The Society of Authors Latest News

The Digital Economy Bill

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:10:45 GMT

The Bill is under consideration by the House of Lords. It is a huge piece of legislation, much of it welcome. However, as Parliament is going to be dissolved soon, it remains to be seen how much of the Bill, if any, will become law.

The US Google Book Settlement

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:53:17 GMT

1: is the Settlement definitely going ahead?
2: who does it affect?
3: what do I need to do now?
4: remind me: what is the Settlement and how would it work?
5: did the Society make a submission to the Court?

ISA clearances for writers

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:55:59 GMT

Authors Visiting Schools / The Vetting and Barring Scheme

The Society made a submission to Sir Roger Singleton in early November recommending a number of specific changes to the controversial Vetting and Barring Scheme, taking account of the concerns raised both privately and in the press by authors. His report on the Scheme was published on 14th December.

Professional indemnity insurance policy for members

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:11:17 BST

Authors understandably worry about the warranties and indemnities that they are required to give publishers. In practice, publishers seldom invoke indemnity clauses when problems arise, so long as the author has acted professionally and responsibly. Nevertheless, if you can afford it, insurance – a legitimate business expense for tax purposes – may well be comforting and reassuring.

The Harry Bowling Prize

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:04:34 BST

The prize is for an unpublished novel - entrants may be established writers but must not have published a novel for adults. The first prize is £1,000 and there is an entry fee of £10.

The Word Cloud - a free social networking site for writers

Fri, 29 May 2009 15:02:24 BST

The Word Cloud is a free social networking site where writers can read each other's work, offer comments and get feedback. It’s also a place where you can discuss books, scripts and writing with like-minded souls, enter regular competitions, and much more.

Literature training

Fri, 29 May 2009 14:22:54 BST

The literaturetraining website contains information for writers and those involved in creating or supporting new writing and literature in the UK.

Accountancy services

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:26:33 GMT

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES London West End firm of Chartered Accountants with many literary clients welcomes new clients. We offer a friendly and personal service coupled with constructive taxation, accounting and VAT assistance. Competitive fees. Telephone or write for free initial meeting. Stephen Simou, Citroen Wells, Devonshire House, 1 Devonshire Street, London, W1W 5DR. Tel. 020 7304 2000. Fax. 020 7304 2020. Website: www.citroenwells.co.uk

Lulu.com - share your experiences

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:10:58 BST

In the light of a recent article in The Author, I was thinking of reviving one of my out-of-print books via Lulu.com's print-on-demand system.

London SW1

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:27:16 GMT

Proofreading, Secretarial, Editing Services Reliable transcription of manuscripts. £12 per hour. 020 7931 8177 email: Anne@opnewworld.co.uk