when you need permission - fair use guidelines

A Writer’s Guide to Fair Use and Permissions + Sample Permissions Letter

If you need to request permissions from an author or publisher, here are general guidelines, plus a sample letter you can customize.
by Kit Logan via Flickr

Is It Fair Use? 7 Questions to Ask Before Using Copyrighted Material

Fair use allows you to use someone’s copyrighted work without permission. However, invoking fair use is not a straightforward matter. Learn the 7 questions to ask to help determine if your use might be considered fair under the law.
Why Your Non-Disclosure Agreement Is Probably a Bad Idea

Why Your Non-Disclosure Agreement Is Probably a Bad Idea

Asking an editor or agent to sign a non-disclosure agreement is not part of traditional publishing business practice.
Trademark symbol

Trademark Is Not a Verb: Guidelines From a Trademark Lawyer

Today's guest post is from lawyer Brad Frazer. He has also written two other posts for this blog: Copyright Is
Are You Worried Your Ideas or Work Will Be Stolen?

Are You Worried Your Ideas or Work Will Be Stolen?

I recently received the following question from working writer Shannon Traphagen: I have been fervently working on my novel (I