Organizations for Writers and Illustrators

Central & Southern Ohio Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. A local chapter of the National Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Central and Southern Ohio Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators meet monthly in Columbus, Ohio at the Upper Arlington Public Library to discuss aspects of writing or illustrating, and critiques of chapter member’s work.

Cleveland State Poetry Center was originally established in 1962 at the former Fenn College of Engineering to promote poetry through readings and community outreach. In 1971, it expanded its mission to become a national non-profit independent poetry press under the auspices of the Cleveland State University Department of English, and has since published over one-hundred-fifty titles.

Cleveland State Writing Center. The CSU Writing Center and WAC Program have two goals: hospitality and independence. They strive to create a warm environment because they believe that writing requires many decisions that are best made in a peaceful and welcoming environment. The staff is comprised of graduate students in literature or creative writing who enjoy working with students.

Great Lakes Fiction Writers. From their website: “Based on the shores of Lake Erie in Northeast Ohio, Great Lakes Fiction Writers (GLFW) welcomes fiction writers in any genre at any point in their career who wish to explore writing romance or including romantic elements in their stories. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all members feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other bias.”

Greater Cincinnati Writer’s League. Founded over 80 years ago, the Greater Cincinnati Writer’s League is a group of writers whose focus is poetry.

Hamilton Writers Guild. The Hamilton Writers Guild offers support and encouragement to both novice and experienced writers wishing to further his or her writing ambitions. The Guild is open to both published and unpublished writers.

International Writer’s Association. The International Writer’s Association (IWA) aspires to do what it can to encourage new literary talent. With two branches in two countries, and more to come, IWA is truly an international writer’s group.

Lake Erie Ink. Lake Erie Ink is a not for profit 501(c)3 that provides creative expression opportunities and academic support to youth in the Greater Cleveland community.  Lake Erie Ink believes that creative writing is not only for kids and teens who already love writing, but also for youth who have something say and too often feel that no one is listening.

Lit Youngstown is a literary arts center in Youngstown that hosts a monthly reading series and open mic, workshops and classes for writers, a monthly book discussion, Fall Literary Festival, Winter Writing Camp, and many other projects and events.

Literary ClevelandLiterary Cleveland is a nonprofit organization that offers classes, workshops, programs and events. Its mission is to help writers develop their craft, create a strong network of writers, and connect writers to the community. Literary Cleveland aspires to become the hub, the connection point for the literary arts in the Northeast Ohio region.

Maumee Valley Romance Writers of America. MVRWA is the local chapter of Romance Writers of America based in Toledo, Ohio whose purpose is to advance the professional interest of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy.

Mid-Ohio Writers Association. Mid-Ohio Writers Association was established in order to draw attention to writers in the mid-Ohio area and to encourage area residents to be interested in reading, writing and education. Meetings are free and held at Ontario Library n Mansfield, Ohio.

Northern Ohio Bibiliophilic Society (NOBS). Founded in 1983, NOBS is an association of book collectors, dealers, librarians, and others interested in promoting the production, preservation, collection, and sale of fine and antiquarian books, and the preservation and protection of the heritage of the printed word. NOBS is a member of the Fellowship of American Bibliophilic Societies (FABS) and a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

Northern Ohio Society of Children’s Book Writer’s & Illustrators. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, formed in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles based writers for children, is the only international organization to offer a variety of services to people who write, illustrate, or share a vital interest in children’s literature. The SCBWI acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people.

The Ohio Poetry Association. The Ohio Poetry Association (OPA), chartered originally as the Verse Writers’ Guild of Ohio, is a nonprofit, educational volunteer organization with a 501(c)(3)Federal designation. They exist to promote the art of poetry and support poets and others who appreciate poetry.

Ohio Writers’ Guild. The Ohio Writers’ Guild is a supportive community of and for Ohio authors. Our mission is to encourage excellent work through peer review, educational programs and promotional events. As the premier organization for Ohio writers since 1988, the guild participates in many community and state events, sponsors weekly gatherings and provides an encouraging community for Ohio’s family of authors.

Ohio Writers’ Conference. Ohio Writers’ Conference is an annual event which is typically held in Columbus, Ohio. The conference recognizes students’ work that has been submitted and published in Kent State University’s soft-bound book of students’ orignal work, Beginnings. The conference includes storytellers, a keynote address, interactive workshops, and an awards luncheon. Beginnings authors are invited to share their work at an open mike session.

Thurber House. Their mission is to celebrate the written word for the education and entertainment of the broadest possible audience and to continue Thurber’s legacy of humor. Thurber House also facilitates many literary programs including: Evenings with Authors, Literary Picnics, and Book Groups.

Wick Poetry Center. The Wick Poetry Center encourages new voices by promoting opportunities for individuals and communities locally, regionally, and nationally. Wick engages emerging and established poets and poetry audiences through readings, publications, workshops, and scholarship opportunities.

Y-City Writers. What began as one person’s personal quest became a forum for storytellers of all ages, skill levels, and genre-preferences. Y-City Writers now consists of over 71 members (published and non-published), and is still growing. Their goal is to provide a comfortable experience for everyone involved, while encouraging our craft. To this end, Y-City Writers host open mics and a yearly writing conference. There are no dues to attend meetings

Additional Resources

Money-Saving Guide for Authors and Writers. A nice list of resources and links for aspiring authors on everything from The Elements of Style to self-publishing. [Note: The suggestion for this resource came to the Ohio Center for the Book via LouAnne Taylor, “part-time media specialist in the library at a public school in Wyoming” and the 9th through 12th grader attendees of her “Introduction to Writing” course who are encouraged to research the craft of writing. Ms. Taylor wrote us to say the Ohio Center for the Book website had been very beneficial to her aspiring writers, and one of the attendees asked if it was possible for the “Money-Saving Guide” to be included in our list of resources. Thanks, Nicole, for the resource!]