ASJA Contracts Watch is a free service from the Contracts Committee of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. It serves as Contract Information Central for freelance writers, keeping thousands informed about the latest terms and negotiations in the world of periodicals, print and electronic publishing.

Founded in 1948, the American Society of Journalists and Authors is the nation's leading organization of independent nonfiction writers. Our membership consists of more than 1,000 outstanding freelance writers of magazine articles, trade books, and many other forms of nonfiction writing, each of whom has met ASJA's exacting standards of professional achievement.

Freelance writers make a living through a variety of work but not all of that work qualifies for ASJA membership. We look for sustained evidence that you have written, on a freelance basis, full-length bylined magazine or newspaper articles in major publications published over a substantial period of time, or have had non-fiction books published by established publishers, or other equivalent freelance activity, as described below. Many writers submit a mix of credits, such as a book, a book chapter, several articles, and an Internet piece.