Important Publishing News That Publishing Isn’t Talking About

Other than articles on a few Blogs, Section 203 of the 1978 United States Copyright Act isn’t getting much discussion. It really should, because it impacts us all. In a nutshell, the law allows authors to break their contracts with their publishers, and receive a reversion of rights (except for work-for-hire) after 35 years. This means that authors who signed a non-work-for-hire publishing contract in 1978 can now potentially reclaim those rights. However, the window to do that is closing soon, as is the clock is ticking for rights signed away in 1979. The best layman’s explanation of the law that I’ve found is here. I suggest you read it in full.

Speaking of things changing, I was interviewed for Dark Bites, and asked what I’ll be focusing on more over the next five years. My answer, and the answers to other things, can be found here.