AboutBill Frank Expertise I help authors become publishers. I'm a self-publishing consultant with resources in editing, graphic design, printing, distribution and marketing. I can help you turn your manuscript into a published book. I identify the best distribution channels for your book. I also help you build a marketing plan to sell the book. I specialize in non-fiction books and I take fiction books on a selective basis.
Experience Book layout and design; book printing; channels of distribution and book marketing.
Organizations Publishers' Marketing Association. Book Publicists of Southern California.
Education/Credentials MBA in Marketing and Finance. BA in Economics.
Expert: Bill Frank Date: 3/26/2008 Subject: copyrights of the bible
Question hello, bill,
i am being directed to get a copyright attorney because i am using King
James Version of the bible in small manuscript--public domain--and i am
concerned that publishers like thomas nelson might/could revamp my idea
and put out their version since they own their own copyrights.
i am using a lot of text and therefore would have to get copyright permission
from publishers to use modern translations.
my questions...is it correct protocol to ask an attorney to sign
somekind of confidential agreement...if so what should it look like...
can others take my idea in king james and make their own version...if yes,
how do i go about trying to partner with them from the start...
thx, victor
Answer Victor,
Hi. Let me answer your first question about requiring an attorney to sign a confidentiality (non-disclosure) agreement. In most cases, it is not necessary to have the attorney sign a non-disclosure agreement. Attorneys are bound by confidentiality laws. Some clients may ask them to sign a non-disclosure. In those cases, you will want to make sure the non-disclosure is well crafted otherwise you will spend time (and money) debating with the attorney over the exact language of the non-disclosure agreement and not spend time on your book.
I'm a little unclear about your second question. Anyone can create a version of your idea so long as they modify it enough to be different from yours. Without knowing who the other potential partners you mention are, it is hard to say what partnering opportunities exist.
