SUPREME COURT RENDERS
DECISION
“WE WON!” SAYS TASINI
On June 25, 2001, a final decision was made in the case of National Writers Union President Jonathan Tasini versus the New York Times Co. The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of requiring publishers to obtain special permission to reproduce freelance work in electronic databases, including Lexis-Nexis and CD-ROMs.
According to Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg, “Both the print publishers and the electronic publishers…have infringed the copyrights of freelance authors.”
In response, some publishers are deleting thousands of freelancers’ articles from electronic databases rather than pay them for work that has already been published.
The National Writers Union is alert to possible consequences of the decision. Its first move was to issue the following e-mail to its members:
“In the wake of the Supreme Court victory for freelancers, the New York Times is attempting to mitigate their financial liabilities by seizing rights from freelancers.
DO NOT SIGN ANY CONTRACT THE TIMES IS OFFERING—EITHER IN PRINT OR ON THE WEB. YOU WILL BE GIVING UP YOUR RIGHTS AND POTENTIAL FINANCIAL COMPENSATION STEMMING FROM THE SUPREME COURT VICTORY.”
With changes to freelance contracts imminent, Tasini cautions that it is up to writers to act now to make sure the victory helps advance freelance rights. For more information: http://ga0.org/ct/4da0LYF12d14/victory.
WRITE ON
Sports Illustrated For Women now uses freelancers for most of its content. The new managing editor is looking for scientific articles on subjects such as genetic engineering and athletic performance, aimed at readers in their 30s. Mail queries to: Sports Illustrated For Women, Time and Life Building, 135 West 50th St., New York, N.Y. 10020-1393.
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San Diego Habitat for Humanity is planning to publish a “homey” collection of short stories, poems and excerpts from longer works like The Wind in the Willows, Little House on the Prairie, and others. Habitat for Humanity would appreciate input from SPAWN members and asks that suggestions include specific references along with comments on why the selection was chosen. Proceeds from the book will go to the construction of affordable homes. E-mail Tom Durwood, Executive Director, tomd@habitatsdiego.org.
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The nationally known and respected SouthWest Writers 19th Annual Conference is scheduled for September 20-23, 2001 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet agents, editors, published authors and beginning writers. Speakers include Catherine Ryan
Hyde, Terry Brooks, John Nance, and special guest Alice Walker. For more information, visit their Web site, http://www.southwestwriters.org.
SCI-FI AND OTHER LIFE FORMS
New World Publishers says it will “revive best selling authors; create new marketing programs; and produce new author recognition” in either paperback, hard cover, audio, or on the Web. They are actively seeking work in the Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Romance, Men's Action, and Metaphysical genres.
Their current project is bestselling author John Norman’s Gor Series. New World has developed a site for Norman at http://www.worldofgor.com.
For more information, visit http://www.newworldpublishers.com, call 763-553-9961, or send an e-mail to info@worldofgor.com or will@tavis.com.
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According to author Dan Pearlman, there is a new, quality small press on the scene, a book publisher looking for manuscripts in the area of "intelligent" literature of the fantastic—science fiction, fantasy, and magic realism. Pearlman says he was lucky to find Aardwolf Press for his own second fiction collection and is trying to help publisher Dan Barlow scout out the best manuscripts available. Visit them at http://www.aardwolfpress.com.
For more about science fiction and fantasy writing, check out the Web site of the Science Fiction Writers of America, http://www.sfwa.org.
Read Patricia Fry this month -
MEMBERSHIP REAPS BENEFITS
SPAWNews, our monthly newsletter, contains notices of book festivals, contests and awards programs, workshops, seminars, and conferences. There are articles on writing, editing, self-publishing, promoting and marketing your book, and the latest information regarding the Internet and computer technology. There are also book reviews and news about members’ activities. SPAWN’s Web site, www.spawn.org contains current and past newsletters as well as publishing information, a searchable database of members, and a free Web page for each member. Each member receives a printed member directory annually. The directory is packed with information about the interests and occupations of other members as well as their mailing addresses, phone and fax numbers and e-mail addresses. SPAWN seminars and workshops led by experienced professionals are presented in various locations. SPAWN participates in book festivals held in various communities by local organizations where members may share SPAWN’s booth to promote and sell their books. Field trips to book manufacturing facilities and other places of interest to members are offered when requested and carpools are organized for those who wish to attend. Discounts to other organizations through our partner program. As a member of SPAWN, you may join Publishers Marketing Association (PMA) for $69, rather than their usual fee of $95. You may join Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN) for only $60, instead of their usual $95.
SPAWN, like all nonprofit organizations, is only as good as its members and leaders. Most of the positions are held by volunteers who give of their time and expertise to offer as many benefits as possible to members. If you have ideas for programs or wish to volunteer your services, please contact the Executive Director.
Fill out the application form and join now!
SPAWN Member Pens Historical Tome
For Maurine Moore, the city of Ventura holds much more spirituality—as well as history and mystery—than one might imagine. In 1988, after moving to the town once known as San Buenaventura (the “Good Fortune” city), handwriting analyst/expert Moore embarked on a journey of discovery. Her journey resulted in the book “Ventura: Mystic City By the Sea” (©2000, Seaview Publishing, $13.95), an eclectic compendium of historical facts, points of interest, and personal revelations. To order, e-mail Maurinee@juno.com, write P.O. Box 2195, Ventura, CA 93002, or call 643-7650.
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“A serious writer is not to be confounded with a solemn writer. A serious writer may be a hawk or a buzzard or even a popinjay, but a solemn writer is always a bloody owl.”—Ernest Hemingway, Death in the Afternoon
FOR SCRIPTWRITERS
The 5th Annual Hollywood Pitch Festival takes place on August 4 & 5, 2001 at the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel. Sponsored by Fade In: Magazine and The Writer’s Network, the event features 140 Motion Picture and Television industries’ studio, development and creative executives, producers, literary agents, managers and entertainment lawyers. Call 800-646-3896 or 310-275-0287 to register.
Writer’s Digest magazine and the American Screenwriters Association are hosting the 2001 International Screenplay Competition. Deadline is October 31, 2001. E-mail competitions@fwpubs.com or visit http://www.asascreenwriters.com for contest details.
According to Jerrol LeBaron, president of WritersScriptNetwork.com, the site recently assisted 48 writers in gaining representation. In addition, says LeBaron, 14 writers have sold or optioned their scripts, 3 have gotten writing work and 7 screenplay shorts have been sold or optioned. For more information about their network, visit http://www.writerscriptnetwork.com.
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Marc Hernandez is a Literary Manager with Zide/Perry Entertainment, which specializes in the representation of motion picture screenwriters. Some of Zide/Perry’s producing credits are Cats and Dogs, American Pie 2, and The Big Hit. Hernandez is seeking additional clients—specifically, experienced writers of unique, smart, broad, commercial screenplays that can either be produced at Zide/Perry or sold to production companies/studios as spec scripts. He is most interested in comedies, dramas, thrillers, and romantic comedies. For information, write Zide/Perry Entertainment, 9100 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 615E, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.
Read Virginia Lawrence this month -
SPAWN is a nonprofit corporation. Donations are tax deductible.
Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network
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Ventura, CA 93002-2653
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Telephone & Fax: 805-646-3045
Wendy Dager
Senior Editor, SPAWNews
e-mail: Wendy@spawn.org
Hal Ranzenhofer
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e-mail: hal@spawn.org
Virginia Lawrence
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Patricia Fry
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Rosalie Heacock
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Author
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Publisher
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Publisher
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Author
Board of Directors
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Patricia Fry
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Virginia Lawrence, PhD
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Submission Guidelines
Members and Nonmembers: Please send your press releases, seminar information, and books for review to Wendy Dager, Senior Editor, SPAWNews, 3039 Country Lane, Simi Valley, CA 93063 or email Wendy@spawn.org.
SPAWN membership dues are $45 per year; spouses, half-price.
Subscriptions to SPAWNews are $15 per year for nonmembers. Make your check payable to SPAWN and mail to P.O. Box 2653, Ventura, CA 93002-2653.
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SPAWN is a nonprofit corporation. Donations are tax deductible.
Small Publishers, Artists & Writers Network
P. O. Box 2653
Ventura, CA 93002-2653 |
