Hoffman

Kolba

Academic delegates crowded into a meeting room to hear a presentation on the National Writers Union (NWU), a trade union for freelance and contract writers that works to defend the rights and improve the working conditions of all writers.

And, for most of them, what they heard came as a surprise.

“We believe the NWU can help you secure more control over your published works and earn more from your academic writing,” said Ann Hoffman, treasurer of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the NWU. She stressed how standard contracts for published academic works can — and should — be negotiated.

“Publishers are counting on academics believing they cannot negotiate a contract,” Hoffman said. “Don’t let them devalue you. The publisher is making money and that money should be shared. And you certainly shouldn’t have to pay to copy your work.”

Boris Kolba, co-chair of the Western New England NWU chapter and a former student and faculty member at SUNY New Paltz, said the NWU helps its members “understand their rights as writers and provides the tools they need to protect those rights.”

The NWU offers:

• Trained volunteers to review contracts at no charge;

• representation by a trained grievance officer if a contract is breached;

• online resources that educate members on copyright laws and industry trends;

• an online discussion list for NWU members to share ideas and seek advice;

• a reference guide on book contracts;

• seminars and panel discussions on relevant

topics; and,

• an online digital task force to keep abreast of how technological changes are affecting copyright.

“We help our members protect their interests as professional writers much like UUP helps its members protect their interests as faculty

members,” Kolba said.

Kenneth Kallio of Geneseo moderated the meeting.

The NWU — www.nwu.org — has nearly 2,000 members in 16 chapters nationwide, and is Local 1981 of the United Automobile Workers of America.

— Karen L. Mattison