I need advice from all you publication savvys!

I have a client whose associate would like to submit an aritcle to multiple newspaper/local magazines. Two questions:

If a publication accepts an article, do they have full copyrights?

Or

Does the author have a right to publish if more than one publication accepts the work?

I have a relative who was in the magazine business, but retired over 20 years ago, and is not entirely sure about what the laws are today. Is there a good web resource that covers these issues?

Thanks!

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Lisa George
Remote Admin Services
Web:http://remoteadminservices.com
Blog:http://remoteadminservices.wordpress.com

I would love to hear the answer to your questions, so if anyone has any advise, please post it.

Thanks.

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Mary Lou Locke
Lock-in Success with Locke Virtual Assistance
www.LockeSolutions.com:

It is both easy and not.

For articles you really don't want to submit to competitors. Submitting to competitors tends to make editors mad. This refers to "COMPETITORS" meaning two magazines directed at the same demographic. That said, if you write an article with one slant and a second article with another slant you have a little more leeway in submitting to competitors.

As for specific copyright issues, if someone hires you in a "work for hire" situation. Meaning, they specifically hire you to write something, most of the time they own the copyright. This can apply to magazines, newspapers, business writing. If you write it on your own and wish to submit it, you need to check the individual magazine/newspaper/trade publication's practice.

Two good ways of doing that are through Writer's Market. They have a book you can purchase at any bookstore, or an online service that requires a subscription. Here you will find up to date info and which rights are purchased.

You can also go directly to the magazine/trade publication, etc. Usually on the front or their website they will usually tell you how to get a hold of submission guidelines. Submission guidelines are VERY IMPORTANT. It also addresses copyright purchases.

Some purchase all rights, I'd guess that most purchase first rights, many purchase second rights.

With articles it's really best to either/or only submit to only one at a time or at the very least indicate that it has been submitted elsewhere, and again avoid competitors.

MAKE SURE if you are offered a contract to purchase your article that you read it CAREFULLY. The contract will stipulate the sale/purchase of copyright.

There are a lot of good books on the market that address freelance writing and article writing.

Laura Paul