There are only a handful of authors who can boast a six-figure income from sale of books. For most Indie authors a day job is a must. They have to learn to balance their passion for writing with their family commitments.
Self-publishing is a costly affair. Editing, proofreading, cover design, book formatting, and marketing takes a big chunk off an indie author’s income. Except for Amazon KDP, most royalty payments are settled by publishing platforms after a period of three months from sales. Coupled with dwindling sales this can have a cascading effect on an author’s income and thereby on their family.
Legal Threats
All writers, including indie authors, face the risk of legal threats, but writing about real people—living or dead—creates special risks that can result in costly damages and legal fees for authors. It’s essential for writers working with sensitive material about real people to take the proper steps to protect themselves. This is where membership in organizations like Authors Guild helps, as one of the benefits they offer is Media Liability Insurance arranged through AXIS PRO, one of the world’s leading Underwriters of media liability insurance..
The Authors Guild
The Authors Guild is America’s oldest and largest professional organization of writers. It was established in the year 1912. In their own words: Our mission is to support working writers. We advocate for the rights of writers by supporting free speech, fair contracts, and copyright. We create community and we fight for a living wage.
The Guild consists of two organizations: a membership organization that provides excellent benefits to dues-paying members, and a foundation that effectively advocates for all authors. The Guild welcomes traditionally published authors as well as self-published, independent authors.
What are the benefits of Authors Guild membership?
- Free legal assistance, from contract reviews to advising on and intervening in legal disputes. Joining the Authors Guild essentially provides an author with a free attorney on retainer.
- Prestigious press credentials for freelance journalists.
- Liability insurance.
- A back-in-print program and website hosting.
- A vibrant online community forum.
- Local chapters that host informal gatherings and opportunities to meet fellow authors.
- In-person and phone-in seminars on the business of publishing, tax law, self-publishing, and more.
- An annual black-tie gala and other social events.
Self-published authors based in the United States of America should take advantage of the many membership benefits offered by the Authors Guild.
