The World of Fan Fiction — Where Creative Expression and Copyright Collide
Popular books, movies, or cable shows often inspire devoted fans to write their own fictional stories about beloved characters, settings, or plots. Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Captain Kirk and Spock, Harry Potter, Edward and Bella — all have moved fans to channel their inner creativity and write works of fiction with new adventures, reimagined worlds, …
The World of Fan Fiction — Where Creative Expression and Copyright Collide Read More

A blog where the practice of law meets the profession of writing | Posted weekly by writers who are attorneys | Designed to help fellow writers with questions about publishing law or legal scenarios in their fiction
Desktop Reference Books

Join our newsletter. We dare you!
Ask a Question
Do you have a publishing law question? Or maybe a question about a fictional legal scenario in your manuscript? Ask it here.Happy Father’s Day!
Not all heroes wear capes. ♥️ Happy Father’s Day! ♥️ P.S., Sorry for causing all the gray hairs.
Serialization Rights for Traditional and Self-Published Authors
Serialized books continue to be a hot topic in the publishing world, whether via an app, author newsletter, blog post, online magazine or newspaper, or a hard copy periodical. If …
Serialization Rights for Traditional and Self-Published Authors Read More
Happy Mother’s Day
I’m taking a moment to honor a woman who has made a profoundly positive impact on my life. She continues to amaze and inspire me. Thank you, Mom, for nurturing …
Publishing a Deceased Relative or Friend’s Creative Work
Diaries, poems, photos, and letters can be a writer’s treasure trove of material, often obtained when a relative or friend dies. The general belief is that physical possession of these …
Publishing a Deceased Relative or Friend’s Creative Work Read More
Using Pen Names in Contracts
Recently, a writer contacted me about signing a non-disclosure agreement using her pen name. I won’t rehash the basics on the pros and cons of using noms de plume, I’ve …
Copyright Basics For Writers
Writers frequently ask me at Sidebar Saturdays about copyright issues. The topic is a tad confusing but it is also one of the most important concepts a writer should understand. …