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July 2003

The Power of ASJA

By Lisa Collier Cool

As I write my first message as ASJA's president, I've been thinking about the many ways our group has evolved since I joined in 1987. Thanks to the hard work, dedication, and vision of Jim Morrison and Sam Greengard, ASJA is in great shape. We've moved from being a largely New York-based organization to one with board members from all over the U.S. and even overseas. Membership is thriving—we're now almost 1,100 strong—and we've just held our two most successful annual writers' conferences ever.

Through the talents of Melba Newsome, Bruce Miller, Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, and Christine Larson, our newsletter, Web site, and discussion forums have been dramatically improved to give freelancers more marketing news, networking opportunities, and ways to have their voices heard. And we remain in the forefront of the rights fight, as Jim continues his epic battle to bring our ongoing lawsuit against the online databases to a satisfying—and lucrative—resolution.

As ASJA has prospered, so has my writing career. Years ago, when I was a new member, I met a magazine editor at a monthly program. Through that one contact, I made tens of thousands of dollars. In mid-2002, like many freelancers, I hit a dry spell. After brainstorming with fellow members who have become my friends, sounding boards, and sources of support, I was inspired to launch a marketing blitz that landed me so many assignments—several from magazines I'd never written for before—that I'm now scrambling to meet 11 different deadlines.

That, I believe, shows the true power of ASJA: the extraordinarily generous people who take time away from their paying projects to help fellow members, either with one-on-one advice or by serving on our various committees or board of directors. Over the past few months, many of you have also offered smart suggestions about future directions for our group. With the capable assistance of my vice-president, Jack El-Hai, I've zeroed in on several projects and priorities:

Stronger advocacy for members

Having a problem with a publisher? We'll be upgrading ASJA's resources in this area. We're considering ways to help members resolve these problems, whether it's through the contracts committee, the soon-to-be revamped editorial liaison committee, the legal resources committee, or self-help materials we plan to create and put online, such as tactics to extract checks from slow-paying markets.

Promoting our contracts expertise

Contracts chair Erik Sherman has just negotiated an arrangement that will double the distribution of Contracts Watch, which will be soon sent to some 10,000 writers and editors. Not only will this be a potent marketing and recruiting tool for ASJA, but freelancers everywhere will be empowered to get better deals for themselves. The latest Contracts Watch has also drawn rave reviews from readers, plus requests for ASJA expert speakers.

A higher profile for ASJA

The public relations and marketing committee is considering a monthly e-mail news release, similar to Proftnet leads, to promote the books and articles of our many talented members. We'll also be upgrading our press kit and getting it in the hands of top media reporters. And the program committee is planning a special event to celebrate the launch of our new book, The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing, in September.

Helping members make more money

ASJA's board has just approved funds to advertise for an experienced marketer to direct the Writers Referral Service. We'll be augmenting the request for proposals that was already e-mailed to members with posts on several job boards. Once we find the right person and get the new WRS geared up, members will have more writing jobs to select from—and no commisions or fees to pay, definitely a win-win situation.

Another terrific conference

Bob Bittner, our new conference chair, has already assembled a stellar committee to make next year's gathering even more inspiring. Sandy Lamb and her team will bring their creative energy to planning the members meeting. They're dreaming up great new panels and imaginative changes to keep all aspects of our conference fresh, profitable, and fun.

Over the coming months, Jack and I will be looking at the programs and benefits of ASJA to see how our already excellent organization can continue to evolve and serve members. We'll be creating a long-range planning committee to give us the vision we need to stay strong in the years to come, and will also draw on our greatest resource—our ever-inventive members—to make our goals a reality. I look forward to an exciting future as your leader.