Yesterday, the Authors Guild sent a letter to members, urging Bloomberg Press writers to reconsider signing a letter from John Wiley & Sons. Wiley acquired Bloomberg Press in March, and the company has sent a letter to hundreds of Bloomberg writers “about a few differences in the accounting systems of Bloomberg and Wiley.”
Wiley responded to the article with a brief statement. Here is an excerpt, but the complete text follows below.
Wiley responded: “This morning — without speaking with Wiley concerning its specific assertions — the Authors Guild issued an ‘alert’ to its authors, claiming that the Wiley letter is deceptive and inferring that the Wiley changes it effects will reduce royalties for all or most former Bloomberg authors. This is simply not the case. We believe former Bloomberg authors will be paid higher royalties in most instances. The limited number of contract amendments the AG apparently chose to select are not therefore representative; nor are their ‘calculations’ accurate.”
Wiley Responds to Authors Guild
Hoboken, NJ, June 10, 2010
Since Wiley acquired the rights to all formerly Bloomberg book titles on March 11, we have been working to provide a wider audience and more sales for these authors. On April 29, Wiley sent letters to the affected authors explaining the changes — in plain English, which we felt would be most helpful and informative for our authors. Wiley invited authors to speak directly with a specific (and named) publishing officer if they wished to discuss these changes or raise questions. Their response to the letter and to the new alliance has been positive.
This morning — without speaking with Wiley concerning its specific assertions — the Authors Guild issued an ‘alert’ to its authors, claiming that the Wiley letter is deceptive and inferring that the Wiley changes it effects will reduce royalties for all or most former Bloomberg authors. This is simply not the case. We believe former Bloomberg authors will be paid higher royalties in most instances. The limited number of contract amendments the AG apparently chose to select are not therefore representative; nor are their ‘calculations’ accurate. In any event, Wiley stands by its offer to discuss their individual contracts with all affected authors. We are happy to address any questions and concerns they may have about their individual contracts. Wiley is committed to the Bloomberg authors and is confident we will provide the best possible working relationships for them.