Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
The Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) is a professional / trade association. It was founded in 1965 by Damon Knight as "Science Fiction Writers of America". Although its name is now officially "Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc.", it continues to use and be known by SFWA.
Membership is restricted to writers who have sold one novel or dramatic script or three short stories to certain publishing venues (with minimum pay rates or circulations). Writers must be established in the US; meaning, their sales must be in the US. SFWA has had 1200-1500 members over the first several years of the 21st century.
Activities
The SFWA makes several awards, most prominently the Nebula Award, but also including the SFWA Author Emeritus Award; the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement to SF; the Bradbury Award for excellence in SF screenwriting; the Service to SFWA Award; and the Andre Norton Award for YA SF&F.
Professional education: warning writers about scams (writer-beware; model contracts)
Professional advocacy: copyright (statement on orphan works; statement on CTEA & Kahle v. Ashcroft
Gender issues
The SFWA had its first woman president 17 years after its founding. Of the 25 presidents, five have been women, and the other twenty have been white men; no person of color has been president. Female presidents have included:
- Marta Randall (1982-84)
- Jane Yolen (1986-88)
- Barbara Hambly (1994-96)
- Sharon Lee (2002-03)
- Catherine Asaro (2003-05)