The Copyright
Permission and Libel Handbook:
A Step-by-step Guide
for Writers, Editors, and Publishers

-NEW-
Articles on editing
Articles on the Internet

Book Review

Both of the authors are lawyers who specialize in publishing and entertainment law. Maybe that is why they seem to cover just about every legal concern I've come across in my varied career which includes writing, interviewing, editing and publishing in several different genres. The authors answer some common questions such as:

• What is the difference between the terms "author" and "writer"?
• What constitutes a "work for hire?"
• How much can be quoted from a published work without having to get permission?
• Are all works published by the government in public domain?

They also clearly explain the reasons for getting a copyright registered even though a work is automatically copyrighted from the moment it is written, recorded or otherwise fixed in a tangible medium.

The authors furnish "Checklists" for such subjects as Fair Use, Getting Permission, and Libel which can help you maneuver the murky waters of potentially problematic issues. To clarify some of the more complex legal concerns, they give real-life examples of cases. Although there may be times when you will want to get specific legal advice, this handbook should answer most of your questions.

Among the sample legal documents in the appendix are permission and release forms, a "Work Made for Hire Agreement" and a copyright assignment form. A resource guide includes lists of industry directories, trade and professional organizations, and copyright licensing organizations.