How to Join MWA Mystery Writers of America is the leading association for professional crime writers in the United States. Members of MWA include most major writers of crime fiction and non-fiction, as well as screenwriters, dramatists, editors, publishers, and other professionals in the field. We welcome everyone who is interested in mysteries and crime writing to join MWA.

The membership information on this website is subject to change without notice. Every attempt has been made to present accurate information about membership and membership categories, but all memberships, criteria, and category assignments are made or approved at the discretion of the MWA National Board.

To join, please go to MWA National Website: CLICK HERE.

Active Membership is open to professional writers in the crime/mystery/suspense field whose work has been published or produced in the U.S., who reside in the U.S., and who meet specific criteria set by the Board for this category. Currently, some of those criteria are:

The applicant is a professional creative writer of fiction, non-fiction, or drama (including TV, screenplays, radio, and staged drama). The writer has received a cumulative minimum of $100 for his or her work. Proof of payment is required. The work is neither self-published nor cooperatively published; no monies were required of the writer by the publisher. The publisher is on MWA's list of approved publishers or eligible to be added to that list; similar criteria are set for dramas, films, and video productions. Only Active members may vote, hold office, and serve on Edgar™ committees in MWA.

Associate Membership is open to professionals residing in the U.S. who work in certain allied fields.

Affiliate Membership is for writers of crime/mystery/suspense fiction who are not yet professionally published, and others with an interest in the genre, including unpaid reviewers.

Corresponding Membership is for those who might be in any of the above categories, but who live outside the United States.

Application and Payment Information: For more information about application process and payment information, please go to MWA National Website: CLICK HERE.