Directions to the Randall Library: Take Rte. 117 west to intersection with Rte. 62 at only traffic light at center of town. From Rte. 495: take Rte. 117 east at exit 27.
Activities of EFA's Central MA chapter will be posted here. For additional information, contact Eileen F. Kramer, chapter coordinator, at chap_mass AT the-efa.org. You must be an EFA member to join an EFA chapter. Chapter events are open to all members, guests of members, and freelancers interested in joining EFA.
Next Meeting
The Literary Agent's Role in Publishing
Saturday, October 2, 2010 (10:30 am)
Guest speaker: Colleen Mohyde of Doe Coover (www.doecooveragency.com)
Are you curious about the publishing process, and perhaps have a book you hope to publish? Bring your questions to this informative meeting facilitated by a literary agent.
Colleen Mohyde has been a partner in the Doe Coover Agency in Boston for eighteen years where she represents an eclectic range of fiction and nonfiction. Her authors include the late Caroline Knapp, author of the bestselling memoirs, Drinking: A Love Story and Pack of Two; Suzanne Berne, author of The Ghost at the Table and winner of the 1999 Orange Prize for Fiction; and Marjorie Sandor, whose story collection, Portrait of My Mother Who Posed Nude in Wartime, won the National Jewish Book Award in Fiction in December 2004. Mohyde's nonfiction authors include Tasha Tudor, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Eileen McNamara, political writer Michael Berube, and comedians Jonathan Katz, and Paula Poundstone. She also represents PBS related books, including the companion volume to the show, "The Victory Garden." Books being published this fall that she represents include: Knowing Jesse: A Mother's Story of Grief, Grace, and Everyday Bliss by Marianne Leone; Missing Lucile: The Story of My Father's Mother by Suzanne Berne; and Euphemania by Ralph Keyes.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mohyde was an editor in the Trade Division of Little, Brown and company where she worked in a variety of areas including history. biography, literary and commercial fiction, mysteries, nature guides, cookbooks, and self-help.
Mohyde is particularly looking to work with narrative nonfiction, history and biography, popular science, business and finance, how-to and self-help, politics and current affairs, and books on music and popular culture. Most of all, "I am looking for strong voices I can help bring to a wider audience, and subjects I didn't even know I was interested in until a wonderful manuscript gets me so involved I can't put it down."
Previous Meetings
Networking
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Facilitator: Linda Spencer, Copyeditor and Instructor
Linda will discuss the impact technology is having on language usage in the 21st century, including a very brief history of English grammar, and the ever evolving nature of American English. She will include a discussion of the changes in publishing in the digital age and where copyediting/editing fits into the digital age. Then the meeting will be open for discussion and questions.
In her business, Spencer Editorial, Linda currently works as a writer/copyeditor in K-16 textbooks, ancillaries, and reference books in multicultural history, in addition to copyediting some trade books. She also teaches copyediting at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education and the Middlesex Community College.
Linda has held various staff positions including the managing editor of Scribner, E.P. Dutton, and Adams Media and Senior Editor of Yankee Books (when it was located in Camden, Maine) and copyeditor at Fortune magazine.
Linda is the author of a history text, The War at Home: Japan During World War II, published by Thomson/Gale and a humorous collection of superstitions, Knock on Wood, published by Rutledge Hill and Random House. She is also a contributor to the African American Biography project, Du Bois Institute, Harvard University.
Forensics and Investigations: Going from Public Service to Private Business
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Come hear how two local residents transitioned from solving crimes in the public sector to applying forensics and investigative techniques in the private sector.
Mary Kate McGilvray recently retired from the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Crime Laboratory where she served as a forensic scientist for nearly 22 years. In 2007, she was appointed to the position of Acting Director and was responsible for over 200 sworn and civilian forensic examiners who were assigned to nine separate forensic facilities throughout the state. She is currently the president of Quality Forensic and Investigative Services, LLC, providing consulting and other forensic services.
Tom McGilvray retired from the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) as a Major in 2007. Upon retirement, Tom founded Quality Forensic and Investigative Services, LLC (QFIS). QFIS provides services that include consulting, training, auditing, inspections and investigations. Additionally, Tom provides contracting services both nationally and internationally to Comprehensive Drug Testing Inc. which is responsible for the drug testing program for Major League Sports teams.
Topic -- Contractors? Or Employees?
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Whether you are hiring contractors or working as a sub-contractor, you'll want to know the rules. In Massachusetts, the rules are tougher -- and the penalties harsher -- for misclassification of workers as contractors instead of as employees. It is cheaper and easier to classify workers as contractors rather than employees.
For contractors, Employers don't have to withhold taxes, contribute to unemployment compensation, or provide worker's compensation or other benefits (such as health insurance). For employees, Employers incur tax and compliance costs that can put them at a significant cost disadvantage when competing against companies that don't play by the rules. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has published an "advisory" to provide guidance concerning enforcement of the Massachusetts Independent Contractor Law, M.G.L. c. 149, s. 148B.
About our speaker, Jean Sifleet, Business Attorney
Jean is a business attorney, CPA and three-time entrepreneur. As many of you know from experience, doing business is legally complicated. You have to deal with a broad spectrum of legal issues including: negotiating contracts, setting rates, protecting copyrights, trademarks, licensing, subcontractors, employees, leases, non-competes, partnership agreements, and business disputes.
Jean will share some key tips about avoiding legal pitfalls. Then, you get to Ask the Business Attorney your questions!
Jean is a graduate of Ohio University’s College of Business and Boston University School of Law. She is the founder of the Business Practice Group a law firm serving privately held companies. With over 30 years of business experience and numerous publications including “SmartFast®-- Running Your Business & Staying Out of Trouble” and “Advantage IP – Profit from Your Great Ideas” – Jean has a wealth of practical information to share with us. For more background, Jean’s website is www.smartfast.com.
Central MA Chapter Meeting
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The meeting will be facilitated by Tim Rosa, who founded Tim Rosa Associates (www.timrosaassociates.com) in 1991 and has led the company since its inception. Starting as an individual technical writer, TRA has grown into a specialized communications company with documentation, training, marketing, and regulatory practices.
TRA's customers include leading technology and life sciences companies worldwide such as BlackBerry, EMC, Ahura Scientific, Bayer, Pfizer, and Millennium Pharmaceuticals. The TRA network spans diverse talent: writers, editors, web producers, videographers, bloggers, creative, and courseware developers are all on the TRA team. Prior to founding the company, Tim worked for a decade in technical publishing with Number Nine Visual Technology, Genetics Institute, Course Technology, Babson College, and Little, Brown and Company.
Speed Networking
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 10:30, Randall Library, Stow, MA
Topic: Speed Networking
Speed Networking is networking with a twist. It is a fast-paced, entertaining opportunity to meet a large number of other business professionals in a short period of time. You will meet more people, make more contacts, increase your potential referral sources, and generate more business ideas than you ever thought you could from one networking event.
You will have the opportunity to introduce yourself and to pitch your business to each of the other participants, add contacts to your referral base, and lay the foundation for building more business relationships with the people you meet at this event.
During timed periods of just a few minutes, you will meet with each person. When the time is up, you move on to the next person. Think of this event as a way to connect with each and every person you have the opportunity to meet for that few-minute period. It's all about developing a strong referral base, so the goal is to develop relationships with a variety of people, even those with whom you may not appear to have anything in common.
To get the most out of this event, come prepared with your "Elevator Speech" and your Networking Tool Kit.
Elevator Speech:
In the days before the event, be sure to practice your "Elevator Speech" - a 30 to 60 second commercial or pitch of your business.
Remember, a good elevator speech consists of the following components:
- Introduction - Give your name and business name
- Brief description of your business - specific products or services
- Value/benefit of your products or services
- Selected target markets
- What makes a good referral for you
- Closing - Repeat your name and business name
- Give your tag line
- Your Business cards
- 2 business card cases (one for your cards; one for the cards you collect)
- Pen (one you don't mind losing - good idea to bring a couple)
- Notepaper/pad/note cards (To take notes about the people with whom you are meeting)
- Appointment book (To schedule follow up appointments)
- Tissues
- Breath mints
- Hand cream (you'll be shaking hands with a lot of people - you don't want to have rough hands)
- Positive attitude
- Curiosity, sense of humor, and active listening skills
- Smile - A smile makes people feel good, and people remember you most by how you make them feel
The meeting will be facilitated by Jean Jesensky, sole proprietor of Endswell Indexing (endswellindexing.tripod.com), specializing in back-of-the-book indexing and A-Z hyperlinked web indexing.
Editorial Freelancer = Business Professional
Saturday, June 27, 2009
10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Randall Library, 19 Crescent St., Stow, MA
Whether you're a writer, editor or indexer, you wield your professional talents every day.
But how often do you think strategically about your business -- about networking and marketing, establishing an effective Web presence, tracking finances, and maintaining an efficient work space? Whether you're a seasoned or brand-new freelancer, you can deepen your business consciousness, and we'll use this meeting to get started.
We'll explore a list of resources and brainstorm a next step in cultivating our business presence.
Melony Swasey, owner of OnPoint Editing (www.onpointediting.com), is a freelance editor of nonfiction.
This meeting is open to EFA members and non-members, freelancers, and anyone interested in publishing. For more information, call Eileen Kramer at 978-897-4121 or send email to kramer@tiac.net.
Developing a Fact Sheet to Market Your Skills
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The meeting will be facilitated by Ralph Fuller (www.ralphfuller.com), a local writer, editor, and marketing consultant. Ralph will lead us in a workshop on developing a Fact Sheet to replace or accompany our resumes. Please bring a copy of your resume to the meeting so you will be prepared to create a new marketing tool for your publishing skills.
This meeting is open to EFA members and non-members, freelancers, and anyone interested in publishing. For more information, call Eileen Kramer at 978-897-4121 or send email to kramer@tiac.net.
TBA
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Next meeting will be in January. Check back for more info.
Networking Meeting
Saturday, December 6, 2008
This will be a follow-up of the September meeting when we discussed freelance opportunities and marketing strategies. The December meeting will be led by long-time EFA member, Barbara Donohue, who has been a freelance writer for over three years.
Resume Writing, Interviewing, Chair Yoga
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Betsy Dalton, a recruiter at Clear Point Consultants (www.clearpnt.com) looks forward to meeting everyone at the EFA Central Massachusetts Chapter Meeting on September 13. Betsy will speak about resume writing, interviewing, and chair yoga for office workers. Chapter members with specific questions on these topics are welcome and encouraged to forward their questions in advance, so she can be prepared to address them (Betsy@clearpnt.com).
Betsy Dalton joined Clear Point in the summer of 2004 bringing over 20 years experience in high-tech sales and customer support. Betsy started the inside sales group at Progress Software, was a customer support rep and manager at Genesys, and worked in several high- tech start-ups. She loves to work with and help people, to solve problems and to make a difference. At Clear Point she brings all this experience to bear in all her candidate and client relations.
In addition to recruiting, Betsy teaches yoga on a regular basis on the North Shore and is known for her excellent Slow Power classes which are usually full to capacity. She loves to guide her students through their individual practices. When there's time, Betsy teaches horseback riding, a lifelong passion. She has a family, two rescue dogs from New Orleans, a cat, and a frog.
Networking
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Central Massachusetts chapter is hosting a joint meeting with the New England Chapter of the American Society for Indexing (NEASI). Information about both organizations will be presented, followed by a facilitated discussion about networking to build a successful business.
Come join us for an evening of networking with fellow freelancers working in the areas of editing, indexing, writing, proofreading, and other publishing-related professions. Share your networking ideas, tips, strategies, resources, experiences, and yes, even your networking fears!
IT Needs of the Small Business
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Guest speaker Tim Resker, sales and business development director of The Computer Guys [www.thecomputerguys.com] discussed emerging trends in technology with an emphasis on the publishing world.
Increasing Your Client List
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Networking
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Writing Books to Build Credibility, Visibility, or Your Business
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Local Writers Read Selections from Their Work
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Networking
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Freelance Indexing
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Heather Hedden, president of the New England Chapter of the American Society of Indexers, will talk about the field of freelance book indexing. Topics included options for training in indexing, software available for indexing, the market for and marketing of freelance indexing services, and resources on indexing. The emphasis was on indexes at the back of nonfiction books, but periodical and web indexing were also mentioned. Through her business Hedden Information Management (www.hedden-information.com), Heather offers freelance services in indexing books, creating web site A-Z indexes, and developing corporate taxonomies. She also teaches an online workshop in Creating Web Site Indexes through the continuing education program of Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science. Heather previously worked as a periodical database indexer at the Gale Group and has also done some freelance writing of reference book essays and periodical articles.
New England Writers Guild
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
For over twelve years, Glenda Baker has been the publisher and editor-in-chief of NEWN, a quarterly publication for writers devoted to helping new writers get published and to teaching through content and example. She is owner of The Write Way through which she conducts workshops, edits, and tutors. She has taught basic composition and fiction writing for over ten years through the Assabet After Dark program in Marlborough. Glenda is a member of the International Women's Writing Guild and teaches at the Guild's annual conference. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime. A graduate of the Famous Writers School, Clark University, and the 2001 Maui Writer's Retreat, Glenda was the first place winner in the 1995 Writer's World Fiction Contest, has placed in the top 100 personal essays and in the top 100 short stories in Writer's Digest Competitions. She was second place winner in the 2003 Worcester Magazine Short Story Contest and has been a judge for that contest.
General Meeting
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Ed McManus has written books, humor, commentary, and a comedy newsletter called The Jokesmith. His work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Metrowest Daily, The Boston Globe, and The New York Times. His new book, The Nana in the Chair and the Tales She Told, is about the author's Irish grandmother and her stories of magic lamps, leprechauns, and banshees.
Networking
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Marketing and Promotion
Thursday, November 3, 2005
Freelancer Barbara Donohue shared tips about marketing and promoting a freelance word-working business, learned at the 2005 Editorial Freelancers Association conference in October. She entertained our questions and ideas to contribute to the discussion. Barbara writes for companies that need technical or other complex material turned into understandable English. She also covers food, business, and a variety of other topics for newspapers and trade magazines.
Financial planning for real people
Thursday, September 1, 2005
Kathy Dollard is a Certified Financial Planner(TM) practitioner and founder of Nashoba Financial Planning in Boxborough, MA. She has been helping “real people” prepare for financial independence since 1999. As a NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor, NFP provides comprehensive, independent, Fee-Only financial planning and investment advice. Kathy is a graduate of Boston University’s Program for Financial Planners. She also holds an MBA from Boston College and a BA in Economics from St. Lawrence University. "Financial Planning for Real People" – Real People must someday achieve financial independence. Real People are not investment portfolios; they need more than investment advice. Real People need comprehensive, holistic advice that takes into account their life cycle position, the fact that their house is often their largest asset, and that taxes are often their largest expense. Learn more about this unique approach to personal financial planning.
Piloting Your Career: Being at the controls instead of winging it
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Larry Linden has over 20 years' experience as a career consultant. His presentation focused on career transition, résumé writing, answering tough interview questions, networking, job search strategies, and self-marketing for success.
Editing Yourself: Building a New Career as a Freelance Editor
Thursday, May 5, 2005
Guest speaker Catherine Owens worked for 15 years in increasingly senior positions as a software project manager and business consultant. When her division was closed in 2002, she found herself staring at a depressed job market like a deer in the headlights. By going where the work was she developed a career as a full time independent contractor, and doubts that she will ever return to her former life. Catherine currently contracts as a technical editor for one client, and in her spare time does other freelance writing and editing work. She spoke about the joys and pitfalls of evolving from a full-time employee to a full-time freelancer, and provide tips on finding, getting, and keeping work as an editor and writer.
Writing Resumes
Friday, April 1, 2005
Carol Nason, professional résumé writer, gave us tips on writing an effective résumé and, time permitting, will look at résumés if people choose to bring them. We will have ample time for Q&A as well as networking.
General Meeting
Saturday, February 5, 2005
Nan Fritz is founder and chairperson of nSight, Inc.—formerly Editorial Services of New England (ESNE). She spearheaded the formation of nSight's new Publishing Services division, and now spends her time overseeing its strategic direction and business operation. She began her career in communications at the US Department of State after earning BA and MA degrees in International Relations with a specialty in journalism. After her government work, Nan held staff positions at the University of Southern California, UCLA Press, and Davis Design before moving to the East Coast. She founded ESNE in 1982 after market research indicated a need for a firm committed to top quality in publications, especially writing and editing. She is an active presenter and participant in professional organizations, including the Society for Technical Communication, where she is an Associate Fellow and was recently president of the Boston Chapter, and Bookbuilders, where she is co-chair of the Endowment Fund.
General Meeting
Saturday, December 4, 2004
We shared job leads, exchanged business cards, practiced one-minute elevator pitches, and met other freelancers.
Working in Technical Publishing: Challenges and Opportunities
Saturday, October 2, 2004
Tim Rosa is the founder and president of Tim Rosa Associates, Newton, MA (www.trassoc.com). Tim has over 20 years of experience in technical publishing. He learned the business by developing documentation and training solutions in the computer hardware, computer software, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. Since founding Tim Rosa Associates in 1991, his company has developed premium, award-winning content that demonstrates a clear commitment to excellence. Tim Rosa Associates works effectively with both start-ups and the Fortune 500 worldwide. The company uses a field-tested approach to content development, based on hundreds of successfully completed projects, that guides each phase of the development process. Tim holds a Bachelor's degree in history, summa cum laude, from Trinity College (CT), and a certificate from the Publishing Procedures Course at Radcliffe College (Harvard).
General Meeting
Saturday, August 7, 2004
Speaker Mary Anker is Vice President of Anker Publishing, an independent publisher of professional books, periodicals, and other information media. Established in 1990, Anker Publishing Company, Inc. is incorporated in Massachusetts and is located in the town of Bolton, a western suburb of Boston.
Create Your Own Marketing Brochure
Thursday, June 3, 2004
Working together, we developed marketing brochures to promote our freelance businesses.
Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 31, 1969
Join colleagues for a potluck holiday party to celebrate the year's successes and plan to meet the new year's challenges. Polish your new year's resolutions and get encouragement from your fellow editorial professionals. To RSVP, contact chapter coordinator Ruth E. Thaler-Carter at chap_rochester@the-efa.org or (585) 248-8464. EFA-Rochester will provide drinks and desserts.
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