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Words Matter Week Begins Today!

March 1, 2026 Post a comment

Words Matter Week, which is in its 18th year, is a holiday that is celebrated annually the first full week in March, and the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) delights in honoring its essence.

Words are the basis for communication, no matter the language spoken. Babies make sounds, which eventually are formed into words.

Here at NAIWE, we know the importance of words. We want to celebrate it with you all week long, and we believe in the importance of words all year long!

 

Spread the Word

Join us in promoting Words Matter Week! You have NAIWE’s permission to reproduce the poster on your website, with a link back to this page, and you may also print and display the poster. Please invite your friends to participate in this year’s event and show your support for Words Matter Week by placing the poster in your newsletter, on your blog, or in your social media. Words really do matter, so let’s spread the reminders!

 

Prepare for the Writing Challenge

During Words Matter Week, we host a writing challenge. Each day we will post a question on our blog and various social media outlets.

Respond to the question on your blog or social media page (be sure to include #WMW2026, #WMW, or #NAIWE in your response), and then link back to it in the comments of the corresponding article on the NAIWE blog. For each challenge question you respond to, you will receive one entry into a drawing (and a bonus entry for each response written on your NAIWE blog).

At the end of the week, a drawing will be held, and one person will win a fabulous prize, along with a mention and link in the next newsletter.

Categories: Events, National Days, News, Words Matter Week, Writing

Words Go a Long Way

February 20, 2026 Post a comment

“Use your words.” Have you ever heard someone say this to you or to others? I know that I am regularly saying this to one of my children.

At NAIWE, we encourage you to use your words. We seek to encourage young writers to expand their vocabulary and our peers to express their inner thoughts for the plot of a manuscript in progress.

We encourage you to explain the value of your newest service, to congratulate your peers for their efforts to market when they are busy, to lead a webinar about a topic that you excel in, and to write responses to the Words Matter Week challenges. Words Matter Week, coming to you March 1-7, is all about the value of words!

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Categories: Events, National Days, News, Words Matter Week, Writing

NAIWE in Public View

January 16, 2026 Post a comment

What was all the buzz about at the Hanover Book Expo 2025? Authors listened attentively to hear how the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) could help them market their books, and readers gathered to pick up, hold, and read the book covers of NAIWE member books! This expo was another venue where NAIWE was alive, visible, and available to authors and readers!

NAIWE members have the option to mail in copies of their books (member benefit #15). While these books are available for other members to request when they renew their NAIWE membership, these books are also displayed at events to highlight what NAIWE members have accomplished!

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Categories: Events, Marketing, Member Benefits, News

Mavens for NAIWE

October 17, 2025 Post a comment

As with any industry, there are experts in the publishing industry, and at NAIWE we delight in highlighting them as they give back to others in the community. The NAIWE Board of Experts calls attention to 12 people with exceptional skills and information to share with others through articles and webinars.

Each month, a member of the NAIWE Board of Experts writes an article, which is published in the “From the Experts” newsletter. All of these informative articles are then available to our members in the NAIWE Member’s Library.

Each month, a member of the Board of Experts leads a webinar, which is then available in the NAIWE On-Demand Training Center.

If you would like to be considered for a future position on the NAIWE Board of Experts, please send us your resume and area of expertise.

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Categories: News

NAIWE: Enhance and Encourage Community

September 18, 2025 Post a comment

Sometimes a freelancer has a question, but it is difficult to get an answer because many freelancers work alone and may not have connections within the publishing industry.

However, NAIWE members have access to other freelancers because all members are part of a discussion board where they can brainstorm and bounce ideas off of one another.

NAIWE members are professional and respectful in their responses, and they may add new ideas and have other resources to be considered in topics brought up for conversation.

The NAIWE discussion board provides freelancers with a sense of belonging!

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Categories: News

NAIWE Technology Updates

August 15, 2025 Post a comment

Technology helps to produce a diverse array of new products. Some products are short lived, while others will be around for a long while.

NAIWE members have access to several resources such as monthly webinars led by experts on current and upcoming information in publishing, webinars about innovative technology offered by our NAIWE Benefit Partners, and other NAIWE members.

These resources allow individual freelancers to have a wide breadth of information by increasing knowledge and enabling NAIWE members to command a higher hourly rate from their clients!

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Categories: News

Go Further with NAIWE!

July 18, 2025 Post a comment

NAIWE members are freelancers, and freelancers are small businesses. Being associated with NAIWE gives our members buying power because our members have access to discounts on many products and services that are beneficial to those in the publishing industry.

Plus, we are always reaching out to our members to find out which products and services they would like to see added to the NAIWE Benefit Partner program!

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Categories: News

NAIWE.org! The New NAIWE Website Is Live!

June 20, 2025 Post a comment

I am so excited to tell you that our new website is now live! When you visit the site, you may not immediately notice a difference. However, our new website is NAIWE.org! We are no longer NAIWE.com.

What does this mean to you? For members, the new membership database has been designed with you in mind, making it easier to locate and update your personal information. It will also generate renewal notifications on a timely basis.

With a major move, like this, some things will change such as how members can access their NAIWE membership information. I will work on making videos to assist you with managing your NAIWE membership, and the videos will be located in the Member’s Area.

As you use the new website, I want to know about your experiences, good and bad — along with your questions or issues.

However, if you type NAIWE.com, no worries, as you will automatically be redirected to our new website. Happy surfing!

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Categories: News

NAIWE Training Your Way

April 18, 2025 Post a comment

NAIWE enjoys helping its members to improve their skills and speed up their hourly processes.

One of the ways we do this is through our training. Each year, we offer live classes and webinars on topics such as macros and marketing. These classes help NAIWE members save time, increase their hourly rate, and reach their ideal clients! In addition, many of our training courses are recorded, allowing members to learn at times when it is convenient for them!

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Categories: News

Caring by Connection

March 21, 2025 Post a comment

Through the NAIWE discussion list, members can discuss important topics with fellow publishing professionals, and they can also reach out to others who have had similar experiences and who may offer the same type of work.

However, NAIWE members like to have fun too! NAIWE members chat about funny signs they saw while at the park or in a store and funny moments they had with a client.

NAIWE members are here to support and laugh with one another!

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Categories: Member Benefits, News

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Recent Posts

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Book Review: Believing in Horses Out West

September 14, 2026

Member Benefit: Discount on Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

September 11, 2026

Melissa Yi, NAIWE's Medical Crime Expert

September 4, 2026

Book Award Winner: Ana Maria Lopez Jimeno

September 2, 2026

Days to Celebrate in September

August 28, 2026

Authors Seek More Book Reviews

August 21, 2026

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