American Society of Journalists and Authors

ASJA membership requires evidence of a sustained professional career as an independent nonfiction writer. If you're a professional and can prove it, you are eligible for membership.

What counts? Articles, books, ghostwriting, content for many kinds of clients, even staff work can count towards qualification. Many successful applicants submit a mix of credits, such as a book, a book chapter, and/or several articles or other pieces. (All materials must be in English to qualify.) As of June 2015, the Board of Directors has endorsed the following specific criteria for membership.

Articles

If you're primarily a writer of articles, you'll need at least six substantial pieces written on a freelance basis. If you submit shorter articles (fewer than 1, 000 words or so), submit more articles. It's best if they are from variety of markets, rather than all from the same place.

A word about custom content. Custom, non-bylined content may be considered qualifying under these conditions:

Submit your largest markets. If you are submitting material from a market with which we may not be familiar, please give a brief description, including publisher or owner, circulation or readership, payment structure, and content.

Books

If you're a book author, you'll need at least one nonfiction book with a second under contract to qualify. Book chapters don't count here: they are considered roughly equivalent to long articles. Ghostwriting and collaborations do qualify, if evidence (such as a contract) is submitted to support your role as writer of the work.

In general, self-published books are not accepted as qualifying material towards ASJA membership. Exceptions may be made for self-published books with substantial sales (at least 5, 000 copies), reviews in well-known journals, or inclusion in a major book club. Backup documentation will be required.

Staff Work

Staff-written work can be considered for up to half of the qualifying credentials. You must have at least 3 substantial freelance credits (which could include long articles, editorials, paid blogging, or a book) in addition.

If you're submitting staff credits, they must be from a staff job that ended at least six months ago at an established media company.

Other Qualifying Material

Nonfiction freelanced TV, film and radio scripts for major media outlets and other bylined material may also count toward ASJA membership qualifications.

What Kinds Of Work Do Not Count Toward ASJA Membership Qualifications?

The following types of writing do not count toward qualifications for ASJA membership: