Prospective members:
Why join ASJA? If you’re serious about freelance writing, it’s more of a question of “Why not?” Now an associate level of membership is available to those whose portfolio isn’t quite as extensive as the full membership requires. Yet many of the same benefits apply, including:
- Discounted member rate at ASJA’s annual and regional conferences
- One-year subscription to the bi-monthly ASJA Magazine
- Access to the ASJA’s online forums
- Listening to, but not pitching at Virtual Pitch Slams
- Access to ASJA Shop Talk audios
- Participation in ASJA’s Special Interest Groups
Associate members will also have access to a mentorship program which will pair them with a more experienced, professional member. Not only will it help them grow their careers, but they will learn how to navigate the many advantages of professional membership when they finally qualify.
To become an associate member you will need to submit at least five published articles from regional publications or at least one book published by a major publishing house. Self-published books will not be considered unless the applicant can demonstrate individual quality of the book via sales or reviews. Clips written while on staff also count towards associate membership.
Now to further answer the original question… since 1948, along with being a primary voice in representing freelancer’s interests, anti-censorship and First Amendment rights, ASJA has offered professional development, regular confidential market information, meetings with editors and others in the field, an exclusive referral service, seminars and workshops, discount services and, above all, the opportunity for members to explore professional issues and concerns with their peers. In other words everything you need to get your writing career up to full speed.
Along with being a bulwark in a field that is constantly undergoing change and uncertainty, ASJA’s roster of highly accomplished writers are generous with their time and suggestions when faced with the many challenges of today’s writing world, from dealing with contract/nonpayment issues to finding the right market for your work to seeking advice on craft and tone. Along with the New York headquarters, ASJA also offers variety of active regional chapters in cities, states and regions throughout the US. And of course you can connect with members anywhere, anytime via email and Skype, even if you’re located in a remote area or overseas.
As if that isn’t enough, as part of ASJA’s Fall Membership Drive, if you apply by Nov. 30 and join by Sunday, Dec. 31, the initiation fee will be waived for both prospective professional or associate membership candidates if you join by Dec. 31! Click here to apply and use the code MI-JGG when joining to waive your $50 initiation fee.
Current members
The new associate membership can benefit you in a couple of different ways. Current members who refer new professional or associate member candidates get a discount of 25 percent off their membership dues when they renew the following year, if their referral joins ASJA.
And since mentoring is a critical component of associate membership program, your help is needed! Here’s how it works: Each new associate will be paired with a mentor in a “Mentoring Pod.” Each pod will be comprised of one professional member mentor and a maximum of four associate member mentees. Members of each pod will communicate through dedicated private message groups which will be established within the ASJA forum – they’ll work just like ASJA’s special interest groups (SIGs). Pod members must commit to at least one communication per month and will meet virtually as a group for a minimum of six months. In return for giving your time and knowledge, you’ll receive a discount of 25 percent off your annual membership dues for each mentee who successfully joins ASJA as a full professional member. Please contact Lori Ferguson at Lori@writerloriferguson.com if you have questions about the mentoring program or if you want to volunteer.
Questions about the new associate membership program? Please contact Jennifer Goforth Gregory Jennifergregory@nc.rr.com.
ASJA’s Fall Membership Drive runs through Sunday, Dec. 31. All kinds of good things can happen when you renew or refer a new member (associate or professional) for 2018 during this time period! You are automatically entered to win:
- Free ASJA Members Day registration for the 2018 ASJA annual conference
- Free registration for a 2018 or 2019 regional conference of your choice
- Full conference recordings from 2018 annual conference
- Guaranteed spot with editor of your choice at all 2018 Virtual Client Connections events
- Complimentary two-night suite stay for up to six guests at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Pocono Mountains, PA (includes passes to indoor water park)
And remember you always get 25 percent off dues when you refer a new member (New member must write your name on ASJA application)!