What do editors need to know about copyright infringement?
Editors of any content to be published need to have a firm grasp on 1) what copyright infringement is, 2) how to avoid it, 3) what the consequences of infringement can be, and 4) where to go for help if they aren’t absolutely certain of the answers to the first three aspects. This realization may be what prompted you to click to this webpage. Congratulations, you found the copyright expertise you need!
See if either of the following describes your situation. You may suspect there are copyright problems in manuscripts you are editing, but you may not be certain. Or you may be fairly certain there are copyright violations, but you don’t know how to counsel your writer in clearing the rights to use the content in their work. Either way, it’s in everyone’s best interest to avoid breaking copyright laws.
The three ways that we frequently help editors with copyright issues:
- Copyright Guidelines – providing a practical guide to US copyright law
- Consulting – clarifying copyright issues and proposing courses of action
- Copyright Clearance – identifying copyright owners and securing rights
- Training – preparing you to identify copyright owners and clear rights yourself
Copyright Guidelines
Editors use references all the time, but did you ever think about having a reference for copyright issues? Copyright Clearance for Creatives: A guide for independent publishers and their support providers is that essential reference guide that every editor needs to own. The same holds true for a lot of their clients.
We offer a substantial discount to editors who wish to purchase five or more copies of Copyright Clearance for Creatives to give to their clients. Contact Us for more details.
Consulting on Copyright Issues
Consulting services are provided on an hourly “as needed” basis to clarify copyright issues and propose courses of action. You usually start the process with a one-hour consultation, during which you identify potential copyright issues. We offer consultation services in 30-minute increments so that we can answer pressing copyright questions. For more involved consultations, you will receive an assessment of the proposed or actual use of copyrighted content and recommended additional actions that may need to be taken. After this initial consultation, you will decide if any additional services are needed.
Schedule Initial Consultation
When you are ready to schedule your initial consultation, specify quantity 1 for a “30-minute consultation” or quantity 2 for an hour consultation. Then click the yellow “Checkout with PayPal” button to initiate payment. Please note that this action will take you to the PayPal website. After we receive notice that you have completed the PayPal transaction, we will contact you to schedule your consultation.
After you have completed the PayPal transaction, contact us to schedule your consultation. You will receive a free copy of Copyright Clearance for Creatives: A guide for independent publishers and their support providers, which will provide a common point of reference during our discussions about your copyright situation.
Copyright Clearance Services
Copyright clearance includes the identification of text, photographs, song lyrics, graphs, illustrations, and other materials that may require permission to use, those that may be in the public domain, and those that may be considered fair use. We will identify the copyright owner(s) and secure permission to use the content in the manner you propose.
If you would like to discuss a project likely will require copyright clearance services, sign up for at least one hour of consultation. See the section on consulting above.
Copyright Training Presentations and Workshops
Presentations
Joyce and Dan Miller regularly make presentations on copyright basics at writers and publishers conferences and workshops. Contact us to find out if we will be presenting in your area or to start a conversation about a presentation to your group or association.
Workshops
Joyce and Dan periodically conduct three-hour Basics of Copyright Clearance Workshops. Contact us find out if we will be conducting a workshop in your area or to start a conversation about a workshop for your group or association.
Customized Workshops
We offer customized workshops on the basics of copyright and obtaining copyright clearance to writers groups, independent publishing organizations, and trade associations related to the publishing industry. Workshop attendees receive a copy of the print version of Copyright Clearance for Creatives and a CD with the PDF version, which contains 125 active hyperlinks.
Contact Us to inquire about how we can customize a presentation or workshop for your organization, association, or group.