Children’s author and illustrator Debi Gliori talks to DACS about Dutch Public Lending Right (Dutch PLR) royalties, why they are important and why artists should claim them.
Can you tell us a bit about your work?
I work in children's publishing, mainly illustrating picture books. I write and illustrate books for a variety of UK publishers, and use traditional media like watercolour and charcoal to get my ideas out there. I've written and illustrated over 75 books (over a long period of time) and the excitement and passion that I bring to each project seems to grow with each book I make. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to make a living doing what I love.
Why should artists sign up for Dutch PLR royalties?
Because 99% of the artists I know are as poor as the proverbial ecclesiastical rodents and need all the financial help they can get. Besides, PLR is a glorious ideal. We all love libraries and support libraries BUT without the input of writers and artists into libraries, there would be no content in the libraries whatsoever. A tiny royalty paid to the content creators is A Good Thing and enables them to continue creating.
What did you spend your last Dutch PLR royalty on?
I am an artist to my very toes, so consequently, my grasp of matters financial is scanty at best and non-existent for the majority of the time. I suspect I spent it on life. I have five children, and they all require to be fed, watered, shod, housed, funded, chauffeured, supported, educated.... I'm pretty sure I spent it on them.
Any tips for first-time applicants?
It's easy. If I can fill out those forms, so can you. Man up.
What do you have coming up that we should know about?
I'm illustrating a goodnight lullaby for the planet. I've been writing it (off and on) for 14 years. It's ready. Now it's time for me to paint the pictures to go with the words. Hopefully, it won't take anything like as long to paint as it did to write!
Find out more about Debi Gliori: visit her website and find her on Twitter.
Don’t miss the deadline to claim your share of this year’s Dutch PLR royalties! Apply by Wednesday 6 January 2016. Find out more.
Photograph: Debi Gliori working on the illustrations for 'Alfie in the Garden'. Image courtesy of Debi Gliori.