Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is SD/PEN?

SD/PEN (San Diego Professional Editors Network) is an association of people who earn their livings as hands-on editors of books, periodicals, and other materials. The purpose of the organization is to promote and preserve the craft of editing, to support networking among editorial professionals, to provide continuing education to members and other editors in the community, and to educate clients about the array of editorial services available and their associated rates.

Q2. Who can be a member?

SD/PEN membership is open to professional editors and writers, regardless of qualifications, experience, or location. We also welcome people interested in editing, people involved in the “word community,” and any other person interested in knowing more about the editing field.

Q3. How do I become a member?

The SD/PEN Website offers two ways to join: an electronic membership form with PayPal or a PDF membership form, which may be downloaded, filled in, and mailed along with payment. Hardcopy membership forms are also available at scheduled meetings. Membership may be renewed through the same options and is renewable each fall for the following calendar year.

Q4. How much does it cost to join?

The current membership fee is $65 for the calendar year. Fees are not prorated, regardless of when a member joins.

Q5. What are member benefits?

Networking and support from other SD/PEN members
Continuing educational opportunities
Increased access to clients educated about the value of editorial professionals
Free bimonthly meetings
Bimonthly newsletter, DELETE
Listing in printed annual directory
Listing in the Online Member Directory that highlights the services you offer, identifies your subject matter expertise, and provides a link to your website
Access to the password-protected Members Only section of the SD/PEN Website, where job announcements, newsletter archives, the complete member directory, member resources, sample documents, rates and fees, treasurer’s reports, and former Grammatista columns reside
Opportunity to serve on the SD/PEN Board of Directors, which consists of at least seven members who volunteer for a two-year commitment (terms are renewable for a maximum term of service of four years)

As an additional benefit, SD/PEN‘s No. 1 ranking on Google for the search term “San Diego Editor” can drive traffic to your website.

Q6. What topics are covered at meetings?

SD/PEN’s Board of Directors chooses programs based upon member surveys and expressed member needs. Presentation varies from individual presenters to panel discussions, open forums, and other formats. Please see Year-at-a-Glance for the current and past year’s schedule of meeting topics.

Q7. How much do meetings cost?

Meetings are free to members; nonmembers pay $10 per meeting. Members also receive reduced rates for special SD/PEN events.

Q8. Is SD/PEN involved in social media networking?

Yes, SD/PEN social media accounts include Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can access these pages from your own social media pages or from the home page of SD/PEN’s Website.

Q9. Where should I go if I have more questions?

You may contact the SD/PEN Webmaster or long-time member Barbara Halliburton, both listed on the Contact page. You may also visit About SD/PEN > Board of Directors to contact any of the members of the Board.

Q10. How do I contact other members?

You can contact SD/PEN members through the Online Member Directory, which includes each member’s e-mail address, services, subject specialties, and preferred types of projects. Once a member, you will have access to additional contact information of other members.

Testimonials

"When I started my content strategy consulting business in 2008, I was looking for reputable, long-standing associations in San Diego to join and meet with other entrepreneurs, editors, and writers. San Diego Professional Editors Network, with its now-25-year history, online directory, and excellent online visibility, seemed a perfect solution. It's an affordable way for independent contractors and small businesses to increase awareness of their services and network with others in the publishing industry."
— Shelly Bowen, Content Strategist and Founder, Pybop, LLC

“Your listing on the SD/PEN Website gives you credibility and gets you noticed as a freelance editor available for work! I have had several authors looking for an editor contact me as the result of seeing my name on the SD/PEN Website.”
— Carolyn Crow, Former SD/PEN Steering Committee Member

“I have greatly benefited, both professionally and personally, by being a member of SD/PEN. As a member of this network, I have met many interesting and bright fellow editors and, in the last year and a half alone, I have taken on five new clients who have learned about my services through the SD/PEN directory. Membership in SD/PEN has paid off better than independent advertising.”
— Jed Lewis, San Diego Book Editor

"When I left my full-time job four years ago to start working as a freelancer, I felt very fortunate that an organization like SD/PEN existed here in San Diego. Within two months I landed my first big client through my listing on sdpen.com's directory and have had numerous others since then."
— Chris Zook, The Conscious Writer