The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) was founded in 1948 as the Society of Magazine Writers, and is the professional association of independent nonfiction writers in the United States.

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 the Google Book Search Settlement Agreement for authors. ASJA is a member of the Authors Coalition of America which repatriates foreign royalties and distributes them to American writers organizations on the behalf of American writers. All members are automatically enrolled into the Authors Registry. Services and resources available to the public include publications, events, and mentoring services. Editors and others can search the membership to hire experienced nonfiction writers. Other services include:

Awards

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 following awards are open only to ASJA members: