Children’s nonfiction rights and wrongs

A NUMBER of freelance writers make some of their money by writing non-fiction books for children and young people. Few who try to make a living from this do so with any ease. Writing books of this kind entails a massive amount of research, distilling it all into remarkably few words, briefing illustrators, checking proofs and much more. Fees are low and to make things worse, it has for many years been the custom in this area of publishing for publishers to demand all rights. There are a few honourable exceptions, but not many.

The Society of Authors has long recognised this situation as being distinctly unsatisfactory, and is now looking into the matter. It welcomes any input and thoughts from writers, illustrators etc who are involved in this kind of publishing - naming names (good guys and bad), and making any other relevant comments. Contact Jo Hodder at the Society: jhodder@societyofauthors.org

© 2002 Jenny Vaughan