The Latest Posts

• Merchandising Rights – Do you have control? September 14, 2019
  People who love books also love book-related merchandise. Tie-in products, also known as swag, have long-term promotional benefits, whether you are giving product away or selling it. If the book is popular, so will the related merchandise (like what’s in my nephew’s room, somewhere underneath all the clothes – a gazillion comic book action figures). […]
  Matt Knight
• Using Orphan Works – When A Copyright Owner Is Impossible To Identify Or Locate September 1, 2019
  Two weeks ago, a reader contacted me about copyright permissions after reading my Derivative Works article. The writer intended to use copyright-protected letters she thought would make a shocking exposé. After attempting to obtain permission, she failed to locate the author of the letters. Could she still use the letters? Oddly, the inability to identify […]
  Matt Knight
• Using Another Author’s Work — Is Your Derivative Work Infringing Someone’s Copyright? August 10, 2019
  Creative inspiration for writers often comes from the work of other authors.  Maybe we are inspired by someone’s story or moved by a relatable character.  Maybe we want to add something new to an existing story, or expand an unfinished plotline, or explore the nuances of a character in a different premise. Even better, sometimes […]
  Matt Knight
• The Basics Of Agent-Author Contracts July 28, 2019
  You finished the manuscript. You queried umpteen agents and received umpteen rejections. Finally, an agent expresses interest in representing your work. What next? Rush to sign the agency contract? Not so fast. Not all agents or agency contracts are created equal. First, make sure the agent you are considering is the best dealmaker for you […]
  Matt Knight
• Author Pen Names – Are Noms De Plume Obsolete? June 29, 2019
  P. L. Travers, Mark Twain, Robert Galbraith – these are all fictitious names used by writers. In this case, Helen Goff, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, and Joanne Rowling. But you knew that, right? Most writers have read at least one book by an author with a nom de plume. For centuries, authors have resorted to using […]
  Matt Knight
• Paid Book Reviews – The Line Between Ethical And Illegal June 8, 2019
  When it comes to selling books in a crowded market, whether you are traditionally published or self-published, positive reviews are a must-have for boosting sales and gaining readership. How authors go about securing those reviews can be controversial. In the digital age, where over 50% of retail shopping occurs online, independent assessment is the underpinning […]
  Matt Knight
• Freelance Writing Contracts May 12, 2019
  For freelance writers accepting new projects, it is in your best interest to secure a written agreement that outlines the terms of the project. I know — most of us would rather jump from a 10-meter diving platform than sign a contract.  But a little pain over business formalities is better than a long term […]
  Matt Knight
• Trademark Tips For Writers – How To Protect Your Creative Work April 27, 2019
  Trademarks are one of the most valuable business assets for creating recognition in the market place. For writers wanting to build a brand, trademarks must become a part of your brand strategy. A few of my earlier blog posts have talked about the use of trademarks in fiction and how to avoid trademark infringement (here […]
  Matt Knight
• Copyright Basics For Writers April 13, 2019
  Writers frequently ask me at Sidebar Saturdays about copyright issues. The topic is a tad confusing but it is also one of the most important concepts a writer should understand. Why? Because copyright law provides legal protection for your creative work by preventing others from exploiting it without your permission or paying fair compensation. So […]
  Matt Knight
• How To Use Copyright Protected Images (and not violate copyright laws) March 31, 2019
  A picture is worth a thousand words, but is it worth a copyright infringement lawsuit? Using images found on-line has become common practice. Photos, graphics, book covers, illustrations, charts — people constantly use images on websites, blogs, and course materials to help enhance their writing. And why not? Technology has made it quite easy to […]
  Matt Knight