About the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia

The Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS) is an arts service organization founded with the core principle of “writers helping writers”. This collaborative philosophy informs a complete cycle of development programming and a wide array of professional services that support the craft of writing, the business of being a writer, and the promotion of Nova Scotia writers as integral to the province’s cultural life and creative economy. In fulfilling this province-wide mandate for writers of all forms and genres, and for writers at all stages in their careers, the WFNS is guided by its Mission Statement and Core Values:

Mission Statement 
To foster creative writing and the profession of writing in the Province of Nova Scotia; to provide advice and assistance to writers at all stages of their careers; to encourage greater public recognition of writers and their achievements; and to enhance the literary arts in our regional and national culture. 

Core Values
1.  We value the diversity of writers in all regions of Nova Scotia, and are inclusive of all backgrounds, abilities, and languages represented in the province. We value all genres of writing, and strive to create a welcoming, accessible, and supportive atmosphere for all writers. 
2.  We value the practice of writing and the importance of developing our skill and craft as writers. 
3.  We value writing as a passion and a profession. We strive to represent the interests and protect the rights of all writers. 
4.  We value community building among writers. We encourage writers to connect to readers, services, and resources. We have an appreciation for writing and a commitment to supporting its role in the life of Nova Scotians. We value the contributions of Nova Scotia writers regionally, nationally, and internationally. 
5.  We value the inherent skills and resources of our community, and where possible, will use the skills and resources of our membership and community at large. 
6.  We value professionalism, and conduct ourselves with a high level of integrity. We are resourceful and creative in how we manage our organization’s operations. 
 

About Membership

There are two types of membership:

General Membership
General Membership is open to anybody who writes. Benefits include the right to vote at the AGM, reduced program fees, all WFNS communications services, invitations to special events and celebrations, the opportunity to meet and network with writing colleagues, and a variety of support services.

Writers' Council Membership
Members who meet professional publication requirements as defined in the By-Laws of the WFNS may apply for Writers' Council membership. Only Writers' Council members may participate in the Writers in the Schools (WITS) program and serve as WFNS workshop instructors.

Annual membership dues are $60 or $25 for students, and are due in January for each calendar year. 

Click here to join!

Benefits of Membership

  • Reduced rates for, and advance notice of, WFNS programming, such as professional development sessions and workshops.
  • Eligibility to apply for the Alistair MacLeod Mentorship Program.
  • Access to our Manuscript Review Program which matches writers with published authors for advice on their work-in-progress for a flat rate fee.
  • Eligibility to place a free listing in our online service directory. 
  • Subscription to SubText, a bi-weekly email of events, opportunities and announcements, market listings, contests, awards, and more.
  • Direct invitations to special events and celebrations. 
  • Access to the WFNS Writers' Studio, which includes a computer with internet access and a printer. 
  • Access to the WFNS space for launches. 
  • Eligibility to vote at the WFNS Annual General Meeting.
  • Formal and informal opportunities to network with local, regional, and national writers.
  • Access to a volunteer program where members can earn credits towards discounted WFNS services & membership.
  • Participation in the Writers in the Schools program. (Writers’ Council members.)
  • A profile in our online Writers’ Directory. (Writers’ Council members.)
  • And, of course, access to other programming for everyone!