A DOZEN REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO PROTECT YOUR COPYRIGHT
by Barbara Florio Graham

If it's worth publishing, it's worth paying for, every time. (Larry Jackson, 1946-1998)

1. Your story or article might be selected for an anthology, which will offer prestige if not payment.

2. You might want to collect your short stories or articles into your own anthology.

3. The research you did for your story or novel might be turned into an article for a magazine, or your article might inspire a work of fiction.

4. One of the anecdotes might sell to Reader's Digest.

5. You might be able to turn your short story or article into a children's book, or a book for young people.

6. Someone might want to take an excerpt from one of your stories or articles to use as a caption for a piece of art or photography.

7. If the original publisher goes out of business, you might want to revise and reprint your book yourself, or find another publisher.

8. Rights might sell to another country, either in English or in translation.

9. Elements of your book might make a great DVD. 

10. Your book might be optioned for a film or TV script.

11. An excerpt of your story or article might make a good radio script. 

12. You might want to post your work on your own website. Yes, if you've sold All Rights to a publisher, you can't even post your own work to your own website!

©   Barbara Florio Graham, 2005