Warning, this clip has NSFW language.

In so many cases, writers are asked to give away their time or work because “it’s good publicity” or “good exposure.” Rarely does anyone consider that writers are professionals, too, and deserve to be paid for their work as much as any other professional. As Harlan says in this clip, “Would you go to the doctor and get your spleen removed for free?”

If you want to use an author’s work, he or she deserves to be paid for it. Their work has inherent value, and they should be compensated for that value fairly and equitably. This goes for  everyone in the industry, not just high-profile authors or screenwriters.