How to Protect Yourself as a Writer

Understanding copyright laws and publishing contracts is crucial, whether you write for electronic media or traditional print publications. The proper partnership of careful contracts and copyright clarity will protect you as a writer. It will also promote payment for the use of your creative work, now and in the future. The
four following groups can guide you through the professional contracts maze.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Copyright laws
• Professional membership

How to Pick the Professional Group

1. The Author’s Guild is the nation’s leading advocate for writers’ interests. The Guild website will educate you in effective copyright protection, fair contracts and free expression.

2. American Society of Journalists and Authors is a prominent nationwide organization of nonfiction writers. It offers extensive benefits and services to its membership, independent writers, editors and the entire publishing community.

3. The National Writers Union is the trade union for freelance and contract writers: journalists, book authors, business and technical writers, web content providers, and poets. With the combined strength of nearly 2,000 members in 16 chapters nationwide, and with the support of the United Automobile Workers (UAW), the Union works to defend the rights and improve the economic and working conditions of all writers.

4. Society of Professional Journalists is America’s most broad-based journalism organization. This group is dedicated to promoting the
   free practice of journalism and encouraging high standards of ethical behavior.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to have the client sign a contract before doing the work.

Resources

• Prosperity Pipeline
• Author's Guild
• American Society of Journalists and Authors
• National Writers Union
• Society of Professional Journalists