legal

“Can I Use Somebody Else’s Photo/Artwork if I Flip it Horizontally?”

“Can I Use Somebody Else’s Photo/Artwork if I Flip it Horizontally?”

I am still working to get my illustrations for my book. Can you advise on something I was told by my illustrator? She told me that most photos copied from the Internet can be flipped horizontally to alleviate concerns of copyright infringement. For example if a mountain appears on the left side of the photograph, flip the photo so the mountain is on the right side. I also wonder if applying artistic effects to a photo (pencil sketch, smooth pastel, etc.) would eliminate concern of issues. I was given five websites for Royalty Free photos and images that are free of charge. Do you have any recommendations for me?

My Child Wrote A Book!!! But, Can We Publish It? by Harvey Randall, Esq.

My Child Wrote A Book!!! But, Can We Publish It? by Harvey Randall, Esq.

Your child has written a book and a number of friends who have read it have remarked that it is great, and should be published. Your child then tells you he or she has decided to become an author, and wants to have the book published. You quickly respond “okay,” and then, realizing what you said, you ask yourself a number of questions:
Can my child actually publish a book?

BookBaby’s Unfair Contract Clause! By Angela Hoy

BookBaby’s Unfair Contract Clause! By Angela Hoy

We were recently contacted by an author who was unhappy with BookBaby, and wanted to move his book to BookLocker. But, after sending us his files, and discussing formatting, etc., he asked about how to terminate his contract with BookBaby. I told him to read his BookBaby contract, find the termination clause, and follow the instructions there. He found his contract, read it, and wrote me back, not at all happy with what he discovered…

Copyright Law Basics For Fan Fiction Authors By Harvey Randall, Esq.

Copyright Law Basics For Fan Fiction Authors By Harvey Randall, Esq.

The aphorism “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” is typically attributed to Charles Caleb Colton. If Colton studied law, clearly he was absent the day “Copyright Law” was discussed. When it comes to writing, imitation is frowned upon and there are many traps and obstacles for the unwary “fan fiction” author.