Upper Hudson River Valley Chapter has taken a short hiatus but will be meeting again very soon, date TBA. We're aiming to get on a regular bimonthly schedule on second or third Wednesdays.
Activities of EFA's Upper Hudson chapter will be posted here. For additional information, contact Teresa Nolan Barensfeld, chapter coordinator, at chap_upperhudson 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
TBA
TBA
Previous Meetings
Making the Most of Your EFA Membership -- Workshop
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Please note that the date has been changed to Feb. 11 because of inclement weather forecast.
Location: Marisa's Bagel Cafe, 41 Main Street, Chatham, NY 12037
By popular demand, this will be a workshop meeting about how to maximize membership in the Editorial Freelancers Association, specifically the online EFA features available to members. Explore the EFA website's members-only sections. Learn how to make the most of your listing in the online Membership Directory. View the EFA resources pages, the list of EFA publications, and the classes offered in the spring 2010 Education Program. Examine other benefits of membership, such as the discussion list, and get tips on using the JobList. If you have a specific question or topic, e-mail it beforehand (to the chapter e-mail above), and we'll try to cover it. If time allows, we could explore non-EFA business-related networking sites, such as LinkedIn.
Attendance is limited to 15 people. Free WiFi -- bring your laptop or share with another person. Please bring your EFA number and password (contact the EFA office if you have forgotten) and make sure they work before attending the meeting. Computer use is not necessary, however, to benefit from the meeting. Guests are welcome as space allows.
There will be time for discussion and networking. Light refreshments will be available.
Upper Hudson Holiday Dinner
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Miss having a holiday office party? Here's the freelance version: EFA Upper Hudson Chapter is hosting a holiday dinner party for area freelancers at Lipperas' Restaurant in Chatham, NY. Prix fixe $20 per person, cash bar; spouse/date/guests welcome. For more information, contact chapter coordinator Teresa Barensfeld at the e-mail above or through the EFA discussion list. RSVP by Dec. 8.
E-Market Yourself: Making the Web Work for You and Your Freelance Business
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The inaugural meeting of the Upper Hudson Valley Chapter was a great success! There were 25 people attending. Our speakers, Joanna Ezinga (Ezinga Fitness) and Cathy Light (Blue Light by Design), gave us a sampler of the many ways of using the Internet for marketing our businesses, including social media like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn; blogs; websites; and e-newsletters. I think everyone learned something new and useful (I know I did). We enjoyed the historic location, Lipperas' Restaurant, in a restored railroad hotel, as well as the the good collegial company and tasty refreshments.
What's Going On With That Google Settlement?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Paul Rapp, an intellectual property lawyer and writer, spoke about intellectual property issues for writers and editors, including permissions, fair use, and the Google settlement. We had a lively discussion, touching on a variety of copyright concerns.
Rapp teaches art and entertainment law at the Albany Law School and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and writes for the Albany weekly, Metroland. You may have heard him public radio WAMC's Copyright Forum as well. Rapp also goes by the name F. Lee Harvey Blotto, when he's the drummer with the Albany rock band Blotto.
Is the newspaper as we know it still alive and well?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Parry Teasdale, former editor-in-chief of the Independent newspaper, an award-winning, thriving regional paper that recently succumbed to the economic downturn (of its parent company), was our featured speaker. He talked about starting a newspaper, which appeared in print on April 16, and he led a lively discussion on future of journalism. See the online version of his newspaper at www.columbiapaper.com.
Keep the Work Coming!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Area freelancers and consultants were asked to come with ideas and suggestions about finding and keeping steady freelance work in good times and bad. We had a lively discussion, and time was set aside for networking. Festive refreshments were served, and in the holiday spirit of giving, there was a drawing for not one but three door prizes! Some ideas for future meetings were also shared, which the steering committee is working on implementing.
The Price Is Right!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Our featured speaker was Laurie Lewis, who came all the way from NYC to address our group. She gave a condensed version of her popular class on pricing for freelance writers, editors, copyeditors, proofreaders, and others. Laurie immediately engaged the group, then went over her top ten tips of pricing. Everyone from newbies to seasoned pros learned something valuable about running our businesses. Laurie's book, What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers and Consultants, was available to purchase at the meeting. There were about thirty people attending the meeting, a great turnout for us.
Digital Printing
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Area freelancers and consultants were invited to a session on digital printing, postponed due to inclement weather from December. Eric Wilska of The Bookloft, the independent bookstore in Great Barrington, MA, spoke about digital printing (electronic publishing) and how it will affect writers, editors, booksellers, and publishers. Along with Susan Novotny of The Bookhouse of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, Mr. Wilska started The Troy Book Makers, the first print-on-demand service in the region.
Self-Motivation
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Millie Calesky, personal and professional coach, trainer, and writer, spoke about the challenge of self-motivation as a writer and editor, and how to move your project forward.
Ins & Outs of Textbook Publishing
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Marion Waldman from Content Concepts presented an overview of textbook publishing with an emphasis on the editorial process--acquiring new products, developing a manuscript, working with new or inexperienced authors, revising existing products, creating a series, remaining on schedule, preparing a manuscript for production, and troubleshooting.
Breaking into New Markets
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
About twenty area freelancers and consultants explored effective ways for editorial freelancers to break into new markets.
Tax Preparation for Freelancers
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Area freelancers and consultants met for the quarterly meeting of the Albany area chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association. The group explored tax issues and planning for freelance editorial professionals.
Organizing a Home Office
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
The group explored effective ways for editorial freelancers to organize home offices and computer files. Materials from the EFA national meeting on office organization and ideas from our members were discussed.
Copyright Law for Writers and Editors
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Bill Westwood, a full-time medical illustrator in Albany who has spoken frequently on the issues of artists-- rights/copyright, marketing, and pricing, discussed copyright issues with the group. Bill is a regular participant on the the "Copyright Forum," one of WAMC's Vox-Pop's call-in programs. Many interesting copyright topics were raised at the meeting.
Freelance Marketing and Promotion: How Do We Do It?
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
After a short presentation by Dan Kittay of Kittay New Media, participants will describe their methods of promoting their freelance businesses and exchange ideas for building a client base. This will be an open discussion, allowing an opportunity for sharing what has worked and what hasn't.
Freelance Editing: Pricing and Marketing
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Teresa Barensfeld, owner of Prof-Edit, will speak about pricing, marketing, and building a client base. An open discussion will follow, allowing an opportunity for sharing experiences.
Financial Planner Gives Tips for Self-Employed
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Financial planner Kathleen Godfrey will speak about financial planning for the self-employed at the January 31, 2006, meeting of the Capital Region (NY) chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association. Owner of an independent financial planning firm for 11 years, Ms. Godfrey will provide tax and retirement planning tips for those who work as freelancers part-time or full-time. There will be time for questions and discussion. Light refreshments will be provided.
Organizational Meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
About 20 persons attended the Oct. 18 organizational meeting arranged by Richard Chady, Rebecca McBride, and Lara Stelmaszyk. There was a good cross-section of writers, editors and indexers. Participants ranged from those curious about freelancing and the EFA to a few long-time members. After each participant described his or her experience, interests and expectations, there were these developments: Dan Kittay of Kittay New Media volunteered to start a listserv so that we can keep in touch and discuss items of mutual interest. There was general support for having programs on practical skills, such as copy editing and computer skills. Dick, Rebecca and Lara will put together the next program, set January 31st.
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