When should emerging screenwriters join the Writer's Guild of America?

Advice from a TV writer/showrunner

I get this question a lot, so there must be a lot of confusion surround this.

First, understand that there are actually two branches of the Writer’s Guild: The Writer’s Guild of America East and the Writer’s Guild of America West.

Which one should you join?

If you live east of the Mississippi River, you’ll be admitted to the WGA East. If you live west of the Mississippi River, you’ll be admitted to the West.

Is one guild better than the other?

Yes. The West is definitely better than the East.

But I only say that because I’m in the WGA West and I’m a fourth grader. Other than that, they’re pretty equal.

Do you need to join the Writer’s Guild before you sell a script?