Writing a Book, need advice.

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5947

So I decided to write a book, already started actually, anyways I was thinking I'm copying alot of stuff from other books/reference materials (Its a technical book) so I was wondering since I'm not charging money for the book and its more of a complication in some parts then others with are written by me. Smile

I've been writting below charts/pictures what company/book I got the data from. All the stuff I'm copying is from free liturature etc not copying peoples works that they charge money for like techinical books etc. But I'm unsure how to proceed and if the companies would want royalties on a book I'm gonna put on the internet for Free distribution.

If it makes any difference I plan on sending off a copy to each of the companies so they can read and reveiw it before I decide to put it out incase they want me to remove their data. Smile

Opinions ?? Confused

Dimitri

1895ss · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 7:01 pm Post subject: Re: Writing a Book, need advice.

First of all get a good type writer. Then again I guess you could use the word processor in your puter.............. Very Happy

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

I have also been kicking around writing a book... so many good subjects come up over and over again. I have too many "Todo"s right now to wrap up before I even begin to concider doing this seriously though.

-DallanC

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5947

1895,

Sorry never used a typerwriter and I think I'm going to sick to a wordprocessor and put it on PDF format once I'm done. Smile

Dallan,

If you ever get your Todo list down you should try and do it. It can be fun. Smile

Dimitri

4rum · Member Joined: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 211

From the sounds of it... you are ducking the copywrite issues. You're asking without asking. Wont make 'em go away. If you copy, download, print, use or otherwise palagarize someone else's original idea, work, pictures, manuscripts, films, videos etc... it is illegal. DO NOT go on the premise that since it's posted on the internet that it is not copywrited. I have a collaborative novel almost complete. I have researched copywrite extensively. I would reccommend that ANYONE comtemplating publishing (for free or for profit) ANY material familiarize themselves with copywrite law... not "he said she said" rationalism.

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5947

4rum,

I never wrote a book thats why I'm asking, in a project for school for example if I give proper credit where credit is due thats fine and isn't considered plagerizing. And underneath EVERYTHING I copied I have put where I got it from and will have a reference section listing them all agian. Smile

And its not stuff posted on the internet, its free liturature I've asked companies to send me about metalworking which they give out for free to anyone that asks. And reason I asked for it is because it relates to the field I'm getting into in college. Smile

I just decided to complie all of this data into a book so someone can print if off and have a handy reference which hopefully once I'm done will be more helpful and useful then other books on the same subject, as well as write my only stuff and take my own photographs for alot of other things I'm adding to the book.

Dimitri

4rum · Member Joined: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 211

Dimitri;

Credit for using someone's material and permission are two different issues entirely. I only suggest, that for your own protection, you research copywrite laws and do not depend on what me or anyone else here tells you, unless someone here has valid credentials. If a concept is copywriteable, it is copywrited from it's concept. Publishing and circulation has nothing to do with the actual copywrite. Your book is copywrited NOW, even if you have not actually written the first word. Registration is still another area. If you are more comfortable with a document saying that you maintain ownership, then have it registered as copywrited by you.

Not trying to be a stick in the mud or discourage you. Your book sounds like a wonderful aid. I wish you all the best with your project... but you did ask... sort of.

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5947

Well I guess I'm gonna send off emails to the companies I'm copying there data or maybe I'll phone them early next week and see if they'll allow it or not. Smile

I'm guessing they will seeing as I'm plastering their names all over my free book, its like free advertising. Very Happy

Dimitri

Handloader · Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:59 pm Post subject: Re: Writing a Book, need advice.

Writing is one thing, publishing is another.

If you want your writing read by others (many authors write for their own pleasure with little concern about publishing), it is important to understand what the market is buying, who publishes that style of writing and who to contact via an agent. The agent is the main thing that will lead to publishing.

If it is technical and you are going to post it free of charge on the net, then references and intellectual property used must be credited and approved beforehand.

buena suerte

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5947

I've got a few major projects for college due in the next little while so the book is on hold but I'm definatly gonna call and get their approval beforehand. And yes I'm going to refrance all my sources. Smile

Dimitri

sniper · Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 10:53 am Post subject: Re: Writing a Book, need advice.

Dimitri:
Attribution is necessary, even done for educational purposes, but copyright is entirely different, and using copyrighted material without permission in a for-profit enterprise can cause legal problems. You don't need those at your stage in life...or ever!

If you have a legal or journalism department in your College, you might arrange an appointment with one of the professors, and ask his opinion, or at least get some sources for further inquiry .Don't give him too much info, tho., or you may find he has stolen your idea. Good Luck! Smile

B

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5947

Attribution or crediting the people/companies I want to copy there free data from isn't the problem I was gonna list that anyways, I'm gonna have to ask from companies for permission to do that before I "publish" my free book. Smile

We don't have a Journalism department, in Universaties they cover that here I belive (part of a English BA) college here is alittle different, more like your Technical colleges you have in the US/community colleges, not universaties. Smile

Dimitri

tracker · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:20 am Post subject: Re: Writing a Book, need advice.

Dimitri,

You received excellent points from 4rum and Handloader. Remember if you're using someone else's material, it might be something they expect to get paid for, and if it's copyrighted, they'll be on your butt. I've got two novels finished and three more I'm working on. That's what I was doing while I was away the last month. I'm going to start looking for an agent this week. Best of luck with it.

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5947

Tracker,

You write novels neat. Smile

Dimitri