Directory of Resources for (English-speaking) Writers in Basel (& Switzerland)

 

Resources are in Basel unless noted otherwise.

WRITING GROUPS

  • Shut Up & Write: Exactly what it says. This free group meets at a local cafe to write for an hour. I organize the Wednesday and First Friday groups. There is also a weekly Saturday Morning group as well as a bi-weekly Monday Evening Edition. Free. Open to all writers in all genres in all languages. An international organization with Switzerland chapters currently in Basel, Bern, Fribourg, and Geneva. Please Note: registration used to be through Meetup but has moved to: www.shutupwrite.com

  • Queers und Friends Writing Get Together: A queers and friends writing group. Primary language is German but English is spoken when needed. Every first Thursday of the month. Time & space for writing, drafting new texts, editing existing texts & optional discussing. Meets at Sp!t. spit.noblogs.org

  • Schreibcafé: Weekly writing group is a collaboration between Art of Intervention (focused on current socio-political, gender-theoretical, and (queer-)feminist topics) the Literaturhaus Basel, and Café Kafka. Art of Intervention focuses on current socio-political, gender-theoretical, and (queer-)feminist topics and is a collaboration between the Swiss Center for Social Research and Swiss universities, cultural institutions, and networks such as BuchBasel and the Kunst Museum. This shared writing space began after BuchBasel 2024 as an answer to the question: “What kind of texts about caregiving would we like to read? And what would we need to write these texts?” The Schreibcafé is in German or English depending on the group participants; however, their other literature events tend to be in German. Special thanks to Chris from Shut Up & Write for tipping me off to this writing group. The website (in German) & is a bit difficult to wade through. I’ve linked to the Art of Intervention calendar here. You will need to scroll to find & click on Schreibcafé to find the details. https://artofintervention.ch/kalender/

  • Thin Raft Writers: Critique group. The OG writing group in Basel has been around since 2000. Open to members of Centrepoint, an English-speaking community center in the historic Lohnhof. https://www.centrepoint.ch/Activity-Groups/

  • Vastela Writing Club (Zurich): Writing sessions are in English but it is open to all genres and writers in all languages. www.vastelabooks.com/collections/events

  • dears, write (Zurich): Dears, Write is part of the soirées in the Dada Library of @cabaretvoltaire.ch every last Wednesday of the month. “Each meeting begins with a reading of selected texts, followed by a writing session. At the end short passages from the texts written are shared and woven into a spontaneous collective composition.” by @dearsmagazine. Read a selection of text written at various at the Dada blog. https://www.dears.ch/write

  • Zurich Poetry Club (Zurich): Ink & Drink and Poet Tea. “For poets, writers, and anyone interested in exploring words….writing sessions, poetry readings, spoken word, and performances…all levels are welcome.” Meet twice a month. https://www.meetup.com/zurichpoetryclub/ or join the Whatsapp group for current meetups https://chat.whatsapp.com/JBFUg4f3JikJlO4GbNKBmX

WORKSHOPS

  • Geneva Writers Group: A non-profit association run by volunteers that hosts workshops in Geneva and is currently in a test phase of also holding workshops in the German part of Switzerland. Workshops have included prompt writing, critiquing sessions, contests, book swaps, book clubs, mixers, author Q&As, Agent 1-on-1s, and more. They also host a Conference every two years. GWC is the golden workhorse of writing groups in Switzerland. I went to my first Writing Conference in 2000 when I was pregnant with my first child. Membership is open to beginners and published writers. https://genevawriters.org/

  • AWCZ Workshop Weeks (American Women’s Club Zurich): Yearly month of workshops, some of which in the past have been for writers and writing. Facilitators volunteer their time and expertise to offer engaging, affordable workshops—while supporting a charitable cause. Keep an eye out for next year’s workshop weeks on their Instagram or here: https://www.awczurich.org/Workshop-Week

GRANTS

  • Pro Helvetia: Open calls for various types of artists, including a section for literature. Past submissions included grants for: research, creation, production, as well as residencies. Year-round and deadline submissions available. https://prohelvetia.ch/en/find-support/

FESTIVALS & BOOK FAIRS


AUTHOR READINGS, LECTURES, LITERARY EVENTS

  • Storytellers Club: 5-minute true stories told by volunteers in the audience. Each month has a different theme. Go to shar your story or to listen. Hosted by Shelly Verma once a month. See upcoming Storyteller Club evenings at: https://cozyplace.ch/events/

  • Storymakers Creative Gathering: Connect with your own creative process and be inspired by others. Open to all types of creatives, including writers. A group discussion and exploration of the creative process led by Ophelie Cabanero a few times a year. Upcoming Storymakers Creative Gatherings will be posted at https://cozyplace.ch/events/

  • Literatur Haus Basel: International literary author book readings and discussions. In addition to established literary authors, the VorLaut Lesereihe is open to amateur writer applications. https://www.literaturhaus-basel.ch/en/

  • Open Mic Vario: Poets, writers, comedians, musicians. All ages, languages, and skills levels. Hosted by Trelys at Vario Verein. See their Instagram for any upcoming Open Mics https://www.instagram.com/verein_vario/

  • Sofalesungen (Sofa Readings): A no-frills, award-winning Verein offering small-scale literary readings in private homes throughout German and French Switzerland. Multi-lingual (typically German or French), multi-cultural, multi-genres. Become a member, a host, a guest, or submit to be a featured reader. Occasionally also lectures and writing workshops. www.sofalesungen.ch/

  • Vastela Book Reading (Zurich). Readings by English-speaking autors. www.vastelabooks.com

  • Book Speed Date (Zurich). Also by Vastela Books. Based on a reading profil, 3 books are hand-selected for you in advance. You’ll speed date each book and take one home with you at the end of the evening (incld in event price;) www.vastelabooks.com/collections/events

  • dears, reads (Zurich): dears, read is an off-shoot of the dears magazine. A series of performative events in different locations and coincides with the current print issue of the magazine. https://www.dears.ch/reads

  • Word Night: Poems, stories, and songs by English students at UniBasel. Find upcoming Word Night’s at https://www.instagram.com/fgenglishbasel/

  • Zurich Spoken Word (Zurich): Monthly open mic. All genres welcome. https://www.fraum.ch/zurich-spoken-word/

BOOK CLUBS & READING CIRCLES

  • Silent Book Club Basel: Show up with a book and read. A low-key way to do some reading, get to know different cafes in the city and meet new people. Bi-weekly on Tuesday evenings. www.instagram.com/silentbookclubbasel/

  • Ink Drinkers Book Club (Zurich): Besides having the coolest name for a book club, this Zurich club has three different groups you can choose from: general fiction, horror, and big books. www.inkdrinkers.club/

  • Queer Feminist Reading Circle. A collective book club that reads books in German or English once a month on Sundays from 4 pm at Sp!t. spit.noblogs.org/

  • The Booker Prizes: Read and discuss a Booker Prize novel each month. Open to members of Centrepoint, an English-speaking community center in the historic Lohnhof. https://www.centrepoint.ch/Activity-Groups/

  • Vastela Book Club (Zurich): No assigned reading! This Book Club is for the community to share which books they love and why. “The concept is simple: bring a book you’ve recently read and present it to the group — or simply come along to listen, discover new recommendations, and enjoy thoughtful conversations about literature. All genres, reading tastes, and experience levels are welcome.” Every Mon & Wed evening. www.vastelabooks.com/collections/events

  • AWCZ Bookclub (Zurich): Read and discuss a selected book each month. Bring your own wine and cheese. https://www.awczurich.org/upcoming


BOOKSHOPS

  • Cozy Place Basel: Fiction books only (in many languages but primarily English). Bookshop on 2 floors, cafe (serving in Kosiv Ceramics) , & cozy reading nooks. See also: events. https://cozyplace.ch/

  • Pile of Books (Zurich): Selling new English language books at Zentralstrasse in Zurich. They also offer a book hunting service if you’re trying to track down a book (whether in or out of print). Events are typically announced on their Instagram.

  • Vastela Books. (Zurich; & online shopping in Switzerland). Independent bookshop selling second hand books. I especially love their Book Swap Subscription, as well as their ever-changing, special line-up of unique events. www.vastelabooks.com

  • Pages & Sips (Geneva): English bookshop and specialty cafe (aka the good kind of coffee) in the old town of Geneva. See also: scones and events. Open 7 days a week. https://www.pagesandsips.com/

  • M.S.B.W.B. (Music Sounds Better With Books) (Lausanne): Book store (Mosoma Books) meets record store (Upside Records). Mosoma Books sells new and second-hand Art, Fashion, Graphic Design, Photography, Typography, Architecture books available at @m.s.b.w.b in Lausanne. https://msbwb.ch/


LIBRARIES

  • Feminist Library at Sp!t. Feminist books and zines in mostly German, English, and French. spit.noblogs.org/

  • Dada Library (Zurich): Collection of Dada publications. Space can also be used during the day for writing or for meetings. Location of dears, write writing group . https://www.cabaretvoltaire.ch/#node-39-en

  • AWCZ Library (American Women’s Club Zurich): “One of the largest English-language libraries in the Zurich area.” Fiction and non-fiction. Access to the online library collection Libib for members and "Friends of the Library https://www.libib.com/u/awcz

  • GGG Stadtbibliothek Basel: Branches throughout the city with English-language sections, as well as access to online books. https://www.stadtbibliothekbasel.ch/

  • Centrepoint Library: A large selection of English books. Available only to members of Centrepoint, an English-speaking community center in the historic Lohnhof. https://www.centrepoint.ch/more-member-benefits/


ZINES

  • Nieves: An artists' book & zine publisher in Zurich founded in 2001 and printing zines since 2004. Ezines, zine subscription, and single print zines. Language is most often English, German, or French. No information on site about artist / writer submission guidelines but a full catalogue of hundreds of books and zines, as well as contact details can be found. https://www.nieves.ch

  • Feminist Library at Sp!t. A small selection of zines to read. spit.noblogs.org/

  • Comic Fest: Yearly local comic and zine festival for independent, self-publishing in Basel. https://www.instagram.com/comicfest_basel/

  • Guillaume Daeppen—A Gallery & Space for Zines: Exhibitions, bookshop, zine collections. https://www.instagram.com/guillaumedaeppen/ https://gallery-daeppen.com/

  • Buttomat: Not exactly a zine but just as awesome. An illustration and drawing machine that rolls up to local festivals. Participants answer a question posed by the “machine”, feed their answers into the “machine” and the “machine” translates the answers into an image, which can be collected at the end. https://derbuttomat.ch/info-2/ https://www.instagram.com/der.buttomat/

  • NiceZines (International): Submit your zine. Access the online zine library. Subscribe to zines. Along with a robust resource guide for zine makers, including a cost calculator, where to sell, podcasts, festivals, calendar of zine events, and more. Their Instagram is also a great place to see zines. and be inspired by others zines. This is not Switzerland specific but is such a helpful resource I had to bookmark it here, if only for myself. https://nicezines.skynash.co.uk/home/

PUBLICATIONS FOR SUBMISSIONS

Please Note: At the time of writing these were not paying publications. I have a whole lot of opinions about writing for free. Many writers say free publication is unacceptable. I don’t agree. Having a small number of published pieces was exactly how I got my foot in the door to one of the top 3 travel book publishers in the world, as well as to other reputable publications including The Telegraph in London, a column in Good Housekeeping Middle East, and as a travel writer in Time Out, among others. I do, however, personally recommend you only do a very targeted number of free publications as part of an overall strategy on the road to getting paid for you work. I am including them here so that you can make your own choices.

  • dears magazine: Print magazine for “transversal writing practices”. (Yeah, I don’ know what that means either.) English, German, French. Based in Zurich. Calls for themed submissions can be found on their Instagram: @dearsmagazine. Past issues at: https://www.dears.ch/print

  • The Woolf: An online magazine featuring “new writing and visual art. Published twice a year out of Switzerland, we welcome short fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and visual art from anywhere in the world. As long as it makes us howl.” Based in Zurich. Submissions here: https://thewoolfx.com/submit/

  • YBI Basel (You Belong in Basel): What do you love about Basel? They accept, blurbs, articles, and features. Submit here https://www.ybibasel.ch/

GERMAN

These are Resources for Writers exclusively in German…but too good to not include.

  • Weichenwärterei: Free text coaching and writing space for young writers age 13-30, who wish to write extracurricularly and creatively. This is for writing in German but is such a valuable offering that I had to include it here. Once a week at Vario Verein and hosted by Worstellwerk—Junges Schreibhaus Basel. Join spontaneously. General info available here: www.hirscheneck.ch/vario and here is more detailed info about the Verein and the other work they do (a bit more difficult to wade through) : wortstellwerk.ch/

  • Die Basler Eule: Writing competition and literary magazine for children and youth. baslereule.ch/

  • Habs Queer Basel: writing group. It appears they used to have a writing group, which is now defunct. Putting it here for you and me to keep an eye on should it resume. habs.ch/

  • Buch Kinder Basel: Weekly writing and book workshops for children to work individually on a book with mentoring support. Public events throughout the year include: Stories on Sundays (from 5 years old at LiteraturHaus), Stories in the Park, Reader’s Club, and the Children’s Book Festival. Website is in German & English. https://buchkinderbasel.ch/

  • Ruderclub (Winterthur): A monthly reading series of experimental and unpublished works. Oct-March. Upcoming readings https://www.instagram.com/__ruderclub__/

  • Kollektive Liter: A writing collective of 3 people who gives readings in various places throughout Switzerland. Of note is the Collective Writing during BAsel Book Weeks (not to be confused with BaselBuch.) https://liter.ch/index.php/events/

  • Solothurner Literaturtage (Solothurn): Readings, lectures, discussions, workshops. https://www.instagram.com/solothurnerliteraturtage/ https://www.literatur.ch/de/

 
 

A few notes:

A few years ago I joined the organizational team for the Shut Up & Write group in Basel. Discussions would often turn to what resources there are for writers in Basel. Even though I’ve lived in Basel since 1996, I only knew of two other small groups in Basel. I immediately began bookmarking and collecting writing resources in Basel and Switzerlad as I came across them so I could share with the writing group.

  • Send me an email, if you want to submit your writing resource to this page. More resources will be added as I become aware of them. There are more I have bookmarked but have not yet had the time to put online.

  • This resource guide is one way I give back to the community I live in. Creating this resource guide has taken hoooours of rabbit hole research. Most has been discovered through my own personal online searches. In the few cases where a colleague has tipped me off to a resource, they are mentioned in that specific resource. If you wish to share this resource with others, please acknowledge my work and link to this source.

  • I do not receive any financial compensation for any listings or links.

Christine Gerber-Rutt