Every Writer's Guide to Copyright and Publishing Law, by Ellen Kozak
This is a brief book (134 pages) that outlines the basics of copyright as it applies to writers (specifically to literary works). It is an excellent overview of issues likely to affect freelance writers, and it assumes no foreknowledge of the law.
Every Writer's Guide is your best bet if you want a brief, readable reference to consult when considering or entering contracts. Ellen Kozak is a copyright, publishing, entertainment, and media lawyer with 25 years of experience.
The Copyright Handbook: What Every Writer Needs to Know, by Stephen Fishman
The Copyright Handbook provides many case studies and specific examples of copyright law as applied to writers, and is an ideal resource for writers who have moved beyond the overview stage and have specific questions about negotiating contracts and respecting copyright terms.
Stephen Fishman is a legal writer who received his law degree from the University of Southern California in 1979.
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