Law protecting writers passes first reading

The Knesset plenum on Wednesday passed the first reading of a bill to protect writers that intends to guarantee proper payment in light of bookstore chains' deals.

The legislation seeks to establish a minimum rate of compensation that publishers must pay authors for 18 months after the book is published. During this period, bookstores will not be allowed to sell the book for a price lower than the publisher's suggested retail price. (Moran Azulay)