Authors Guild Conversation with Penguin Random House CEO: 5 Surprising Takeaways
In a recent online conversation with the Authors Guild, Markus Dohle, CEO of Penguin Random House, likened the publication of every book to launching a startup company, replete with risks and without guarantee of success. Here are some key takeaways from Dohle’s presentation, some of them quite surprising.
3 Reasons Why the Copyright Office’s Independence Matters to Authors
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would increase the autonomy and authority of the Copyright Office. Why is it important? If you’re a professional writer, here are three reasons why it matters.
The Easiest Way You Can Help Save the Future of Arts & Literature
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for Humanities (NEH), which provide much needed resources to low-income communities in all 50 states, face the danger of complete elimination. The Authors Guild is working with a host of literary and arts organizations to prevent the defunding of the two agencies. Support the guild’s initiative by signing a petition now. You don’t have to be a member to lend your name.
New Bill Aims to Help Authors Enforce Copyright Protection
A copyright is supposed to protect the work of an author, but most authors can’t afford to file a claim in court, so what’s the point? A new bill aims to change the situation by establishing a tribunal for small copyright claims.
Author Richard Russo Calls Out Google for Justifying Theft as Public Service
When someone takes your car without your consent, it’s called theft. But when Google digitized millions of books without getting permission from their authors and without paying for copyrighted material, it’s called public service, according to Richard Russo, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “Empire Falls.”
Authors Guild Push for 50 Percent E-Book Royalty for Traditional Authors
Back in 2009, e-books accounted for only about 3-5 percent of book sales, so a 25 percent royalty didn’t have as much impact on an author’s earnings. Today, e-books represent 25-30 percent of all adult trade book sales, but the e-book royalty has remained the same for most traditionally published writers.
Surveys in U.S., U.K. & Canada Show Decline in Authors’ Earnings
If you’re a published author and your name is neither J.K. Rowling nor Stephen King, then the results of three recent surveys will confirm what you probably already know—authors are earning less these days.
4 Reasons Why I Joined the Authors Guild and Why You Should Too
I’ve heard of the Authors Guild for years, but I didn’t join it until earlier this year. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made as a writer. Let me tell you why.