RETURN TO WRITING STRATEGIES

The Writer’s Edge
Tips for the Freelance Writer - By Terri Mrosko

Joining Professional Organizations

Belonging to a professional organization is a good idea for writers. You can gain credibility for your skills, recognition of your career, learn important details about your profession, find work and gain support from others in similar situations.

There are many such groups to join and you will want to take some time learning about what each offers before you make a decision to commit to the organization.

Many factors will go into your decision including time commitment, money commitment and the value or service to be gained from signing up versus participating as an outsider.

Some organizations require you join after one or two visits. Others welcome your attendance at events, but require you to pay a higher fee to participate than members.

Organizations to Consider

As a writing professional, you have a number of options and organizations from which to choose. Most are national organizations with local chapters. Following is a list of professional organizations for writers:

• The Society of Professional Journalists
• The Press Club of Cleveland
• American Society of Journalists and Authors
• National Writers Union
• Public Relations Society of America
• International Association of Business Communicators
• Women in Communication
• Society of American Business Editors & Writers