Are you missing Royalties?

Are you missing Royalties?

As an author, writer, screenwriter, editor, etc., how do you know if you are missing royalties when someone, anywhere in the world, uses or copies your work?

Are you owed money as a writer, an author, a scriptwriter, an academic or a journalist? How do you  know? This article introduces how to use the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) find out if money is owed to you from anywhere in the world.

Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS)

Are you aware of the support and reach of the ALCS that you can use on your behalf? If you're curious about what types of works fall under their licensing schemes, we explore below the key aspects of ALCS and what it might be able to do for you.

Books: From Fiction to Academia

ALCS doesn't discriminate when it comes to books. Whether you're penning the next bestselling
novel, crafting an academic tome, or creating magical worlds for children, ALCS has got you
covered. Fiction, non-fiction, educational texts, and children's books all fall under their umbrella.

Periodicals: Magazines to Academic Journals

Are you a journalist or academic writer? Good news! ALCS covers periodicals too. This includes
articles in magazines and newspapers, as well as pieces published in academic journals. Your
words have value, and ALCS is there to ensure you're compensated fairly.

Scripts: From Screen to Stage

Scriptwriters, take note! Whether your words come to life on television, in films, over the radio, or on
stage, ALCS is working to protect your rights. Your creative efforts in any scripted medium are 
uded in their licensing schemes.

Educational Materials and Digital Content

In our increasingly digital world, ALCS hasn't forgotten about online content creators. E-books,
online articles, and digital educational resources are all part of the package. And for those still
creating physical educational materials like textbooks and workbooks, you're covered too.

Visual Works and Other Written Forms

ALCS even extends its reach to certain visual works, such as illustrations and photographs in
publications. And let's not forget other forms of written expression - poets, short story writers, and
even songwriters can benefit from ALCS's services.

How ALCS Works for You

ALCS collects royalties for various uses of these works, including photocopying, digital reproduction,
broadcasting, cable retransmission, educational recording, and public lending. They focus on
secondary uses of your work, ensuring you're fairly compensated when your creations are used
beyond their initial publication or performance. So, whether you're a novelist, journalist, academic, scriptwriter, or any other type of author, ALCS is working behind the scenes to protect your rights and ensure you receive the royalties you deserve.

How much does it cost to use the ALCS?

There is a registration fee of f36, and they take a fair commission of currently 10% of any income
they can obtain for you, almost a no-win-no-fee basis!

Summary

Remember, knowledge is power. Understanding what ALCS covers can help you make informed
decisions about your work and ensure you're maximizing your potential royalties. Keep writing, keep
creating, and let ALCS take care of the rest!

Visit the ALCS website for all the information you need about this.

 

Acknowledgements, Credits & Hat-Tips

Header image created in-house.
Article author: Ben Cavanaugh
This article is written in UK English so spelling may differ.

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Now in Libraries

Now in Libraries

Exciting News for Book Lovers in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole!

Local author Keith Lawson’s two gripping titles, The Bootlegger of Illinois and DCI Harry Morgan: Casebook, are now available at Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Libraries.

Whether you’re browsing shelves or prefer the convenience of ordering online, these books are ready to captivate readers, now at your local library as well as to purchase online at Amazon!

About the Books

The Bootlegger of Illinois: A compelling historical fiction novel exploring themes of crime and resilience during Prohibition-era America. Available in paperback with ISBN 979888251159215.

DCI Harry Morgan: Casebook: A crime anthology featuring the investigative exploits of Detective Chief Inspector Harry Morgan. Published as a paperback (ISBN 9798880483761)37.

How to Access Them

Browse In-Person: Visit your nearest BCP Library to find these titles on the shelves.
Order and Collect: Use the LibrariesWest catalogue to reserve copies online. 
COVID-Safe Service: Books are quarantined and sanitized before collection, ensuring safe handling29.

Why Reserve?

Convenience: Request up to 10 items (books, DVDs, audiobooks) and collect at a pre-booked time.
Extended Access: If unavailable locally, BCP Libraries can source copies from across the Libraries network
Ready to dive in? Head to the BCP Council library services page to reserve your copy today!

Acknowledgements, Credits & Hat-Tips

Header image created in-house.
Article author: Team Badman
Article is written in UK English so spelling may differ.

Next Steps

Check out our writing and publishing guides in our member's resource library. 

Latest Resources for Free Members

  • Common mistakes made by self-publishing authors [Guide]
  • 8 Essential Steps to Format Your Book in MS Word [Guide]
  • How to use PowerPoint to Outline Your Book [Guide]
  • Outlining to create your manuscript [Guide]
  • Story Planning Checklist [Printable PDF]
  • Character Creation Checklist [Printable PDF]
  • Five Steps to Publishing. [eBook. & PDF]
  • The importance of book covers [Guide]
  • The Benefits of Blogging for Self Publishing Authors [Guide]
Please feel free to share this page... Thanks :-)
Top Genres in Self-Publishing for 2025

Top Genres in Self-Publishing for 2025

[ 469 words. Approximately 4 minutes reading time.]

Top trending genres 2025

According to stats from Amazon KDP, Audible, and 2025 Genre Reports, these are the current trending genres and "micro-genres" in the world of independent publishing authors so far this year.

#1 Romance (32% of Sales)

Romance novels continue to dominate book sales. Dark romance appears to be especially popular right now. Mafia stories, bullying romances, and 'paranormal love' are trending big on TikTok at the moment, with hashtags like #DarkBookBoyfriend helping to drive this trend.

Audible is also seeing an increase in 'dark romance' audiobooks. 'Cosy and quirky' stories also do well. Books about baking grandmas are selling. Small-town romance novels also win many hearts. These 'cosy' books add over $2 million each month in direct sales.

#2 Fantasy (24% Market)

Fantasy books hold a strong place in the market. 'Romantasy' is a huge trend where magic is mixed with steamy romance. 67% of the top books blend these elements. Another growing area is LitRPG, short for literary role-playing game, which is a literary genre combining the conventions of computer RPGs with science-fiction and fantasy novels. Gamers appear to enjoy stories with levelling up. Skill trees and magic systems are also key. The LitRPG industry is currently worth $890 million!

#3 Sci-Fi (18% Growth)

Sci-fi books are growing in popularity. Climate stories are soaring right now. 'Solarpunk' thrillers are selling well. Eco-horror is also up 330% since 2022. Cozy space adventures also attract readers. These books feature low-stakes interstellar life. One book can make $4,000+ each month.

#4 Mystery/Thriller (15% Share)

Mystery and thriller books also have a solid share. Modern cozy mysteries are popular. These might feature grandma detectives. They might solve crypto crimes. Or they might tackle witchy cold cases. Tech terror also drives sales. AI villains are a common theme. CRISPR murders also appear in stories. These tech themes drive 73% of thriller pre-orders.

#5 Horror (12% Boom)

Horror books are booming, too. Stories about trauma are very popular. Books about mental health also do well. These outsell typical slasher stories. Monster romance is also a trend. Ethical werewolf love is popular. This attracts 33% of new horror readers.

Hidden Gems

Some niche genres are surprisingly successful. 'Dinosaur shifter' romance exists. And it makes $8.7 million each year. K-Drama books are also growing fast with embedded K-pop soundtracks helping this along. They drive 490% growth. 'African futurism' is also one to watch. Nigerian authors are leading the way.

Why are these genres winning?

Micro-Genres: Tiny niches (like cosy space opera) = loyal fans.  TikTok, Instagram, etc. are carrying 'bite-sized' chapters, and viral tropes are driving sales.

What can we conclude from this research? Readers appear to crave emotional, human stories. Niche + Authenticity = Sales!

| Write what you love, but use data to find your crowd!

 

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Acknowledgements, Credits & Hat-Tips

Header image created in-house.
Article author: Desktop Dan
Written in UK English so spelling may differ.

Next Steps...

Check out our writing and publishing guides in our member's resource library. 

Latest Resources for Free Members

  • Common mistakes made by self-publishing authors [Guide]
  • 8 Essential Steps to Format Your Book in MS Word [Guide]
  • How to use PowerPoint to Outline Your Book [Guide]
  • Outlining to create your manuscript [Guide]
  • Story Planning Checklist [Printable PDF]
  • Character Creation Checklist [Printable PDF]
  • Five Steps to Publishing. [eBook. & PDF]
  • The importance of book covers [Guide]
  • The Benefits of Blogging for Self Publishing Authors [Guide]
Please feel free to share this page... Thanks :-)
Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas

Wishing all our Readers and Writers a Merry Christmas, and a Health, Happy and Successful 2025

Please feel free to share this page... Thanks :-)