Societies, associations and directories

[Helenj]

Hello, I'm a freelance medical writer and editor.

I've noticed that there's all sorts of societies that freelancers can join, many of which offer inclusion in their directory as one of the member benefits.

In science writing, for example, there's the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA - European Medical Writers Association - Home) and the European Association of Science Editors (European Association of Science Editors Skills - Communication - Fellowship), whereas copyeditors have the Society for Proofreaders and Editors (Home Page - Society for Editors and Proofreaders). All will include you in their online directory if you join up, but annual fees range from £70 to £120.

Even Freelance UK has a directory you can be listed in - for £20 for 4 months.

Are there any freelancers out there who have had any experience with societies such as these? Has anyone got any freelance work through such directories? Basically, are the benefits of being in one of these groups worth the joining fee?

Thanks,

Helen
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