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Benefit Readers F.A.Q.
F.A.Q.
General Questions
Q: What is the AWP Benefit Reading Series?
A: The Benefit Reading Series is a project to raise funds for the Association of Writers & Writing Programs. The readers on our list have agreed to be available to read at schools and other institutions for a low honorarium ($1000), which they donate to AWP. Sponsoring institutions are responsible for readers’ travel, accommodations, and meals.
The Benefit Reading Series is a great way for schools, literary centers, libraries, and other institutions to interact with celebrated authors, and a great way for authors to lend their talents to AWP.
Q: Who should I contact?
A: AWP Membership Services
The Association of Writers and Writing Programs
George Mason University MSN 1E3
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
awp@awpwriter.org
703-993-4304
703-993-4302 (fax)
Sponsoring Institutions' Questions
Q: How do I schedule a reader through AWP?
A: If you wish to schedule a reader on the list, AWP acts as a medium between readers and institutions and helps to negotiate the terms of the reading. To schedule a reader, first choose a reader from our list of available participants. Readers’ states of residence are indicated on our list because scheduling a reader in your region will help you save money on travel-related expenses. In determining who you want to invite, you’ll want to figure out what your budget allows. After the $1000 honorarium, how much money will you have for the reader’s travel, food, lodging, and publicity? Your next step is to email us at awp@awpwriter.org. In your email, include:
- Which reader you are requesting. Do you have an alternate choice? If there is a scheduling conflict, we can contact another reader.
- Multiple possible reading dates. Readers tend to be flexible, but they may have other commitments planned. Have some alternative dates and times ready.
- What the reader can expect. What type of audience will there be? Is there an airport close by? Where will the reader stay? Where will the reading be held?
Q: Why should I use the AWP Benefit Reading Series?
A: The series offers some of contemporary literature’s most accomplished and talented voices for an affordable fee. By sponsoring a Benefit Reading Series event, you’ll bring an acclaimed author to your institution while supporting AWP, the only national nonprofit organization cultivating both the appreciation of contemporary literature and the growth and quality of education in creative writing.
Q: What if I don't need help contacting the reader I want to schedule?
A: If you don't need AWP to serve as a medium between your institution and the reader, let us know that in your initial email. We will provide the reader with a Benefit Reading Series contract and provide any additional support needed.
Q: What if our budget allows us to pay an author more than the $1000 honorarium?
A: Even if you usually pay readers more than the Benefit Reading Series’s honorarium, the series is still a great way to support writers, teachers, and students through AWP. If you have additional funds, there are several options. You can schedule the reader for a longer visit, request that the reader give a workshop, craft talk, or lecture in addition to the schedule reading, or otherwise enhance and expand on the reader’s time at your institution. You and the reader are welcome to negotiate the terms of this extended visit. The reader may choose to donate the extra funds to AWP or to accept the funds as payment for their services.
Q: Can the reader also conduct a workshop or visit a classroom?
A: Absolutely. Many of our readers are willing to spend additional time with students, community members, etc., to give craft lectures, or otherwise participate in the sponsoring institution’s mission, either as part of the reading or for an additional fee. The terms of these extended interactions are to be negotiated between the sponsoring institution and the reader, though AWP will act as a go-between if desired.
Q: How can I find details on each reader?
A: AWP maintains a database of biographical information on the authors. Please contact us for the complete list. The website has links to many of the readers' website and also some pop-up biographical statements.
Q: I've never scheduled a reading before. How do I do it
A: We can send you a checklist that will help you plan all aspects of hosting a visiting writer, from the publicity to the podium. For more information, contact us and awp@awpwriter.org. The mission of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs is to foster literary talent and achievement, to advance the art of writing as essential to a good education, and to serve the makers, teachers, students, and readers of contemporary writing.
Readers' Questions
Q: How can I become a reader for the Benefit Reading Series?
A: Thank you for your interest in supporting AWP! If you would like to be added to our active list of readers available to read at institutions for the Benefit Reading Series, please email us at awp@awpwriter.org with your bio, a list of published books, state of residence, and any other pertinent information. We will be in touch about adding you to the list.
Q: Why should I read for the Benefit Reading Series?
A: Getting involved in the Benefit Reading Series is a great way to give back to the writing community. By participating as a reader for the series, you agree to donate to AWP the $1000 honorarium you receive for reading. Not only will you be bringing your voice and talents to an institution that values them, you’ll also be helping AWP, the only national nonprofit organization cultivating both the appreciation of contemporary literature and the growth and quality of education in creative writing.
Q: What if I want to change my bio, location, or other information on the Benefit Readers List?
A: To change any of your information as it appears on the readers list, contact us at awp@awpwriter.org.
Q: What if I want to or am asked to give a lecture, craft talk, or workshop in addition to the reading?
A: Readers often spend additional time with students, community members, etc., to give craft lectures, or otherwise participate in the sponsoring institution’s mission, either as part of the reading or for an additional fee. The terms of these extended interactions are to be negotiated between you and the sponsoring institution, though AWP will serve as a go-between if desired.
Q: How does the payment, contracting, and reimbursement work?
A: You will make separate agreements with both AWP and the institution that sponsors your reading. When read as part of the Benefit Reading Series, we ask that you sign agree to donate to AWP the $1000 honorarium you receive. You will also sign separate agreements with the sponsoring institution like any normal reading. The sponsoring institution is responsible for your travel expenses, meals, and accommodations. AWP will put you in touch with the institution so that you may work out these details with them directly.
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