As a generally creative and progressive industry, the media and writing world might seem like a bastion of equality and social justice, but like most institutions, from the inside, it’s not.
Writers of color — especially Black writers — face added obstacles in newsrooms, media companies, and freelancing. Their stories and opinions aren’t taken seriously, their voices aren’t amplified, and often enough, they’re only hired for the optics. Black Lives Matter is a movement against the ongoing threat and injustice toward Black lives, an effort that CWWU vehemently supports. We need to acknowledge the many, many ways in which Black lives are marginalized across nearly every community, industry, and platform, and the world of writing is no exclusion.
With this in mind, we wanted to put together a list of resources for writers of color. These are organizations, funds, and websites that can help writers dealing with marginalization find ways to better navigate these obstacles.
1. The Writers of Color Twitter account
A handful of writers launched this Twitter account to make it easier to connect writers of color with publications looking to hire writers. They Retweet calls for pitches, post job and writing opportunities, and press publications to share their rates.
cover tech, startups, internet culture for @thenextweb at $200-$300 per story, send CV + examples of past work + areas of interest to georgina@thenextweb.com
— Writers of Color (@WritersofColor) June 15, 2020
2. Queer Writers of Color Relief Fund
The aim of this organization is to “help at least 100 queer writers of color who have been financially impacted by the current COVID-19.” They are giving priority to queer trans women of color and queer disabled writers of color.
You can apply to the fund here, and you can donate to it here.
3. Latinx in Publishing
Latinx in Publishing is a network of book professionals who are working to support and increase the number of Latino/a/x in the publishing world. They host events, workshops, and they have a writers mentorship program you can apply to here.
You can follow them on Twitter here.
4. People of Color in Publishing
With a mission to diversify the book publishing industry, People of Color in Publishing offers a handful of events and programming (though much of that is on hold due to COVID), a mentorship program, Facebook job seekers group, and a network initiative for writers called Find a Buddy!
You can sign up for their monthly newsletter here.
5. Black Writers Collective
The Black Writers Collective is a platform dedicated to supporting, connecting, and empowering Black writers. They’re most active on Twitter, but via their website, you can find a freelance editors’ directory, webinars, a creative writing group, script review, and more.
Looking for ongoing accountability to help you make the writing happen? Want a positive, supportive environment where you can participate in writing sprints, goal setting & themed talks? Monthly memberships + scholarships now available at https://t.co/4R2B5OUFaO #blackwriters pic.twitter.com/jNSQ4Y5zx7
— Black Writers Collective (@BlackWriters) May 20, 2020
6. Asian American Writers’ Workshop
The Asian American Writers’ Workshop is a live and online group that’s dedicated to helping Asian American writers tell their stories. They are based in New York, but they have online writing workshops, too (especially post COVID).
7. NYC Low-Income Artist/Freelancer Relief Fund
This organization offers grants of up to $150 to “low-income, BIPOC, trans/GNC/NB/Queer artists and freelancers whose livelihoods are being affected by this pandemic in NYC.” They will be reopening their funding soon, and you can find info on how to apply (or donate!) here.
More writing tips + resources:
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