The Latest Posts

• Using Song Lyrics In Fiction August 5, 2023
  I hear this question often — “Can I use song lyrics in my fiction?” I completely understand. Music provides great inspiration for writers. A few lines from “In Da Club” by 50 Cent could be … Using Song Lyrics In Fiction Read More The post Using Song Lyrics In Fiction appeared first on Sidebar Saturdays.
  Matt Knight
• The Copyright Small Claims Court  July 22, 2023
  For those wanting to enforce your copyright against an infringer but have steered away from federal court because the litigation process was too complex, time-consuming, and expensive (possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars), now you … The Copyright Small Claims Court  Read More The post The Copyright Small Claims Court  appeared first on Sidebar Saturdays.
  Matt Knight
• Happy July 4th Week! July 4, 2023
  Or, in the words of the King of England from Hamilton, “Happy Treason Day, Ungrateful Colonials.” We’re off partying like it’s 1776. Drinks up. Grill hot. Sparklers lit! Enjoy your holiday. The post Happy July 4th Week! appeared first on Sidebar Saturdays.
  Matt Knight
• Using Music and Film Clips Without Violating Copyright Law June 24, 2023
  If you are creating book trailers, audiobooks, or online videos that include preexisting music or film clips, copyright law can be one of your biggest headaches. The first step to avoiding copyright violations is identifying … Using Music and Film Clips Without Violating Copyright Law Read More The post Using Music and Film Clips Without […]
  Matt Knight
• Publishing Scams  June 10, 2023
  The writing industry is competitive, and with so many aspiring authors out there, it’s no wonder that scammers worm their way into the industry to take advantage of a writer’s hopes and dreams. Almost monthly, … Publishing Scams  Read More The post Publishing Scams  appeared first on Sidebar Saturdays.
  Matt Knight
• Creative Collaborations: What to consider in joint venture agreements January 21, 2023
  “I’ve got a really great story for you to write.” Writers hear that line often, especially if they have reached some level of success as an author. It could be a celebrity who wants to … Creative Collaborations: What to consider in joint venture agreements Read More The post Creative Collaborations: What to consider in […]
  Matt Knight
• Collaborative Projects and Copyrights January 7, 2023
  What? It’s 2023 already? New year, new motto — Don’t sacrifice progress and success for perfection.  Two writers recently entered into a collaborative project and midway through questions arose about who owns the copyright. If … Collaborative Projects and Copyrights Read More The post Collaborative Projects and Copyrights appeared first on Sidebar Saturdays.
  Matt Knight
• Merry Christmas + Happy New Year December 25, 2022
  We are on a mini-blog holiday — sledding, throwing snowballs and drinking lots of spiked eggnog.  We hope your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are festive and fun.  See you again in 2023. – The … Merry Christmas + Happy New Year Read More The post Merry Christmas + Happy New Year appeared first on […]
  Matt Knight
• How to Prove Copyright Ownership December 17, 2022
  Recently, a writer asked about how to prove copyright ownership. The best way is registration of the copyright. Copyright registration within five years of the first publication creates a legal presumption of ownership and validity.  So … How to Prove Copyright Ownership Read More The post How to Prove Copyright Ownership appeared first on Sidebar Saturdays.
  Matt Knight
• Using Letters in Creative Work — What Writers Should Know About Copyright Protection December 17, 2022
  The holidays are a great opportunity to clean out closets and attics. For writers, rummaging through yesterdays can generate new ideas for creative projects—like using that stack of steamy love letters from an ex-boyfriend. Or … Using Letters in Creative Work — What Writers Should Know About Copyright Protection Read More The post Using Letters […]
  Matt Knight