The Copyright Handbook: What Every Writer Needs to Know

by Stephen Fishman

Protect your written works with copyright, easily and legally!

In the Information Age, writers need to take steps to protect their hard work. Fortunately, The Copyright Handbook provides everything you need to get the job done.

Inside, you'll find the essential information and forms you need to protect all types of written expression under copyright law. Let The Copyright Handbook show you how

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Business, Reference, How To, Legal, Law

424 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1991

Reviews

[em_wemily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0

This is a reference book, not meant to be read all the way through, the way I tried to read it. It's drier than a desert and extremely detailed, which is no doubt very helpful for tackling specific questions that might arise regarding writing-related copyright (as opposed to music or video).

The intended audience for this book doesn't seem to be someone very familiar with technology, because there were step-by-step detailed instructions on how to navigate websites to find information relevant to the topics being discussed. I also didn't find the sections on the copyright of works written in the last century very helpful as someone interested in this book for the sole purpose of understanding how I can protect my intellectual property.

That said, this book was versatile in that it provided useful information for:
- writers looking to protect their own original work
- writers looking to use other people's work as reference
- writers employed by large companies, who want to know their rights within their job
- people who may distribute written work that they themselves did not author

This also contained useful links/recommendations to other information hubs/books relevant to the topics discussed.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Copyright Handbook: What Every Writer Needs to Know by Stephen Fishman (11th Ed.) published by NOLO is particularly geared towards writers, as the title suggests. I found the book helpful both as an attorney who does not have much experience in the area of intellectual property law and as a writer who wants to know how to best protect ownership of the works that I create.

I have over half a dozen NOLO books and have found them to be reliable, informative and practical. I'd consider them my go-to books when I want to understand a specific area of law. The explanations are clear and geared towards the layman but without being simplistic. The NOLO guides serve as a way to prep before going to a professional. This Copyright Handbook gives you an overview and practical advice in a clear and comprehensive way.

Among the topics that the Copyright Handbook addresses are:

* what intellectual property is subject to copyright protection, what different rights exist (reproduction right, distribution right, right to create adaptations, and performance and display rights), and who holds the specific rights
* where to place the copyright notice and what text to use
* how to register published books, magazine articles, newspapers, online media and unpublished material
* how to treat works that are created in the course of employment (works made for hire), by people working together (jointly authored works), derivative works, collective works, and works created by one person
* what works would be regarded as part of public domain, what cannot be subject to copyright protection, etc.
* the ways to register, the advantages of preregistration of unpublished works, and the forms for registration at the Copyright Office
* how to correct errors or change copyright notice and/or registration
* how to transfer ownership of copyright
* how to protect your rights against infringement, how to prevent a charge of infringement and the effect of a charge of infringement
* an overview of federal income tax for self-employed writers but this chapter is not sufficient to prepare taxes yourself
* when you need to obtain copyright permission and how best to approach a publisher

Among the forms included in the CD and the book are standard form of: (1) Work-Made-for-Hire Agreement, (2) Collaboration Agreement, (3) Copyright Assignment, (4) Notice of Claimed Infringement, (5) Counter-Notification, and (6) Text Permission Letter Agreement.

If you are a writer by profession or as a hobby, or if you work in publishing or want to learn more about publishing, I highly recommend The Copyright Handbook.

ISBN-10: 1413316174 - Paperback $49.99
Publisher: NOLO; 11 edition (September 7, 2011), 440 pages.
Review copy provided through the Amazon Vine Program and by the publisher.

[penny shima glanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOLO books are valuable resources in assisting individuals to understand legal topics. They are not, nor do they try to be, a substitute for personalized legal advice. This title on copyright, in 405 pages, plus appendix, cd of forms, and index assist writers in understanding the basics of this deceptively simple topic. From the start Fishman explains the basics of copyright and provides examples of all the different permutations as to why a work may or may not be protected. The education provided allows a writer to better understand the rights available to their own works and what they need to think about when adapting others written words. The guide is clearly written in plain English and includes, as do all NOLO titles I've read, various tips and clarifying summary charts to make sense of a this topic. What I found most useful was I would not have thought to include in this volume, "Copyright and Taxation" and the consideration of your writing a hobby or a business. This title is most helpful for those who write what I will call standard prose. If you are trying to understand how to copyright and protect, a knitting pattern, for example, basics exist as to its potential protection, I suggest if you are interested in copyright and other protections specifically for craft patterns, such as knitting, then an internet search (try "knitting copyright") will supplement and expand upon the information provided in this title. I highly recommend this readable volume and hope you find an attorney you can call contact if necessary.

Please note that the copy reviewed was received as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.

[Doc · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a writer, or are considering becoming a writer, you probably want to make sure a copy of this book is in your library. If you're looking at publishing your writing in the US, and want to make sure you have every protection under law that you're entitled to, you need to buy the latest edition of this book and take the time to read it.

Let's face facts up front. This is a reference book, and copyright is a pretty dry subject. So this won't be your favorite page turner. However, Stephen Fishman does an excellent job presenting some pretty complex law in an entertaining and easy to understand way. He gives plenty of examples to illustrate his points, and he tries to cover each subject completely.

The book also comes with a CD full of sample forms that help illustrate the kinds of paperwork needed to stay on the right side of copyright law. Fishman also covers what to do if you believe your rights have been infringed, and how to defend yourself if accused of copyright infringement.

I feel this is an excellent book, and an excellent reference. As a writer looking at doing my own publishing, I found the business aspects covered in this book to be invaluable. Many books will address writing; this book addresses the business of being a writer.

[Darren Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

WARNING: This book can get a little dry at times, but it is so chock full of useful information you NEED it. Well-organized and written in plain English, The Copyright Handbook is a good primer for any and all of your copyright questions. The author tells you what you need to know, what you need to do with what you know, and when to seek a professional to advise you on what to do next.

You may not want to read it cover-to-cover like I did -- in fact, the introduction even says so -- but you will be glad to know it's there for you when you do have a question or need to look something up.

Even if you don't have any questions -- if you just want a basic overview of copyright in the United States like I did -- it's worth checking out. Just make sure you've had plenty of sleep, because there are going to be moments that, while informative, are not 100% conducive to staying awake. If I had to offer anything "negative" on it -- and I'm not saying that this IS a negative -- it's that if you are reading straight through it can get repetitive.

If you are a writer, GET THIS BOOK.

[Marion Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have posted reviews since 2011 and never written a review where I recommend a certain group of people read a particular book.

Well, The Copyright Handbook is breaking that rule. Outside of the Bible (whether you are a believer or not), the Copyright Handbook is a must read for all writers. Whether you are traditionally or self-published, the Copyright Handbook is a book that belongs in your library.

I learned the legal definition of copyright and how to submit for Copyright in the U.S. Also, I learn the difference between copyright Infringement and Plagiarism. And learned about International Copyright law as well.

I will admit this book is not riveting reading and it took me most of January to finish it. I'm glad I read the book and will refer to it often. It gets my highest recommendation for a review and all writers should have this book.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who writes or creates intellectual property can benefit by having a copy of this excellent resource on their bookshelf.

The book covers all aspects of copyright beginning with the basics and moving on through more complex topics. It is thorough, detailed, and concise, yet still written so that a layman can understand the subject.

This is not the kind of book you read from cover to cover, but rather a reference book where one can pick and choose topics when there is a question or a need. There is both a detailed table of contents and extensive index, making it easy to navigate.

[Heidi J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for every writer. Clearly written and addresses a wide variety of copyright issues with standard forms that can be adapted for use. I also appreciated the short overview on taxes for writers as well.

[Craig Beyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone whose career revolved around writing, I’ve never had to deal with copyrights, since almost all of my writing was done under contract for others and they owned the copyrights. As a photographer, however, copyrights ARE important as they represent my intellectual property and thus they theoretically have value to me. But Fishman’s book, as he clearly states, is directed at writers, not photographers or other visual artists. Outside of his discussions about copyright principles relating to the written word, little of this book applied to photographers’ issues. That’s OK, as I learned enough about writer’s issues. If you’re a writer, read this book. If you’re a visual artist, read much of this book, then look into Jack Reznicki on copyrights for visual artists.

[LaShana Claude]

- learn what copyright protects
-deal with infringers online and off
transfer ownership of a copyright
-get international copyright protection
understand the fair use rule
obtain permission to use copyrighted work and
profit from your copyright

[Adrienne]

3rd Edition

[Carrie Dalby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to follow nonfiction guidebook.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Helped me solve a workplace problem with content ownership.

[Mark Alger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any creative dealing in intellectual property should keep this book immediately ready-to-hand near where he works and be familiar with the principles it exposits.