INDIE AUTHORS and THE LAW

WHERE DO YOU TURN FOR LEGAL ADVICE REGARDING YOUR WRITING?  DO YOU PROTECT YOUR WORK? DO YOU READ THE FINE PRINT? 

What you don't know (or ignore) can hurt you!

• Have you contemplated using your Facebook news feed page to attract readers through social media promotions rather than opening a "fan" page? Before you make that choice, you may want to read  Lisa C. Johnson's article "Avoid These 5 Social Media Pitfalls in Legal Zoom's 2014 November newsletter (sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of their home page).
• Are you one of the chosen few whose manuscript or book has been selected for movie rights? Have you checked into hiring an entertainment attorney to look over the contract? . . . No? You know an attorney (a relative or friend who said he'd look it over for you). Well, ask Jillian Stein, Director of Development, New Deal Studios what she thinks of that idea and, I'm sure she would respond the same way she did at the Florida Writers Association conference in Orlando when she appeared on the panel workshop Publishing with an Agent and said, "If you think an entertainment attorney is expensive, hire one that's working outside his/her area of expertise. Their mistakes could cost you thousands."
• Have you organized your records and protected your property (manuscript) as an LLC or some other legal entity? This may or may not be right for you but if it is, check with the state and the IRS to make sure you're in compliance and that you have a working knowledge of deadlines and expenses. The penalties are hefty!
• Have you copyrighted your work? I was thrilled when I received information from the United States Copyright office and realized my book was now a part of the Thomas Jefferson library. If you are ready to take that step or if you'd like to know what it entails, eMail http://www.copyright.gov for more information.

Whatever you do, take time to read the fine print. Ask questions. Research. 

I wish you well.

Jo Ann V. Glim is a seasoned veteran of freelance writing and author of the award winning book, "Begotten With Love."  

FIRST PLACE - Biography - Published

To learn more:
VISIT: www.BEGOTTENtheBook.com
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AVAILABLE ON: Amazon.com/author/joannglim
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