Law and Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers

by Jacqueline D. Lipton

Everything a writer needs to know about the law.

This accessible, reader-friendly handbook will be an invaluable resource for authors, agents, and editors in navigating the legal landscape of the contemporary publishing industry. Drawing on a wealth of experience in legal scholarship and publishing, Jacqueline D. Lipton provides a useful legal guide for writers whatever their levels of expertise or categories of work (fiction, nonfiction, or academic). Through case studies and hypothetical examples, Law and Authors addresses issues of copyright law, including explanations of fair use and the public domain; trademark and branding concerns for those embarking on a publishing career; laws that impact the ways that authors might use social media and marketing promotions; and privacy and defamation questions that writers may face. Although the book focuses on American law, it highlights key areas where laws in other countries differ from those in the United States. Law and Authors will prepare every writer for the inevitable and the unexpected.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

Published August 4, 2020

About the author

Jacqueline D. Lipton is an internationally recognized professor of law, a consultant, and a literary agent who has published widely on contract, copyright, and trademark law, cyberlaw, privacy, and defamation issues, with an emphasis on laws relating to the publishing industry. She is the coauthor of multiple editions of leading cyberspace casebook Cyberspace Law: Cases and Materials and coauthor of The Criminal Law of Intellectual Property and Information. She also authored Rethinking Cyberlaw; Internet Domain Names, Trademarks, and Free Speech; and Security over Intangible Property.

Reviews

[Beth Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're an author, it's super important to understand how the law works. This book is easy to read, like you're hearing all this from a good friend.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering this is about the law, it is a readable and accessible book. It covers areas that seem specialized to me, such as fanfiction and trademarks, but it also deals with copyright, defamation, rights to photographs, and a number of major topics authors are likely to face sooner or later. I picked it up partly because I was surprised to learn elsewhere that defamation suits could be brought even in cases of fiction--something I didn't know. I was also struck by an aspect of self-publishing--that although the author may control the book itself, she will probably have to deal with Amazon for distribution. Their contracts are non-negotiable, and Lipton warns that you should understand them entirely at risk of being removed from their site. Overall, a useful, helpful book. You don't necessarily need to read it cover to cover but I did so.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

LAW AND AUTHORS is a must-have for any author, no matter what stage of the journey you are in. It's comprehensive, yet accessible, with complex legal terminology and concepts presented in an easy-to-follow format. Jacqui uses real-world examples throughout to aid in understanding, and everything from copyright, to contracts, to social media, is covered. There isn't one legal question I've seen fellow authors pose that hasn't been addressed in this book. Her care and compassion for authors are evident, and I will be highly recommending it to everyone in my circles. 

[David Wimsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent reference in the law for writers

The book covers a multitude of legal situations writers may encounter in their careers. It is written in a clear and accessible manner. Subjects such as copyright, trademarks, fair use, parody, satire and privacy are covered for both print and images. Common misconceptions are debunked. The author discusses when you can handle things yourself and when you need to consult the right type of lawyer.

[Ronda Roaring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a lawyer for authors, Law and Authors, covers most of the legal situations an American author might encounter, including those who are self-publishing. Lipton has written in a easy-to-read style and given lots of examples. Of course, every author has their own situations, so this can not be considered a definitive work. A good reference book.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third time through!! Yes, it’s that valuable. This book has excellent pointers for authors. In depth examples are super helpful. Things one would never think of or think as necessary are put forth in plain language. Excellent resource!!

[Vivian Graham]

Read this during my publishing law class and found it super helpful in understanding legal concepts relevant to writing and publishing. It explains terms and concepts in an approachable way and with helpful examples

[Wendy Bunnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dry, but more of a resource than a gripping read. I'm keeping this in my office near my writing stuff for sure.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great comprehensive view of legal information and challenges authors may encounter. A resource I’ll keep on my “forever” writing bookshelf.

[LiteraryAviatrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding resource for writers in any genre, whether publishing traditionally, or self-publishing.

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for writers. It covers many things such as what is covered under copyright law and your rights as an author. It's definitely going to be a reference on my bookshelf for years to come.