Warwickshire & Scottish Islands Groups: Author Scams and Pitfalls

Join the our Warwickshire and Scottish Islands Groups on Thursday 30 March from 7pm for an informal online session on author scams and pitfalls. Hear from Heather Parry, author and SoA’s Senior Policy and Liaison Manager for Scotland, and Johanna Clarke, SoA Contracts Advisor, as they highlight the key areas where authors should tread carefully: Are you being asked to pay someone to publish your book? Have you read the terms and conditions for that literary prize? Should you agree to work for free? Is that email from “Hollywood” legit? They will discuss those scams and pitfalls that often mislead members and exchange tips and advice so that you can spot the signs and wise up.

Johanna Clarke is a Contracts Advisor at the Society of Authors where she advises members on contracts and queries. She has previously worked as a Contracts Executive at a literary agency, and at a theatrical agency representing playwrights and creatives. Johanna is the coordinator for the SoA’s Poetry and Spoken Word group and manages the advisory team’s outreach programme.

Heather Parry is a Glasgow-based writer, editor, and publisher. She is the co-founder and Editorial Director of Extra Teeth magazine, co-host of the Teenage Scream podcast and the Scottish Senior Policy & Liaison Manager for the Society of Authors, a trade union for writers. In 2021 she created the free-access Illustrated Freelancer’s Guide with artist Maria Stoian. Her debut novel, Orpheus Builds a Girl, was published in October 2022 and a short story collection, This Is My Body, Given for You, is forthcoming in May 2023.  

All members welcome!

Local group online meet-ups are free to attend. To join us, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form to receive the Zoom link in a confirmation email. Please contact us with any questions.