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ASJA
ASJA is the only professional association focused on independent nonfiction writers, an often isolated segment of the media world. As has been the case since its founding in 1948, membership is only open to freelance writers with a substantial track record of publication. Over the years the specifics have been adjusted to keep up with changing times. You may have thought you're not eligible but have you looked lately? Our membership requirements have been broadened to allow former staff journalists to qualify sooner than before. And more kinds of writing now count toward membership! You can find the full details on our website.
Chuck McCutcheon, ASJA
 When I came to Washington, D.C., two decades ago, a veteran Senate staffer gave me his blunt view of how the media covers the town: "It's like watching 5-year-olds play soccer. Everybody runs toward the ball."
By "the ball," he meant the latest scandal or whatever reporters had settled on as the story of the day. That approach can still prevail (if you've followed the presidential race, you may find it hard to believe that someone other than Donald Trump is running). But the great thing about freelancing about government and politics here, I’ve learned, is that you aren't limited to one ball: You can pick any you want, or put your own spin on the one that everyone else is chasing.
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Writer's Digest
Naturally, your first task is to compose your very best pitch. Take advantage of the many resources available. Write and rewrite what you will say. When you finally feel your pitch is ready, you must take ample time to practice. Aloud.
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Publishers Weekly
Once the hard part is done and a draft is written, there are two basic routes a writer can take. Much ink has been spilled over the past few years about the rise of self-publishing — even though the route predates Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin. To self-publish requires hiring cover artists, editors, and typesetters or learning to do these things on one’s own.
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Good e-Reader
Literary agents are very particular about what type of manuscripts they look at. This is based on the strengths of the publishing company and what they think could sell in today's climate. Traditionally authors connect up with agents at writing festivals or big events such as Book Expo America.
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The Poynter Institute
Like many reporters who end up covering disability issues, it's not my beat. But I've made my share of mistakes and seen enough of the mistakes other journalists make to be able to come up with this list of some basic mistakes to avoid, and links to other sources if you want to dig in deeper, writers reporter Shannon Heffernan. Talk to people with disabilities. This seems simple and almost absurd to mention. But I’ve seen plenty of stories include quotes from social service providers, academics and politicians and leave out people with disabilities. A mantra in the disability community is "nothing about us, without us."
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Good E-Reader
Amazon has unveiled a new social media program for any author that uses Kindle Direct Publishing. Amazon Follow allows readers to connect up directly with an author and get instantly notified whenever a new book comes.
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Association Media & Publishing
Hardly a day goes by when I don't go on Google, type in a few search words, and sit back while links to a dozen or so websites appear before me on the screen — and that's just page one of the results. Search for something reasonably generic — such as "cure for migraines" — and over a million website links stretched out over seemingly endless pages are at my disposal.
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The Content Standard
The man is Walter White, and I've spent nearly every night over the past three weeks crawling into bed with Walter — binge watching the past five seasons of Breaking Bad. My husband is supportive because he's a season behind and has established his own relationship with Walter on our living room TV. He's more than happy to have me cuddle up in the bedroom with my computer.
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