Our Services

We are a not-for-profit Incorporated Legal Practice. Our goal is to help Australian writers and illustrators with their creative careers. Authors Legal is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Australian Society of Authors (ASA). It was established in late 2021 and provides specialised low-cost legal services to all Australian authors and illustrators (whether published or yet to be published). You do not need to be a member of the ASA to access our services (although ASA members enjoy a significantly discounted rate).

Authors Legal can assist with:

• Trade publishing agreements

• Ghost-writing agreements

• Literary agent and author agreements

• Author-funded publishing agreements

• Copyright

Authors Legal is unique. Our advice is:

• Expert and specialised: we only advise on legal issues in the books and publishing world and our advice is only available to creators. We do not advise publishers.

• Affordable: our upfront fees are either a one-off set fee for advice on your publishing contract, or a low cost hourly rate for legal work outside of our contract review service (as compared to commercial law firms offering similar services).

• Tailored to your circumstances: our advice is confidential and highly individualised. We will review your agreement, discuss your specific concerns and provide tailored written advice appropriate to your circumstances.