In an increasingly digitized and complex publishing world, writers need to know how to protect themselves against copyright infringement, legal trouble, and unwise concessions to publishers. Still the authors foremost advocate for copyright protection, fair contracts, and free expression, the Authors Guild has once again partnered with Allworth Press to update this invaluable reference. Thoroughly revised to reflect the many changes in the publishing industry, the fourth edition offers plain-English explanations of legal and business aspects of the trade, from electronic rights and ebooks to contracts and accounting. Other topics include:Registering copyrights, including onlineTaxes and bookkeepingFollowing fair use guidelinesNegotiating contracts with publishers and agentsObtaining permissions to use others workDealing with periodical, syndication, film, television, play, and audio rights agreementsHandling business disputesUnderstanding libel, privacy, and the limits of free expressionAvoiding self-publishing misstepsPlanning authors estates.