Self-publisher's legal handbook : the step-by-step guide to the legal issues of self-publishing

Self-Publishers Legal Handbook is the first step-by-step guide to the legal issues of self-publishing. Attorney and published author Helen Sedwick uses 30 years of legal experience to cut through the legalese and show writers how to stay out of court and at their desks. Topics include-- Business set-up. From DBAs to sales taxes to crowd-funding, Self-Publishers Legal Handbook walks writers through the process of setting up their self-publishing ventures. Moving from Manuscript to Book. Self-Publishers Legal Handbook compares the options of engaging a self-publishing service company to doing it yourself using a print-on-demand provider. It lists which contract provisions are acceptable and which are not. It explains the mechanics of hiring designers, editors, and other freelancers. Intellectual Property Issues. Copyrights, trademark, fair use, and public domain are explained in practical, useful terms, including how to find copyright holders and ask permission. Self-Publishers Legal Handbook provide tips on licensing images and music for little or no money. Internet Regulations. Any writer with a blog needs to know about privacy policies, SPAM, COPPA, and DMCA. Self-Publishers Legal Handbook explains these regulations in easy-to-understand language. Spotting Scams. Writers are e-blasted by businesses promoting overpriced services, if not outright frauds. Self-Publishers Legal Handbook shows writers how to spot aggressive sales techniques and scams. The Scary Stuff. Self-Publishers Legal Handbook provides needed guidance on avoiding the dangers of defamation, invasion of privacy, and infringement. Writing and publishing a book is a significant investment. Writers should not be losing money (and sleep) by hiring the wrong self-publishing company or getting sued for copyright infringement. Sedwicks Self-Publishers Legal Handbook will help writers safely navigate the legal minefield. Building on the best-selling success of the original Self-Publisher's Legal Handbook, Helen Sedwick wrote this expanded second edition to help writers stay out of court and at their desks. Using 30 years of legal experience, Sedwick shows writers how to * Set up their business; * Protect their copyright; * Avoid infringement; * Spot scams; * Save on taxes; This second edition covers additional topics including * Choosing a pen name; * Using lyrics and images; * Fighting content theft; * Minimizing defamation and privacy risks; * Expanding beyond the book. Don't lose your copyright by signing a bad contract, or waste money by buying into a scam, or lose sleep by getting sued for defamation. Self-Publisher's Legal Handbook helps writers navigate the legal aspects of writing and independent publishing. Amazon Setting up your business Moving from manuscript to book Engaging designers, editors, and freelancers Getting rights right Marketing and distribution DMCA, SPAM, and COPPA Protecting your nest egg Taxes Collaborations Lawyers Beyond the book.