SWET: Society of Writers, Editors & Translators

SWET (Society of Writers, Editors & Translators) is a Tokyo-based organization that began informally in 1980 when about a hundred “WETs” gathered for the purpose of sharing knowledge and information. Based in Tokyo, the group is still alive and still intimate, with about 200 members. It has expanded to include individuals associated with teaching, research, rewriting, design, production, copywriting and anything else related to English text and publishing.

SWET also has its own newsletter, which it began in 1981. It is a humble but extremely helpful black and white (OK, not white, but beige), stapled publication in English numbering about 70ish pages. The contents vary from issue to issue and are somewhat eclectic. Expect to find interviews, critical essays, reflections, poetry, reviews, educational musings and an enormous wealth of advice. The contributors are hardened veterans so whether you are immersed in this industry or simply thinking about, you will likely find the publication—and the people associated with it—invaluable.

Although the group is based in Tokyo, its membership is borderless. People overseas can join and pay dues through the website to receive the newsletter.

SWETとは・・・東京を拠点に活動する英文執筆者、校正者、翻訳者たちが集まり、知識と情報の共有を目的に1980年に出来た団体である。教育、研究、デザイン、製造、コピーライター、その他あらゆる業界の英語に携わる人たちをメンバーに加えてきており、当初は100名ほどだったメンバーも現在では200名になり、ざっくばらんな雰囲気の中で活動中。

1981年から会報も出している。ステープラー留めの簡単な作りの会報ながら約70ページに上る内容はとても盛りだくさん。インタビュー、評論、随想、詩、その他示唆に富んだ様々な記事が盛り込まれる。寄稿者は知識も経験も豊富な人たちばかりなので、英語にどっぷり浸かって仕事をしている人でも、単に英語に興味を抱いているだけの人でも、この会報を読んだり、SWETのメンバーと関わりを持ったりすることはとても役に立つはずだ。

東京を拠点に活動する団体だが、どこに住んでいる人でも会員になることができる。海外からでも下記ウェブサイトを通じて参加できるし、会費を払えば会報を送ってもらえる。

General inquiries about SWET and membership:
Society of Writers, Editors and Translators
1-16 Kita Iwaoka, Tokorozawa
Saitama 359-0007
Fax: 81-(0)3-3430-1740
www.swet.jp
 
SWET-L Internet Mailing List
Newtork via this free service, open to non-SWET members also, for discussion of topics in English writing, editing, translating and publishing related to Japan. To join, send a message to swet-l-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. (That is the letter “l” in the middle)

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