The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) is now accepting poetry and translated fiction as qualifying works for membership in the organization. Interested individuals are welcome to review the full membership guidelines and submit an application.

Since its 1965 founding and 2014 reincorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SFWA members have expanded the organization’s recognition of where science fiction and fantasy writers live and work, the different mediums modern authors use to reach their audiences, and even added “fantasy” to what was once solely a science fiction association. Membership eligibility guidelines have evolved accordingly, and adding translation work and poetry as eligible forms of fiction writing is the next step.

In April, SFWA’s Full members voted to reverse previous referendums that had disallowed poetry and translated works from qualifying for membership. The SFWA Board recognized that opinions had changed in recent years, and thus held new referendums on both categories of fiction writing. The overwhelmingly positive results (90% yes for poetry; 83% yes for translated works) affirm that SFWA members are eager to welcome poets and translators into the organization.

“I love seeing SFWA embrace all the mediums creators employ to bring original SFF works into the world. Reversing this old, exclusionary decision was past due,” said Jeffe Kennedy, SFWA President.

SFWA now welcomes poets and translators into the fold, joining prose, game, comics, graphic novel, and screenwriters working on traditional, work-for-hire, self-publishing, and independent career paths.

SFWA Bylaws still require qualifying works to be written in English. Questions about membership may be directed to [email protected].

[Based on a press release.]

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc. has successfully filed to do future business as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA). The nonprofit organization has adopted this new name for most professional purposes. Doing so allows SFWA to be more inclusive of its many international members. 

Over a quarter of SFWA’s 2,300+ members live and/or work in non-USA countries and territories. Changing the name is not only a part of the natural progression of the organization, it recognizes that SFWA has grown beyond a once USA-centric focus. This is a work-in-progress, but one that SFWA has committed to through the adoption of its new name.

SFWA President Jeffe Kennedy says, “This is an exciting time that we can expand the name of our organization to reflect its core values and true membership. At last our name reflects our mission, which is something many people have been working toward for a long time. This is a milestone moment worthy of celebration.”

SFWA’s website and social media accounts are being updated with new logos to reflect this change. Communications going forward will use “Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association” rather than “Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.” 

In answer to the question “Why didn’t we completely change our name, rather than file to ‘do business as’ The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association?” the organization says:

“Taking this path is a simple and legal solution that also allows SFWA to pay respect to our rich, 57-year history. Additionally, it does not require the monumental effort to change our incorporation status and bylaws with California or within the IRS. Doing business as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association will allow us to comply with fundraising laws across all the United States and its territories, while also recognizing the contributions of international members to our community.

“SFWA is still SFWA, but with this change, we’re more clearly open to creators of science fiction and fantasy no matter what country they call home and what new dimensions and worlds they can imagine.”

[Based on a press release.]