When I say I’m on the board for the WNBA, I’m often met with surprised looks and questions regarding my athletic qualifications. No, not the Women’s National Basketball League, I quickly clarify, but the Women’s National Book Association (WNBA)! As a nonprofit, the WNBA “exists to connect, educate, advocate, and lead in the literary community.” It has been empowering female-identifying writers, authors, and book lovers, and as a Publishing and Writing MA student, it has become a rewarding part of my personal and professional life.
What is the WNBA?
The first chapter of the Women’s National Book Association was founded in 1917 by fifteen women booksellers who were excluded from membership in the all-male Booksellers’ League. Our founders had big ambitions: they dreamt of creating a thriving community for women in all facets of the book world. Now, the WNBA has expanded beyond its small Manhattan meeting room into 12 national chapters, from San Francisco to Nashville and beyond.
The Boston Chapter, founded in 1954, continues the mission cultivated by the WNBA’s original founders. Seeking to unite publishing professionals, writers, librarians, and anyone who loves books, our local chapter hosts “a range of events that aim to educate, entertain, and inspire.” Popular events have included a panel with local bookstore owners, including Lovestruck Books virtual author interviews, and even a conversation on the state of comic books within the industry. But one of our favorite events? Definitely when we collaborated with Emerson!
WNBA & Emerson College
In October 2024, the Boston chapter of the WNBA worked with Emerson to host its first collaborative event, “The Future of Publishing.” The panel featured four panelists from notable publishing houses, including Beacon Press and Candlewick. For Emerson students, the event felt especially meaningful since two of the four panelists were Publishing and Writing MA alumni who could speak directly to the questions, concerns, and excitements students were experiencing.
The event, held on Emerson’s campus in the Bill Bordy Theater, was free and open to both students and Boston area book professionals. Within just a week of the event announcement, it had already sold out!
On the night of the event, attendees networked over light refreshments before the panel discussion. Topics addressed how AI and other emerging technologies may alter the book world, how book bans can be tamed, and ways that the industry and jobs may change and grow in the coming years.
Because of the success and positive feedback from the WNBA’s first event with Emerson, it’s set to become an annual networking event!
Why Emerson Students Should Care
Whether you are pursuing a lifelong career in publishing, are working on your debut novel after class, or simply love reading and want to be part of a bigger literary circle, the WNBA has several resources to offer you.
Community: Since publishing can be a highly networked industry, the process can feel intimidating, whether you’re already established or trying to make your first career moves. The WNBA seeks to connect the book world and make it a more inclusive and collaborative space, no matter your age or experience level.
- Networking: Meet professionals who include finalists for the National Book Award, staff at Boston-based literary agencies, interns at your dream publishing house, and more.
- Events: Ranging from local panels to book launches and even editorial workshops, the WNBA’s events are tailored to our diverse membership.
- Discounted Membership: All students receive a reduced membership rate, making this organization an affordable way to network beyond the bounds of LinkedIn!
How to Get Involved
- Check out the Boston WNBA website and sign up for the newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and membership information.
- Reach out to the Boston Chapter president, Deborah Norkin, if you would like to volunteer with the WNBA or become a possible board member
- Attend the WNBA & Emerson event this fall! Meet new people within the industry and start networking.
Becoming the communications chair for the Boston WNBA has been a great way for me to practice the skills I’ve developed as a second-year Publishing and Writing student, all while receiving mentorship from experienced publishing professionals. Three other Emerson alumni currently serve on the Boston board alongside me, not only emphasizing the strong connection between Emerson and the WNBA but also highlighting Emerson’s integral role in Boston’s literary landscape. If you’re looking for a broader sense of community and unique ways to start forming connections, the WNBA is a great resource to explore.
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