Changing nature of the profession of Author
26.02.20
On February 19 The Authors Guild in the US issued a report, “The Profession of Author in the 21st Century,” detailing the underlying social, economic and technological factors contributing to the ongoing decline of author incomes.
This report reflects many of the same findings as the ASA Member Survey in 2019.
Some of the main takeaways:
- It’s harder to make a living as an author now than in the past
- Half of full-time authors earn less than poverty level: Literary and deeply researched non-fiction authors hardest hit
- Authors are expected to do what publishers once did—marketing
- Self-publishing income is growing rapidly, but still remains very small
- Midlist authors finding it harder to retain publishers who will nurture and develop their careers over time
What can you do?
- Shop locally, support Australian retailers
- Resist signing up to subscription models unless they fairly pay the creators
- Support the ASA's campaign for baseline statutory protections for authors and illustrators
- Support the ASA's campaign for fair contracts so that authors are fairly sharing in successes when they happen
- Continue to educate the public on the value of books
- Adapt to new environment; equip authors with marketing skills
Read a report summary or the full report here.
