Literary Law Guide for Authors: Copyright, Trademark, and Contracts in Plain English [With CDROM]

by Susan Borden Evans and Tonya Marie Evans

Book Overview

With specific attention paid to intellectual property, contractual electronic rights, reclaiming copyright, fair use, permissions, work-for-hire, public domain, textual referrals, and trademarks, this... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0967457963
• ISBN13: 9780967457963
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Writersandpoets.com
• Length: 199 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Insightful and Effective

Insightful and Effective would be the best two words to describe the advantages of this book. This book lays out literary law in a non-complex way that is very easy to grasp. Dangerous publishing coups could be avoided by implementing all of the book's stratagies when applicable. The details about electronic rights has really enabled me to see the full value of my children's books. Since reading the book, I surveyed many author friends of mine who unbeknownst to them, had signed away valuable electronic rights that their publisher stand to make a bundle on. Also, being told the vast difference between copyrights and trademarks saved me a lot of money that I would have spent needelessly on protecting my products when in fact I had already taken the proper steps. This book takes the paranoia out of negotiating with publishers and has taught me the precious lesson of knowing that everything is truly negotiable, especially when it's your property at stake. I tell everyone I meet about this book.

Certainly a book for the shelf of an author, small business owner who write publications, and infopr

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I think it does a wonderful job of describing the law and legal issues that an author should know about if they are going to take full advantage of their work product. Knowing the information contained in this book will most assuredly help a small business owner who creates publications to market her company and/or to provide herself with credibility. Definitely a must read for any infopreneur, too! Interestingly the subject matter included in this book is fairly simple on the grand scheme of things regarding the law. I don't remember a course at either of my law schools that focused on this material. There certainly was a course on Intellectual Property, but that subject is larger than what this book covers. That course covers the real meat of intellectual property: Patent Law. Authors don't need to concern themselves with that subject. My favorite parts of the book were chapters 2 (Copyright), 4 (Fair Use & Permissions), 7 (Trademark), and 10 (A Brief History of Intellectual Property). I'm glad chapters 3, 8, and 12-14 were included, too. Those talked about how to apply for IP protection with the US Copyright and US Trademark offices, as well as basics about the law of contracts and agreements. I also enjoyed poking around the Net to learn a bit about the author. I only did this because of the way the author wrote her book. She included herself as part of the book's content. She is a somewhat young attorney who has an athletic background and clearly a drive to be a successful entrepreneur. The world would be a better place if there were more women like her. I would have enjoyed the book more if it had not been ALL law. For example, while it is true that an author gets substantial protection from registering her copyright so she can sue and get damages. Most writings don't merit filing for such protection. I think it should have been pointed out that some writings don't really need the full range of protection, while others certainly do. If I write a 10-page ebook that helps me market my Web site. Do I really care if someone steals that from me? Probably not. But if I write a 170-page booklet that I sell at my seminars and workshops, then I better register my copyright because some real effort went into that publication and my seminars need it for credibility. I'd be at a loss if someone stole it. Things like this could have been included in the instant book being reviewed to make it better. 5 stars!

A must have for self-publishers and new authors

When we first heard about the book, we knew that it was a must have!!! The book, Literary Guide gives you detailed literary law information in simple language that anyone can understand. It has become one of the "bibles"of Neshee Publication. We recommend this book for our authors as well as anyone who is interested in becoming a writer.

A Must Buy For Writers

The first investment any writer should make in their writing career is the purchase of The Literary Law Guide for Authors. Tonya Marie Evans and Susan Borden Evans have broken down the confusing language of law into language that is friendly to the reader. After reading the book you will have a clear understanding of intellectual property, copyright and trademark laws, contracts and agreements, domain names and online works. This book is a vital source of education and reference for writers (and other artists)and an invaluable addition to any writers library.

A NECESSARY RESOURCE FOR ALL WRITERS

The LITERARY LAW GUIDE FOR AUTHORS provides necessary information for all writers, both published and unpublished. The mysteries surrounding copyright, trademark, and contracts are explained in clear language absent the usual legalese that is normally predominant in this arena. Tonya Marie Evans and Susan Borden Evans give insight and debunk myths and misconceptions that have become legendary in the literary community. One of the most notable myths that is explained is the "Poorman's Copyright" that has grown into folklore among the novice writer community. The authors drive home the point that the onlytrue way to protect your work is to register it with the U.S. Copyright Office.The authors utilize a number of techniques often used in textbooks to illustrate their points. They highlight common myths, frequently asked questions, checklists and a number of other strategies designed to inform in an easy manner. The book also comes equipped with a CD-ROM which has sample forms, contracts, and instructions that provide a visual to topics which are discussed in the text.Tonya Marie Evans and Susan Borden Evans provide insight and explanation in areas that are necessary for authors. This is an invaluable tool which serves as an introduction to the legal side of the business of writing.Reviewed by Diane Marbury (HonestD)The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers