A new unit of the California Media Workers Guild is forming to support independent writers, editors and journalists of every type. From credentials to benefits, the union hopes to create better working conditions for freelancers.

Potential projects of the member-run freelance unit include:

• Job-search assistance

• Bidding for group benefits such as health insurance

• Support with contract and payment disputes

• Monitoring legislation to protect the interests of freelancers

• Resource and referral directories

The new Guild unit is holding its first lunchtime workshop on Friday, Nov. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Guild offices, 433 Natoma St., San Francisco. The topic is writing, publishing and promoting a nonfiction book. Panelists include sports writer Joan Ryan, film critic Mary F. Pols and religion writer Don Lattin. Here’s a link with more information.