Should I join the Writers Guild?

This was a question that I’d been asking myself for the past ten years. Working in the theatre industry, you’re constantly dealing with contracts from producers, theatres etc. And you do need some kind of support.

I’m a writer in the UK so my union is the Writers Guild of Great Britain, but there are of course unions for America, such as WGA (Writers Guild of America West).

Since being a member, I’ve been inundated with questions about it! Here are some of the answers to those:

What is the WGGB?

The WGGB is a trade union in the United Kingdom, that campaign for fairer rights and pay for writers in the country.

What kind of writing does the wggb support?

Everything! From theatre, screen, books, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comedy, video games, audio, online writing, journalism – the entire umbrella of writing is being looked after by the Writers Guild of Great Britain.

what kind of memberships are on offer?

There are the WGGB’s four membership tiers.

• Full Membership: For professional writers working in TV, theatre, film, audio, books, poetry, comedy, animation and videogames.
• Candidate Membership: Emerging/aspiring writers (who can upgrade to Full membership after they receive professional credits).
• Student Membership: For those aged 18 or over studying at BA level or below.
• Affiliate Membership: For agents, technical advisers, consultants and others involved in a professional relationship with writers, including Higher Educational professionals working in creative writing departments (Affiliate Membership is held in the name of one lead contact, but the member benefits are available to up to three professionals per organisation).

What Membership Are You?

I have full membership. One of their eligibility criterias, is that you must have been paid from a contractual agreement for your writing. PlayFight was my first commission and came through for me here!

do i need an agent?

No! I thought you needed one, but you don’t. As long as you’re a writer, itching to get your work out there, then you can at least sign up for a candidate membership.

do they take on the role of an agent?

No. You still need an agent to negotiate your contracts, however, the WGGB have their own legal team who can help and advise you, if you ask them. They also advise you on your rights, such as the amount of rehearsals you can attend – (all of them!) and if you’re being screwed over by a producer, then they’ve got your backs.

How did you come across it?

Over my tenure as a writer, I’d heard about it from my peers and of course at University, but I swung like a pendulum when it came to actually joining. I didn’t know enough about it to make a full commitment. Also, back in the day, getting paid for writing was like finding a gold speck in a dustball. It was only after joining the Papatango Studio and attending their brilliant zoom workshops and talks, that I was able to garner a full understanding of the Writer’s Guild and what they’re all about.

what made you finally give it a go?

After the zoom talk, there was a Q&A. During the chat, some red flags started to fly up in regards to something (which I can’t mention on here for obvious reasons). I asked them about my concern and the answer they gave was astonishing. My eyes flew open. I realised that it would help me to have them – and a whole network of writers – in my corner.

how will this help you personally?

As the WGGB covers all fields of writing and I’m a playwright, screenwriter, novelist and online writer – this is something that I can lean back on for the rest of my career.

if the wggb calls a strike will you do it?

If I’m getting regular paid writing gigs then I guess I’ll have to! Writers are already getting kicked in the nuts as is it, so I doubt they will. But regardless… nothing can stop creativity and it’s unfair to expect writers to just stop creating. I don’t care if that makes me a scab!

do you regret it?

It’s far too early to say! However, it is comforting to know as a writer, that you’ve got access to resources if you need it.