Apologies for not posting earlier this week. I felt sick, so I opted to focus on sleep and urgent client work. I should have some drafts saved for situations like this, but… I didn’t. Lesson learned.
Before I got sick, I submitted my application to join the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA). When I first started freelancing, it seemed like all the “cool kids” were ASJA members and recently it occurred to me that I have enough clips now to qualify for membership. *fingers crossed*
While I’m waiting to hear from the application committee, I thought I’d open the floor to discuss writers’ organizations and other freelance groups. I’m already a member of Freelance Success (FLX), and I’ve found some great gigs through FLX’s forums and weekly newsletters. The $99 annual fee is nothing compared to the fantastic interactions I have with members both online and at the FLX conferences (some members are also editors, which is rather convenient).
What about you? Are you a member of any freelance organizations like ASJA or FLX? Which one(s) are worthwhile and which one(s) should we avoid?
I'm not a member of any at the moment. However, I'm interested in hearing what others think of the various groups. In my opinion, membership in one of the more selective groups gives you oodles of clout with the clients. It also helps justify rates to some of the frugal ones, not that you should get into negotiations over your rates. But knowing that you're "papered" couldn't hurt.
I am an experienced freelance writer, and I have to tell you that being a member of ASJA or any of these groups won't give you clout with the major magazines. They just don't care. It's all about connections and clips. So don't waste your money joining these groups unless you are doing so to buy into their group health insurance plans. Then it's a good move. But it won't give you prestige in the publishing world.
It's not being a "member of" that gives you clout, it's what you do with your membership. I get clout from being recommended by other writers. And I meet these other writers who have become good friends through my associations and memberships. So, essentially, what membership does for me is take me out of isolation where I can "be" with other writers…to volunteer, learn and grow. These things are worth paying the dues, in my opinion. I am a member of ASJA, an online writer's group, and a national speakers association. Plus, I belong to several networking groups on a local level. I find all of these groups rewarding on various levels–but I also participate. I think that's key in determining value.
@Bike Lady: I'm with you! I've made so many wonderful connections through the FLX forums and conference, and I'm hoping to attend the ASJA conference in the spring. It's not that having the ASJA designation will wow editors, it's more that it will give me access to panels, newsletters, and other information that I wouldn't otherwise have. And it's always nice to have that outlet to avoid isolation, too.