The Latest Posts

• 9 Major Deal Points In Publishing Contracts August 30, 2020
  You finished your book. You found an agent. You have a publisher who wants to buy the rights to publish your book. Congratulations! Now what? It is time to negotiate your publishing contract. “But isn’t that my agent’s job?” you say. Well, yes. It is. However, you sign the contract. This means you are legally obligated to […]
  Matt Knight
• When Research Meets FOIA Requests August 15, 2020
  If you’re writing true crime or memoir, fiction loosely based on true events or digging into a hot newsworthy topic, sometimes our research leads us to information or records from state and federal government agencies. Often this type of information isn’t readily accessible. If this is you and you’re unsure how to obtain necessary government […]
  Matt Knight
• Legal Services for Writers: Where’s my lawyer? August 1, 2020
  As much as we attempt to avoid legal issues in our writing careers, there are times when consulting a publishing lawyer is a necessity. Maybe you are a victim of a publishing scam or accused of defamation. Maybe you need advice on a publishing contract or your manuscript vetted for legal risks prior to publication. […]
  Matt Knight
• Books to Film: The Option Versus The Shopping Agreement July 12, 2020
  Most writers dream about their book becoming a movie. It’s exciting to think about seeing our creative endeavors on the big screen or television. Plus, who doesn’t like receiving more money? But adapting a book into a movie is a complicated process. Film and TV producers must corral numerous financial, creative, and business components (one […]
  Matt Knight
• Trademarks and the Writer’s Brand Strategy June 28, 2020
  Trademarks are one of the most valuable business assets for creating recognition in the market place. Think of Coke, IBM, and FedEx. For writers wanting to build a brand, trademarks should be part of your brand strategy. Trademarks can help grow an author’s audience through brand recognition and prevent unauthorized use by others hoping to […]
  Matt Knight
• Parody, Satire, and Fan Fiction: What’s the difference? June 14, 2020
  Parody, satire, and fan fiction are terms often confused and misused in the writing spheres. But when it comes to copyright law, these three forms of creative expression are treated quite differently. Understanding the differences is crucial to determine if your parody, satire, or fan fiction work infringes someone’s copyright or is protected under the […]
  Matt Knight
• Young Readers and COPPA Compliance May 24, 2020
  If you are an author of children’s literature (especially middle-grade fiction) or your work targets young readers, then make sure your marketing efforts are COPPA compliant.   What is COPPA? COPPA is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act designed to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13. COPPA helps parents maintain control over […]
  Matt Knight
• Publishing Update — The Writer’s Legal GPS: A guide for navigating the legal landscape of publishing May 23, 2020
  Psst! Hey great writing peeps. Look over here. Sidebar Saturdays contributor and founder Matt Knight launched a legal guide for writers. The Writer’s Legal GPS is an essential tool for writers, agents, editors, and publishers who want to understand the legal risks and rights associated with publishing. This comprehensive desktop reference is packed with clear […]
  Matt Knight
• Creative Collaborations: What to consider in joint venture agreements May 9, 2020
  “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 publish a memoir but has not the time or inclination to write it. Or maybe it is an acquaintance with […]
  Matt Knight
• Using Letters in Creative Work — What Writers Should Know About Copyright Protection April 18, 2020
  The COVID-19 quarantine is 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 maybe a few nasty grams from an irate neighbor over the pruning of a tree. Whatever the source, when […]
  Matt Knight