Business Legal Matters

If it feels like you’re writing in murky waters these days, well, you are. Lying, plagiarism and other misdeeds have always been part of publishing, but in the digital age it’s more prevalent—and more easily caught—than ever. Read more

Find out if you need individual liability insurance, and learn how to protect yourself from libel or invasion of privacy claims. Read more

Use real people, places and things in your writing without getting into trouble. Read more

Beware the slinging of slang: One man’s compliment may be another man’s defamation suit. Read more

Basing a fictional character on a real person or including family secrets in your memoir could land you in court. Read more

Find out if you can use trademarks in your story, and discover the difference between copyright infringement and parody. Read more

Pinpoint issues to resolve before getting involved in a co-authoring situation, and learn how to write under a pseudonym. Read more

Many writers worry their work isn’t protected unless they use a copyright symbol or file with the Copyright Office. Learn when and how your work is protected, and exactly what that means. Read more

Understanding fair use is crucial for writers who glean material from outside sources. Learn when and how to attribute facts, opinions and paraphrases. Read more

Tips for Investigating Agents Read more