Chesapeake Bay Writers

In 2018, CBW will hold three luncheon or dinner meetings each year and three meetings with no charge at libraries in the region. These meetings are open to the public and offer a variety of informative programs about writing, publishing and marketing finished works. The November meeting is our annual All Stars Gala at which members entertain one another by reading their work and competing for cash prizes.

CBW sponsors workshops which afford members opportunities to exchange ideas and establish contact with others having similar interests. Individual members also host various critique and Open mic groups to encourage and support members in achieving their writing goals. Full details are in every newsletter. Click on the Bay Writer News link to read current and prior issues.

If your current situation fits one of the four descriptions below, you can benefit by joining the Chesapeake Bay Writers.
 

• I have always loved to write, but have had little time until now to seriously pursue the craft of writing, whether for pleasure or pay.
• I have had some success in writing, but now wish to pursue publication. I know what I want to write about, but need support, advice, critique and guidance from more experienced writers;
• I have completed a draft of my first novel (fiction) or book proposal (nonfiction) and seek help, advice and critique both to improve the work and to navigate successfully the best path to publication;
• I have one or more books published or self-published, but in this rapidly evolving world of publishing, marketing and media, need to learn of strategies and venues that will help ensure continued success.

All activities and events that the Chesapeake Bay Writers (CBW) offers to area writers are wholly dependent on annual dues and member donations of expertise, time and effort. By joining our organization, you not only help yourself, but expand support for the larger community of area writers.
 

 Our goal is to help all our members achieve their individual writing goals.

CBW extends the following benefits to its members:
1. Advance notice for CBW-sponsored workshops and General meetings with informative topical programs with discounts for restaurant meetings.

2. Free e-mail Subscription to Bay Writers News, the CBW newsletter, published five times per year.

3. Eligibility to compete for cash prizes in the annual CBW All Stars Writing Competition and club level of the Golden Nib writing contest sponsored by the Virginia Writers Club.

4. The website's  Members Bookstore provides information about members' books and links to where they can be purchased.

5. Networking and fellowship through access to area writers to help you grow your writing and marketing skills.

6. Website Visibility We'll place a photo and link to your website or email on our Members' Corner page. A reciprocating link back to the CBW Website is requested to increase traffic on both sites.

7. Radio Exposure  CBW's Second Monday talk radio show on XTRA 99.1 FM offers a 15-20 minute interview with Neal Steele about members' recently published books. Features free placement of the recorded interview on the CBW Website.

8. Print Media Publicity: Chesapeake Style magazine offers Books in Style reviews of books by authors who are members of CBW or who regularly attend one of its critique groups. The magazine distributes 10,000 copies seven times a year and 15,000 for the Winter Issue to more than 300 locations in the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck and to the Williamsburg General Store. For online version, click here.

Give back to the community of writers and advance your goals as a writer by becoming a member of CBW.