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Australian Society of Authors

@asauthors.bsky.social
706 followers 42 following 259 posts

The national peak organisation promoting and protecting the professional interests of Australia's authors and illustrators since 1963.

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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) is delighted to announce Tegan Bennett Daylight (tigswrites) as the 2026 ASA Medal recipient. To read more on this announcement visit our website: www.asauthors.org.au/news/tegan-b...
asauthors.org.au
Tegan Bennett Daylight awarded 2026 ASA Medal - Australian Society of Authors
We are thrilled to share that Tegan Bennett Daylight, one of Australia's most beloved authors, has been awarded the 2026 ASA Medal!
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Read more and download our template letter at our website: www.asauthors.org.au/adv.../artif...
asauthors.org.au
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
We already have a framework in place - we simply need to reinforce and enforce our law. AI developers need to be compelled to seek permission to license the copyright material that makes their technology possible.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
We do not need to upend copyright law to make it easier for these companies to continue their extractive practices onshore. That's tantamount to wage theft for the creative industries.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Now it's time for us to tell the government what we think. We urge authors and illustrators to write to their local MPs now about what Microsoft has described in its own words, as 'the largest theft of labor in human history.'
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Everything quoted here has been said by a big tech firm in documents released as part of copyright litigation in the United States. They've told us what they really think about their unprecedented theft from creative workers and destructively scanning millions of books.
A quote reading, “There will be a point where a bunch of artists express worry about what we’re doing here and we’ll likely ignore their concerns and release anyway.” by Open AI policy director, Jack Clark.A quote reading, “Our AI content strategy has started a ‘doom loop’ that will hurt the performance of our models and the entire web at the same time: It is highly unusual that an end-product threatens the economic foundations of its essential suppliers, but that is the situation we have created for our LLM business with respect to its ‘content supply chain.’” from an internal Microsoft document.A quote reading, “We don't want it to be known that we are working on this.” [referring to destructive scanning of books] by an Anthropic staffer.A quote reading, “We trained GPT-3 on pirated stuff! No sharing that!” by an Open AI staffer.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Join us for the ASA’s night of nights to hear from highly-acclaimed author and academic, Dr Debra Dank. On the evening we will also be announcing the winner of the 2026 Barbara Jefferis Award and presenting the 2026 ASA Medal. Seats are limited so please RSVP: www.asauthors.org.au/events/2026-...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Search Australia’s most up-to-date dictionary and thesaurus with a subscription to Macquarie Dictionary Online. ASA members can redeem a 20% discount on the normal subscription price. To access this benefit head to your member dashboard.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
We urge all authors and illustrators to contact your local MPs about this issue. Share your views about the theft that has already occurred, the impact upon your practice and career, and the ASA’s Joint Select Committee submission calling for action. READ MORE: www.asauthors.org.au/news/asa-cal...
asauthors.org.au
ASA calls on government to address AI theft - Australian Society of Authors
The ASA has called on the Australian government to address the large theft of Australian authors’ and illustrators’ work by AI companies.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
OpenAI policy director, Jack Clark said, ‘there will be a point where a bunch of artists express worry about what we’re doing here and we’ll likely ignore their concerns and release anyway.’ Big Tech has told us what they really think. Now it’s time for us to tell the government what we think.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
What we have learned was done to Medicare has been – and continues to be – done to Australia’s writers, illustrators, musicians, composers, artists, playwrights, and creators. These companies have demonstrated a flagrant disregard for our rights, and the creative work they need to build their tools.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Apparently Australian laws requiring permission & payment make it "impossible" for Anthropic to train AI. Diminishing our rights to allow billion dollar companies to continue their extractive practices here is tantamount to wage theft for the creative industries: www.theguardian.com/media/2026/o...
theguardian.com
OpenAI has ‘work to do to rebuild trust’ in Australia, executive tells AI inquiry
Anthropic tells inquiry it ‘never tried to dictate’ Australian copyright rules as the ABC says copyright laws do not need changing
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
In this practical one-hour session, Nerrilee Weir, the Director of Bold Type Agency, and industry leader on selling rights, will provide you with an insider’s guide to understanding, valuing, and selling rights in the global publishing marketplace. Bookings: www.asauthors.org.au/events/selli...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
If you’re planning to pitch your work don’t miss this rare opportunity to go behind the pitching process and hear directly from Beverly McWilliams, Ryan Butta and Shelley Burr, all of whom received publishing deals following Literary Speed Dating. Bookings: www.asauthors.org.au/events/pitch...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Vale, Terry Denton. The ASA extends our deep condolences to Terry's family and friends. Terry was a most beloved author, illustrator, and artist. Image credit: Pan Macmillan.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
If you want to learn to confidently negotiate rates with clients and organisations, join Melanie Saward in this highly practical one hour session as she shows you how you can advocate for yourself and earn a sustainable living as a freelancer. Book now: www.asauthors.org.au/events/setti...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The ASA has launched our Annual Survey for 2026 and we need to hear from you! The survey is open to all authors and illustrators, including ASA members and non-members. And please share! For more details and to take the survey please visit: www.asauthors.org.au/news/have-yo...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The Scholarship is open to writers of adult fiction in ANY genre, and writers of biography. To enter you must be a Full member of the ASA and have previously published a minimum of two books. Applications close 2 October 2026, 4pm AEST. For more info: www.asauthors.org.au/award/blake-...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We encourage you to contact us if you would like guidance on the other avenues available to you, and to make use of our free Member Advice service. If your preferred session is already booked out, make sure you join the wait list. Find out more: www.asauthors.org.au/events/liter...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Last week, authors who are a part of the Anthropic settlement began receiving claims notices. The US Authors Guild is providing updated information to assist authors with next steps. Please follow the link for more: authorsguild.org/news/importa... Image via Authors Guild.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The Australian Society of Authors is delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2026 Barbara Jefferis Award. The winner will be announced at ASA's Colin Simpson Memorial Keynote event in Sydney on Tuesday 10 November 2026. For more information please visit: www.asauthors.org.au/news/announc...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
In this one-hour workshop, structural editor Dr Laurel Cohn will explore how creating a map or outline of your story can allow you to see the big picture of your work in a way that will maximise the gains in subsequent drafts. Bookings: www.asauthors.org.au/events/mappi...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Vale, Blanche d'Alpuget. The ASA extends our deep condolences to Blanche's family and friends. In addition to be being a prolific author, Blanche was a former Chair on ASA's Board of Directors. You can read more here: www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09... Image credit: Fair Play Publishing.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
In this practical one hour session, author, academic, and publishing all-rounder Melanie Saward will show you how you can advocate for yourself and earn a sustainable living as a freelancer. Bookings: www.asauthors.org.au/events/setti...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
If you're included in the Anthropic Class Action Settlement and have received an email notice, please read the Writer Beware article on potential incorrect claims. This blog post is being updated live by Writer Beware as they gather more information. Please visit: writerbeware.blog/2026/09/04/a...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The ASA has published a guest article by Dr Terri Janke. The article addresses the cultural theft undertaken to develop the tools, and how ICIP protocols can be compromised when using AI platforms. For full article visit: www.asauthors.org.au/news/writing...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
The ASA is thrilled to publish a new resource for authors across all genres looking for advice on how to pitch their project to agents and publishers. Find out more: www.asauthors.org.au/news/asa-pub...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Our August Member Spotlight is Merlinda Bobis. She writes in three languages (English, Filipino, and Bikol) across multiple genres and her latest novel 'In the Name of the Trees' (Spinifex 2025) won the 2026 ACT Literary Award for Fiction. Read more: www.asauthors.org.au/news/member-...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The Scholarship is open to writers of adult fiction in ANY genre, and writers of biography. Applications close 2 October 2026, 4pm AEST. For more information and to apply please visit: www.asauthors.org.au/award/blake-...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Learn how you can craft an impactful non-fiction book proposal, from the expected industry standards you need to know, to how you can identify and clearly communicate your hook and avoid the common mistakes, with award-winning author Rebecca Giggs. Bookings: www.asauthors.org.au/events/pitch...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
What does it take to build a sustainable career as a children’s author, and what does the day to day of that work realistically look like? To book your spot visit: www.asauthors.org.au/events/build... Photo credit: Andrew Fisher
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The ASA has published newly updated AI guidelines for creators with advice on protecting your rights, for both traditional publishing and self-publishing, as well as information about the risks of using AI. Read more: www.asauthors.org.au/artificial-i...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Do you want to nail your pitch to publishers and literary agents? Our four-week Pitch Perfect course is designed to teach you how. To find out more and to book please visit: www.asauthors.org.au/events/pitch...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
If you’ve ever been curious to learn more about the specific considerations and decisions that go into creating a book’s cover, don’t miss freelance book designer and ABDA President George Saad’s rundown of the design process from start to finish. Book now: www.asauthors.org.au/events/behin...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Entries have now closed for the 2026 Barbara Jefferis Awards. We are delighted to share our panel of judges who will be deciding who wins the 50,000 Award. More info please visit: www.asauthors.org.au/award/barbar...
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Reposted by Australian Society of Authors
Jennifer Mills @jennifermills.net.au · 05/08/2026
The @asauthors.bsky.social has published guidelines for creators to help you navigate decisions around the use of generative AI. Know your rights and be aware of the risks! www.asauthors.org.au/artificial-i...
asauthors.org.au
Artificial intelligence: ASA guidance for creators - Australian Society of Authors
AI offers new opportunities, but also poses significant risks to the creative industries. The development of AI must be carefully regulated.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
If you’re contemplating how you want to approach publication of your work, don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from an author who has lived through it and benefit from Jess Kitching’s varied experience. Please book via: www.asauthors.org.au/events/my-pa... Photo credit: Jess Howell
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Join award-winning author, editor, and creative writing tutor Maame Blue (@maame_blue) to learn how you can develop your self-editing skills and polish your draft manuscript. Please visit: www.asauthors.org.au/events/the-w... Photo credit: Yellowbelly
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Our July member spotlight is Melbourne based writer Sean Wilson. Read more on the ASA website: www.asauthors.org.au/news/member-... Photo provided by author.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Red Room Poetry and the ASA are teaming up this National Poetry Month to host a free discussion with Australian industry experts to provide valuable insight into the current status of poetry. Book your spot: www.asauthors.org.au/events/poetr...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Make informed decisions about licensing deals for AI training. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the technological aspects of generative AI training from a leading international expert. Please visit our website to book: www.asauthors.org.au/events/gener... Photo credit: Toby Walsh
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
"I commend the government for sticking to its principles and seeing the value of Australian authors and Australian stories. Our rights as creators must be defended." Read more 👉 www.asauthors.org.au/news/asa-app...
asauthors.org.au
ASA applauds Australian government's commitment to creators - Australian Society of Authors
We welcome the Prime Minister’s strong commitment to Australian creators, made today in a speech about shaping AI in Australia’s interests.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
ASA Chair, Jen Mills, said, “It’s fantastic to have confirmation that the government will stand by Australian creators. This has been a very stressful time for authors, with so much pressure being applied by wealthy Big Tech lobbyists."
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
"The government has been consistent on copyright. The reluctance of AI companies to work with the creative industries on licensing solutions is slowing us down and hampering the government’s efforts to plan for our future."
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
ASA CEO, Lucy Hayward, said, “We applaud the government for demonstrating strong leadership and standing firm on their support for arts and culture in Australia. The government’s vision on AI and copyright today, will protect the opportunities for future generations of authors and illustrators."
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
👏 The ASA applauds the Prime Minister's strong commitment to Australian creators, made today in a speech about shaping artificial intelligence in Australia’s interests.
White text on black background which reads PM Albanese's quote, Australian writers, musicians, artists and journalists must retain ownership and control of their work. Our laws will spell that out, plain as day. An artist’s creative endeavour is their work and their property. No company should use Australian books, music, art or news to build or train AI without the artist’s control. That includes the artist’s control of the price and value of their work. Anything less, is theft.
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Learn how to effectively arrange and refer back to your collected research in this practical one-hour session with award-winning author Jock Serong. Bookings: www.asauthors.org.au/events/now-w...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
This one-hour discussion with novelist and newspaper columnist Melanie La’Brooy will help you determine how you can best juggle a diverse workload and pursue exciting new avenues with your career. Bookings: www.asauthors.org.au/events/how-n...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The ASA is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026 Tasmanian Writers and Illustrators Mentorship Program! Thanks to Arts Tasmania, this mentorship program is designed to nurture the next generation of literary talent in Tasmania. More details: www.asauthors.org.au/news/2026-ta...
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Australian Society of Authors @asauthors.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
As this year’s NAIDOC Week theme is Fifty Years of Deadly, it offers us the opportunity to look back at the publishing history of Indigenous Australian fiction for young readers. Register for this free event here: www.asauthors.org.au/events/story...
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