Tag: Copyright

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Ask the Doctor: Copyright and Book Titles

Q: A title I’m considering for my novel is [title removed]. Amazon.com says that title is already in use. Are titles copyrighted?

A: As I understand the law, titles are not eligible for copyrights the way longer works are; however, titles can be trademarked if used to cover more than one item in a series, such as a cluster of seminars based on a book of the same name.

Although you could probably legally use a title that has been used by someone else, consider it an opportunity to change the title and make it different, so people who search your title will find only your book, and not others. It’s your chance to come up with a memorable, unique title with a play on words, alliteration, or rhyme.

Bobbie Christmas, book doctor, author of Write In Style (Union Square Publishing), and owner of Zebra Communications, will answer your questions, too. Send them to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com. Read more “Ask the Book Doctor” questions and answers at www.zebraeditor.com. 

Choosing a Publisher

Self-Publishing – Putting Authors in the Driver’s Seat

As we discussed previously, property rights in book publishing is one important consideration in finding the path that best meets your goals. 

 

In all forms of art—painting, woodwork, sculpture, writing—ownership exists. At many levels.  A painter paints a picture. Owns the picture.  Sells the picture.  A sculptor molds a bust.  Owns the bust.  Sells the bust.

 

Ownership changes but the picture does not.  The bust does not.   

 

In the Traditional sense, authors sell their work to publishing houses for an advance on royalties. Those publishers then, owning the material, can do whatever they want with your writing—cut paragraphs, chapters, change the title even.

 

Imagine crafting a beautiful landscape only to have someone paint over it. 

 

The good news is many custom self publishing options currently offer non-exclusive contracts now.  The non-exclusive part keeps authors the driver’s seat and preserves the essence and origination of the writing.  It’s your work, thoughts, ideas, and stories, after all. 

 

Have fun and keep writing!

 

Sincerely,


Karl Schroeder

 

 

“I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers done” – Steven Wright