Who is right about their rights?

As Executive Director of the Australian Society of Authors (ASA), I am often asked what the ASA does for its members. Despite the fact that the ASA sets minimum rates for pay and conditions for authors and illustrators, and publishes books, papers and lists for emerging and established writers, provides a contract advisory service, runs mentorships for new and emerging writers and offers advice about writing, copyright and publishing, its activities on behalf of individual members are not always visible. The important fact is that the ASA continues to strive to develop its members' professionalism and knowledge of publishing practices. We offer a number of resources and services to assist members in more fully understanding the ways and means by which they are entitled to benefit from their intellectual property. The ASA will also intervene on behalf of its members when these intellectual property rights are threatened. The ASA is regularly contacted by members who have come into conflict with publishers about their rights. Unfortunately, it is sometimes unclear whether the dispute has arisen because the publisher is misinformed or is acting deliberately to undermine the authors' rights. Either way it is important for the author to fully understand their legal position.