Copyright Companion for Writers

Why is it so important to copyright materials? How is a copyright created? and How is copyrighted work protected on the Internet and in other electronic formats? are among the questions addressed in this survey of copyright law written specifically with the rights of writers in mind. Through clear and concise explanations and dozens of useful forms, this manual debunks myths such as the "Poor Man’s Copyright" (aka the "mail-the-manuscript-to-yourself" theory of protecting copyright) and examines the difference between fair use and public domain, the definition of infringement and how to avoid it, how a writer may assert a claim, and how to obtain permissions to use copyrighted works such as song lyrics, pictures, and quotes. A survey of the most recent amendments to the Copyright Act and the impact of those changes is also included.