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Copyright & Legal Resource Center

The Copyright & Legal Hub

Copyright, fair use, plagiarism and the legal side of publishing a book, with plain answers and no legal fog. I’m a ghostwriter, not a lawyer, so treat this as a map and take real disputes to an attorney.

No pitch. No pressure.

This hub is laid out in chapters, from how copyright works to the legal risks of writing about real people. When you’re ready to talk about your own book, see my ghostwriting services or start smaller with the Book Discovery Intensive.

1. Copyright basics for authors

↑ Back to chapters

2. Getting sued, and how to avoid it

↑ Back to chapters

3. Copyright, AI and ghostwriting contracts

↑ Back to chapters

Thinking about a book of your own? Start with the Ghostwriting Hub. Related: AI & Writing Hub, Publishing & Marketing Hub, Memoir Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register my copyright?
No. Copyright exists the moment you fix the work in a tangible form. Registering with the U.S. Copyright Office is what lets you sue for infringement and claim statutory damages, so register anything that matters to you.
Who owns the copyright in a ghostwritten book?
The client. A proper ghostwriting agreement assigns every right in the finished work to the author whose name goes on the cover.
Can a book written with AI be copyrighted?
Only the parts a human wrote. The U.S. Copyright Office doesn’t register material generated by AI, so the human authorship has to be real and documented.
Can I be sued for writing about real people?
Yes, mainly for defamation, invasion of privacy or publishing private facts. Stating something provably false as fact is the biggest risk.

Have a copyright question about your own book?

The Copyright FAQ answers the common ones. For anything specific to your project, the fastest path to a real answer is a conversation, and for a legal dispute, an attorney.

No pitch. No pressure.

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CategoriesPublishing
TagsFair UseResearchWriting Craft
About the Author
Richard Lowe, professional ghostwriter

Richard Lowe is a professional ghostwriter and author with 113+ books authored and 54+ ghostwritten. Before writing full time he spent 33 years in enterprise technology, including 20 years as Director of Computer Operations and Technical Services at Trader Joe's. He writes nonfiction, fiction and memoir, and works with executives and experts on books that build authority.

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Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of Richard Lowe and are based on personal experience and research. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional legal, financial, accounting, or business advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making important business or legal decisions. Richard Lowe is not a lawyer, accountant, or licensed professional advisor, and this content does not establish any professional relationship.

The Writing King

Professional ghostwriting for executives, founders, coaches, and authors who want to get the book done right. 113+ books authored. 54+ ghostwritten for clients.

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