Extended perks provide professional development for even more writers and authors.  

ASJA — The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) announced today that it is opening up membership networking and benefits to additional writers with its new Associate Membership program. Designed to strengthen the writing community through future generations of creatives, the initiative puts an emphasis on mentoring and development for professionals who have not yet met the requirements of a full professional membership. 

Exclusive Benefits Offered

The biggest value of the new membership level is the pairing of an associate member with a Professional member “mentor”. This partnership provides one-on-one guidance designed to help the associate member develop skills, networking tools, and the confidence needed to thrive in a competitive freelance writing landscape. Associate members will be positioned to emerge from the relationship with the work experience needed to transition to a Professional membership in the organization, if so desired.

Continued Path to Success

Associate members will also have access to some of the benefits professional members enjoy. Perks of the program include:

  • Discounted member rate at ASJA’S annual and regional conferences
  • One-year subscription to ASJA’s bi-monthly magazine
  • Access to ASJA’S online forums
  • Listening to, but not pitching at Virtual Pitch Slams
  • Access to ASJA Shop Talk audios
  • Participation in ASJA Special Interest Groups

To be considered for an Associate membership, journalists and authors must have a minimum of five (5) published articles from print or online publications or brands or at least one book published by a major publishing house in their portfolio. Clips from regional and unpaid publications or written while on staff will also be considered.  Prospective members are encouraged to submit their application promptly as ASJA is offering a waiver of the initiation fee for applications submitted prior to December 1 if full payment is made by December 31.

Applications can be found here: http://asja.org/Join-or-Renew/Start-or-Continue-Your-Application.