In this episode of the WriterFest Podcast, host Amy McConnell welcomes Cheryl Davis, General Counsel of the Authors Guild, for a fascinating conversation about the legal landscape for writers. With over 30 years of experience in intellectual property and advocacy, Cheryl shares her insights on topics such as book contracts, copyright protection, and the Authors Guild’s ongoing fight to defend authors’ rights. They delve into timely issues like book banning, ghostwriting, and the ever-evolving challenges of artificial intelligence in the creative space. Writers and creatives won’t want to miss this episode packed with valuable resources and advocacy tips.
Highlights:
- Cheryl explains how the Authors Guild supports writers with everything from legal advice to publishing contracts.
- Discussions on how book banning impacts authors and Cheryl’s favorite banned book, Beloved by Toni Morrison.
- Insight into AI’s impact on the writing industry and the Guild’s lawsuit to protect authors' work from being exploited.
- Tips for emerging writers, including information on hybrid and self-publishing resources available through the Guild.
- A deep dive into intellectual property issues for creatives, especially in film and TV.
Resources:
- Learn more about the Authors Guild and their resources for writers at AuthorsGuild.org.
- Interested in Cheryl’s favorite podcast-inspired show, Fight Night? Check out the original podcast it’s based on.
- Get your tickets for WriterFest Nashville, happening on November 22-23 at Belmont University. Visit WriterFestNashville.com for details.
