Writing groups & membership

Come and Join SAW

Find encouragement, share your ideas and become part of Scotland’s writing community.

Your writing journey

Find a place for your words.

What is your dream with your writing? What exciting projects are you working on? Whether you thrive working independently or are curious about what a writing community has to offer, we invite you to explore the vibrant world of the Scottish Association of Writers (SAW). With over thirty diverse writing groups across Scotland, we offer you a welcoming space to connect with fellow writers from all walks of life. Our clubs are a tapestry of cultures and experiences, free from any snobbery or elitism – just a genuine passion for writing and sharing ideas.

Joining a writing group with SAW opens up a wealth of opportunities. You’ll gain invaluable knowledge, receive encouragement to explore new writing genres, and benefit from the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. Our members support each other through shared experiences, feedback, and collaboration. Don’t navigate your creative journey alone; become part of the SAW community. Whether you’re near a local club or prefer the convenience of our online clubs, we offer a variety of membership options. Attend our annual conference, participate in workshops, and listen to inspiring speakers. Embrace the full spectrum of writing possibilities with SAW.

Benefits of membership

More opportunities. A shared passion.

Membership with SAW opens doors to a wealth of opportunities, including access to our many writing competitions, insightful workshops, and our annual conference. Whether you’re seeking professional growth, networking opportunities, or simply a supportive community of like-minded individuals, SAW offers it all. Join us today and embark on a journey where your passion for writing can flourish and thrive.

Group or individual

Choose your way to belong.

The focus is on you and your writing journey and what will help you most. You can choose whether you wish to join as part of a writing club or as an individual member. We encourage aspiring writers to first explore the benefits of joining a local writing group or one of our online clubs, where camaraderie and valuable feedback on your writing are readily available. However, for those without access to a nearby group, individual membership still grants access to our annual conference and competitions. Whether you prefer the support of a group or the flexibility of individual membership, SAW welcomes you to connect, grow, and thrive in the writing community.

Writing club membership

One annual fee covers all members of your writing club. The fee depends on the number of members in your group.

Individual membership

Join independently for £35 a year, with access to the annual conference and competitions.

How to apply

Your next chapter starts here.

Choose your preferred membership type and complete the appropriate online application. You can also email our development officer to express your interest and receive an application form.

We look forward to welcoming you to SAW and supporting your writing journey every step of the way.

Membership fee structure and payment

A small fee. A wider community.

Membership fees help sustain our programmes and initiatives. Club fees depend on group size; individual membership is £35. Honorary members selected by the SAW council pay no membership fee.

All fees are annual. The membership year runs from 1 October to 30 September the following year.