Grace Anthony
asked
K.M. Shea:
Hi, I REALLY love you books. I'm actually writing a fairy tale retelling myself. I wanted to know if you have to acquire copyrights or something? Like, are fairy tales in the public domain or not? Will I be sued if I publish a fairy tale? I'd really like to know. Thanks!
K.M. Shea
Hi Grace!
Before I answer, I have to say that I'm not a lawyer, so this isn't legal advice, and if you want to be certain you should check with a professional. Getting that out of the way, a vast majority of fairy tales are in the public domain, which means as long as you make the stories YOURS, and you don't copy a modern author or reteller--like Disney--you'll be fine. (That does mean all the characters have to be your own creations.) I recommend you do some research on whatever fairy tale you're looking into, and find out if it's in the public domain. Also, check in with your local library--they'll be able to help you find out more information on the uses and constraints of public domain works. Good luck! :) I hope you have fun writing your own fairy tale!
Before I answer, I have to say that I'm not a lawyer, so this isn't legal advice, and if you want to be certain you should check with a professional. Getting that out of the way, a vast majority of fairy tales are in the public domain, which means as long as you make the stories YOURS, and you don't copy a modern author or reteller--like Disney--you'll be fine. (That does mean all the characters have to be your own creations.) I recommend you do some research on whatever fairy tale you're looking into, and find out if it's in the public domain. Also, check in with your local library--they'll be able to help you find out more information on the uses and constraints of public domain works. Good luck! :) I hope you have fun writing your own fairy tale!
More Answered Questions
Melissa
asked
K.M. Shea:
Do you know me! I swear you write your books just for me, I love them:} Thanks for all the extra stuff on your sight. I am plowing threw your collection now but am trying to make it last! I loved the ending of the Wild Swans. Just wondering if the Arthur collection has a love story and ends happy? I know that is a weird thing to ask but I stay away from the whole story line because it is so sad and ends so horribly.
Lenni Jones
asked
K.M. Shea:
In your March newsletter, you mention some more freebies coming soon. I’m SO excited because I gobbled up Robyn Hood. You said that you didn’t know which BOOKS, but do you know which dates? Like, sometime this month or later in the year? Also, I LOVE Cinderella and the Colonel. Which of your books is the most similar to it, do you think?
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