Can a Ghostwriter Be Sued for Libel or Invasion of Privacy?
"A woman wants me to ghostwrite a book about her abusive childhood? This makes me nervous. Could I be sued?"…
Ask The Expert
“Can I copy keywords and phrases from other websites?”
Can keywords and phrases be copyrighted?…
“What sells best? Paperbacks, hardcovers, or ebooks?”
"What sells better in stores? Paperbacks or hardcovers? And, do those sell better than ebooks?"…
“How can Amazon have ‘Print on Demand’ books in stock that nobody has ordered yet?”
Why would Amazon have copies of a book no one ordered yet, and keep it on the shelf? I thought that's not how print-on-demand works?…
“I’m moving my book from CreateSpace to BookLocker. How come BookLocker’s prices are so much lower than the other companies?”
The reason our prices are so low is simple. At BookLocker.com, we break even on setup fees, and earn our profits on book sales. That way, we and the author have a vested interest in the success of the book. The "other guys" get as much as they can out of authors up-front...…
“My cousin and I co-wrote a book but then she left my name off of it!”
Did the cousin, who is now deceased, do this on purpose? And, what recourse does the co-author have? …
“Can I use old yearbook photos in my book or on my blog?” NOPE!
Old yearbook photographers could seriously get into the litigation business with all of the copyright infringement occurring online right now!!…
“How do I publish a collection of my short stories?”
I would love to publish a book of my short stories but I have no idea what the proper steps are...…
“Can a magazine force freelancers to attend regular, on-site meetings?”
Is this editor violating federal law?…
Authors! Have you, too, been approached by Stonewall Press? READ THIS!
Before you (or any author) answers a telemarketing phone call from Stonewall Press, you might want to read these negative reviews...…
AUTHORS! Have You, Too, Been Contacted by Solopress? Read this…
Before you (or any author) does business with Solopress, you might want to read the 26 one-star reviews about them on...…
“How can I get my books from Tate Publishing? I paid for 1,000 copies!”
I am not getting any royalties from Tate currently either. Amazon is selling copies...…
“Should I pay $750 to have my book displayed at a large book fair?” NO!!!
The caller mentioned a fee of $750, "with only 30% due now, the remaining to be paid in installments up to the end of the conference." He then started talking up the book fair...…
“Should I pay for a $300 book review that ‘guarantees sales?'” NO!!!
A company found my book for sale online and contacted me, offering $300 to review my book, "guaranteed sales," and submission of my book to contests across the country...…
“A marketing firm wants me to pay them to promote my book BEFORE it’s finished? I thought you said that’s a bad idea?!”
Our BookLocker.com competitors HATE it when I share this advice with authors. Why? Because it really cuts into their bottom line...…
AUTHORS: Have you, too, been contacted by LitFire Publishing?
Have you been contacted by LitFire Publishing? If so, you might want to click on the link at the end of this article!…
“Amazon won’t talk to me about copyright infringement of my book unless I get an account with them, which requires signing a contract!”
My old publishers is still selling my book and that means they're getting money from sales, and not sending me royalties!…
“A local artist died. Can I use his painting on my book’s cover?”
When someone dies with no known heirs, are their assets up for grabs by the public? NO!!!…
“I revised my book but people can still buy the previous version on Amazon! Why?!”
"Somebody ordered the book and they got the first edition with the old cover. Why?"…
“Why won’t Amazon let my relatives post (fake!) reviews about my new book?”
Posting fake book reviews is FRAUD. …
“My ex-editor is selling my book on Amazon AS HER OWN and Amazon won’t remove it! What can I do?!”
In the event of illegal activities, knowing WHO to contact at Amazon can save you loads of time!…
“Can I publish other writers’ short stories in my anthology without permission?”
Can you pull short stories from the Internet and include them in your book? NO!…
“Can writers use photos from Wikipedia for free?”
People from all over can upload files to that site and, naturally, some of those people won't know and/or respect copyright law. Copyright infringement penalties can range from...…
“Can I base my fictional character on a convicted criminal?”
What liability would an author face basing a fictional character on a living politician who committed crimes...…
PUBLIC FIGURES AND LIBEL: “I want to write a tell-all book about a celebrity I once knew. Can a public figure sue me?”
Libel, defamation, invasion of privacy, stress, and LEGAL FEES. Is writing a tell-all book about a public figure financially (and morally) worth it in the end? …
“I wrote a book with adult content. How do I prevent my family from finding out?”
Many authors have very valid reasons for publishing a book anonymously. How can you protect your identity? …
“What contract should I use when hiring an illustrator?”
"Do you know of a standard form I could use to address the problem of hiring a contractor to create content (diagrams) that I plan to use in my book?"…
“Where can I find a medical disclaimer template for the book I’m writing?”
"Do I really need to put a disclaimer on a health book that I am writing? Where can I find one?"…
“Can I use my ex’s texts, emails, and photos in my book about his infidelity and betrayal?” NO!!!
Don't assume you can use somebody else's emails, texts, and photos in your "tell-all" story.…
“Angela, Can You Recommend An Affordable Laptop And Software For Writers?”
Angela is very happy with her affordable laptop and word processing software. And, what's her secret for avoiding the monthly fees now charged by software companies? …
