Members

Why we exist

Byron Writers Festival is passionate about the importance of stories, ideas and debate in shaping culture. Alongside the member services detailed below, becoming a member of Byron Writers Festival offers a chance to be part of our growing community of writers, readers and storytellers and to support the creative arts in regional Australia.

Services, Opportunities and Resources for Writers

Mentorships

Our mentorship programs are available for members seeking assistance and feedback from an experienced professional in the development of their written work.

Residential Mentorship

An annual program that offers four members the opportunity to spend five days in residence with an established writer to develop your work. Applicants need to reside in the Northern Rivers and have a well-developed manuscript. The residency usually takes place in the Byron Shire at the beginning of May.
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Paid Mentorships

We offer two paid mentorship schemes that match members with a professional mentor; ‘Firsthand Feedback’ and ‘Block Mentorships’.
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Mentoring Scholarships

In 2019, Byron Writers Festival will be offering our members the opportunity to secure one of six scholarships for our two mentoring services, First Hand Feedback and Block Mentorships. Applications open in September.

Workshops and Seminars

Byron Writers Festival offers a year-round program of workshops, seminars and author visits. Workshops are designed for writers of various levels and experience, and provide opportunities for skills development. Seminars are large group presentations or panel discussions designed to give an insight into writing and publishing industry practices or topics of interest.
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Writing Hour

A free weekly meet-up for local writers to gain some quiet, focused time in the company of like-minded wordsmiths. Click here for details.
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Support for writers’ groups

While the Byron Writers Festival does not have its own writers’ group, it provides support for a range of other groups throughout the region. If you are interested in joining a writers’ group, we can advise on a group near you.

Competitions

We actively seek out opportunities for pathways to publication for our members, as well as run regular competitions. Our quarterly listing of opportunities and competitions is listed in our publication northerly.

Services, Opportunities and Resources for All Members

Discounted Tickets

Members of Byron Writers Festival receive discounted tickets to the annual Festival, year-round events and workshops.

Priority booking periods for Festival tickets

Be the first to see our full Festival Program and enjoy priority booking periods on Early Bird and Feature Event ticket releases.

Member magazine, northerly

Our quarterly member magazine is posted or emailed to you (you choose) and features 36 pages of stories, literature news and reviews, industry tips, upcoming workshops and events, and details about writing competitions, awards and scholarships.

Members’ Library

The Festival has an extensive library of more than 1000 books by predominantly Australian authors at our Byron Bay office. Members can borrow up to four books at a time (excluding reference materials) for a four-week period.

Member e-Newsletters

Be the first to get Festival updates and offers.

Facebook Members’ Lounge

Access to our closed Facebook group for Byron Writers Festival members to connect, share and inspire. Members can use the group to post their own notices about anything books or arts related that might be of interest such as local book launches, events, opportunities or meet-ups. Request to join here.

Many of our members also get involved as Festival volunteers, participate at other events, or assist in the office on a regular basis. Read more about volunteering here.

Become a member

If you love books, believe in the power storytelling or are looking to further your writing career, we’d love you to join us.  Details on Memberships and how to become a member can be found here.

Membership renewals

Byron Writers Festival membership has an annual renewal date of 28 February. Renewals and new memberships received after September each year receive a 50% discount . Membership renewals are processed online via TryBooking.