Driven by the key findings from the ALCS-funded Authors’ Earnings: A survey of UK writers earlier this year, the APWG launched an inquiry into authors’ earnings to find out how the government can help improve the economic circumstances of writers. Having already taken written evidence from writers and those in the creative industries, hearing parallel oral evidence will help the APWG create a more well-rounded case to present to the government.

Pictured (L-R): Giles Watling MP, Pete Wishart MP, Rt Hon John Whittingdale OBE MP, Julie Elliott MP, The Earl of Clancarty

Attendees at the hearing included Lizzy Kremer, President of the Association of Authors’ Agents; Orna Ross, founder of the Alliance of Independent Authors; Stephen Lotinga, Chief Executive of the Publishers Association; Nicola Solomon, Chief Executive of the Society of Authors; Philip Womack, author; Lesley Gannon, Assistant General Secretary of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain; and Poppy Corbett, playwright.

Pictured (L-R): Poppy Corbett, Lesley Gannon, Philip Womack, Nicola Solomon

Early findings and priorities from this inquiry will be released at the APWG Winter Reception on 4 December, with the full report due to be published in 2019.

Thank you to all ALCS members who submitted written evidence for this inquiry.