Category
Legal
Copyright, contracts, permissions, and tax basics for indie authors and small publishers, written in plain English.
Showing 1-6 of 6 posts
Copyright Registration Costs More From November
Copyright Office fees rise mid-November. The $45 Single Application survives at $55, but most self-published books don't qualify. What to file, and when.
September 13, 2026Legal
The Anthropic Settlement Turned on One Registration Date
A federal court approved a $1.5B settlement over books used to train Anthropic's AI. Registration timing decided which books made the class.
July 30, 2026Legal
What Authors Get Wrong About Pen Names
Pen names, pseudonyms, and anonymous publishing explained. What each means for your copyright term, your ISBN, your KDP account, and your privacy.
March 7, 2026Legal
What Is an LCCN? How to Get One Free and Who Needs It
An LCCN is a free Library of Congress number for US print books. Learn how to get one before publishing, and why most self-published authors can skip it.
January 26, 2026Legal
Is it Possible to Register Copyright for AI-Written Text or Illustrations?
Explore the complexities of copyright for AI-generated text and illustrations. Learn if they can be registered under current laws.
November 29, 2024Legal
Inspiration or Infringement? What You Can Legally Borrow From Another Book
Tropes, premises and titles are free. Sentences, distinctive characters and song lyrics are not. Where US copyright draws the line, and what to do if accused.
December 16, 2023Legal