13.04.22
Want to learn more about DLR? Read our Digital Lending Rights Advocacy overview here.
Since the beginning of the year we’ve been sharing interviews with ASA Ambassadors about the role of PLR/ELR payments in their capacity to earn a living, and why the expansion of the schemes to include digital formats is so important. This week we speak to bestselling and award-winning author Markus Zusak about how Digital Lending Rights will be key in supporting and sustaining the careers of Australian authors and illustrators.
How important are PLR/ELR payments to an author?
Personally, PLR/ELR payments were a great support to me early on. They gave me the time and support I needed to write all of my books, but especially The Book Thief, which could not have been accomplished without PLR/ELR. When I look at the amounts I received during that time period, there was a moment where I’d think ‘I’d have to do more than a month’s worth of school visits to make that kind of money,’ which is, of course, a month you were just given to write. Or it goes on your home loan, or pays bills, all of which makes the process of writing less pressurised.
Have you noticed a change in your PLR/ELR payments over time?
My PLR payments have been declining. When I look at my local library services at Woollahra Municipal Library and City of Sydney Libraries (14 branches in total):
The Book Thief
3 out of 21 editions are in digital format (14.3%)
Bridge of Clay
5 out of 31 editions are in digital format (16.1%)
Why do you think it is vital to expand the lending rights schemes to include digital formats?
PLR/ELR are instrumental in supporting Australian writers to both progress, and sustain their careers. Expanding towards a Digital Lending Right in parallel with digital reading and borrowing trends only makes perfect sense. It holds one more key to a promise - that upcoming Australian writers might have the same opportunities I had.
Share the ASA's DLR campaign with your networks and help us to raise awareness of this important issue.
You can also write to your local MP to request the expansion of the lending right schemes. You can use our sample letter here.
If you haven't already, consider joining the ASA. The ASA's lobbying efforts in Canberra would not be possible without our members' support. The more voters we can show we represent, the clearer our voice will be heard by the politicians with the power to make change.
Alternatively, if you're already a member or prefer to contribute without joining the ASA, you can donate to our Endowment Fund. Donations to the Endowment Fund go directly towards supporting the ASA to lobby and campaign for the rights and professional interests of authors and illustrators.
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