A crash course in copyright law, part 3 (exceptions) What are some exceptions to copyright infringement cases? So, when is it all right? Purdue University offers a terrific and very readable summary of the main known exceptions to copyright infringement claims. Note: the law changes in every area. This blog is no substitute for talking directly with an […]
A crash course in copyright law, part 2 Want to learn more about copyright law? How about infringement? We are artists and that means we are copyright holders, even if we never assert our rights and never file with the copyright office. According to American copyright law, you own it if you made it. You […]
A crash course in copyright It’s time for a crash course in copyright law. Don’t worry; no one is going to make you practice law. Seriously, you’re good. Me, on the other hand? I’m a retired lawyer, admitted to the New York state bar, 1986. I never worked in the copyright field. However, I have […]
Swag Do you like swag? So, swag is necessary when you go on the road. Work a convention at a dealer’s table, or get your book into a library, and you may need a little extra something to give away. Hence here are a few choices. Bookmarks Maybe the best and closest kind of giveaway […]
Working with a cover artist, Part 2 There is more to the engaging of a cover artist part of working as an independent writer than just selecting an image or giving them an idea of what you want. Contracts A lot of us get nervous talking about contracts and copyright and that is completely understandable. […]
Working with a cover artist, Part 1 Have you ever worked with a cover artist? It is like any business relationship, or it should be. Respect your cover artist, and they will help you. Don’t, and beware! Get an idea of what you want before you start The last thing a cover artist wants to […]
Why you can’t charge for fanfiction I enjoy fanfiction as much as, perhaps, the next person. But you still can never, ever charge for it. I implore you: don’t even try. But aren’t there exceptions? Yes, there are some. But first, let’s talk about why fan fiction is problematic. Issues with fanfiction For writers like […]
Working with covers Covers! Let’s say you aren’t working with a cover artist. Or maybe you are doing the covers work, and you have purchased the work and been given full rights to it, to do with it as you please. Or maybe your work is not selling, and you are looking to make your […]
Creative Commons and Whether You Can Use Certain Images What is Creative Commons? Their story is best told by them: Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that enables the sharing and use of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools. But this is not copyright! Instead, the concept exists to work with copyright, in order to […]