They were brought together by concern over finding health insurance, developing a job listing system and providing informal social opportunities to help writers overcome the isolation that so often accompanies their work. Since then, WIW has grown rapidly in stature and scope, providing a variety of member services, including a newsletter, health insurance and a job bank. WIW conducts professional and social forums for the exchange of information and ideas, plays an active role in issues that affect the independent writing profession and strives to correct unfair practices in the field. WIW members write and edit fiction and non-fiction. Some specialize in magazine or newspaper writing, while others write through contracts with corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Members also write novels, short stories, poetry and film scripts.