies, and other supportive resources
- Financial support through grants and access to funding information
- Professional recognition as a writer
- Discounts
Some writers’ unions have formal membership requirements, which may include a specific number of publications. However, this should not discourage you from contacting them and applying for membership.
The Writer’s Union of Iceland (Rithöfundasamband Íslands, or RSÍ) represents Icelandic authors and foreign-born authors permanently residing in Iceland. Membership is open to writers who have published or presented at least two original or translated works of recognised artistic, professional, educational, or cultural value.
The Union works with publishers, broadcasters, theatres, educational institutions, and other organisations to support and promote literary work. It is also a member of several international and Nordic writers’ organisations.
Together with the National Library of Iceland, the Union awards the annual Maístjarnan (The Star of May) prize for the best poetry book of the previous year.
The Writers’ Centre at Gunnarshús in Reykjavík supports writers and literary activities by organising events, seminars, and meetings. Gunnarshús, formerly the home of writer Gunnar Gunnarsson, hosts literary events and provides meeting spaces for writers, welcomes international authors, and offers a residence for visiting writers.
There is a wide range of useful information available on the RSÍ website, including established agreements and recommended rates for publishing, readings, translations, and other uses of literary works. The Union also provides guidance, support, and advice to authors—not only its members.
Your Task
- Look up the writers’ union or association in your place of residence. Are there any other unions you might qualify for based on your country of origin or the language you write in?
- Familiarize yourself with their website. What type of support and information would be most beneficial to you?
- Take a critical look at the union’s offerings and think about how you could help them become more accessible to writers like yourself.
- Make notes and create a to-do list or an action plan.
Reflection
- How can you start building a connection with your local writers’ union?