About SWET - The Society of Writers, Editors, and Translators, founded in Japan in 1980, comprises people engaged not only in the three professions of writing, editing, and translating, but also in teaching, research, rewriting, design and production, copywriting, and other areas related to the written word in Japan. Its membership is defined less by occupation than by a desire to share experience, information, and expertise involving English writing and publishing.

SWET's goals are facilitating the flow of information among members, encouraging the sharing of know-how and experience, and providing a vehicle for increased contact among people working in related fields. Members hope that our efforts will result in better working conditions and higher standards of expertise in the many fields that relate to the use of the written English word in Japan, be they translation, rewriting, publishing, editing, copywriting, book and magazine design, or work in allied fields.

About SWET-L - Although SWET-L is the SWET mailing list, you don't have to be a SWET member to join the list. It is open to everyone whose work involves communicating in written English. Matters related to Japan do loom large in the deliberations, but much of the discussion is of interest to people in other countries as well.

SWET-L Topics - What do we talk about? Well, for example,

* Points of English style and grammar. There's no shame in being nitpicky here.

* Handling Japanese words in English. Noh? Nou? Or No?

* Dictionaries, style manuals, and other exciting stuff for wordsmiths.

* Knotty ethical questions.

* Electronic writing and publishing tools.

* Dealing with clients.

* Getting work. Job offers. Especially in Japan.

* Getting qualified. A bit of paper can take you a long way.

* Professional networking. Getting and giving information.