"The pressures against free speech are heating up, even within democratic
societies themselves. No tyrant ever loved a truth-teller. Short version: we
do good and necessary work."
Margaret Atwood
Co-Founding President
PEN Canada
Join PEN Canada!
When you become a Writer Member of PEN, you join many of Canada's most distinguished writers, translators, and editors as part of a global community of literary professionals from more than a hundred nations. Members participate in the work of PEN by sitting on committees, conducting campaigns, and writing letters in connection with freedom of expression cases, and participating in programs that bring literature into underserved communities.
Writer Member Criteria
Writer Members of PEN Canada must fulfill the following criteria:
- Poets, essayists (including non-fiction writers) and novelists who have published at least one book of substantial literary value
- Journalists who have produced or edited a significant body of professional work
- Playwrights who have had at least one production by an professional theatre company
- Editors who have worked as editors for at least five years and edited at least five books of substantial literary value
- Translators who have translated at least one book of substantial literary value
- Songwriters who have had at least one solo credit, or at least three shared credits, on a professional produced production of artistic merit in film, television, radio or theatre
- Screenwriters, radio and television dramatists and documentary makers who have at least one solo credit, or at least three shared credits on a professionally produced production of artistic merit in film, television or radio (WGC, ACTRA or equivalent)
Application and Dues
Member Writer Annual Dues: $75.
Candidates for Writer Membership may apply by downloading and filling out the application form found on this page. Print, fill in the required information, and send it to Kasey Coholan, PEN Canada, 24 Ryerson Av, Suite 301, Toronto ON M5T 2G6. You may also fax it to 416 703 3870. We will inform you shortly about the status or your application; at that time, you may make a payment online or by mail or post.
FREE EXPRESSION CIRCLE: If you give more than your membership fee, you are acknowledged as a member of the Free Expression Circle.
PEN Canada
queries@pencanada.ca
Tel 416 703 8448 ext 25
Not a writer? Support PEN Canada by becoming an Associate Member.
Make a secure donation online.
