Why Should I Join?
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 commit themselves to:
- Celebrate Literary Excellence
- Defend Free Expression
- Protect Persecuted Writers
For published or produced writers, editors, translators, dramatists, screenwriters, and other writing professionals. |
For anyone who advocates for the freedom to write. |
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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
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“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
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“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
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Member Benefits
Be part of an active and vocal community of advocates working to protect free expression worldwide.
Build PEN America in your community with support from PEN Across America and the Press Freedom Incentive Fund.
Engage with a national network of writers and receive select invitations to Members-only events in your community.
Get involved with our Membership committees, Prison Writing Program, Literary Awards Program, and more.
Access Members-only discounts to Times Literary Supplement, Feminist Press, n+1, and other publications and resources for writers.
Receive free or discounted tickets to PEN America public programs and the PEN World Voices Festival.
Join a closed Facebook group for PEN America Members, where you can post and share news with other Members.
Learn more about the Writers’ Emergency Fund, which provides financial assistance to professionally published writers and editors facing acute financial crisis.
Receive first access to PEN America resources that explore the impact of government policy and public sentiment on free expression and provide guidance on how to effect real change.
