How can I contact the national offices of MWA?
Mystery Writers of America
17 E 47th St, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10018
phone: 212-888-8171
fax: 212-888-8107
e-mail: mwa@mysterywriters.org
website: http://www.mysterywriters.org

What other Internet resources are available through the chapter?
SoCalMWA@yahoogroups.com, our chapter e-mail list, provides an easy way for members to participate in the chapter. SoCalMWA is available to MWA members through Yahoo groups, a list service site. There is no cost to MWA or its members to join the list. You must be a current member of MWA and have an e-mail account.
• SoCalMWA@yahoogroups.com is the fastest way to get news about chapter events, programs, and benefits. Industry news and related announcements are made through this list. This is a low traffic list - not a lengthy list of thousands of posts. Seldom are more than one or two messages a day sent to subscribers. Recent posts have included meeting and event anouncements, news of a Gallup poll on Americans' book-buying habits (with a link to the poll), and information about increasing traffic to author Web sites.
• To join this list, send a blank message to SoCalMWA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Be sure to capitalize the address as shown. Or click here.
• If you have difficulty, please send an e-mail to contact@socalmwa.com and we will be happy to help you subscribe.
• The list is available in three formats: E-mail, Digest, and Web Only. You may choose any one of these as the mode for receiving a list. E-mail format sends an individual e-mail message as soon as anyone on the list posts a message. Digest format sends one daily e-mail message to you at most - a collection of all the messages for that day in digest form. Web Only sends no e-mail to you, but you may read the archives of the list at the groups.yahoo.com/group/socalmwa Web site whenever you like. These archives are available to all members of the list.

If I don't want to be on the list, can I still receive announcements by e-mail?
The lists are the surest way to receive such announcements. If you don't want to be on a list, it's still a good idea to give us your e-mail address if you have one. Occasionally, announcements are sent to all members who have given us their current e-mail addresses.

Is there a national MWA e-mail list?
Yes. Based on the successful model of So Cal's list, EMWA@yahoogroups.com was founded in 2000 and currently has over 300 members. We recommend subscribing in Digest mode to this list, as it sometimes receives many messages in a day. First, subscribe by sending a blank e-mail message to
EMWA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Or click here. To set the digest mode, after your subscription is approved, send another blank message to
EMWA-digest@yahoogroups.com.

Is there a chapter newsletter?
Yes. The March of Crime is the chapter newsletter for SoCal MWA - all members receive it. The March of Crime contains important announcements regarding meetings and activities. The newsletter features articles on our industries (publishing, television, film, stage), on the business aspects of crime writing, promotion and marketing, member news, explanations of benefits, forensic medical information and other topics. It is published 10-12 times per year.

Can I place an ad in the newsletter?
Yes, our newsletter accepts appropriate advertising. See page 2 of the newsletter for details regarding ads.

How often does the chapter meet?
Generally, we have an activity or meeting at least once a month.

Where does the chapter meet?
Currently, we do not meet in the same place each month. The chapter usually meets in the Los Angeles area, but holds Beyond LA gatherings in other parts of the chapter. Meeting places are announced in the newsletter, on the Web site, through the e-mail lists, and on our voice mail.

Does the organization charge for meetings?
Some meetings incur costs for food or rental of space, and since not all members live close enough to attend them, we sometimes try to help cover the cost of meetings with a small charge to participants. Dinner meetings or meetings in special settings may cost more.

Is there a Speaker's Bureau?
Yes. Our Speakers Bureau, coordinated by Naomi Hirahara, allows members to volunteer to participate in speaking engagements at libraries, bookstores, and in other venues. Contact the chapter for more information, or send an e-mail to
speakers@socalmwa.com.

What are Beyond LA gatherings?
These are weekend lunches or other casual meetings, designed to allow members who live in areas other than Los Angeles to get together. These are open to all members. Beyond LA events have been scheduled for San Diego, Orange County, Ventura, Tucson, and other areas.

Who can vote and hold office?
Members whose membership category is Active - generally, those whose work has been professionally published or produced, and who have received payment for it.

How can I change my membership status?
Send information regarding your eligibility to the National office. We cannot simply change your status at the chapter level; new Active members must be approved by a vote of the National board. You are not eligible for Active status if you are self-published.

How can I get a discount rate for Publishers Weekly magazine?
Consult your MWA Member Benefits Guide, or contact MWA National Headquarters.

Where can I find information about other membership benefits?
Most information about benefits is available in the National newsletter, The Third Degree, and with the packets you receive from National when you join or renew - but we are happy to help you find any information about MWA you need. Contact the chapter or National offices.

What is the MWA Collection at CSULB? How can I have my work place in the collection?
The University Library at California State University, Long Beach has agreed to house a special collection of works by members of the Southern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. For more information, see the CSULB Library page.

Can you help me if I'm frustrated with the National office?
Our National office's staff is usually friendly and helpful, but as with any organization, sometimes problems occur. Many times we can help you if you are having difficulty obtaining information or having other problems with the MWA National office. Contact us by any of the methods mentioned above. You may also send complaints by e-mail to ombudsman@mysterywriters.org.

How can I help SoCal MWA to keep going strong?
Volunteer time. Ask other writers to join MWA. Write a newsletter article. Tell a librarian or bookstore owner about MWA's website. Link your website to ours. Sign up for the Speaker's Bureau. Promote MWA when you speak in public, especially at writing conferences and seminars. Donate your works to the CSULB collection. Attend meetings and special events. Bring others with you. Post industry news to the list. Tell us how the organization can be improved. Make sure we get your new address if you move, your new e-mail address if you change services or accounts. Suggest a speaker. Suggest a program. Suggest possible member discounts and benefits. Let us know which activities you like best/least.

URL: http://socalmwa.com/faq.htm
Last updated: February 20, 2007