Chances are you'll be aware that the pursuit of writing can, at times, leave an author not knowing which way to turn. But help is at hand in the shape of The Society of Authors and The Writers' Guild, both of which offer writers support and advice when terms get tough as well act as a collective voice for writers everywhere.
The Writers' Guild is a fully-fledged trade union (affiliated to the TUC), representing the whole gamut of writers from screenwriters and authors to playwrights, radio dramatists and videogames writers. All writers welcome! It works in conjunction with the government and other national (and some international) institutions, such as the Arts Council, the Independent Theatre Council and Pact, wherever and whenever the interests of writers are in question or are being discussed.
The Guild continually looks at ways to improve writers' minimum terms. An example of this is the PLR scheme, which helps to ensure that authors are paid for books lent from libraries. PLR has made a significant difference to some authors' earnings and, even if the earnings are small, every little helps...
During its day-to-day work the Guild helps fight the corner of its members: it gives professional advice on agreements, offers legal contract vetting, organises social and informative events and even maintains a benevolent fund to help writers in financial trouble.
So, if you're a writer who believes there's safety in numbers, you'll be pleased to know that the cost of membership varies in accordance with your earnings, and you don't have to be a published author to be eligible to join.
Writers of the world unite!
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