Includes bibliographical references and index.

Writing is a business -- Copyright basics -- Copyright : notice, registration, and deposit -- Copyright : works made for hire, joint works, and community property -- Copyright : infringement, litigation and fair use -- Copyright : history, and its future -- Idea theft, misattribution, reputational harm : other protections for writers -- Free expression and its limits -- How to use open government laws -- Contracts : introduction and negotiating basics -- Negotiating a book contract -- Newspaper, magazine, and syndication contracts -- Self-publishing options: e-books and print on demand -- Electronic rights and wrongs: battles over digital rights -- Literary agents and agency agreements -- Collaboration and ghostwriting agreements -- Film and television contracts and dramatic productions -- How to avoid and resolve disputes -- Taxes : writing income and expenses -- The hobby loss rule -- Taxes: beyond schedule C -- Estate planning for writers.