Reader’s Digest to feed MSN.ca

January 06, 2011 Editor News canadian writers groupdigitalfreelance contractsmsn.careader's digest

The Canadian Magazines blog is reporting that Reader's Digest has a deal with MSN.ca to provide lifestyle and travel content in French and English for the news website.

The Canadian Writers Group, which represents writers who provide content to Reader's Digest, has made a formal inquiry to the magazine about how writers will be compensated for work that is provided to MSN.ca. The current contract used by the magazine only provides rights for use of freelance work in the publication and does not include compensation for digital re-use. CWG has not yet received an answer, but we'll follow this story and provide an update when we have one.

2011 and the digital platform

January 04, 2011 Editor News digitali-padreader's digestrogers publishing

Happy 2011! You will hear nonstop about the "digital platform." Masthead published all kinds of end-of-year interviews with publishers and they're all bullish on big-D digital, of course.Reader's Digest's Tony Cioffi says: "2011 will be focused on Digital, developing products and expanding our current brands and launching new ones to support our…

More on the iPad revolution

December 17, 2010 Editor News huffington postipadmagazines

You can almost hear the panting when people write about the iPad. It's right up there with sliced bread in mid-December 2010 culture. It'll probably be over by January, so here's some more on the iPad before it's too late.The Huffington Post is reporting that the iPad will revolutionize magazines. Mark Pasetsky argues that smart celebrity magazine…

iPad apps a priority for Rogers

December 17, 2010 Editor News cross-platformipadmagazinesrogers publishing

In an interview with CARTT.ca (subscription required), new Rogers Media boss Keith Pelley says it's logical that i-Pad apps will be a priority for Rogers Publishing. "You know, the iPad or tablet is one that will significantly change publishing. People go online for information and video. They don’t necessarily go to read a full magazine. If…

And the survey says…

December 15, 2010 Editor News canadian media guildcbcfreelancer ratessurvey

American freelance business writers earn an average of $25-30,000 per year, according to an informal survey completed by 67 members of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW). The poll found that freelancers are paid between 75 cents and $1 per word, if they are paid by the word, or an average of $250 per assigment.“The…

Freelancers meet at Toronto’s historic Gladstone

December 08, 2010 Editor News andrew cashcanadian media guildcanadian writers groupeventperiodical writers association of canada

The Gladstone Hotel's Art Room turned out to be an apt spot to launch the new alliance between Canada's only agency for freelance writers and a major media union. A historic hotel -- and an age-old problem. The problem is figuring out how to give collective voice and leverage to people who are, by law and trade, independent. The solution,…

Finkle going to bat for independent writers

December 03, 2010 Editor News canadian media guildcanadian writers groupfreelancer ratesrobertson caserogers publishingtoronto life

Toronto writer Derek Finkle’s first feature assignment netted him a cover story in Toronto Life. It all started in 1993 when he became the magazine’s first intern. The story was about a sting operation on a paid hit and it introduced Finkle to key police sources that would prove helpful to his later work. But it was a formative experience in…

A new benefits program for writers

December 02, 2010 Editor News actra fraternalbenefitscanadian writers group

A new benefits program is available to writers who are members of a dozen organizations, including the Canadian Writers Group. The program is administered by ACTRA Fraternal.[caption id="attachment_183" align="alignright" width="75" caption="Susan Swan"][/caption]The great thing about this program is that premium rates don’t go up the more you…

Toronto launch party for freelance alliance

December 01, 2010 Editor Event canadian media guildcanadian writers groupevent

The launch of the alliance between the Canadian Media Guild and the Canadian Writers Group will be celebrated on Tuesday December 7 at Toronto's Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. West, near Dufferin). The event starts at 6 pm. There will be a brief presentation and a chance to ask questions at 6:30 pm. Snacks and drinks will be served.Please RSVP…

New alliance to fight for rights for freelancers

December 01, 2010 Editor News canadian media guildcanadian writers groupfreelance contractsnegotiationssuccess stories

The alliance between the Canadian Media Guild and the Canadian Writers Group was officially launched today. It's a first-ever alliance between an agency that represents independent journalists and a union and will advocate for freelancers on issues such as rates, copyright and digital and re-use rights."I'm proud to be a partner in this alliance,"…