Q. In the Internet era, how do I protect against infringement of my copyright? A. The best protection is constant vigilance. Whether you have a publisher or are self-published, you should perform an Internet search for your name and your book titles at regular intervals. You also should set up Google Alerts with the same … Continue reading Protecting Your Copyright
Q. Should I register copyright in my manuscript before submitting to an agent, editor, or publisher A. I answered this question previously, but my answer has changed (unfortunately). In 2008 my answer was “No, unless you are unusually paranoid,” because in my years of experience in the publishing world, I knew of no instance where … Continue reading When to Register Copyright
New publishers and self-published authors often have questions about a seemingly simple task: drafting the copyright notice. Copyright, of course, is a form of protection provided by U.S. and international law to owners of “original works of authorship.” Most writers (and readers) are aware a copyright notice bestows important intellectual property rights upon the owner, … Continue reading All About Copyright Notices
Q. I’m writing an historical mystery and wish to include some previously published material as background. Is there an easy way to easily determine when a copyright has expired? And do I have to give credit to public domain material A. The numerous changes Congress has made to the term of copyright duration have made … Continue reading When Does Copyright Expire?
Many publishing agreements include bankruptcy clauses to protect the author, for example: In the event of the bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation of the Publisher, this Agreement shall terminate and all rights granted to the Publisher shall revert to the Author automatically and without the necessity of any demand or notification. Sounds good. But is it … Continue reading Bankruptcy Clauses In Publishing Agreements
In the movie “The Princess Bride” the hero, played by Cary Elwes, is tortured to death. Except it turns out he’s only “mostly” dead, and he can be revived. Likewise, Getty Images now are “mostly” free. Some background. Contrary to what many people believe, photos, drawings, and images are protected by copyright law, and you … Continue reading Getty Images’ New Policy