Full question:
I have a question about publishing. I write short stories and am being published in a newspaper and in an online e-zine, and I plan to compile the stories into a book. My question is - unless I give a magazine (or other medium) exclusive rights IN WRITING, can I let anyone else publish those same stories? Thanks much!
- Category: Licenses
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
Whether you can publish your stories elsewhere depends on the rights you've granted to the magazine or e-zine. If you haven't given them exclusive rights in writing, you generally retain the right to publish your stories elsewhere.
Contracts, including those for publishing, can be oral or written. Oral contracts may be enforceable, but they are harder to prove and often have shorter time limits for enforcement compared to written contracts. Written contracts typically outline the terms clearly, including whether rights are exclusive.
Licensing agreements are common in publishing. In these agreements, the licensor (you) grants rights to the licensee (the magazine or e-zine) under specific conditions. If your agreement does not state exclusivity, you can publish your stories in other venues.
It's essential to review any contracts you have signed to understand your rights fully. If you're unsure, consider consulting a legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.