Benefits of Membership

55 Ways Membership in Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers Benefits YOU!

SISTERS IN CRIME GRAND CANYON WRITERS OFFERS:

  1. The “Build Your Career in a Year” Program. Our ongoing commitment to assist all chapter members with the necessary “building blocks” to enhance their careers as published authors, or to put the necessary “bricks” in place to begin a career as a successful author.
  2. Monthly Chapter Meetings. Presenting bestselling authors, crime and law enforcement experts, agents, editors and publishing professionals, along with a variety of specialists to help you “Write • Publish • Sell”.
  3. The Monthly Member Spotlight. Each month, one chapter member is featured on our website in the Member Spotlight. The Member Spotlight allows chapter members to get to know each other and promotes the member’s work and accomplishments. Current and previous Member Spotlights can be found at www.grandcanyonwriters.com.
  4. The Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers Fireside Chats. Our “signature” series. Four evenings a year, join today’s leading authors and industry experts. Hear the secrets of their success and how those same tips can work for you! Learn from the best of the best, ask questions and get answers in the comfort of your own home.
  5. The Mysteries & More Marketing Network. An innovative marketing and promotions network and system, created exclusively for Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers chapter members. Designed to significantly increase individual name recognition and book sales for each member-author who participates in the Mysteries & More Marketing Network.

    Whether you are published—or currently working toward that goal—now is the time to find out what you need to know about effective promotional avenues for your books. Avenues that should and can be put in place far in advance of being published!

  6. The Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers Conference.  An exciting day of “how to” seminars and/or hands-on workshops, and up-to-the-minute information from award-winning authors and publishing industry professionals, designed to help you build a successful writing career.
  7. Outstanding Special Events. Informative programs, roundtables, workshops and an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas with other writers. Bestselling authors share writing tips and demonstrate how to hone your craft. Publishing experts explain how to attract and work with agents, editors or publishers. Marketing, publicity and promotion specialists help authors build name awareness and increase sales.
  8. “Members Only” Webpages. Excellent resources, links to the recordings of all of the chapter meeting programs, other special events, and more features.
  9. Our Chapter Newsletter.  Valuable articles, updates on the publishing world, links to sites for research, advance notice of major events, individual member spotlights and much more.
  10. Ask the Experts! (Debuts in 2025). A private section on the chapter’s website for chapter members only containing articles, advice, blogs, professional guidance, a Q & A column written by authors and myriad experts, and other “keys” to a successful career!
  11. Research Guidance and Assistance. Regardless of the genre, a great book requires research. Published member-authors and a plethora of specialists field your questions and suggest additional sources.
  12. Announcements and Promotion. To showcase your accomplishments, including book launches, awards and nominations, signing with an agent or publisher, completing your manuscript or other professional milestones in your writing career, via our social media, the chapter website, monthly chapter meetings, our newsletter and more!
  13. Friendship. Comradeship with authors and readers in an otherwise solitary profession. You write alone, but you don’t have to take this journey alone! Be part of a writing community offering encouragement, assistance, and valuable information.
  14. Our Coffee & Blue Line Café. (Debuts in 2025.) Experienced editors review your pages and suggest constructive edits to polish your work. A one-on-one editing and assistance session.
  15. Opportunity. To sell your own books at chapter events and appearances.
  16. Information. Facts on multiple book festivals and other venues for authors, readers and fans, including those attended by thousands of people.
  17. Connections to, and Networking Opportunities with, Published Authors. This includes writers of multiple genres and bestselling, award-winners.
  18. Support. For your individual writing endeavorsin all genres.
  19. Award Nomination and Submission Information. For state, regional, national and international competitions, for your novels, short stories and other works—recognition that leads to publishing contracts and increased sales.
  20. The Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers Welcome Packet. We’re happy you joined, and we want you to know it. Your welcome packet includes all the Sisters in Crime materials and information necessary to get you up and running as a full-fledged chapter member.
  21. A Welcoming, Supportive Atmosphere. For writers at every stage of their careers.
  22. Leadership and committee opportunities. Plus, coaching and mentoring for members who’d like to be more active in the chapter and take part in the planning and decision-making.
    Committees meet via Zoom so all chapter members can participate in decisions regarding educational programs, member benefits, and other issues that shape the future of the Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers chapter, regardless of the member’s location.
  23. Guidance. Advice from fellow members, who’ve been where you are now. Insight to boost your career and avoid or overcome stumbling blocks other authors have encountered.
  24. Our Unwavering Commitment to Serve and Assist our Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers chapter members. We love our chapter members and sincerely appreciate each person who has chosen to be part of this chapter. Our valued members join from across North America and other countries, so our live chapter meetings take place via Zoom, as do our signature Fireside Chats and various special events.This ensures that all chapter members can participate, wherever they are. In the future, the chapter may consider “hybrid” meetings, to allow for in-person attendance, while still broadcasting the full meeting via Zoom, so chapter members have a choice as to how they attend.Additionally, the monthly Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers chapter meetings, our Fireside Chats, the Mysteries & More Marketing Network meetings, and other Zoom events are recorded. Recordings of all chapter meetings are available for our chapter members (only) to view on the Members Only webpage, in case anyone missed a meeting.Recordings of the Fireside Chats are currently available to view on our website at www.grandcanyonwriters.com. As part of our commitment to help members succeed in their careers, we consistently ask for and actively listen to your suggestions, requests, ideas and recommendations.This is a writers’ organization that supports its members—offering encouragement, help and expert information—to heighten each member’s success.
    This is your chapter and your writing community.
  25. Fun! Experience these benefits and more, and have fun at the same time!

    BENEFITS that MEMBERSHIP in the NATIONAL SISTERS IN CRIME ORGANIZATION
    PROVIDES YOU as a  MEMBER of SISTERS IN CRIME GRAND CANYON WRITERS:

  26. Live Educational Classes and Panel Discussions via Webinars. Internationally renowned, award-winning, bestselling authors, publishers, editors, agents, crime and justice professionals, and other leading experts present programs with exceptional information for authors who want to build and enhance their careers.
  27. Archived webinars. If you missed a “live” webinar, Sisters in Crime (SINC) has the solution. Whether your goal is to: sharpen your writing skills and hone your craft; learn about crime and justice from the pros; up your marketing and promotion efforts; better manage the business side of your writing life. The recorded webinars are ready when you are.  (For National Sisters in Crime members only).
  28. The Sisters in Crime Guppies Chapter. The international, online chapter. An interactive support and critique group for unpublished writers.
  29. Regional Sisters in Crime chapters. Located in your own state or regional area. Enjoy the support and camaraderie of like-minded writers, participate in meetings, attend educational  programs and much more. 
  30. The Dorothy Cannell Scholarship. A $1,000 scholarship that is awarded annually to a member of the Guppies (online) chapter. 
  31. Master Classes. To develop your skills in the craft and business of writing, and to keep you current.
  32. The Monthly Sisters in Crime MEMBERS ONLY Write-In.  Launched in January of 2021, the monthly Sisters in Crime Write-Ins take place on the 1st of every month. The Write-In format includes a conversation about a writing topic, and then time for all participants to write together—a great way to schedule time for your writing and connect with other writers. 
  33. SinC Up! Exceptional writing tips for authors, from some of the bestselling authors in the world. These brief, but powerful, tools for success are broadcast on the Sisters in Crime YouTube channel.
  34. The Annual Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award. The recipient receives a grant of $2,000, to assist and support the recipient in crime fiction writing and career development activities. Details at www.SistersinCrime.org.
  35. The Pride Award. An annual grant of $2,000 awarded to an emerging writer in the LGBTQIA+ community. Details at www.SistersinCrime.org.
  36. A Strong Sisters in Crime presence. At national and regional book events, mystery conferences, conventions and festivals—with opportunities for individual author participation, books sales and/or distribution of promotional materials.
  37. The Indie-Publishing (Self-Publishing) Discussion Group. Addresses the unique challenges of bringing your story from draft to publication, as an independently published author.
  38. The “We Love Bookstores” Grant Program. Since 2015, Sisters in Crime has given over $30,000 in grants to bookstores in recognition of the role they play in introducing authors to readers and building a community of booklovers. The grants assist local bookstores. The nominations are made by Sisters in Crime members and eligible nominees offer Sisters in Crime authors’ books for sale. Multiple grants of $500 each are presented each year. SINC Members may nominate their favorite bookstore.
  39. The “We Love Libraries” Grant Program.  Sisters in Crime instituted the We Love Libraries grant program in 2010, to help libraries recover following the country-wide recession. Over $120,000 in grants have been awarded to school and public libraries in North America since then. SINC’s support of libraries is summed up on their website: “Libraries are the heart of their communities and play a vital role by inspiring lifelong learning and love of reading.” Multiple grants of $500 each are presented each year. SINC Members may nominate their favorite library.
  40. The Sisters in Crime Writers’ Podcast. The SINC Writer’s Podcast, hosted by  SINC Executive Director Julie Hennrikus, features weekly discussions with SINC members and authors. Conversations include the writing and publishing journey, individual experiences and lessons learned, the importance of community and more. 
  41. Academic Research Grants. Each year, a grant of up to $500 is awarded for the purchase of books to support research projects that contribute to our understanding of the role of women or underrepresented groups in the crime fiction genre.
  42. Member Discounts on Mystery Publications and National Magazines. Significant savings on internationally renowned publications save you time and keep you up-to-date in a complex, rapidly-changing writing and publishing environment. The publications also offer a tremendous avenue for aspiring and published authors alike.They include the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Mystery Weekly, The Strand, Mystery Scene, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, Sherlock Homes Mystery Magazine, The Hot Sheet (considered the essential publishing industry newsletter) and more!
  43. Chapter Grants. Awarded to individual Sisters in Crime chapters to assist them in in providing tools, programs and services to their chapter members, including classes, conferences and workshops in their local areas.
  44. A Direct Connection to Other Writers. Local and online chapters, social media groups, and face-to-face gatherings at national and regional conferences offer connections, networking and mentoring, to support your growth as a writer and nurture your career.
  45. The Authors Coalition. A partnership of writers’ organizations in the United States that includes Sisters in Crime. The Coalition was established to collect royalties for photocopying in Europe and other areas where records are not kept of monies owed to the creators of the works.
  46. The Industry Monitoring Project.  An on-going mystery review project that monitors media coverage of female and male authors, working towards balance in our genre and our industry.
  47. Reports. Critical data from the Annual Publishers’ Summit.
  48. Sisters in Crime National Listserv.  A dynamic and exciting discussion group where all manner of topics are covered: current happenings in the publishing world, ideas on how to best promote one’s own work, conducting research for elements of a novel and more.
  49. inSinC Magazine.  The feature-rich, Sisters in Crime quarterly publication.
  50. The monthly SinC Links.  A digest of “news you can use” in the worlds of publishing, writing and other critical areas for authors.
  51. An interactive map. To find our authors around the globe — Find a SinC Author.
  52. Updates on trends.  Movements in the literary market, with advice on how to take advantage of those trends and get more of your work published.
  53. Advocacy and outreach. Multiple grants; Diverse Authors: Frankie’s List, to introduce more readers to published crime writers who are members of under-represented or other marginalized groups; public resources; and many more opportunities make Sisters in Crime a major voice for diversity and excellence.
  54. Networking. On an international scale.
  55. A Helpful and Informative national Sisters in Crime, Inc. Website. Consistently updated with resources, educational opportunities, industry news, and more to help authors enrich their careers.

And, So MUCH More!

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