The author provides answers to common legal questions asked by writers of all kinds and at all levels of professionalism. Some of the topics addressed include contracts, royalties, advances, agents, copyrights, illustrators, working at home, and many other topics.

“No writer, beginning or experienced, will want to be without this book.” —Jean Auel, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Clan of the Cave Bear and the Earth’s Children series A career as a writer involves much more than the act of writing itself. In The Law (in Plain English) for Writers, Fifth Edition, Leonard DuBoff and Sarah Tugman proffer invaluable advice for the myriad legal and business facets of being a writer. Readers will discover how to succeed in every area affecting a writer's livelihood, such as submissions, dealing with agents, taxes, permissions, royalties, alternatives to mainstream publishers, copyright, book and magazine contracts, and how to prevent disputes. This newly revised edition, keeping up with the changing legal landscape, contains information on a variety of legal issues pertinent to writers of all types, including: Updated coverage on issues such as how to avoid trouble posed by the interplay between the right to free speech, privacy, and defamation law Changes in the copyright law, procedures, and recent cases on copyright protection and infringement Updated and revised chapters on the business of writing New and updated Internet resources For writers of all levels, this comprehensive resource is the key to turning a writing career into a sustainable livelihood.

With examples drawn from legal writing and student papers, this guide walks students through the writing process and helps them refine their skills in exercises throughout the book. The Second Edition features a reorganized Part I, including three new chapters that help students gain proficiency in reading and analyzing legal materials so they can write more effectively. Part II includes a systematic approach to legal writing; understanding your context; getting organized; writing clearly; writing effectively; and reviewing and editing. Part III covers the process of writing a legal memorandum and an appellate court brief. This Second Edition includes two examples of memoranda, An interoffice memo and a memo of points and authority; a streamlined appendix that provides an overview of English sentence structure; and many enhanced writing exercises.

“Well written and logically organized.” —Booklist. This handbook makes planning and problem-solving easy with its clear explanations of complex issues. In The Law (in Plain English)® for Small Business, Fifth Edition, Leonard DuBoff and Amanda Bryan guide entrepreneurs and small business owners through the maze of legal obligations and protections they need to understand. Chapters cover important topics such as: Licenses Trademarks Insurance plans Franchising Incorporating Advertising eBusiness considerations Taxes Succession planning Whether one is just about to open a small business, reassessing an existing business, or simply have a few questions, The Law (in Plain English)® for Small Business, Fifth Edition, is the go-to resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Plain English is an essential tool for effective communication. Information transmitted in letters, documents, reports, contracts, and forms is clearer and more understandable when presented in straightforward terms. The Oxford Guide to Plain English provides authoritative guidance on how towrite plain English using easy-to-follow guidelines which cover straightforward language, sentence length, active and passive verbs, punctuation, grammar, planning, and good organization.This handy guide will be invaluable to writers of all levels. It provides essential guidelines that will allow readers to develop their writing style, grammar, and punctuation. The book also offers help in understanding official jargon and legalese giving the plain English alternatives.This guide gives hundreds of real examples and shows 'before and after' versions of texts of different kinds which will help readers to look critically at their own writing. Helpfully organized into 21 short chapters, each covering a different aspect of writing. Clearly laid out, and easy to use,the Oxford Guide to Plain English is the best guide to writing clear and helpful documents.

“A treasure trove of relevant information for industry professionals, new publishers, and indie authors.” —Kevin J. Anderson, #1 international bestselling author and publisher of WordFire Press In The Law (in Plain English)® for Publishers, Leonard DuBoff and Amanda Bryan tackle the many legal considerations of the publishing world. Both new and seasoned publishers and industry professionals will find the information they need as the authors break down the intricacies of the business in thorough yet concise explanations. Chapters cover important topics such as: Privacy, defamation, and other content issues Copyright basics, protection, and infringement Negotiating with authors and literary agents Contract terms Books in the digital age Publishing as a business Tax considerations An indispensable reference, The Law (in Plain English)® for Publishers belongs on the shelves of all publishers, industry professionals, and enterprising authors.

The National Jurist featured Plain English for Lawyers in its August 2021 list of "Three Books to Read During Law School," saying, "This one speaks for itself. The book is a quick punch of information: it provides helpful tips to improve your legal writing while familiarizing you with many of the terms of art you are likely to see down the road as a legal professional." Wydick's Plain English for Lawyers--now in its fifth edition--has been a favorite of law students, legal writing teachers, lawyers, and judges for almost 40 years. In January 2005, the Legal Writing Institute gave Wydick its Golden Pen Award for having written Plain English for Lawyers. The Legal Writing Institute is a non-profit organization that provides a forum for discussion and scholarship about legal writing, analysis, and research. The Institute has over 1,300 members representing all of the ABA-accredited law schools in the United States. Its membership also includes law teachers from other nations, English teachers, and practicing lawyers. The LWI award states: "Plain English for Lawyers ... has become a classic. Perhaps no single work has done more to improve the writing of lawyers and law students and to promote the modern trend toward a clear, plain style of legal writing." The National Jurist recently featured Plain English for Lawyers on its list of "Three Books to Read During Law School," saying, "This one speaks for itself. The book is a quick punch of information: it provides helpful tips to improve your legal writing while familiarizing you with many of the terms of art you are likely to see down the road as a legal professional." How does the fifth edition of Plain English for Lawyers differ from its predecessors? It remains (in size only!) a little book, small enough and palatable enough not to intimidate over-loaded law students. "Most of the text remains the same," Wydick says, "but in the past seven years I've learned some new things about writing in English, and I want to share that with the readers." In addition, the exercises at the end of the chapters are different (a welcome change for long-time teachers who are tired of the old ones). Finally, the teacher's manual includes additional exercises that teachers can give to students who want or need extra practice.