Membership
Our strength is our Membership—a nationwide community of novelists and nonfiction authors, journalists, editors, poets, screenwriters, essayists, playwrights, publishers, translators, agents, and other literary professionals, and an even larger network of devoted readers and supporters who join with them to carry out PEN America’s mission.
As a PEN America Member, you have a unique part to play in the defense of free expression, celebration of literary excellence, amplification of marginalized voices, and the fostering of dialogue across political and ideological boundaries. We need your voices and support now more than ever. Working together, we will defend our most precious freedoms.
PEN America Members:
Celebrate Literary Excellence
Defend Free Expression
Protect Persecuted Writers
Types of Membership
Professional Membership
For published or produced writers, editors, translators, dramatists, screenwriters, and other writing professionals. Professional Members have the added benefits of being listed in the membership directory.
Professional Members have the added benefits of being listed in the Membership Directory.
Reader Membership
For anyone who advocates for the freedom to write.
Become a Member Today
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Interested in a student Membership discount? Contact us!
Already a Member? Renew your Professional Membership or Reader Membership today!
Member Benefits
Community
Network
Publications
Events
Connect
Resources
Member Testimonials
“At a time when freedom is being rewritten at home and abroad, I value my role as a story-teller to push back—for both the right to tell stories and the right to report the truth. I want to support others who feel the same.”
—Kirk R, Professional Member
“I’ve appreciated for decades what PEN America does, taking comfort in its mere existence. Having been on the receiving end of a threat sparked by my writing, I identify more personally with PEN America’s mission. How can I not support what you’re doing in these increasingly precarious times?”
—Dave W, Professional Member
“I am deeply committed to supporting freedom of expression and revel in the power of story. PEN America’s consistent push to protect free press and recognize the power of shared stories inspires me to be more engaged on every level.”
—Tanya G, Professional Member
