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Are my fears justified or not?

by marmalade
12 replies
Hi,

I want to hire a copywriter for an ebook I've finished writing.

In my mind, the problem is that I haven't started selling it yet and what's to stop the copywriter from stealing it and starting to sell it as their own work? Even if I sent it to them as a secured PDF (of course) from which the text could not be copied/pasted, it would still be easy to have someone transcribe it.

I could of course subsequently prove that the work was originally mine, but the legal process could be costly.

If I had already sold a few hundred copies at least, it would be much, much easier for me to prove that the original was mine. But this is not the case yet, and I'm not sure how to get started without hiring a copywriter. I'm not good at writing sales pitches.

I haven't hired a copywriter before. Are there copywriters who do not need to look at the product before writing the sales pitch? I'd be happy to answer any questions they might have, or have them interview me.

Opinions?
#fears #justified
  • Profile picture of the author wfhblueprints
    Marmalade,

    If you hire a reputable copywriter from the Warriors For Hire section or even from a site like ODesk.com etc I don't think you should be too worried.

    What you can do is give them your selling points which you want them to include.

    Provide them with a list of bullet points on what your product offers.

    I've never had a problem with my copywriters.....to date!

    Regards

    Chris
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    • Profile picture of the author Danny McConnell
      Always find a way to check the ratings of anyone you hire.

      In addition you might take some comfort from the fact that as with programmers, most people who are writing for a living will have little interest in selling or ability to do so. It''s just not their deal.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nathan2525
    Originally Posted by marmalade View Post

    Hi,

    I want to hire a copywriter for an ebook I've finished writing.

    In my mind, the problem is that I haven't started selling it yet and what's to stop the copywriter from stealing it and starting to sell it as their own work? Even if I sent it to them as a secured PDF (of course) from which the text could not be copied/pasted, it would still be easy to have someone transcribe it.

    I could of course subsequently prove that the work was originally mine, but the legal process could be costly.

    If I had already sold a few hundred copies at least, it would be much, much easier for me to prove that the original was mine. But this is not the case yet, and I'm not sure how to get started without hiring a copywriter. I'm not good at writing sales pitches.

    I haven't hired a copywriter before. Are there copywriters who do not need to look at the product before writing the sales pitch? I'd be happy to answer any questions they might have, or have them interview me.

    Opinions?
    Do a quick copyright on it by sending a physical copy to yourself
    in the post. This will then be date verified and sealed. If it was ever
    released on the web, you would have an early date as proof.

    I really wouldn't worry about it though. These days you must build
    a team which involves trusting people. You will be fine.

    Hope this helps.
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    • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
      Originally Posted by Nathan2525 View Post

      Do a quick copyright on it by sending a physical copy to yourself
      in the post. This will then be date verified and sealed. If it was ever
      released on the web, you would have an early date as proof.

      That is a myth. There are a lot of sites that explain why this is nothing more than a false sense of security. Here's one.

      It is the worst kind of myth. It is wasteful, achieves nothing, gives a false sense of protection and can leave good people more vulnerable than if they had done nothing at all. There is simply no way that poor man's copyright is a valid strategy for protecting one's work.
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    • Profile picture of the author Scott Burton
      Originally Posted by Nathan2525 View Post

      Do a quick copyright on it by sending a physical copy to yourself
      in the post. This will then be date verified and sealed. If it was ever
      released on the web, you would have an early date as proof.

      I really wouldn't worry about it though. These days you must build
      a team which involves trusting people. You will be fine.

      Hope this helps.
      Though this can be used as evidence of time of ownership, it's not infallible. Mailing the item to yourself does not establish, prove or register copyright.

      Copyright (Under US Law) is established when the work is first put into fixed form (written) but registration is to protect your copyright.

      The "Poor Man's Copyright" of mailing the item to yourself does not prove copyright, and although it may be considered as evidence, it is not a reliable alternative to registration.

      U.S. Copyright Office - Copyright in General (FAQ)
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  • Profile picture of the author mgreener
    Find a reputable writer and there's no way they would even think of stealing it.
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    • Profile picture of the author NicoleBeckett
      Originally Posted by mgreener View Post

      Find a reputable writer and there's no way they would even think of stealing it.
      Ditto... When you work with a good writer, you're working with a professional. That means they're not going to act like some kind of common criminal

      However, you're going to have to do your homework before you hire someone. Talk to all of your potential writers upfront, before you agree to work with them or send them anything. If you get the feeling that they're not on the up-and-up, find another one.
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  • Profile picture of the author HairyPoppins
    If you find one here on Warrior's For Hire and they have a good reputation, then I don't see having a problem. Reputation is everything with this kind of thing. If someone screws you over on here at least then there gos their reputation and a solid stream of income. Now, I wouldn't trust someone on a Fiverr to do something like this but here I wouldn't worry about it.
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  • Profile picture of the author mrinternational
    would a non disclosure agreement work in this case?

    the obvious answer would be to check with a copyright lawyer first. I don't know how much a consultation with them would cost you but if it is a good book which by your fears it appears to be, it is well worth the cost wouldn't you agree?
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Originally Posted by marmalade View Post

    I haven't hired a copywriter before. Are there copywriters who do not need to look at the product before writing the sales pitch? I'd be happy to answer any questions they might have, or have them interview me.

    Opinions?
    Others have addressed your other questions, so I won't.

    If anyone billing themselves as a copywriter offers to do a sales letter without looking at the product, run the other way as fast as you can.

    Having access to the author for questions/interviews is a poor substitute for having the product itself (along with any collateral material, like feedback from people who have read review copies) when formulating a pitch.

    When it comes to energizing sales, you want strong espresso - not weak tea...
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  • Profile picture of the author GuerrillaIM
    Any time you release an ebook that is any good it always works its way onto a free download site. It's just the nature of the beast.

    My advice, dont waste time or money trying to swim up stream. Concentrate on your marketing and how you will be able to make sales. Don't be frightened to show it to a copywriter. You already have sold a few hundred so whats the fuss? It's out there already!

    As said earlier get date proof so if anyone does start selling it you can have them shut down easily with a cease and desist to their host.
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  • Profile picture of the author Hils
    Originally Posted by marmalade View Post

    Hi,

    what's to stop the copywriter from stealing it and starting to sell it as their own work?

    Opinions?

    Nothing. But frankly, no disrespect for your book, why would they want to? Copywriters enjoy writing. Thieves enjoy stealing. Please don't mix the two.

    Choose a reputable professional copywriter and you'll find you've nothing to fear.

    (Except, perhaps, the bill! )
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