Why Worry about Copyright?
Copyright law can be difficult to understand and the advent of self-publishing and ebooks has made it even more confusing. As a writer, you want to be clear about who owns your work, especially when you start sending it to publishers or submitting it to magazines and contests. The resources below will help you navigate copyright and choose the best options for your type of publishing.
Copyrighting Your WorkOne of the primary problems authors have after getting their work published is understanding who owns the work they have spent so much time and effort creating. The Center for the Study of Public Domain at Duke Law School recently released an online comic that creatively explains copyright and the complications that can accompany it.
The good news is, copyright occurs immediately when you create your work. The University of Michigan Copyright Office suggests adding a copyright tag to your work that looks something like this: "© 2007 C. Holder. For permissions and questions contact [email protected]." That copyright tag is official, but it is worthwhile to understand how to register your copyright so that there is a record of it. Check out the U.S. Copyright Office to find more information about copyrights and registering your copyright. Copyrighting your work allows you to maintain rights to your writing. If you do go through a publisher or self-publishing company, make sure to read their copyright policy carefully to see who actually owns the work. Author's Guild: The Writer's Legal Guide |
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