Public Lending Right (PLR): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Authors can receive annual payments for books that are borrowed from public libraries through the Public Lending Right scheme.
The Public Lending Right (PLR) is a scheme that provides financial compensation to authors when their books are borrowed from public libraries.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically designed for authors whose written works are included in the collections of public libraries. If your books are being borrowed by the public from these institutions, you may be eligible to participate in this system.
What you get
The benefit of this scheme is receiving annual payments. These payments are calculated based on the frequency with which your books are borrowed by library users. This serves as a way to provide a level of compensation for the use of your work within the public library system.
What it costs you
There is no cost to join the scheme; registration is entirely free. However, the process requires your time and active management. You must take the necessary steps to register your books to ensure they are included in the tracking system used to calculate payments.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that registration is not a one-time event for your entire career. If your books are re-published, you must re-register those works. Failing to re-register updated editions could mean you miss out on the compensation intended for those specific versions of your work.
How to apply
- Visit the official scheme portal to begin the process.
- Complete the registration process to establish yourself as an author.
- Carefully register your specific books to ensure they are tracked by the library system.
- Check your registration status regularly, especially if you release new editions or re-publications of your work.