Members

Why we exist

We create and encourage a community of readers, writers and storytellers by inspiring, nourishing, connecting and surprising our members and audiences.

Our members are central to all that we do, and from humble beginnings have grown with us to form the dynamic, thriving organisation we are today.

Services, Opportunities and Resources

For Writers

MENTORSHIPS

We offer exciting professional development programs for both new and established writers including workshops, seminars and mentorships, specifically:

• Residential Mentorship: An annual program that offers four members the opportunity to spend five days in residence with an established writer.
• Mentorship Programs: We offer two paid mentorship schemes that match members with a professional mentor; Firsthand Feedback and Block Mentorships.

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.

COMPETITIONS

We actively seek out opportunities for pathways to publication for our members, as well as run regular competitions. Our bi-monthly listing of opportunities and competitions is listed in our publication northerly, as well as downloadable as a PDF.

Download PDF: May/June Competitions

‘FROM OUR MEMBERS’

We love celebrating our members’ writing success, and sharing this news far and wide via our publication northerly, blog and social media channels. In late 2017, we will be launching a ‘From our Members’ section on our blog, with details on how to submit your writing for publication and promotion via our networks. Watch this space!

For Readers

Readers are at the heart of the Byron Writers Festival, and our reading members are offered a number of benefits including:

• Access to join our Members’ Book Club. A free event held every two months, featuring the work of a high-profile local author. This is a book club with a difference, as the author will join the discussion for the second half of the evening.
• Access to our private lending library. Our library shelves are stacked high with books by Australian authors – many of whom have attended the Festival – and they’re free for members to borrow.
• Discounted tickets to the annual Festival, year-round events and workshops
• Our bi-monthly magazine, northerly, that is packed with stories about our members, literature news and reviews, as well as information about our events and a carefully collated list of writing competitions

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.