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QWhy can't my published nonfiction count toward membership? I've published sixteen books and over three hundred articles; I think that makes me a professional. And since almost all of those books and articles were about science fiction or fantasy in one way or another, I think they should qualify me for membership in SFWA. Why not?
AThat's an impressive list of credits. It should easily get you into any of the organizations that serve nonfiction writers. Why would you want to join one that serves fiction writers?Fiction and nonfiction writers have different problems, different publishers, different editors, different contracts. SFWA was created to help writers who write science fiction and fantasy. That's our area of expertise and the purpose of our organization. We know far less about the problems of a nonfiction writer than, for example, The American Society of Journalists and Authors. They're familiar with the publishers and editors you work with. They have experience with nonfiction contracts. That's their area of expertise and the purpose of their organization. If you don't have enough sf/f fiction credits to get you into SFWA, SFWA membership would be of very little (if any) value to you. Back to the FAQ menu
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