Hot topics for both consumers and webmarketers on WebmasterRadio.FM
Every Wednesday, 5PM Eastern.
Copyrights Tips
Do You Copy?
Ghostwriting is usually done as 'work for hire'. That means that the ghostwriter signs a contract to supply writing services to a buyer. The buyer owns the copyright and the buyer's name will usually appear as the author of the book. The buyer will also receive all royalties from the book. Some people share the credit with ghostwriters. In those cases, the author's name would appear as follows: [buyer's name] with [ghostwriter's name] or [buyer's name] as told to [ghostwriter's name]. When credit is shared, ghostwriters will also share the copyright and will receive some royalties for the book.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Reasons for Registering the Copyright
Registration establishes a public record of the copyright claim. The U.S. Government's copyright web site notes: "Before an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary for works of U.S. origin. If made before or within five years of publication, registration will establish prima facie evidence in court of the validity of the copyright and of the facts stated in the certificate.
If registration is made within three months after publication of the work or prior to an infringement of the work, statutory damages and attorney's fees will be available to the copyright owner in court actions. Otherwise, only an award of actual damages and profits is available to the copyright owner. Registration allows the owner of the copyright to record the registration with the U.S. Customs Service for protection against the importation of infringing copies."
*There are many reasons for officially registering the copyright when you self publish a book. It simply is another protection of your rights.
By law, you automatically own the book copyrights to any work you have created. It is a good idea, though, to have a book copyright notice on the back of your title page. A copyright notice should include the letter "c" in a circle or the word "copyright," the year of publication, and the owner of the copyright. Also include the statement: "All rights reserved." Within three months of self publishing a book, you may also register the copyright, establishing a public record of your claim.
When you self publish a book, the law grants you book copyright protection automatically upon the creation of your work. Your work need not be completed to be protected! You own the copyright on your work as you create it. No publication, registration or other action in the U.S. Copyright Office is required to secure copyright. See www.copyright.gov for additional information on copyright registration.
