Unfair Treatment of Authors

It has been brought to the ASA's attention that the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is making unfair demands of authors.

Departmental staff recently approached a senior ASA member, a high profile children's author, to become an ambassador for National Literacy & Numeracy Week 2012. The idea was that the author participate in a number of school visits to promote the week, and moreover to promote literacy skills to students from F-10. But while DEEWR proposes to pay for travel costs for such visits, it absolutely refuses to countenance any other legitimate associated payment, such as for preparation of material or speaking time.

The ASA member reports that one departmental officer has asserted that legitimate expense and skill payments should be foregone, essentially 'for the honour of participation'.

The ASA finds it entirely unconscionable for salaried, middle-level public servants to not only  deny proper recompense to lesser-paid working authors and illustrators, but to also challenge their ethical standards - in this case, the standards of someone who has dedicated their working life to improving educational outcomes.

The ASA spends much of its resources and energy fighting for fair recompense for those who write for a living. If you are also approached in similar fashion to give up your time for no or else inappropriate reward, we ask that you direct those doing so to the ASA website - www.asauthors.org-  where there is a comprehensive list of appropriate payments for work undertaken, including for school visits, and to let our office know.

One Word, One Day is shaping up to be a fantastic event, with a range of talented illustrators (of all styles) giving their time to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. It is also an excellent opportunity to bring our illustrators together for a collaborative event of socialising, creating art and being a part of the fun being organised by the ABC.

Where and when:
 • Melbourne     Wednesday 14 March 2012 
 • Adelaide         Wednesday 11 April 2012
 • Perth               Wednesday 18 April 2012  
 • Brisbane        Friday 11 May 2012 
 • Hobart             Wednesday 23 May 2012 
 • Darwin            Wednesday 6 June 2012 
 • Sydney            Wednesday 20 June 2012

Email us to register your interest in receiving information about the auction.

Check out One Word One Day on Facebook for the latest information and to see the artwork.

Times and venues to be announced - please check the website for updates or contact the ASA office.
Cost: ASA members: $15
Bookings: Bookings essential - book online here or phone 1800 257 121 or (02) 9211 1004

2012 Children's Picture Book Illustrators' Initiative
Emerging, developing and established illustrators are invited to apply for the ASA's Children's Picture Book Illustrators' Initiative. Entries close 29 February 2012. Click here for more information.  

The ASA's Contract Assessment Service offers members expert advice for a flat fee of $130.

Our experienced contract advisor Susan Bridge will examine your contract clause-by-clause and give you expert industry advice. If our advice is not to sign – it’s free.

See Contract Assessment Service and Contract FAQs for details, or call (02) 9211 1004.