Copyrights and Wrongs for Freelance Writers

Copyrights aren't too complicated if you follow your heart

On one level, the issue of copyrights is pretty straight forward. If you wrote it, recorded it, drew it or otherwise created it, you own it. No one has the right to use it in any form without your permission. Conversely, you don't have the right to use the creations of anyone else unless they give you permission. If you keep these principles in mind, you'll rarely have to get into the details.

That said, there are all sorts of weird and wonderful details. That, coupled with the fact that we're all dealing in a global market place with the internet, makes it even more difficult because the copyright laws vary from country to country.

Where You Live and Write

According the my web stats, most of my readers are in the United States. But I have a significant number in Canada and the United Kingdom, plus a scattering Australia, New Zealand, India, etc. etc. etc. Each country has its own copyright laws. Where you live and write determines which copyright law you're under.

The easiest way to find out the copyright law in your country is to google it.

You Don't Need To File for a Copyright in the U.S. and Canada

In the U.S. and Canada, the copyright is assumed. If you write something there's an unofficial, but enforceable copyright on your work.

That said, in all cases, you have to be able to prove you wrote it. In the U.S. you can add a copyright symbol to your work along with your name and the year which puts people on notice that you are at least aware of your rights.

Fair Use

In the U.S. we have something called "fair use." The purpose is to allow the public to use portions of copyrighted material for the purposes of criticism and commentary. Most often this is seen as quotes in book reviews. How much you can copy is not clear. It's generally considered that it should be no more than necessary to make the point you're trying to make. You can see how squishy this can get.

The guide I use is to ask myself how I'd feel if I'd written the part I'm copying... if I'd feel okay, I go ahead; if I think I'm taking too many liberties, I reduce the quote. And I'm always careful to attribute the quote.

Ideas Can't Be Copyrighted; Neither Can Titles

Keep in mind too, that you can't copyright an idea or a title. You can copyright the implementation of your idea - for example, if you use your idea to write a book, the text of the book is copyrightable. It's title, however, is not. That's why you see so many duplicate book titles.

Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide

You know, in your heart, if you're using something legitimately or not. Assume there is a copyright and honor it. When in doubt, check the rules. Always give attributions freely - they will only enhance your work.

Write well and often!

Useful Copyright Links

Editors Guide to Copyright and Fair Use