Parody, satire, and fan fiction are terms often confused and misused in the writing spheres. But when it comes to copyright law, these three forms of creative expression are treated quite differently. Understanding the differences […]
Parody, Satire, and Fan Fiction: What’s the difference? Read More
Two weeks ago, a reader contacted me about copyright permissions after reading my Derivative Works article. The writer intended to use copyright-protected letters she thought would make a shocking exposé. After attempting to obtain permission,
Using Orphan Works – When A Copyright Owner Is Impossible To Identify Or Locate Read More
A picture is worth a thousand words, but is it worth a copyright infringement lawsuit? Using images found on-line has become common practice. Photos, graphics, book covers, illustrations, charts — people constantly use images on
How To Use Copyright Protected Images (and not violate copyright laws) Read More
One of the most essential steps an author must take prior to publication is to review their manuscript for risk of liability and legally sensitive material, otherwise know as “vetting” the manuscript. Not all books
Pre-publication Legal Review Of Manuscripts — Six Things To Consider Read More
Steal a plot. Crib a phrase. Imitate someone’s prose. I often hear this advice in my writing communities. And every time, that old high school taboo stored in the rafters of my brain screeches, “That’s
Prose, Plots, and Plagiarism — How To Avoid Literary Theft Read More
I tend to operate by the old adage, “It’s better to beg forgiveness than ask permission,” provided my actions are well-reasoned. But when it comes to using copyright-protected work, that rule is not such a
Copyright Permissions — Ask for it. Don’t beg forgiveness. Read More
