One of the biggest challenges of working in sales, marketing or social media is the ability to write effectively. You just can’t rely on making cold calls anymore. You have to put pen to paper (OK, I really mean fingers to your keyboard) and compose e-mails, proposals and other marketing material to make the sale.

Yes, there are a lot of online courses you can take. But let’s say you want more individual attention. Where do you go? Surprisingly, one of the best places to consider is your local nonprofit writing center.

Now, I know what you are thinking. Aren’t writing centers just for aspiring novelists and poets? No. Many writing centers offer courses on nonfiction. And while it may be great to participate in workshops or classes, several writing centers also offer online courses.

Below is a list that I compiled while working as a volunteer for the Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD. The list is based on research I was doing on membership programs at domestic and international nonprofit writing groups. Please let me know what you think.

1). 49 Alaska Writing Center – based in Anchorage, AK

2). Indiana Writers Center – based in Indianapolis, IN

3). The YMCA’s Downtown Writers Center – based in Syracuse, NY

4). The Loft Literary Center – based in Minneapolis, MN

5). Hugo House, a place for writers – based in Seattle, WA

6). The Writers Place – based in Kansas City, MO

7). San Diego Writers, Ink – based in San Diego, CA

8). GrubStreet – based in Boston, MA

9). The Writer’s Center – based in Bethesda, MD (near Washington, D.C.)

10). Hudson Valley Writers Center – based in Sleepy Hollow, NY