Guild Agreements

Each new guild member receives a copy of the Authors Guild Model Trade Book Contract and Guide. This 78-page reference, recently updated to include changes in the treatment of digital rights, provides detailed explanations of virtually every clause of traditional publishing agreements as well as useful advice and negotiation strategies. It is an invaluable, open-eye resource for authors and their representatives in reviewing and understanding editorial agreements of any kind. We invite members and encourage them to contact the office during contract negotiations. Although the guild does not usually negotiate individual agreements, we will respond to requests from members in order to help them get the best deal possible. For copies of the agreement you need, please contact the WGC at (416) 979-7907 or 1-800-567-9974 or by email at info@wgc.ca. WGGB agreements cover minimum fees and working practices and include reoffending fees, credits, copyright, payment, cooperation with authors and much more. The purpose of the contract is to facilitate the negotiation process between a writer or his representative and a company that employs that writer. Companies, writers and their representatives can use these forms to recall employment contracts before filing a long-term contract. The DGA agreements include the Basic Agreement (BA), which covers projects recorded on film under an agreement with the Association of Motion Picture and Telefilm Producers (AMPTP) and applies to directors, assistant directors and unit production managers who work in film and television.