A case study of the Freelance Editorial Association : is membership in a profesional organization vital to the freelancer?

In this study, the freelance editorial profession is explored via an in-depth case study and survey of the members of the Freelance Editorial Association, a national organization based in Cambridge, Mass. The study sought to determine what, if any, benefits freelancers receive from membership in a representative professional organization. The study also served to find out why people freelance and how they spend their time.A study of the Association's archives and interviews with former members yielded an in-depth history that previously did not exist. The survey identified some of the benefits that members receive from membership in theFEA and similar organizations. A list of reasons for becoming a freelancer and an overview of how their time is spent was also derived from the survey.This study suggests that membership in professional organizations is indeed a vital part of the freelancer's life. Members find opportunities to exchange ideas, increase their knowledge and their degree of professionalismfrom their membership. Recommendations were made for the EEA based on survey results and member comments.