Who can join the SBMEN?
Membership is open to editorial professionals in the book and magazine industry. It is also extended to those who work within technical publications, broadcasting, digital media, legal services, communications, public relations and academia.
Joining SBMEN gives members the opportunity to belong to a community of like-minded professionals. Membership in SBMEN positions individuals to attain the heights of editorial competence and validate their skills and capability to work globally. The committee on standards oversees the acceptance and admission of applicants into the society as members.
Qualifications
Anyone can join the Society without a background in book and magazine publishing or basic training in proofreading and copyediting or a degree in the Arts or Publishing. However, individuals must be interested in pursuing a career in the field and committed to reaching the highest-grade level. Also, they must support the mission of the society and adhere to SBMEN by-laws that set out the standards of work, practice and conduct expected of all members.
Membership Categories
The society offers four categories of membership: Trainee, Intermediate, Advance and Professional membership. At the highest-grade level (professional), SBMEN will encourage members to get accredited to demonstrate their growth, expertise and increased market value.
Trainee Membership
- This is an entry-level grade for people with limited or no professional training or experience who wish to get basic training in the profession.
- This grade is suitable for beginners, students and editorial assistants and freelancers with 1–2 years’ experience.
- Interested applicants must submit a CV, one (1) reference in the profession, fill out the application form and pay the membership fee for this level.
Intermediate Membership
- Interested individuals in this category must have acquired adequate experience, but wish to deepen their experience and improve their skills.
- Members in this grade must have 3–4 years editorial experience.
- They must submit a CV, one (1) reference in the profession, fill out the application form and pay the membership fee for this level.
Advanced Membership
- Interested individuals in this category must have acquired substantial skill, experience and knowledge in editing.
- Members in this grade must have 5–7 years in publishing or editing.
- Applicants in this category must submit a CV, two (2) references, fill the application form and pay the membership fee for this level.
Professional Membership
- Interested individuals in this category must have a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge.
- Members in this grade must have 8 years and above experience in publishing, editing or communications.
- Applicants in this category must submit a CV, two (2) references, fill the application form and pay the membership fee for this level.
Important Notice: The four levels of SBMEN membership is now open. In 2021, the pioneer members of SBMEN qualified to move to the next level, which is the Intermediate Level.
Corporate Subscription
Membership is also open to organisations that manage content and wish to improve or maintain the quality of their print or/and online content, business communications or business writing skills. Eligible organisations include publishing houses, small businesses, corporate organisations, and non-profits that care about editorial excellence. They can join as a corporate subscriber.
Student Subscription
- Interested individuals must be in third or final level in a tertiary institution.
- This category carries a three-year term limit. Student members must progress to SBMEN’s training level after the term limit.
- Applicants in this category must submit a CV, fill the application form, provide proof of enrolment such as an ID card for department, and pay the membership fee for this level.
Associate Subscription
- Interested individuals in this category do not meet the qualifications for membership but are interested in the editorial profession and supporting SBMEN’s work.
- Associate members can participate in events.
- Applicants in this category must submit a CV, one reference, fill the application form and pay the membership fee for this level.
Fellowship (Lifetime) Subscription
- Individuals in this category are conferred as fellows by SBMEN’s Board of Trustees.
- The fellowship is the highest level awarded to high achievers, that is, respected editorial professionals in the industry.
- Applicants in this category pay a one-time fee.
