The NBC presents the Draft Writers’ Bill of Economic Rights

Following extensive consultation meetings which the National Book Council (NBC) held with local authors earlier this year, the NBC is now presenting the Draft Writers’ Bill of Economic Rights guaranteeing the basic and minimum economic rights for writers and authors in Malta. This will be the first step for the transposition of the EU’s Copyright in the Digital Market Directive. 

As a published author you are being invited to support and vote on the adoption of the attached Draft Writer’s Bill during the National Writers’ Congress, which will be held at 10am on Saturday, 14 September at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Great Siege Road, Floriana.

The Congress, in which authors are being called upon to recognise their economic rights, including the right to receive fair payment for their work, is the first of its kind in Malta, and you are therefore strongly encouraged to attend this historic event.

Pre-registration for the Congress is compulsory for all authors. To register and confirm your attendance kindly reply to this email by sending us your full name and ID card number. We will confirm receipt of your registration.

Authors who make part of the Public Lending Rights (PLR) scheme are automatically eligible to vote on the approval of the draft Writer’s Bill. All other authors are also eligible provided they are able to submit a locally issued ISBN number for a title they have authored. This information can be submitted together with your registration.

Authors who have registered to attend can present motions to the congress. These should be received in writing by Wednesday 11 September via email to Andrew Ricca on andrew.ricca@ktieb.org.mt or by post at the following address: National Book Council, Central Public Library, Prof. Joseph J. Mangion Street, Floriana, FRN 1800. However, the National Book Council is strongly suggesting authors to fully support the Bill so as to ensure for the very first time the rights of Maltese authors. 

A reception will follow.

Download the Draft Writers’ Bill of Economic Rights from here.