I’ve worked as a journalist, editor, author and lecturer for nearly forty years. I got my start as a freelance musician and cultural journalist, before taking on positions as an editor, editor-in-chief, and then working as a publicist for daily newspapers, special interest magazines and university web portals. After that, for many years I was once again a freelance editor and author. I am currently employed as an editor, and work on research and projects, and as a trainer and lecturer for iRights.Lab and iRights.Lab Academy.
Consultation language:
German, English
Typical questions during consultations:
How, as an author, can I receive payments from VG Wort? Where do I sign up? How do I register my texts with VG Wort, and what information will I need to do so? What are the deadlines for registration with VG Wort, and when can I expect the royalty payments I’m owed? How far back can the publication date be in order to still be eligible for registration with VG Wort?
Where I can be found online:
What professional experience do you have in your field of consultation?
For around 30 years, my thematic focuses have been the digital transformation of the media; media practices and journalism; media politics and media rights; as well as copyright law and collecting societies; public education and free knowledge. I’ve published articles, interviews, portraits, technical articles and more in newspapers, magazines, specialist journals, special interest magazines, textbooks and yearbooks, as well as on online platforms and in digital publications. From 2013 to 2020 I was the editor for iRights.info, and in 2018 I published a book. For nearly 20 years I’ve also been active in the above-mentioned fields as a lecturer, visiting lecturer and seminar and workshop leader for continuing education programmes and universities, as well as for professional bodies and grant-funded projects. For nearly ten years, I’ve imparted my knowledge as a freelance journalist and author to collecting societies, including in particular VG Wort.
What are some of your professional achievements?
For over 15 years, I’ve regularly been invited to give training sessions, consultations and workshops, in which I educate freelance authors on working as self-employed journalists and making a living, as well as on the particular significance of copyright in their situation – how they can join VG Wort and get the royalty payments they are owed. To this day, I haven’t received any prizes or awards, but always many thanks, praise – and also payments.
What were your greatest challenges in the early years of your career?
Finding topics that captivate me, that I am passionate about and that I enjoy working on – and then finding clients and editors who treat me fairly, are personable, and see me as an equal – and then working with freelance authors in the same way as an editor. In addition, building self-confidence and skills as a freelance journalist/specialist.
What advice would you give to those interested in working in your field?
Every author should acquire basic knowledge of copyright law, VG Wort, media law, and press law. An important step is to sign a representation agreement with VG Wort (there are no registration or annual fees, it just takes a little time to set it up).