More than half of authors paid below standard rates for appearances, according to ASA rates tracker

The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) has published some of the findings from its publishing and author/illustrator appearance rates trackers, which were launched in August last year.

Results from the rates trackers show just over half of authors and illustrators are being paid below the standard ASA rate for one-off sessions and keynote addresses, and 72% are paid below the ASA rate for panel appearances.

The ASA said children’s authors have a more positive response from schools, with 67.9% paid in line with ASA recommendations for half-day workshops and 78.3% for full-day workshops.

Results from the publishing agreements tracker show nearly three-quarters (73.7%) of authors received an advance under $5000, with over a quarter (26.3%) receiving an advance below $500. More than half of respondents (53%) received 10% or less as print royalties based on net receipts, with the rest (47%) receiving 15–25%.

The ASA also announced it has introduced a third rates tracker, for one-off commissions.

For more information, visit the ASA website.

Category: Local news