How is NAIWE different from other writer associations?
You can read a full description of our mission on the "About" page, but in short, NAIWE is founded on the proposition that writers and editors, both literary and commercial, are worthy of respect, support, and success. Our members are technically-competent freelance writing and editing professionals who are willing learn new skills and to step across traditional boundaries in order to earn a living with words.
What makes NAIWE the "Success Association" for its members?
NAIWE was founded on a strong business-oriented foundation. We realize that many freelancers are specialists in writing or editing, but lack a formal business background. Many lack experience in important areas such as marketing, finding and working with clients online, time management, setting up systems, establishing rates, and other things that make a difference in how successful a freelance business will be.
Our goal is to provide ongoing resources and training to help each member build business and marketing skills for maximum success. We believe that working with words is the best business in the world, and that one of the keys to success is to realize that writing and editing can be a business, as well as an art. We want to provide the service and support that will help you create the career of your dreams!
When I join NAIWE, how long will it take to get my website set up?
As soon as your dues payment is processed (almost instantly with PayPal, and very quickly with Google Checkout during business hours), you'll be able to log into your Member Dashboard with your username and the password you chose.
To activate your website, simply log in to the Dashboard and look in the right sidebar. You'll see a link to "My Blog." Click this, and your new WordPress-based website will be activated and ready to use. The username and password for your website will always be the same as your NAIWE login, so it should be easy to remember.
How do I add and edit information in my member website?
Each page of your new website contains text that suggests how to use the page. You may use the "Manage" tab from the blog administration panel to replace this information with your own text. Be sure to put contact information on your Professional Profile page or create a new "Contact" page in your site so that potential clients will be able to query you for more information.
To create a new page or post, choose the "Write" tab on your blog dashboard, and type your information directly into the space provided, using the editing tools provided. Pasting copy directly from Microsoft Word does not work well, due to hidden coding that's incompatible with the site. This usually results in text that runs together. If you want to cut and paste text, paste it first into a text editor such as TextPad, and save it as "plain text." This strips away the coding and makes it usable online.
What if I get stuck or mess up my website?
If you have any questions or difficulties with your site, please don't hesitate to contac the webmaster. We'll be happy to respond to your questions, though if it's outside normal business hours, it may take a little longer than normal. If you are having technical difficulties with your computer or other electronic equipment, remember that NAIWE members receive a very discounted rate to remote technical support. You my use the information in the Member Library to take advantage of this benefit (you'll need to log in to do this .
What are the characteristics of a NAIWE member?
- Committed to the highest ethical standards of business conduct.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development in their respective writing services fields.
- Serious about using technology and best practices to grow their businesses.
- NAIWE members serve clients with honesty, loyalty, and competence.
How can a prospective client evaluate and choose a service provider from the NAIWE membership?
Before each NAIWE member is entered into the searchable database, he or she is requested to post a professional profile, including education and years of experience, plus a sample of evaluated work, and a business description on his or her new NAIWE website. When this is complete, the member is added to the database, and prospective clients can search for and evaluate potential service providers through the information provided.
How do you pronounce NAIWE?
Because it's a mouthful to have to say "National Association of Independent Writers and Editors" all the time, we call it NAIWE, pronounced "nay-we," in casual conversation. It's a lot simpler!
Who are the members of NAIWE ?
NAIWE members are independent, professionals who provide writing, editorial and evaluation services for writers and students. Members may include, but are not limited to:
- Writers of fiction or non-fiction
- Editors of fiction or non-fiction
- Copywriters
- Copyeditors
- Editors for ESL writers
- Coaches (in the fields of writing, publishing, book marketing, and related areas)
- Proofreaders
- Developmental Editors
- Academic Evaluators
- Fact Checkers
- Writing Tutors
- Manuscript Evaluators
- Book Doctors
- Consulting Editors
- Writing Teachers
Who is served by the members of the Association?
The members of NAIWE serve a broad clientele, including, but not limited to:
- Writers
- Self-publishers
- Small businesses
- Corporations
- Students, including homeschooled students and parents
- Academic Instructors
