Obtaining self-publishing fees or publisher royalties is just one source of income for your novels. These don’t necessarily apply only to merchandising and publishing- the copyright landscape is a dynamic blend of types, channels, applications, territories and words.
There are significant incentives for writers to expand readership and earn money from future developments and on-going sales in international markets (not to mention writing in various forms, TV and film, marketing licenses, permits, and so on). The secret of all future prospects is being aware of and open to opportunities.
Once your stories are put on paper or stored in a digital file, your work is protected by intellectual property law, and does not demand any complicated registration either. The overall framework of copyrighting a novel starts with oneself, the author, as he or she goes about the creative writing process.
Copyright is basically the right to duplicate a piece of work. With copyright, work may only be replicated if the user provides permission to the owner of the work body to make a decision that determines how and when it can be used by others. Copyright legislation allows publishers to earn revenue by selling their works, prohibiting bookshops by purchasing a copy of a book, producing copies of a novel, and distributing versions to their clients. Copyright, though, forbids anyone from copying the work- if you cannot prove that someone has read your book, it’s hard to claim the violation.
The truth is that ownership and licenses remain a grey and often confusing area for many writers- not that this is entirely their fault. Largely, these aspects have been closed down by traditional publishing houses without the involvement of authors. Essentially, they have been handled by in-house rights people with connections all around the globe to conduct both agreements and job location in various jurisdictions through multiple mediums.
In this blog we bring you 10 of our most useful tips in ensuring selective rights for your books here, and abroad as well.
1.You can sell book rights without having to travel to book fairs
To obtain some rights and licensing terms, publishers had to attend fairs, although that is no longer necessary. Now, certain sites can help highlight your research and to contact prospective publishing partners across the world.
2. Understanding intellectual property
Multiple intellectual property (IP) rights are in place to protect brand names, licenses, and designs. Intellectual property, as described out in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 17(2)), is a fundamental right.
3. Understanding copyright
Copyright pertains to property- it seeks to protect the communication of ideas including the use of works by writers and distributors of different types of media- particularly musical, literary, or cinematic expression.
4. A note on plagiarism
When the work of certain people occurs in your book – e.g. pictures or drawings – it is necessary to remember that the unauthorized use of such material may potentially compromise whole book.
5. Remember, you can’t sell book rights before you’ve even published the book itself
A debut writer won’t be able to pre-sell rights the way a prolific author would. Focus on writing your best book. When your craft is perfected, you can send it out to potential licensees.
6. Being self-published doesn’t negate potential licensees
Self-publishing, instead of being discriminated on, is now being accepted, with many major publishers consciously working on the creation of self-published manuscripts.
7. Having your book translated in different languages won’t always guarantee a wider market
Publishers typically collaborate with a professionally verified group of translators. They may want to make use of accessible funds, if any, for translations. Translating a book to license it is often a waste of time and energy.
8. Determining a good e-book retail price for each country is a challenge
Offering a free book is a perfect way to gain exposure overseas. This is doable through Kindle by being part of KDP Pick or through other shops.
9. For writers who lack an agent to advise them, there are many ways to get rights and licensing advice
In the United Kingdom, the Society of Authors focuses on a wide variety of deals and contracts. Aside from this, online communities like Reddit offer a goldmine of helpful tips.
10. You don’t always need to understand foreign markets to ensure oversees success
Tailoring your books to specific markets may confuse you and undermine the book as a whole. By keeping it in front of the appropriate audience, you’re going to have a fair chance of getting licensed.
Now, as an independent writer, you understand how to earn more for your content. You should always be mindful of the privileges you possess, and their potential to help you grow your fanbase and brand.
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