attorney who represents young writers

What kind of attorney do I need to represent a writer?

This means an attorney whose area of practice is or includes the publishing industry, and who regularly represents writers in contractual negotiations and in legal matters/problems in their writing careers. Like many other forms of business, the publishing world is specialized. Do not retain a lawyer for your publishing business who is your well-intentioned brother-in-law or …

What does it mean to be a literary lawyer?

Nov 15, 2021 · Publishing attorneys represent authors, collaborators and illustrators through the publishing life of their books. This can involve working with a client in crafting a strong book concept, developing a comprehensive book proposal for presentation to the premier publishing houses, engaging a collaborator and negotiating a collaboration agreement ...

Do I need a lawyer to get a literary agency?

Aug 13, 2013 · After retiring from a successful career as a lawyer in 1993, Richard North Patterson decided to try his hand at writing fiction. His first novel, The Lasko Tangent, won an Edgar Allen Poe Award, and two of his novels, Degree of Guilt and Eyes of a Child became an NBC Mini Series. It’s a given that at least one of his impressive 19 titles will strike your fancy.

What does it mean to be a publishing attorney?

Feb 28, 2020 · At bigger agencies, these departments are split. Some people represent you for the feature scripts you write, while others represent your TV ideas. Most writers try to straddle both worlds now but further define themselves as their careers move forward and they get more jobs in one area over the other.

Can I be a writer and lawyer?

I've now found that being a lawyer can actually be pretty rewarding sometimes, and, at its best, even enjoyable. ... It is possible to be both a good lawyer and a good writer. That's my current goal, and as the list of successful lawyer/writers is long and growing, I know it's attainable with a lot of effort.Jan 2, 2012

Do writers need lawyers?

However, most literary agents aren't lawyers or attorneys. Therefore, if an author needs “legal advice,” he or she may need to pay for the services of a literary lawyer or literary attorney to augment the efforts and abilities of his or her literary agent.Mar 16, 2019

What does a legal writing lawyer do?

Drafting briefs and memos. Presenting written arguments in support of a client. Applying legal reasoning and analysis to a fact pattern. Researching and incorporating relevant legal precedents.

What is a literary attorney?

What do you mean by “literary lawyer?” This means an attorney whose area of practice is or includes the publishing industry, and who regularly represents writers in contractual negotiations and in legal matters/problems in their writing careers. Like many other forms of business, the publishing world is specialized.

Do I need an attorney to publish a book?

Publishers write contracts to minimize THEIR risk, not yours. That's why all authors need a lawyer. ... An attorney will have the depth of knowledge to really explain to you what you're signing and serve as your advocate.

What is legal publishing?

The production of texts that report laws or discuss the Practice of Law. Originally limited to printed materials, legal publishing now encompasses electronic media as well, with most legal publications becoming available online or in CD-ROM format.

What is an example of legal writing?

The prototypical examples of such writing are legal memoranda, letters, briefs, motions, and judi- cial opinions.

Do lawyers write reports?

Expert reports are a staple in many litigated matters. A good report should clearly convey the opinion and provide sound reasoning for the basis of the opinion. It is to be expected that an attorney and the expert will work together to formulate the expert opinions and ultimately to author a report.May 7, 2015

What type of writing do lawyers use?

One form of legal writing involves drafting a balanced analysis of a legal problem or issue. Another form of legal writing is persuasive, and advocates in favor of a legal position. Another form legal writing involves drafting legal instruments, such as contracts and wills.

What is an axis?

Axis represents numerous types of clients involved in and connected with the literary and publishing industry, whether on the author/creative side or company side. There are a number of players involved in the literary and publishing industry: Authors. Academic authors. Graphic novelists.

What does a publishing attorney do?

Publishing attorneys represent authors, collaborators and illustrators through the publishing life of their books. This can involve working with a client in crafting a strong book concept, developing a comprehensive book proposal for presentation to the premier publishing houses, engaging a collaborator and negotiating a collaboration agreement, securing and negotiating a publishing agreement, identifying and engaging publicists and providing ongoing support in the licensing of subsidiary and ancillary rights, such as motion picture, live theater, television, and merchandising, as well as developing emerging new content opportunities. Books can include memoirs, personal finance books, health books, cookbooks, self-help books, business books, inspirational books and other narrative non-fiction books.

What to do if you have a contract with a publisher?

These are business contracts which commit you and your work, usually for many years. Unless you know exactly what the contract says, completely understand its legal and fiscal ramifications, and are skillful in negotiating better contractual terms for yourself, you would be well-advised to retain a literary lawyer.

What is Axis Legal Counsel?

AXIS Legal Counsel’s literary and publishing law and entertainment practice focuses on both transactional and litigation issues faced by members of the publishing industry. AXIS has experience with a variety of issues pertinent to the publishing industry, including

Who wrote the Horace Rumpole series?

John Mortimer. If you like the British perspective (read: dry wit and sarcasm), you’ll enjoy the Horace Rumpole series, penned by Barrister, John Mortimer. One of Mortimer’s most famous, real-life cases involved defending Virgin Records for using the words, “Bollocks” on the title of a Sex Pistols album. Meg Gardiner.

Who is Meg Gardiner?

Meg Gardiner. Here is a lawyer turned author with a story of her own. After graduating from Stanford Law School, Meg Gardiner worked as a lawyer in LA, taught writing at UC Santa Barbara, and is a three-time Jeopardy! champion.

Who is Richard North Patterson?

Richard North Patterson. After retiring from a successful career as a lawyer in 1993, Richard North Patterson decided to try his hand at writing fiction. His first novel, The Lasko Tangent, won an Edgar Allen Poe Award, and two of his novels, Degree of Guilt and Eyes of a Child became an NBC Mini Series.

Who is Louis Auchincloss?

Louis Auchincloss. The late Louis Auchincloss was a celebrated lawyer, novelist, historian, and essayist. Although he published more than sixty pieces of fiction, biography, and literary fiction, he was most well known for his novels depicting the elite lifestyle of upper Manhattanites.

Legal Resources For Writers: How To Find Legal Representation

As much as we attempt to avoid legal issues in our writing careers, there are times when consulting a publishing lawyer is a necessity. Maybe you are a victim of a publishing scam or accused of defamation. Maybe you need advice on a publishing contract or your manuscript vetted for legal concerns prior to publication.

Referrals

Your literary community is always a good place to start when searching for an attorney who specializes in publishing law.

State Bar Associations

Lawyers practicing in a particular state are regulated and represented by state bar associations (and sometimes city bar associations as well). One of the services a state bar typically provides for its members is a directory of attorneys practicing in the state.

Writing Organizations

If you cannot afford a literary lawyer, there are other options for free or low-cost legal help. Below is a list of a few programs and organizations that offer legal advice to writers about their professional concerns. Some of these organizations you must join to benefit from their legal services.

What is a middle man?

Someone to help you make connections and to introduce you to the right people. That middle man or woman is usually an agent, manager, or lawyer. Sometimes, it's all three. They're valuable allies who help you grow your business from the ground up and believe in your chances to succeed.

What does an agent do?

An agent helps negotiate contracts for actors, writers, directors, and producers. They also help talent find jobs by networking and setting up general meetings. Generals are where talent can meet respective producers or studios that might be interested in their work. In short, agents will show you the money.

What is the difference between a manager and an agent?

The main difference is who can and cannot negotiate deals, but I'd say the other is that a manager is involved with personal decisions and is a sympathetic ear. Agents are usually all business. And that's okay. You want them out there hustling and negotiating.