The Writer's Legal Companion: The Complete Handbook for the Working Writer

by Brad Bunnin, Peter Beren

For most writers, negotiating the legal maze of publishing is as challenging as getting their words in print. This comprehensive guide offers writers solid advice on all aspects of publishing law. Candid and readable, it cover everything from copyrights and taxes to libel laws, subsidiary rights, and the obscure clauses in publisher's contracts. As important resource for editors, agents, or anyone in print or electronic publishing, this updated third edition of The Writer's Legal Companion features essential, irreplacable information on: publishing contracts, good and bad clauses libel, slander, and invasion of privacy issues electronic rights conditions the business of publishing, including marketing and selling books magazine publishing collaboration and agents' agreements federal income tax considerations for freelance writers copyright legalities Whether you write an occasional magazine article or publish a new book every year, The Writers Legal Companion will save you time, and reduce you anxiety over the business of publishing.

Genres: Writing

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 1988

About the author

Peter Beren has authored and edited numerous books, including California the Beautiful (photos by Galen Rowell), Vintage San Francisco (photos by Moulin Studio), the Writers Legal Companion and other works.

Formerly the Publisher of Sierra Club Books, founding Publisher of VIA Books and Vice President, Publishing for Palace Press International, he started his publishing career as a founding staff member of The Boston Phoenix, a long-running alternative newsweely. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area."

Reviews

[Ross Lampert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Twenty years ago, this would have been an excellent book. Today, so much has changed in the publishing industry that much of the book is obsolete. Much that has happened since 1998 could only be guessed at back then: independent publishing, e-readers, the power of Amazon.com, the death of so many brick-and-mortar bookstores, the massive consolidation of the publishing industry, etc.

That's not to say the book has no value. Certainly, for anyone still interested in publishing with one of the Big 5 or an independent house, the chapters on publishing contracts and collaboration should still have value. The chapters on defamation, privacy, and copyright have some value for any writer, although something else lacking is any discussion of the "creative commons" copyright.

The book is not a complete waste of time, but there are more current books out there that would be better choices for a writer seeking guidance on legal matters.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for the writer's toolbox. It includes good information on understanding a publishing contract, what to consider before joining in a collaboration, what constitutes defamation and how to protect yourself (even fiction authors!), and the ins & outs of the copyright law. Great reference tool to better understand the legal side of the writing business.

[Livia Blackburne]

good info and readable. Not as comprehensive as "Negotiating a book contract" though.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one and only must-have book for any freelance writer/author. Saved my contractual bacon many times; is super accessible whether you have a legal background or not.

[Sierra Blachford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The contract section was very helpful.