On the fair treatment of writers…

In light of recent social media attention, the Irish Writers Centre would like to reaffirm that, as a resource and development organisation for writers at all stages of their career, it seeks to support, promote and inform writers through its programmes. While we support writers on broad issues of advocacy (such as fee rates), we would generally advise writers to approach the Irish Writers’ Union (whose specific remit it is) to advocate on their behalf.

Therefore we fully endorse the statement made by Ruth Hegarty of Publishing Ireland in The Irish Times (11 October 2016), where she says:

‘We would encourage any writer who is experiencing difficulties with their respective publishers to approach the Irish Writers’ Union for help.’

‘All authors are entitled to royalty schedules and payments if in their contract.’

We believe that it is in the interests of the literary community at large that the basic principle of fair treatment as regards payment to writers is respected and upheld.

In regard to our own publishing initiative, the Novel Fair, the criteria in regard to submission, selection and invitation to publishers is reviewed annually and is amended at our own discretion, and as necessary.

From the Irish Writers Centre Team