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Copyright for Ebook Products

by Moneyland
9 replies
I am getting an ebook written for me and it is near completion. What do I need in writing from the writer...??

Something like that "I will own 100% copyright." anything else? Haven't done this before and want to make sure I do this properly.

Any advice would be appreciated. Also when the ebook has been sent it is in PDF and I as the owner cannot change anything in this document. Do I need to ask the writer to send it to me in a special format so I can make changes if I wanted to down the line, but obviuosly the format I sent out to customers will be different as they will not be able to amend anything.

If you can offer any info about ebooks I would really appreciate it.
Thanks alot.
#copyright #ebook #products
  • Profile picture of the author BloggerDownUnder
    Hi Moneyland

    I usually add the following into my terms of reference:

    INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
    By bidding on and accepting this project you will agree that:
    · The completed articles that you create for me needs to be your 100% original work and free from any copyrighted or plagiarised materials
    · I will own all rights to the completed eBooks. You may not distribute the eBooks in any way upon delivery
    · The agreed upon bid for this project will be the only compensation due for completing the eBooks

    By bidding on and accepting this project you acknowledge that you have read and accept these terms

    I would also insist on a Word and/or text version.

    All the best
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  • Profile picture of the author jacktackett
    Under copyright law this is called a 'Work for Hire' and all rights will be assigned to you upon completion. This is very important since the writer has all rights until they sign them away. The second post has a great paragraph - but you should look on the net for a 'work for hire' contract- or have a lawyer create one.

    All such contracts also have the plagiarism clause and typically a clause about getting permissions to use any other copyrighted material like photos or images. You should put a reference to such things in your front matter of the book.

    Finally - I highly recommend you register the copyright when the writer turns the completed mss over to you. Its only $35 so cheaper than what a lot of Warriors pay for an ebook cover - and its proof positive that you are the copyright holder. Check out:

    U.S. Copyright Office - Online Services (eCO: Electronic Copyright Office)

    And you can do this yourself - you don't have to pay someone else to do it.

    congrats on taking action and good luck,
    --Jack
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  • Profile picture of the author Moneyland
    Guys, thanks so much this is wonderful information.

    Would you say that insisting on a Word and/or text version is a way for me to amend the ebook at a later date? Am I right in saying that you cannot make changes directly on a PDF, you would do so on a word doc first of all and the transfer it again to PDF? Sorry if this sounds like a daft question but I don't have any knowledge about this and want to include this in the terms.

    Many thanks again..
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  • Profile picture of the author Christophe Young
    Yes, get it in Word format. Then you can make changes to it and when you are done, convert it to PDF. It's pretty easy.
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  • Profile picture of the author vnalinks
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    • Profile picture of the author jacktackett
      Veena,

      the issue here is in the US - and most countries via various treaties - the person who actually creates the work is the copyright holder.

      So if you hire someone to write an ebook - that person is the copyright owner. The only way to transfer that ownership is via a contract/agreement, which is typically referred to as a Work For Hire contract.

      If you simply claim the copyright in the book that does not mean you own the copyright; The creator still holds the copyright until they transfer ownership.

      Hope this helps - and feel free to ask any questions.

      best,
      --Jack


      Originally Posted by vnalinks View Post

      Can you not just put a line saying that the book is copy righted?

      Regards.

      Veena
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      • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
        Definitely have a lawyer draft the agreement if at all possible. They'll think of things you might never have even thought of.
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        Dan also writes content for hire, but you can't afford him anyway.
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        • Profile picture of the author Moneyland
          Can anyone recommend somebody legal that can do this type of thing? Am I allowed to ask this on here?

          Thanks if you can help.
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      • Profile picture of the author vnalinks
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        • Profile picture of the author jacktackett
          Veena,

          as the original writer you are the copyright holder, so placing the line in the front matter of your book will indicate that. In the US you do not have to register the work to be entitled to the copyright - its yours as soon as you write the book.

          However, if you need to defend your copyright, having it registered will help greatly prove you're the owner. For example, if you find someone is selling your book without out your permission - something that happens quit frequently with ebooks - you can send a Cease and Decease letter to the person and their hosting provider. If you send the C&D along with the registration you get from the government then that proves you are the legal copyright holder.

          My comments were aimed at the OP who was hiring someone else to write his ebook - a common activity in publishing.

          Also, while lawyers might be expensive, if you're serious about your business they are one of the professionals you need on your team - along with at least a CPA. Also, registering your copyright can be done online now in the US and costs just $35 (last time I checked). That's less than what a lot of folks pay for an ebook cover.

          See
          U.S. Copyright Office - Online Services (eCO: Electronic Copyright Office)
          for more details.

          If I can help out in any way just let me know.
          best,
          --Jack


          Originally Posted by vnalinks View Post

          Hi Jack:

          How are you?

          Thank you for your reply.

          I still do not understand I am afraid.

          I am the original writer of the EBook.

          So now what?

          Where does that leave me.

          Do let me know.

          Thank you.

          Regards.

          Veena
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          Mega Monster WSO for KimW http://ow.ly/4JdHm


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  • Profile picture of the author Moneyland
    Makes sense, So would you say that generally looking for a "work for hire contract" on the internet and giving to the provider is sufficient?
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