Customer Reviews

Literary Law Guide for Authors: Copyrights, Trademarks and Contracts in Plain Language

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

The LITERARY LAW GUIDE FOR AUTHORS provides necessary information for all writers, both published and unpublished. The mysteries surrounding copyright, trademark, and contracts are explained in clear language absent the usual legalese that is normally predominant in this arena. Tonya Marie Evans and Susan Borden Evans give insight and debunk myths and misconceptions that have become legendary in the literary community. One of the most notable myths that is explained is the "Poorman's Copyright" that has grown into folklore among the novice writer community. The authors drive home the point that the only
true way to protect your work is to register it with the U.S. Copyright Office.

The authors utilize a number of techniques often used in textbooks to illustrate their points. They highlight common myths, frequently asked questions, checklists and a number of other strategies designed to inform in an easy manner. The book also comes equipped with a CD-ROM which has sample forms, contracts, and instructions that provide a visual to topics which are discussed in the text.

Tonya Marie Evans and Susan Borden Evans provide insight and explanation in areas that are necessary for authors. This is an invaluable tool which serves as an introduction to the legal side of the business of writing.

Reviewed by Diane Marbury (HonestD)
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This book is extremely informative and insightful. As a lay person, I found the information to be in everyday language, written with clarity and provides all of the information I need. I took a copy along with me to my printer as I preparing to have my logo trademarked, and he was surprised at what he learned, and now he's going to purchase a copy for ready reference. As I progress with my own projects I expect to have a very tattered, and well used book on my hands. Thanks for this guide.

Insightful and Effective would be the best two words to describe the advantages of this book. This book lays out literary law in a non-complex way that is very easy to grasp. Dangerous publishing coups could be avoided by implementing all of the book's stratagies when applicable. The details about electronic rights has really enabled me to see the full value of my children's books. Since reading the book, I surveyed many author friends of mine who unbeknownst to them, had signed away valuable electronic rights that their publisher stand to make a bundle on. Also, being told the vast difference between copyrights and trademarks saved me a lot of money that I would have spent needelessly on protecting my products when in fact I had already taken the proper steps. This book takes the paranoia out of negotiating with publishers and has taught me the precious lesson of knowing that everything is truly negotiable, especially when it's your property at stake. I tell everyone I meet about this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I think it does a wonderful job of describing the law and legal issues that an author should know about if they are going to take full advantage of their work product. Knowing the information contained in this book will most assuredly help a small business owner who creates publications to market her company and/or to provide herself with credibility. Definitely a must read for any infopreneur, too!

Interestingly the subject matter included in this book is fairly simple on the grand scheme of things regarding the law. I don't remember a course at either of my law schools that focused on this material. There certainly was a course on Intellectual Property, but that subject is larger than what this book covers. That course covers the real meat of intellectual property: Patent Law. Authors don't need to concern themselves with that subject.

My favorite parts of the book were chapters 2 (Copyright), 4 (Fair Use & Permissions), 7 (Trademark), and 10 (A Brief History of Intellectual Property). I'm glad chapters 3, 8, and 12-14 were included, too. Those talked about how to apply for IP protection with the US Copyright and US Trademark offices, as well as basics about the law of contracts and agreements.

I also enjoyed poking around the Net to learn a bit about the author. I only did this because of the way the author wrote her book. She included herself as part of the book's content. She is a somewhat young attorney who has an athletic background and clearly a drive to be a successful entrepreneur. The world would be a better place if there were more women like her.

I would have enjoyed the book more if it had not been ALL law. For example, while it is true that an author gets substantial protection from registering her copyright so she can sue and get damages. Most writings don't merit filing for such protection. I think it should have been pointed out that some writings don't really need the full range of protection, while others certainly do. If I write a 10-page ebook that helps me market my Web site. Do I really care if someone steals that from me? Probably not. But if I write a 170-page booklet that I sell at my seminars and workshops, then I better register my copyright because some real effort went into that publication and my seminars need it for credibility. I'd be at a loss if someone stole it. Things like this could have been included in the instant book being reviewed to make it better. 5 stars!

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Tonya Marie Evans at the Book Expo of America in Washington DC this year and she is a smart, enthusiastic, driven woman. This book should be required reading for anyone wishing or thinking about writing and publishing a book. This book will help you understand the process in plain english. This book clearly explains complicated legal issues, offers examples and answers your questions. This is a book you will want to keep on your desk and refer back to again and again. I recommend this to each person who sends me a book to review or asks me any type of publishing question.

When we first heard about the book, we knew that it was a must have!!! The book, Literary Guide gives you detailed literary law information in simple language that anyone can understand. It has become one of the "bibles"of Neshee Publication. We recommend this book for our authors as well as anyone who is interested in becoming a writer.

The first investment any writer should make in their writing career is the purchase of The Literary Law Guide for Authors. Tonya Marie Evans and Susan Borden Evans have broken down the confusing language of law into language that is friendly to the reader. After reading the book you will have a clear understanding of intellectual property, copyright and trademark laws, contracts and agreements, domain names and online works. This book is a vital source of education and reference for writers (and other artists)and an invaluable addition to any writers library.

Literary Law Guide for Authors is my 'gold medal'. I treasure this well-written and VERY easy-to-read book! I've written (self-published) a children's book and currently writing a spiritual anthology. In both cases, I desperately needed contract forms and from searching the internet and communicating briefly with the author, I ordered this book. The forms section (in addition to the CD) included every bit of information I needed to create and provide a professional looking contract. I just can't say enough of this book. TIMELY. WELL-WRITTEN. INFORMATIVE.

buy it!!!

Finally, here's an all-inclusive, easy-to-understand book about issues of intellectual property, copyright, trademarks, online works, the Fair Use doctrine, contracts, agreements, and more. By using helpful symbols and clearly written descriptions, these legal experts provide, in one volume, a wealth of information critical for authors to know. With a little patience, anyone can understand the information the Evans attorneys provide.

They also cover issues such as privacy, domain names, a brief history of intellectual property law, and information about pending legislation. I found the section on agreements for Publishing, Collaboration, and Licensing especially helpful. I did not realize that each book also comes with a CD-ROM containing sample forms and contracts-an extra added bonus that makes this book an invaluable resource all writers, new and experienced, should invest in. Highly recommended.

If you have the talent but lack the business know how to self publish or you have a publisher but need to know the meaning behind the terms and agreements...then get this book!
Written by two talented lawyers this is the book that is full of the information you need to secure and protect your rights in the literary maze. Its a must have for every author and aspiring writer. I highly recommend it.