An Introduction to Legal Issues for Self-Publishing Authors

This workshop is an introduction to copyright law and other legal considerations for self-publishing authors. Self-publishing authors are responsible for many aspects of publishing once reserved for traditional publishing houses, such as reviewing manuscripts for possible copyright infringement, trademark tarnishment, or privacy issues. The responsibility to ensure that a self-publishing author is not infringing on a person or entity’s rights unfortunately falls squarely on the shoulders of the author. This workshop provides a basic overview of copyright law and registration, questions of fair use, trademark, privacy, and state laws that need to be considered, what to do if your work is infringed on, and when an attorney should be consulted. This workshop will help self-publishing authors to minimize their liability and be more confident when they publish their works in a digital and connected world. As an author, you do not need to be an attorney but you should be legally savvy.