History
The organization was established in 1948 as the Society of Magazine Writers. In 1978, membership was expanded to include book authors and the name was changed to ASJA. In March 2009, ASJA changed their policy regarding self-published authors. In June 2015 the membership criteria were revised to include nonfiction writing in more kinds of markets, and non-bylined work as well.Objectives
ASJA offers members benefits and services focusing on professional development, including confidential market information, meetings with editors, a referral service, seminars and workshops, and discounts. It also offers the opportunity for members to explore professional issues and concerns with their peers via conferences, regional meetings, online forums, and the membership directory. ASJA represents freelance writers' interests, serving as spokesman for their right to control and profit from uses of their work in new media and otherwise. For example, in 2009, ASJA objected to theAwards
ASJA administers an annual awards program, judged by selected panels of members. In 2021, ASJA opened most of the competition to non-members, A few categories remain open only to members. All submissions must be for work done on a freelance basis. The following awards are open to both members and non-members: * The Arlenes: Given once every three or four years for books that inspire positive action. * The Donald Robinson Memorial Award for Investigative Journalism. * Outstanding Article Awards in the following categories: Blogging, Business, Reporting, Personal Essays, Fitness and Sports, food and Drink, Health, How-to, Lifestyle, Opinion/Op-Eds, Profiles, Reported Essays, Science, Social Change, Technology, Trade, Travel. * Outstanding Book Awards in the following categories: Biography/History, Children/Young Adult Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Memoir/Autobiography, Service/Self-help. * Outstanding Content Awards (for work done for brands, businesses, non-profits) in the following categories: Blog Posts or Articles on products and services, Blog Posts or Article focused on subjects other than products and services, Long-form Content (not focused on products or services). The following awards are open only to ASJA members: * June Roth Memorial Awards for Outstanding Medical Article and for Medical Book. * In addition, periodically (based on nominations from members and leadership) ASJA confers awards to members, including awards for extraordinary service, for career achievement, theReferences
External links
* {{DEFAULTSORT:American Society Of Journalists And Authors American writers' organizations 1948 establishments in the United States American journalism organizations Organizations established in 1948