McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft
Copyright laws?
AverageGuy:
--- Quote from: Uilos on June 05, 2008, 12:39:41 AM ---Actually, I had a similar question involving song lyrics.
--- End quote ---
Imagine aside, this could potentially be a problem. Dirty Harry, Star Wars, Star Trek - like several Beatles songs, they're all embedded in pop culture, hence cultural relevance. Quotes from more obscure sources might not give you the same leeway.
The good news is authors don't have to worry about it too much. If you think you're in a grey area, then, in your cover letter, just mention that you haven't gotten permission, attribute it, and the editor'll know whether you need permission and how to get it.
Uilos:
--- Quote from: AverageGuy on June 10, 2008, 02:27:11 AM ---Imagine aside, this could potentially be a problem. Dirty Harry, Star Wars, Star Trek - like several Beatles songs, they're all embedded in pop culture, hence cultural relevance. Quotes from more obscure sources might not give you the same leeway.
The good news is authors don't have to worry about it too much. If you think you're in a grey area, then, in your cover letter, just mention that you haven't gotten permission, attribute it, and the editor'll know whether you need permission and how to get it.
--- End quote ---
That's what I was thinking. The story I'm writing, involves songs heavily. I'm not planning on adding the lyrics to every song I'm gonna mention, just the ones that are relevant to the plot. The main character is an audiophile, most of the references are through him, along with most of the attributions.
Cathy Clamp:
--- Quote from: Adam on June 07, 2008, 12:21:08 PM ---Registered post here makes the postal service liable. If they register it, that makes it their responsibility, so they make sure it's sealed. They don't register it until the examined contents are sealed within. Anything sent by registered mail is given a permanent unique ID number, and the records of the post office will suffice in court as evidence of when the item was posted.
--- End quote ---
??? Where are you located? 'Cause that's not a requirement of the U.S. Postal service, and liability is only related to delivery, not to contents. The records of the post office aren't admissable in federal court, because the post office is only a QUASI-goverment agency, not an official one. And since it's only the U.S. system that requires registration at all, it seems like it wouldn't much matter anywhere else.
meg_evonne:
So some additional questions on a great discussion:
1. I've noticed that some publishing houses and agents are hesitant to look at works that have been posted online. Does this include some critique sites that have been listed here? I can't recall them immediately but one was an Orson Scott Card site?
2. If you are working on a series of books, is it wise to reveal future portions of that series as you send out your queries?
3. Does the copywrite emblem need to be on literally everything you send out by mail or e-mail? Or is the registration sufficient? I fear that I've been going on advice that said--anything you write is copyrighted. That is apparently true, but often difficult to prove apparently? Or at least costly to prove?
4. If you take part in a workshop or an on-line writing course from a well known, respected provider can you feel secure that your words won't be lifted? I have done so, and wondered. I mean--how can any online course provider guarantee what fellow students might do? I've taken a class with several published authors (primarily non-fiction) and one quit the class after she approached an agent about her work of fiction. what are your thoughts? Still for most of us to get to professionals to teach us how to improve our craft, our options are limited.
5. Finally, if you are a published author--do you routinely register your work when it's in the last stages of completion? Frankly 35.00 seems rather minor amount for peace of mind. Thoughts?
Thanks, I figured my worst headaches were finally over with a completed fifth draft finished. Maybe I've been naive...
sorry folks, edited for brain fart.... blame it on the blankety blankety blank water here in IA. My workshop was cancelled--in fact it looks like the UI lost 19 buildings--all in the fine arts, the theater, the art, the english and the list goes on... Pray for us!
Mickey Finn:
1) Wondered that myself, actually.
2) Touch on them. IMHO, editors would like to know if it's a set series, and that you know where it is going if it is. (We're tolking actual serialized stories, instead of a series like the Dresden Files)
3) If you send anything to a LEGIT house, do not include copyright info. They're not going to steal your idea and give it to another writer. If you include the copyright, it's a big neon sign saying "Toss me in the ribish pile!"
4) No guarantees. However, said plagiarist would be an idiot, as you have an entore workshop full of witnesses that it was yours.
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