Google Books settlement could transform publishing
The Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) is seeking ways to get money for UK writers following a settlement in a New York courtroom that looks set to transform publishing.
The 8,000-member US Authors Guild and the American Association of Publishers, along with several publishing companies, have made a $125 million settlement of a class action lawsuit that will enable Google to scan millions of out-of-print books and sell downloads.
Google will pay at least $60 (£36.74) per title, and authors will receive a royalty. Some UK writers will benefit directly and WGGB is linking up with other UK writers’ organisations for joint action to unlock this money.
More generally, the US settlement should be a template for similar deals around the world.
WGGB General Secretary Bernie Corbett said: “This is hugely significant for our book-writing members and we will ensure they are in on the ground floor. Watch this space for detailed advice on what you need to do to share in this digital-age publishing phenomenon. We will hold meetings to discuss the implications with the Society of Authors, Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society, Copyright Licensing Agency and British Copyright Council."
Mark Le Fanu, General Secretary of the UK Society of Authors, told The Guardian: "What is so positive is that it recognises that authors and publishers must be involved when works in copyright are digitised and made available to the public, and usage must be paid for, while at the same time it promises to make the practicalities easily manageable for users."
Further details of the copyright agreement can be downloaded from Google Books.
More information can be found in The Independent, The Guardian and from The Authors Guild (USA)
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