Publishing Law 101 with Jacqui Lipton

Can I quote song lyrics in my manuscript? Or talk about how much my main character enjoys eating at McDonalds (TM)? What if I want to write about real people? Can I be sued for defamation? And what about publishing contracts? Are there red flags I should look out in contracts with agents and publishers? This session will answer these questions and more, in a user-friendly accessible manner. You will learn what to worry about and more importantly what NOT to worry about, and when (and how) to find affordable legal assistance if you need it.

You will be emailed the Zoom link 24 hours before the start of class. If you sign up less than 24 hours before the start of the class, please email Kristen at programs@sandiegowriters.org for your link.

Jacqui Lipton is a publishing attorney, literary agent and law professor who specializes in the law and business of publishing. She is the author of Law and Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers (UC Press, 2020) as well as the popular “On the Books” blog at Luna Station Quarterly. She previously penned the “Legally Speaking” column at Catapult and the “Legally Bookish” column for the SCBWI Bulletin. More information about Jacqui is available on her website: jdlipton.com.

PLEASE NOTE: It is best to register at least a week before the start of a class to help our instructors prepare and ensure that a class does not get canceled or rescheduled. Policies on registration, refunds, cancellations, etc. can be found on our class policy page.