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Overview

This class is designed to answer fundamental questions about the law surrounding writing a book and publishing it, and how it either empowers or impacts the author. This is a vital course for any author - better to get it right from the get-go, it’s essential information for any author!

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1. Introduction

•  Why is it important for authors to understand their legal rights and obligations.​ 

 

2. Copyright and how it works

• How is copyright created?

• Can you register copyright?

• How do you protect a book?

• Can you protect the idea behind your book?

 

3. Protecting your book 

• Practical advice and guidance on how to prove you own your book and that you wrote it. And sending a copy to yourself doesn't work!

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4. Defamation - how not to get sued

• What is defamation and slander?

• Can you talk about real people and companies in your book?

• Is it enough to change a person's name? Not necessarily! You will learn why  

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5. Other people's Intellectual Property - how not to get sued

• Can you use other people's intellectual property (creative work) in your own book?

• Can you include song lyrics in your book? 

• What is Fair Use and how does it work

• What is the public domain?

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6. Book covers and typeset files

• Who owns the book cover

• What does a self publishing company own and what do you have a right to use

• Licensing images for your cover

• Moving from one publisher to another

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7. Publishing contracts

• Typical terms in publishing contracts - the key elements of a contract

• Difference between Traditional Publishing and Self Publishing contracts

• Unfair terms to watch out for

• How not to get stung!

 

8. Questions & Answers​

 

Who should attend?
Every author without exception (and regardless of genre) should have a basic understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities. You don’t want to come unstuck down the line because you find you’ve given your rights away, or someone has copied your book or someone you have written about is not happy about how you have portrayed them in your book.

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What will you achieve?
By the end of the class, students will have a good understanding of how they can protect their books, legal contracts with publishers and how to protect themselves against defaming people (or companies) before they publish their book.

How will you be taught?
This class is taught lecture-style with opportunities for students to ask the tutor questions.​

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About the Tutor

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